Upcoming Classes To Spark Your Creativity

Join me for live classes and webinars designed to spark inspiration, deepen your creative process, and guide you toward more expressive, intentional photography. Whether we're exploring painterly techniques, creative editing, or the art of personal, meaningful image-making, these sessions offer both practical tools and artistic insight.

I also speak and teach at photography events, creative conferences, and private workshops. If you're interested in booking me to speak or lead a customized session for your group or organization, I’d love to connect.

Check below for upcoming sessions.

Professional Photographers of Michigan

INTENT TO IMAGE: Learning to Create from Within

This workshop is for photographers who want to create images that feel more personal and intentional. Through guided exercises and demonstrations, participants learn how to begin with what they want to express, then translate it into stronger creative choices, from subject and composition to light, mood, and post-processing. This program helps photographers move beyond automatic habits and beyond technical perfection as the main goal, into image-making rooted in authenticity and meaning. Attendees leave with a repeatable process they can return to, and a clearer direction for creating work that feels true to them. This isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about getting it real, and making images that feel purposeful, personal, and undeniably yours.

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September 20 – 21, 2026

Grand Rapids, MI

American Art Therapy Association

Beyond the Snapshot: Exploring Photography as an Expressive Medium in Art Therapy

Photography is one of the most accessible art forms in contemporary life, with most people carrying a camera on their phone. Yet that same familiarity can make it easy to overlook the medium’s expressive possibilities. Led by an internationally recognized fine art photographer with art therapy training, this experiential workshop invites participants to use their phones to explore photographic techniques they may not have tried, or even realized were possible, including abstraction, light, composition, and editing. Through guided image-making and discussion, attendees will discover how photography can support more intentional and creative work with clients.

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October 14 - 17, 2026

Charlotte, NC

PPNEO

Cleveland Museum of Art

Fine Art Foundations for the Modern Photographer

with Kenzie Hunter, M. Photog. M. Artist

Carly Sullens and Kenzie Hunter are co-teaching Fine Art Foundations for the Modern Photographer at the Cleveland Museum of Art. This immersive, museum-based workshop is designed to deepen photographers’ visual literacy through the study of foundational art principles that have shaped image-making for centuries. Through guided analysis of iconic works from European, American, and Modern painting collections at The Cleveland Museum of Art, participants will explore composition, lighting, color harmony, subject, storytelling, and more — core elements found in both classical painting and contemporary photography.

What exactly is Rembrandt lighting, how was it used in 17th-century portraiture, and why does it remain a guiding light, literally, for photographers today?

The workshop continues in the museum’s photography collection, where participants will explore how the painterly principles they’ve studied show up in photographic work. This exploration underscores the relationship between creative intention and technical execution, helping photographers develop a more refined skill set and visual voice.

Throughout the day, students will engage in lecture, photography, guided visual analysis, and reflective observation exercises designed to translate historic inspiration into modern photographic thinking. The result: a more thoughtful, visually fluent photographer, one inspired by history, grounded in foundation, and ready to create with purpose.

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April 17, 2026

Friday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

(Eastern Time)

What People are Saying.

  • “There are wonderful artists and wonderful teachers. Carly is both. Her ability to uncomplicate a sometimes very complicated process will not only motivate you but give you confidence and inspiration to make your own original digital photo painting."

    Mark Weber

    -M.Photog, Cr., M. Artist, CPP

  • "Carly is an amazing artist and just as inspiring as a teacher! Her expertise is evident in her artwork, but what sets her apart from other instructors is her passion for sharing her knowledge and her passion for unique digital creations. "

    Jim Cryer

    -Photographer for 15 years

  • "Thank you, Carly. It helps to see our work through your eyes, and teaches us to look for such subtleties as you described. We improve when we can see our work, not as just another edit, but as an outcome that is emotive, powerful, and communicates visually. You help us do that. Much appreciated!"

    Gene Grate

    -Photographer for decades

  • "You don’t want to miss a chance to learn from Carly! Just after taking one class with her, I was able to elevate my photography and creativity! Now I am producing digital art that people are amazed by!”

    Frank Sreshta

    -Photographer for 7 years

  • "Carly is incredibly knowledgeable, sharing practical tips and tricks through each lesson, and is thoroughly inspiring. Any ounce of overwhelm was quickly replaced with fun and allowed for my own creativity.”

    Shaunti Kelley

    -Beginner Photographer

  • “I’d long aspired to transform my photographic images into expressive digital art. Had tried, many options and was frustratingly never satisfied with the outcomes. Her clear, inspiring guidance finally made that possible. Her approach gave me both the confidence and the tools to bring deeper emotion and creativity into my work. As one of her statements mentions… ‘Helping artists move beyond technique into authentic expression’. That truly happened and am very grateful of Carly’s efforts to share her talents.”

    - Rob Meiring A photographer for decades, ranked amongst some of the top Men’s ASP competitors during the late 70s.

Let’s work together.

Ready to bring a fresh, creative, and transformational photography experience to your event Let’s create an unforgettable experience that inspires, challenges, and transforms.

I'd love to hear from you! Reach out below, and let’s start a conversation.

Learn More About Carly Sullens

Learn about my background, experiences, and the path that has shaped my work as an artist, photographer, and educator.

Biography

Explore a detailed record of my professional accomplishments, honors, and contributions within the field of photography and the arts.

Curriculum Vitae

Gain insight into the heart of my creative vision, where I share the ideas and inspirations that shape my work.

Artist Statement

Discover the organizations and communities I am honored to collaborate with, reflecting my commitment to service, education, and the art of photography.

Partners & Affiliations