Advanced Photography Mentoring with Kristi Odom
Get six weeks of creative mentoring with Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom, all from the comfort of your own home! Each week will bring lessons that help you advance your camera skills through creative challenges, ultimately elevating your photography to a new level.
Each session will begin with a lecture by Kristi, providing new tools, techniques, and inspiration via a livestream video. At the end of a session, you'll receive an assignment to be completed by the next week. Following sessions will then include a review and critique of each participant's assignment. All assignments can be done in your own home.
THURSDAYS (2pm - 3:30pm)
Session 1: April 30th
Session 2: May 7th
Session 3: May 14th
Private Mentoring Sessions
Session 4: May 21st
Session 5: June 4th
Session 6: June 11th
HOW TO WATCH: Registrants will receive a Zoom invite the day of each session. Chat will be available for comments and questions. As sessions are completed, they will become viewable as recorded videos under your "Unique University Online" account tab. You can rewatch any sessions at your leisure until the last session (6/11/20).
Every student will also receive a 30-minute private mentoring session with Kristi, to be scheduled at your and Kristi's convenience, from May 15th - May 20th.
*Limited to 14 registrants.
*Please note there is no class on May 28th.
*Email [email protected] with any questions!
*See below for more info on each session.
Learn how to put your own unique voice into your images. Additional topics include using geometry, eye trapping, and simple editing to help move the viewer's eyes throughout your image.
Session 2: Thu, May 7th ••• Producing Visually Striking B&W Images •••
From start to finish, black and white is its own art form. Learn techniques to bring out texture, contrast, and impact in your images. This session will include shooting and Lightroom/Photoshop techniques.
Session 3: Thu, May 14th ••• Color & Color Balance •••
Color harmony, color balance, and color friction can all be used in different ways to enhance your narrative. Learn how to use color, in both shooting and editing, to elevate your impact.
May 15th - May 20th ••• Private Mentoring Sessions •••
Every student will get a 30-minute private session with Kristi. These will be scheduled at your and Kristi's convenience.
Session 4: Thu, May 21st ••• Portraits That Tell a Story •••
A portrait can tell us so much about a subject. Learn how to create compelling portraiture that tells a story. Topics include self portraits, pet portraits, and environmental portraiture.
Session 5: Thu, June 4th ••• Advanced Camera Techniques to Enhance Narratives •••
Having tools in your back pocket can really help your storytelling skills. Learn how to show movement with techniques like multiple exposure, daytime long exposure, time-lapse, and image stacking.
Session 6: Thu, June 11th ••• Final Review & Inspiration •••
Our final class will be a review and critique of our final assignment, as well as a course summary. Kristi will discuss how you can bring all of your new skills together and use them for your own storytelling.
KRISTI ODOM is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, and a motivational speaker.She makes her home just outside of Washington DC, with her fiancé and dog. Kristi travels the world photographing, teaching, and sharing her insights so she can help make our planet a better, more loving place. When not taking photos she loves any excuse to be outside like hiking, camping, climbing, and diving.
Kristi Odom joined Nikon's elite Ambassador program in May of 2018. Her work is driven by a passion to help people connect emotionally to wildlife and the natural world.
Kristi's accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature's Best Photography awards. Her recent work has been exhibited twice at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.
FAQ UNIVERSITY
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Hoboken, NJ and Philadelphia, PA locations.
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
Will lunch or refreshments be included?
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes.
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].
Learn how to put your own unique voice into your images. Additional topics include using geometry, eye trapping, and simple editing to help move the viewer's eyes throughout your image.
Session 2: Thu, May 7th ••• Producing Visually Striking B&W Images •••
From start to finish, black and white is its own art form. Learn techniques to bring out texture, contrast, and impact in your images. This session will include shooting and Lightroom/Photoshop techniques.
Session 3: Thu, May 14th ••• Color & Color Balance •••
Color harmony, color balance, and color friction can all be used in different ways to enhance your narrative. Learn how to use color, in both shooting and editing, to elevate your impact.
May 15th - May 20th ••• Private Mentoring Sessions •••
Every student will get a 30-minute private session with Kristi. These will be scheduled at your and Kristi's convenience.
Session 4: Thu, May 21st ••• Portraits That Tell a Story •••
A portrait can tell us so much about a subject. Learn how to create compelling portraiture that tells a story. Topics include self portraits, pet portraits, and environmental portraiture.
Session 5: Thu, June 4th ••• Advanced Camera Techniques to Enhance Narratives •••
Having tools in your back pocket can really help your storytelling skills. Learn how to show movement with techniques like multiple exposure, daytime long exposure, time-lapse, and image stacking.
Session 6: Thu, June 11th ••• Final Review & Inspiration •••
Our final class will be a review and critique of our final assignment, as well as a course summary. Kristi will discuss how you can bring all of your new skills together and use them for your own storytelling.
KRISTI ODOM is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, and a motivational speaker.She makes her home just outside of Washington DC, with her fiancé and dog. Kristi travels the world photographing, teaching, and sharing her insights so she can help make our planet a better, more loving place. When not taking photos she loves any excuse to be outside like hiking, camping, climbing, and diving.
Kristi Odom joined Nikon's elite Ambassador program in May of 2018. Her work is driven by a passion to help people connect emotionally to wildlife and the natural world.
Kristi's accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature's Best Photography awards. Her recent work has been exhibited twice at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.
FAQ UNIVERSITY
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Hoboken, NJ and Philadelphia, PA locations.
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
Will lunch or refreshments be included?
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes.
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].