✔️Take control of your camera, instead of letting it control you.
✔️Master the settings, the composition, and the techniques that give you full creative freedom. No more relying on auto mode—start creating with INTENTION.
✔️Learn how to style your images with purpose, so every shot you take tells a story, evokes emotion, and wows your audience. From selecting the perfect props to balancing light and texture, you’ll be crafting photos that don’t just capture a product—they capture the essence of it.
✔️Become part of a vibrant creative community, where like-minded people, just like you, are seeking connection, support, and fresh inspiration. It's not just about learning new skills; it's about surrounding yourself with others who are equally passionate about growing, experimenting, and cheering each other on.
Let’s take your photography to the next level, together.
You’ve got the vision. I’ve got the tools, and the community.
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
✔️ A growing library of photo classes, each focused on a specific photography topic. Whether it’s mastering composition, styling your product shots, or tackling tricky lighting, these classes will help you level up your skills (and they’ll keep growing, so there’s always something new to learn). Check the FAQs for some examples of classes.
✔️ Twice-monthly group Zoom meetings with Clare and your fellow creatives. These sessions are a chance to ask questions, get feedback about your work, and dive deeper into the challenges and triumphs of your photography journey—together.
✔️ An exclusive discount on ALL your Poppy Bee purchases (photography backdrops AND in-person workshops) -- for the entire time you are a member.
✔️ Monthly photo challenges, which encourage participants to practice and expand their skills and get real feedback about their results.
✔️ Guest expert interviews
✔️ A supportive and safe online community of creatives who get it. This is a space where you can share your work, ask questions, and feel encouraged—whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been shooting for years.
and more...
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
"I took Clare’s workshop to learn more about her process and what goes on in her head while she is working. I learned SO much, she shared not only her techniques but more importantly, her thought process." -Laura Z.
@laurazindeldesign
"Clare Barboza is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She knows her stuff and owns it. Perhaps the best word to describe Clare’s class — and
@pastry_pants
"Clare is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making complex concepts easy to understand."
-Mark E.
@mark_edwards_marketing
"I now feel confident in setting the mood for my shoots...it was a fantastic experience that significantly improved my food photography skills.”
-Brenda S
@DFmillcafe
✔️ You’re a small business owner juggling all the things—and that includes your own photography. You want to create amazing images for your brand, but it feels like a lot to manage on your own.
✔️ You love taking photos, but when you look at your images, they don’t always match the vision you had in your head. You know there’s potential, but you need the skills to make it happen.
✔️ You’ve been into photography for a while and have made some great shots, but there’s always a sense of mystery about how you got there—and you’d love to make that “magic” happen more consistently.
✔️ You’re a blogger who knows the power of great visuals, and you’re ready to step up your photo game because you realize that in today’s visual world, your images need to pack more punch.
✔️ You’re someone who wants to bring more beauty into the world—whether that’s through your products, your art, or your creativity.
If any of that sounds like you, then The Photo Collective is YOUR space. It’s all about helping you level up your photography, gain more confidence, and create images that actually reflect the beauty and creativity you have inside.
then Let's go!
WHO IS YOUR INSTRUCTOR?
Hey there!
I’m Clare—a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience, and the co-founder of Poppy Bee Surfaces. I’ve been leading workshops and helping people discover their creative voice since 2008.
I’m also a highly sensitive person, an ENFJ, a 4 on the Enneagram, an Aries with a Scorpio Rising and an Aquarius Moon, and a proud mama to a neurodivergent kiddo.
Which pretty much means I’m adaptable, nurturing, empathetic, passionate, a bit spicy, rebellious, a determined visionary—and someone who deeply believes that we are all meant to live boldly, connected to our own unique brand of genius.
I’m way more into unpolished, authentic beauty than anything that’s Instagram perfect.
So, what does this all have to do with being your instructor in The Photo Collective?
It means I’ll be real with you. I’ll support you. I’ll share everything I know, and I’ll be honest when I don’t have all the answers.
I’m on this creative journey alongside you.
I haven’t “arrived.” I’m constantly striving, learning, and working to grow—just like you.
We’re all works in progress.
And here’s the most important thing: I will always foster a sense of community, encouragement, and creative empowerment within The Photo Collective.
Why? Because I need that, too. I believe that living a creative life is an act of resistance—especially right now.
The world needs more of us doing our thing, embracing our quirks, and showing up with courage and authenticity.
And that’s exactly what I’m here to support you in doing.
Let’s do this—together.
The Photo Collective is an online membership that offers everything I wish I’d had when I was starting out on my photography journey.
It’s packed with easy-to-follow, bite-sized photo classes that break down key photography concepts into actionable steps, plus a supportive community of like-minded creatives who are on the same path.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get real-time feedback, and connect with others who are just as passionate about growing their skills.
On top of that, I’ll be sharing inspiring stories from industry pros, offering insider tips, and continuously adding new resources to help you keep leveling up.
It’s all designed to give you the tools, support, and inspiration you need to confidently take your photography to the next level.
It’s packed with easy-to-follow, bite-sized photo classes that break down key photography concepts into actionable steps, plus a supportive community of like-minded creatives who are on the same path.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get real-time feedback, and connect with others who are just as passionate about growing their skills.
On top of that, I’ll be sharing inspiring stories from industry pros, offering insider tips, and continuously adding new resources to help you keep leveling up.
It’s all designed to give you the tools, support, and inspiration you need to confidently take your photography to the next level.
✔️ My in-person workshops cost between $800 and $1200.
With The Photo Collective, you're getting twice-monthly Zoom calls where you can ask questions, get feedback and dive deeper into your photography, all for less than the cost of a dinner out for two.
✔️ Discounts on our products and services are never offered publicly and happen rarely. As a member of The Photo Collective, you receive an ongoing discount on all backdrops and in-person workshops as long as you are a member
✔️ Consulting with me is $150/ hour but, in The Photo Collective, you're getting access to direct feedback and support (AND interviews with industry pros AND monthly photo challenges) for just $42 a month.
You can't beat that.
When you break it all down, the value here is undeniable. Not only are you getting an ongoing education that's always growing, but you're also joining a community of creatives that will help keep you motivated, inspired and empowered.And with the option to cancel anytime, you've got nothing to lose.
questions & Answers
What photo classes are currently in the library?
What is the format of the classes?
How often do I get direct access to YOU?
How experienced of a photographer do I need to be?
What kind of camera will I need?
How long will I have access to the classes and community?
What is the cost?
Will you still be doing in-person workshops?
What if I subscribe and it's just not my thing?
I have an idea for a class. Can I suggest it to you?
•Exposure, Camera Settings & Why You Need to Get Out of Auto Mode
•Food Photography Series: How Made This Photo
•Creative Shadows in Food & Product Photography
•Understanding & Elevating Composition
•Crafting Stories in Food Photography
•The Impact of COLOR in Food & Product Photography
•Dark & Moody Photography
•Photographing Brown Food (and Making it Look GOOD!)
•Beautiful Ingredients
•Perfect Your Flat Lay Photography
•Styling for Jewelry Photography
The classes are primarily video based. I walk through some general principles of a topic and then demos those principles on camera. Each class includes demos of different photo shoots and most are about an hour or so in length.
In the 15 years I have taught workshops, students have consistently shared that the photo demos (and her talking about her process through those demos) are the most valuable parts of their learning experience. So, the classes are based around that information.
In the 15 years I have taught workshops, students have consistently shared that the photo demos (and her talking about her process through those demos) are the most valuable parts of their learning experience. So, the classes are based around that information.
Currently, we have twice monthly group meetings on Zoom. I will be there to answer your questions, offer feedback and support.
You can be any level of photographer, using any kind of camera. That said, you will get even more value out of the classes if you have access to a DSLR or a mirrorless camera where you can program your own settings. However, this is not required.
You can use a mirrorless camera, a DSLR or your phone. The classes are meant to be accessible for anyone, as mentioned above.
As long as you are a member.
$42/ month OR you can get 2 months for FREE if you pay annually, ($420/ year.)
HECK, YEAH!! Those aren’t going anywhere and there are plans for lots more!
You can cancel anytime.
YES! Please do! I want to hear all your ideas and feedback. These classes are for YOU and, above all else, I want you to feel like this is a membership with tremendous value for you.
@davidleite
@mmmarkpdx
@claudejcook
@randomactsofdahlias
@cirquedusouffle
