If you’ve followed along here for any length of time then you’ve likely heard me rave about how much I love the Eyes Open Creative Photography E-Course that Chris and I took together a few years back. As I’ve shared previously, completing the e-course is what enabled us to hone our photography skills and really take Floret’s blog, website and social media posts to the next level.
Erin Little is the talented photographer and blogger, who created the course. I’ve admired her work for many years, as she has a great eye for capturing everyday life in such beautiful, creative and compelling way. The approachable style and flexible format of Erin’s e-course made it easy for me to finally understand all of the photography terms that I previously found so intimidating and confusing. I recommend the course to everyone who attends a Floret on-farm workshop and anyone who is looking to up their game when it comes to taking great photos.
Want a chance to win a free registration to the next course that starts August 31st? I’m giving away free registration to THREE lucky Floret readers this week. To enter, simply post a comment below before FRIDAY AUGUST 28th at 5p.m. PST. In your comment, share what camera you use to capture most of your photos–whether it is a simple camera phone or a fancy DSLR camera or anything in-between. Be sure you leave your email address when prompted so we can contact you if you win. The three winners will be announced on Saturday August 29th.

Erin has graciously offered a $30 discount code to the already super affordable class for Floret readers who register for the the next The Eyes Open e-course. Simply include the coupon code: floretfall2015 at the checkout to receive your discount.
I asked Erin to share a little bit more about herself and the upcoming course.
Erin B: Can you tell Floret readers a little about yourself, your life and your photography business?
Erin L: I am a professional photographer living on the coast of Maine, which sounds really romantic, but it’s really just cold. We spend most of the year in multiple feet of snow, in down jackets, and with a fire roaring in the living room. But when it’s summer, we are all on the ocean doing various things like swimming, boating, sailing, and picnicking. It’s pretty fantastic and I think what keeps us all here through 9 months of cold!
My family and I live in an old church that I converted to a home and studio, so when I’m not on location for a shoot, I get to work at home which is great. I shoot mostly commercial and editorial work at this point, both small and large clients, and also a limited amount of weddings. My focus is lifestyle photography, which means I capture authentic and genuine moments instead of the more posed set ups.
Erin B: How did the E-Course come about?
Erin L: Before I wrote the e-course, I had many readers of my personal blog e-mailing me and asking questions about photography and equipment, and how to make their photos look more professional. I always wanted to write out more elaborate answers, but it was hard to find the time to do so. Eventually, I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a page I could write to direct them to.
During a difficult transition in my life, where I had to get creative with my income, I thought of the idea of writing out a course that people could take to learn my craft the way I would have wanted to learn: in a natural, less technical way.So the Eyes Open E-course was born about 5 years ago and I have had the pleasure of running about 3 sessions each year since! Depending on my schedule otherwise, I take a certain number of participants in each course. The more participants, the more time I spend critiquing, answering questions, etc. so I need to make sure I have the availability to devote the time and attention necessary to that.
I’ve had many students write to me who have learned so much from the course, can finally get their cameras out of auto and also added so much creativity to their lives! Also, a few of my students have gone on to start their own photography businesses and are thriving! Nothing could make me prouder.
Erin B: You created a special section just to help floral designers and farmer-florists document their work for their portfolios–which is fantastic. Can you share a little about what you’re covering in the course?
Erin L: With the many florists who have taken my course, my goal is to teach them how to be their own business photographer, so they can share beautiful images of their beautiful creations on their websites and social media. You are just one of the many who have made this happen!
Since I initially started this course for aspiring photographers, I felt it was lacking information specifically for floral designers who are interesting in mastering the art of floral photography. So I added a mini-lesson as a part of the course just for them. It covers things like the best photographic settings for florals, how to set up a mini studio so you can shoot them right in your own home/work space, and also a bit about lighting.
Erin B: Ok, so what are the details for your next e-course?
Erin L: The next e-course starts on August 31st and runs for 6 weeks and costs $150. Each week there is an email sent out with links to the login page which has been updated with the current week’s lesson, interview, and video. There is also a weekly challenge sheet to get the participants practicing. In addition, a private Flickr group is created just for members of each course where they will upload their photos, get personal feedback from me, ask questions, and interact with others. The course is designed to be relaxed and not require a ton of their daily attention. I always tell students that it’s more of a guideline than schedule, and if they need to be leisurely about it, that’s okay.
Erin B: Thanks so much for sharing more about this great course and for the generous discount for Floret followers! Enjoy the rest of your summer in beautiful Maine!
Creative Photography E-Course Giveaway (plus a bonus discount code!) - Floret Flowers on
[…] Little is the talented photographer and blogger, who created the Eyes Open course (read my interview with her from my previous course giveaway). Erin has a beautiful way of capturing everyday life in […]