Photographer Education In Orange County

Our very first Spark Academy class at Spark Costa Mesa has officially wrapped — and it was an incredible success! Hosted at Spark Studios in the heart of Costa Mesa, this sold-out workshop brought together photographers from across Orange County for a hands-on deep dive into studio lighting techniques.

Led by the talented Nicole Leever (Instagram) and co-hosted by our founder, Jennifer Garcia, the event was packed with learning, collaboration, and community building.

Learning All Things Studio Lighting

Students gained valuable insight into a variety of studio lighting setups — from soft and flattering portrait light to bold, dramatic looks. Nicole walked attendees through:

• How to shape and control light
• Posing techniques to complement different lighting styles
• Working with a live model for realistic practice
• Tips for creating professional-quality images in any setting

This was far from a passive class — attendees asked tons of thoughtful questions, experimented with gear, and left with practical knowledge they can immediately apply to their work.

More Than Just Education — Building Community

One of the best parts of the day was seeing members and non-members connect. Over the course of the workshop, conversations flowed, friendships formed, and the energy in Spark Studios was electric.

Our mission at Spark Studios has always been to create a space for creatives to grow — and it was clear that Spark Academy is helping us deliver on that vision in a big way.

What’s Next: A Posing Class with Chelsea Maras

We’re not slowing down! Our next Spark Academy session will be led by Chelsea Maras (Instagram), one of Orange County and San Diego’s most beloved motherhood photographers. This class will focus entirely on posing — how to direct clients naturally, create genuine emotion, and capture flattering angles for every subject.

Stay tuned for the official date announcement and registration details — our last class sold out quickly, so you’ll want to sign up as soon as doors open.