The 7th annual FUSION: THE WORKSHOP will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 2-5, 2027. Limited space available. 

 

WHAT IS IT?

Join Jenn Lewis, Dan McClanahan, and Garon Cooper for four full days of learning and creating during this epic photo, filmmaking, and business workshop and shootout in the Louisville area. This event will be limited in attendance so that you are able to connect with each of the instructors and gather information you're able to implement in your business right away. 
 
All 3 instructors are high school senior photographers, but the processes they teach in photo, filmmaking, and business can be applied to almost any genre of portraiture. As an added benefit for the attendees, Dan McClanahan is also a commercial photographer. 
 
Michael Mowbray, owner of MoLight, will also be there as an educator and to assist in answering lighting questions! 

OUR INSTRUCTORS

DAN MCCLANAHAN

Meet Dan McClanahan.

 

Dan McClanahan became a photographer in 2009 with the goal of creating a fresh alternative to traditional photography in his market. His quest was so successful that his work quickly made waves in the photo industry with multiple Grand Imaging Awards, WPPI awards, magazine features and becoming one of the youngest photographers on record to receive all three photography degrees bestowed by PPA. He also has an amazing collection of five Team USA jackets from his multiple years representing the US in the World Photographic Cup. 

 Dan has taught thousands of photographers around the US and specializes in lighting education. He owns and operates McClanahan Studio and splits his time between advertising photography and modern high school senior photography.

 Outside of work Dan is a small town Iowa introvert who loves his family, punk rock drumming and strong coffee.

 

 

JENN LEWIS

Jenn Lewis is an award-winning portrait photographer based in Clemmons, North Carolina who concentrates on seniors and headshots. She began her photography business 19 years ago as a “mom with a camera”. With a determined work ethic and tenacious personality, she grew her part-time business from her living room to her full-time 1600 square foot studio while multiplying her sales average by 10. She is an army of one, but her ADHD helps her to multitask like a BOSS. 


Jenn loves this relationship-based business. She lives to attend conferences where she has learned great business practices like combining good sales techniques and a great experience all while taking killer photos. But the networking (which usually takes place at the bar) might just be her favorite part. :) 

Jenn is easily recognized by her crazy curly hair, which has been rumored to give her superpowers in her sales room. She enjoys road trips, long walks on the beach, and pink Starbursts.

Jenn will lead our business discussions. She'll spend a portion of the time teaching her in person sales program and how she accomplishes a $5500+ average sale in her senior business, and we'll spend the rest of the time round table discussion-style, chatting about whatever is holding you back from your business goals, from sales to senior model programs, to client experience and more. We'll have the opportunity to really dig in deep to the business side of things, and with a small group, you'll get your questions answered!

GARON COOPER

You'll get to spend time learning epic cinematic filmmaking from Garon Cooper, the beard behind the brand. Garon found a passion for storytelling and began his career in filmmaking in 2010. He soon blended his cinematic style and techniques into photography to create a bold and dramatic new style. Being both photo and cinema minded allows him to see the world differently than other artists, and bring clients a fun and unique experience while simultaneously creating beautiful artwork. 

Being bearded allows him to fell a redwood with a single Chuck Norris roundhouse kick.

Y'all, this is a real treat. There are a lot of photographers out there teaching video, but Garon is both a photographer AND filmmaker who will teach you to shoot video like a filmmaker. He knows how to teach photographers because he IS a photographer. He understands how we see things, and he knows what to teach us to set us apart from the other photographers who are shooting video. We'll start with instruction on shooting video, then finish with learning some basic video editing techniques. We'll be using Final Cut Pro, but what you learn about editing will be transferable to any professional video editing tool. If you want to know why he's the filmmaking expert you want to learn from, click the video above! 

MORE DETAILS:
 
Overview of what you'll get from FUSION: THE WORKSHOP:
  • Guidance with posing, composition, using natural light and OCF, how to work on set with your clients
  • Learn or improve your filmmaking skills so you can create incredible marketing content
  • Get help transitioning to in person sales or increasing your sales, get answers about running a senior model team, marketing, or improving your client experience
  • Network with other photographers and have some fun creating in fun spots and learning practical applications that will help you in your photo sessions!
  • Access to our exclusive Fusion Alumni Facebook group! 
 
This workshop is for all levels of photographers, however we will not be going over camera/lens basics in great detail. We will be teaching and demonstrating with Godox lighting such as AD800, AD600, AD400, AD300, and AD100. We love getting our lighting from Michael Mowbray at molight.com!
 
We got great feedback on our pre-con OCF Basics class we added to the beginning of the event for those of you who have not used OCF before, are not using it on a regular basis, or need a refresher. So we're doing it again! In this class, we'll take care of the technical stuff... making sure you know how to power the lights with the triggers, starting you off with the basics of how to choose your exposure and flash power, and talk about lighting patterns. The instructors will not have a lot time for one-on-one troubleshooting and teaching to those who choose to forgo the pre-con. We're doing this for y'all! Triggers and lights will be provided during the workshop. If you already own a Godox trigger, we recommend you bring it, labeled with your name. OCF Basics class now included in your registration! 
 
Fusion attendance will be limited to 35 attendees. 
 
Travel and accommodations not included in registration. 
 
Light snacks and beverages will be provided for the welcome party and during the classes at the hotel. 
 

LOCATION: 

The welcome party and the business and photo/video editing classes will take place in a classroom setting in the Louisville area. Specific location TBA. 

 

What Past Attendees Are Saying...

Beth Smith

Walking into this as someone new to workshops—and still growing my photography business—I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was not only an amazing learning experience in beautiful spaces, but also an incredibly supportive community. The photographers I met were kind, welcoming, and so willing to share what they know. Fusion is more than just learning from top photographers—it’s about building connections with others who genuinely want to see you grow. Jenn, Dan and Garon are experts at taking your photography and business to the next level, in the most welcoming way!

Tyler Langford

Fusion is an amazing workshop!! You have 3 extremely talented creatives who can meet anyone where they are. From those who had never put a trigger on their camera to those who had been using off camera flash for years, everyone learned something. It was a judgement free space where there were no stupid questions. We learned what the rules were & when and how to break them! (Thanks, Dan!) Outside of lighting, posing, composition, there was still an abundance of knowledge shared and learned. Video and sales both feel intimidating, but Jenn and Garon teach them in a way that feels almost too easy! 10/10 recommend. 5 stars ⭐️ make the investment, you won't regret it!

Ashley Skow

My first encounter with Jenn was a class at Imaging USA that absolutely changed my life and business. It was my first time to any photography event and first time traveling alone anywhere. I instantly related as her story and life was similar to mine being a busy mom and starting out cheap shoot and burn! I started coming to fusion to learn lighting and advance my photography to be full time and everything’s just been history since then, this coming year will be my 4th Fusion and it’s my favorite thing to do each year for photography! I’m so grateful for Jenn, Dan, and Garon! They have all been so kind and taught me so so much! I’m so grateful to them all and I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where am I today as a photographer with out them! Each year I learn new tips and tricks, get hands on help to troubleshoot anything plus I spend the weekend laughing, traveling around the country, and having an amazing time! I appreciate you all and grateful to have photography friends!! Forever will recommended fusion!!

Krystal Glass

FUSION in Utah was my first workshop like this and honestly I was pretty intimidated walking in. Being around so many insanely talented people in the industry pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, but I’m so grateful for it. Jenn Lewis helped me finally get over my fear of shooting in harsh sunlight, which is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. Dan really pushed me out of my comfort zone too, especially hiking us up that mountain on day two for one of the most epic photo spots I’ve ever seen. Totally worth it. And Garon somehow made working with a Ronin feel doable. It’s not easy at all, but the way he teaches just makes it click. The best part though was the people. I built real, lasting friendships with my three roomies and that alone made the experience so special. This workshop changed me in the best way and I already know I’ll be back for more.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Hotel TBA! it's not a requirement to stay here, just a convenience! It's always nice for attendees to be staying at the same place for extra time hanging out and talking shop. You will need a car to get to the shoot locations, so we recommend attending with a friend or making a new friend in the facebook group and share a car rental!

SCHEDULE:

The schedule is FLUID. Something might change... it'll be okay!! We'll have fun and make sure you learn. :) Please remember to be flexible! We may be forced to change a location or the schedule... we might add something or change a time. The schedule below is our plan! Breakfast is on your own every day. Make sure you're in the FUSION facebook group to keep up with everything! 

Friday: 2-8pm. Garon will get us started with a video presentation and balancing Ronins with attendees to help us prepare for the filmmaking portion of the weekend, OCF Basics, and meet and greet (pizza and snacks provided). Get to know your fellow attendees and chat with the instructors!

Saturday: Noon to sunset. Shoot locations coming soon. Photo and video with Dan, Garon, and Jenn. Dan and Jenn will be teaching photo and Garon will be teaching video. We'll shoot until sunset, then the rest of your evening is free! We encourage attendees getting together for a group dinner! 

Sunday: 2pm to 9pm. Shoot locations coming soon.

Monday: 10am-530pm. We'll be back at the hotel for this one. From 10am-1230pm, Garon will kick us off with video editing, using the clips he captures during our shoot days, and Dan will demo some photo editing for us too! Lunch break on your own 1230-130pm. Then be ready to chat business from 130-530pm. From sales to senior model teams, bring your questions! This will be an informal round table style discussion.  You'll want to stick around through Monday evening, so plan for a late night flight home that night or to leave on Tuesday morning. 

REGISTRATION:
 
$1695 

Early bird pricing just $1495 available to a limited number of attendees! Register now to save $200!
 
 
**Tickets are non-refundable but will be transferable. You are responsible to sell your own seat if you are unable to attend.

Fusion 2025 sold out 5 months before the event, so if you want a seat, grab it now! 
 
 

GETTING THERE

You'll want to book your flight into Louisville (SDF).

 

 

Maybe not that airline though. :)   >>

 

 

We do recommend having a car or sharing a rental with someone during the workshop, as we will need to drive to shoot locations. 

 

 

 

 

 

Image by Jenn Lewis

What Past Attendees Are Saying...

Leigh Roth

This workshop was exactly what I needed in my life. Thank you, Jenn Lewis, Dan McClanahan, and Garon Cooper, for being incredible educators and offering this. The amount of thought and effort you put into it does not go unnoticed, and I left feeling inspired and excited for the growth and evolution of my photography business. Safe travels and I hope to see you all again!

Felisha Cheadle

Coming into this I didn't know how to use a gimbal. Garon Cooper made this entire experience worth it. I want to personally thank the entire team for putting Fusion 2026 together. Jenn, Dan, Garon and Michael are like a NBA dream team (but for photography). Can't wait for Fusion 2027.

Maria Randolph

What a fantastic experience! Jenn, Dan, and Garon truly know how to create an action-packed, exciting workshop that’s filled with fun, learning, and inspiration. From the incredible teachings to the talented models, thoughtful styling, and stunning locations, every detail was absolutely top-notch. I highly recommend it—it reignited my creative spark, and I can’t wait to do it again!

Be a part of FUSION in 2027!

FUSION 2027 REGISTRATION

FUSION: The Workshop 2027 -Early Bird

**BY REGISTERING, YOU UNDERSTAND THAT REGISTRATION IS NON REFUNDABLE BUT TRANSFERABLE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING YOUR OWN TICKET IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND. PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

FUSION: The Workshop 2027 Payment Plan

The payment due to secure your spot is $450, and there will be 6 remaining monthly payments due of $200 each, for a total of $1650. The payments are non-refundable, and if you choose not to complete payment, you have the option to sell your seat only when the payments are fulfilled.