The Happiness Hour

The Happiness Hour Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers.

Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)

https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

07/01/2026

Session 296: Slow Ride with Jose Madrigal

In this session, nature photographer Jose Madrigal will reveal the strategies, equipment, settings, and techniques Jose uses for capturing slo-motion video of tiny insects in flight. He’ll explain how he finds the best subjects and plans his approach, along with choosing the right camera settings. He’ll wrap up by comparing the pros and cons of video vs still shots. Prepare yourself to experience some amazing moments that the naked eye misses at full speed.

Connect with Jose:

jmadimages.com
Instagram:

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

07/01/2026

Session 296: Slow Ride with Jose Madrigal

In this session, nature photographer Jose Madrigal will reveal the strategies, equipment, settings, and techniques Jose uses for capturing slo-motion video of tiny insects in flight. He’ll explain how he finds the best subjects and plans his approach, along with choosing the right camera settings. He’ll wrap up by comparing the pros and cons of video vs still shots. Prepare yourself to experience some amazing moments that the naked eye misses at full speed.

Connect with Jose:

jmadimages.com
Instagram:

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

06/17/2026

Session 294: Photographing Fireworks A Celebration of Color and Light with Valerie Hoffman

Few things capture the excitement of summer celebrations quite like a spectacular fireworks display. The brilliant colors, dramatic bursts, and dazzling patterns that light up the night sky create unforgettable moments—but photographing them successfully can be a challenge.

With decades of experience photographing fireworks and similar nighttime displays, Valerie Hoffman will share the techniques she has developed to consistently create stunning and creative images. In this informative session, Valerie will cover essential topics including gear selection, camera settings, exposure techniques, composition, and timing.

She will also demonstrate creative approaches that can help transform ordinary fireworks photos into unique works of art. If time permits, Valerie will conclude with a few quick editing tips to help bring out the best in your images.

Whether you’re photographing a local Fourth of July celebration or any nighttime light display, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and inspiration to capture the magic of fireworks with confidence.

Connect with Valerie:

www.valeriehoffmanphotography.com
Instagram:

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

06/02/2026

286: Landscape Photography: Night Skies, Dramatic Light & Storytelling with Lawrence Leyderman

Join photographer Lawrence Leyderman for a presentation on what makes landscape photographs truly impactful. Through examples of dramatic light, changing weather, night skies, and meaningful moments in the field, he’ll explore how emotion, atmosphere, timing, composition, and storytelling come together to create images that do more than show a place — they make you feel something.

www.lawrenceleydermanphotography.com
Instagram:

06/02/2026

Session 286: Landscape Photography: Night Skies, Dramatic Light & Storytelling with Lawrence Leyderman

Join photographer Lawrence Leyderman for a presentation on what makes landscape photographs truly impactful. Through examples of dramatic light, changing weather, night skies, and meaningful moments in the field, he’ll explore how emotion, atmosphere, timing, composition, and storytelling come together to create images that do more than show a place — they make you feel something.

www.lawrenceleydermanphotography.com
Instagram:

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)

https://lindanickell.com
https://www.instagram.com/coznlinda/
https://vero.co/coznlinda

youtube.com/

06/02/2026

Session 292: Intro To Astrophotography & The Effects of Light Pollution with Brennen Nicole Duffield

Step outside on a clear night and you’ll quickly realize the sky is far more than a backdrop—it’s a living, moving canvas. In this session, Brennen Nicole Duffield shares her tips on how to photograph stars, the Milky Way, and other celestial bodies, with practical guidance on gear, settings, and composition to help you capture their quiet brilliance.

We’ll also take a closer look at light pollution—how it diminishes our view of the night sky, affects wildlife, and disconnects us from something deeply human. You’ll come away with not only the tools to photograph the night, but also simple, meaningful ways to help protect it—because preserving darkness is as important as learning to see within it.

Connect with Brennen:

www.brennennicole.com
Instagram: .nicole

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

05/14/2026

Session 290: The Imperfection Zone with Amy Jasek

Amy Jasek was raised on the Zone System and developed a deep appreciation for its precision, even as she felt a natural urge to break free from perfection. The daughter of a photographer, she grew up spending countless hours in the darkroom with her father, who taught her everything he knew. Texas born and raised, Amy has been fortunate to travel to many places—always with a camera by her side.

Her photographic journey has taken her from street photography to more narrative work, then to landscapes, and ultimately to a focus on conveying a true sense of place. Throughout all these evolutions, the constant thread has been her devotion to black-and-white film. Its tactile, organic process keeps her grounded in the moment and encourages her to explore creativity with mindful intention.

Connect with Amy:


www.Texasgirlphotography.com

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj


05/05/2026

Session 289: Polar Expedition Photography: Penguins and Polar Bears Oh-My! with Tom Schwabel

From Antarctica to high above the Arctic Circle, explore the fragile and untamed world of polar landscapes and wildlife on expedition-style cruises with travel and landscape photographer Tom Schwabel.

In this session we’ll cover sailing to iconic locations including Antarctica, South Georgia Island, Svalbard, and Greenland. Along with sharing photos, we’ll examine the challenges of photography in these harsh environments and share practical advice for photographing everything from penguins to polar bears, icy landscapes, and some of the most isolated communities on the planet.

Connect with Tom at:
www.tom-schwabel.pixels.com
Instagram:

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

04/30/2026

.
Session 288: A Wildly Incomplete Guide to Artistic Bird and Bug Photography
A Masterclass in Creating “Crappy” Photos Exactly Like Mine with Andy Bruner

Join Andy Bruner, a self-described “serious amateur” and the creator behind , for a fun and relaxed take on nature photography. With no professional credentials—just curiosity and a sense of humor—Andy shares how he captures birds and bugs in creative, unexpected ways.

In this session, he’ll show how to use natural light and weather to your advantage, capture interesting behavior, and experiment with playful, unconventional tools. It’s all about letting go of perfection, trying new ideas, and enjoying the process.

Connect with Andy at:

www.featheredforcefotography
Instagram:

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

04/24/2026

Session 287: Getting Better Nature Photos Straight out of Camera with Lisa Cuchara

OM System Ambassador Lisa Cuchara explores creativity, technique, and new ways of seeing—helping you elevate your wildlife, bird, macro, and landscape photography. Along the way, she invites you to slow down and embrace the quiet magic of observation, where small details and fleeting light become meaningful images.

You’ll leave inspired and energized, with fresh ideas, practical techniques, and a renewed appreciation for capturing both what you see and what you feel—straight out of the camera.

Connect with Lisa at:

www.lisatom.photos
Instagram: .photos

*****

Connect. Inspire. Create.

Every week a new photography-related topic and a new speaker join us via Zoom. All of our sessions are free and open to all levels of photographers. A list of upcoming presentations and links to our previous sessions can be found at:

Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Central time)
https://lindanickell.com/happinesshour

You can access the full session on YouTube at Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour.

If you can’t join us live, subscribe to get notified when the session is posted to YouTube


https://youtube.com/?si=rR2MHjzK_bSVAGmj

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