SINGLE DAY IMMERSIVE HANDS ON WORKSHOPS WITH LEGENDARY PHOTOGRAPHERS
AND NIKON AMBASSADORS, JOE McNALLY & JERRY GHIONIS

WHAT WOULD JOE & JERRY DO?

2025

September 18 - Newark, NJ
September 21 - Philadelphia, PA
September 24 - Chicago, IL
September 27 - Detroit, MI

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Spend a day with two legendary photographers who are at the top of their game. Joe McNally, known as a master of light, who brings decades of experience to bear every time he puts his eye in the camera, will team with Jerry Ghionis,  a true legend whose style of posing and portraiture is elegance personified. Each has a different approach to portraits, lighting, posing and approach at the camera. Spending this all-in, immersive experience with them will accelerate your skill set and elevate your problem solving talents in the field. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The day starts with breakfast, intro and demo shoots with multiple models on set. This intensive, 12 hour day of learning rolls through lunch and dinner with Joe and Jerry, as they offer an absolute open book about their thought process and creating a truly special photograph. The workshop offers a rotation of environments, subjects, and an exploration of light, gesture and color. Flash and constant illumination and the difference between the two will be shown and explained. Gels, soft light, hard light, dealing with backgrounds, camera basics, posing, and relationships with talent will all be in the mix for discussion and thorough exploration.

In the afternoon, all participants will shoot their own images on various sets with models, with Joe and Jerry (and multiple assistants) constantly rotating, offering advice, moving lights, and providing tips that lead to the subtle but crucial differences that separate a run-of-the mill picture from a truly discerning, vibrant portrait that stands out, pleases clients, and grabs eyeballs.

The day will conclude with dinner, and a round robin AMA with Joe and Jerry. A full day, and a deep dive into the heads of two of the most noteworthy photographers of our times. An answer to the question that arises when in the field and dealing with a difficult subject, location, deadline, client or logistical difficulties. WWJD! What would Joe and Jerry do? The takeaway from this truly thorough, exhaustive day of learning and shooting will be not only enhanced technical skills but an increased level of confidence to create, pivot, improvise, move quickly and succeed photographically, even when the odds are against you.  JOIN US FOR WWJD!  

JOE McNALLY & JERRY GHIONIS
teaching together for the first time!

UPCOMING SINGLE DAY WORKSHOPS

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 21, 2025

Detroit, Michigan
September 27, 2025

Newark, New Jersey
September 18, 2025

Chicago, Illinois
September 24, 2025

  • Acclaimed, award-winning photographer Joe McNally is known worldwide as the quintessential “pro’s pro;” an extremely versatile, deeply experienced assignment photographer whose jobs have brought him to over 70 countries and counting.

    McNally is often described as: Authentic, empathetic and articulate, an exceptionally skilled technical photographer who pairs extraordinary camera know-how with a vivid imagination and an ongoing, vibrant creativity. Always curious, always adapting to the conditions at hand and the relentless advances in camera technology, he has photographed FIVE cover stories for the National Geographic (amongst an overall FIFTEEN coverages), and SEVEN covers of LIFE Magazine. He photographed the very first all-digital coverage for National Geographic, which was considered such a significant, watershed moment in the history of that venerable publication that the entire coverage has been incorporated into the archives of the U.S Library of Congress.

    In addition to inspiring editorial work, McNally has covered FOUR Olympics (with number FIVE looming in Paris in 2024) for such diverse clients as ABC Television, Sports Illustrated and TIME magazine. McNally is known for his penchant to get his camera in “a different place” and has twice climbed the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in addition to climbing the Empire State Building four times.

    He is that rare photographer who has successfully made the bridge between the commercial world and the editorial world, and is highly regarded by clients for his versatility, and willingness to be a team player. Joe McNally, a proud Nikon Ambassador, has an extraordinary ability to photograph simple assignments with intimacy and grace, as well as master movie-scale productions with large crews, tremendous pressure and countless moving parts. 

  • Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the best portrait and wedding photographers in the world.

    With the flair of a fashion designer and the ingenuity of an architect, his style can be described as vintage glamour meets contemporary fashion.

    Renowned for his creativity, he not only has the ability to capture natural magic when photographing his subjects, but he creates magic of his own. His love and empathy for people creates powerful visual storytelling.

    With the innate ability to make everyone look and feel beautiful in front of his camera, Jerry’s images are often simple yet a complex blend of soul, drama, imagination and technical skill. Whether he is shooting a glamour session, lifestyle portrait or a boudoir beauty, Jerry has the ability to bring out the best in any situation.

    He is the most awarded photographer of WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) and became their first Grand Master. He was also included in their list of top five wedding photographers in the world. Jerry was also named by American Photo Magazine in their first list of top ten best wedding photographers in the world and was also given a United Nations Leadership Award by the International Photographic Council. A Nikon Ambassador,  Jerry was named the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) Fashion Photographer of the Year and represented the wedding and fashion industries in the landmark Nikon D850, Z6, Z8 and Z9 camera campaigns.

    Named by PDN magazine as one of the top photography workshop instructors in the world, Jerry is also the inventor of the revolutionary Ice Light (a portable hand held LED light) and the world's first 15-in-1 reflector, the Omega Reflector.

    The Jerry Ghionis brand has become synonymous with excellence, mastery and innovation in the photography industry.

JOE MCNALLY PORTFOLIO

JERRY GHIONIS PORTFOLIO

WATCH JOE AND JERRY PHOTOGRAPH EACH OTHER FOR THE NIKON 85MM F1.8 LENS CAMPAIGN

FAQs

  • We will limit each workshop to a maximum of 30 students to provide the best and most customized learning experience.

  • The registration fee for the workshop is $1200.

    You can choose to pay the registration fee in full. Or you can break it up into 2 payments: a 50% deposit and then the remaining 50% will be due one month before the workshop begins.

  • All payments are non-refundable.

  • Flights and accommodations are not included with your registration fee.

  • A light breakfast and buffet lunch will be included. We will also provide everyone with a pizza dinner to maximize our time together during our Q&A session. And light refreshments will be included throughout the day. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

  • Yes, the principles behind what Joe and Jerry will teach applies to anyone that photographs people that you can direct.

  • Yes, the principles behind what Joe and Jerry will teach applies to anyone that photographs people that you can direct.

  • You don’t have to be an advanced photographer or full time professional to take this workshop.

    A basic understanding of your camera will be essential to take advantage of Joe and Jerry’s nuanced approach.

  • Whether you’ve been photographing for 5 years or for over 10 years, this workshop is for you. Perhaps you’ve never had a mentor or burnt out and need a reset and some inspiration. Even if your clients are happy with your work, you may not be. Joe and Jerry have an innate ability to help new and experienced photographers alike.

  • This workshop is focused on the art and craft of photography. Although the business of photography is not outlined in course, Joe and Jerry will be available for questions throughout the day including an “Ask me anything,” part of the day.

  • Users of all camera systems are welcome. A mirrorless or DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses is the minimum kit that would be recommended for this workshop.

  • This workshop will be presented in English.

  • This workshop has been designed to learn Joe and Jerry’s different but complementary approaches to elevated portrait, fashion and editorial photography. There will be portfolio building opportunities at specific points during the day.

  • Bring your camera with 2 or 3 of your favorite lenses. You will not need any speed lights, strobes. constant lights or reflectors.

    Please bring a laptop, memory cards and a card reader to download and view your images.

    Notepads and pens will be provided for you.

Get in touch.