Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Photography Instruction & Workshops in Nampa, ID
Founded in 1992, Blue Planet Photography has dedicated over three decades to empowering photographers through personalized instruction and immersive workshops. Our founder, Mike Shipman, combines a formal background in wildlife biology with extensive experience as a self-taught fine art and commercial photographer to offer unique insights into both technical and creative aspects of the craft. With a teaching career spanning since 1998, weve developed a curriculum that emphasizes foundational knowledge while encouraging individual artistic expression. Our services extend beyond instruction to include fine art prints, handmade books, and creative collaborations, reflecting a commitment to both education and artistic exploration.Recognized by institutions like the Idaho Commission on the Arts and featured in publications such as Shutterbug and High Country News, we maintain a global perspective through workshops conducted in diverse locations from Idaho to Tanzania. Our approach prioritizes small group sizes and one-on-one mentorship, ensuring personalized attention that has earned consistent praise from students and clients worldwide.
Services
Photography Classes
PhotoExplorations
One-on-One Instruction
Fine Art Prints
Books on Photography
Astrophotography Workshops
Private Workshops
Photo Restoration
Graphic Design
Artistic Portraiture
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional photography instruction experience
- Our small-group workshops ensure personalized attention and feedback
- We provide customized one-on-one mentorship for individual growth
- Our founder combines formal science background with artistic expertise
- We maintain global teaching experience across six continents
What people say
Expert instruction
Personalized attention
Improved camera work
Patient teaching style
Amazing learning experience
Services
Photography Classes
Structured learning programs for photographers at all skill levels. Our curriculum builds foundational knowledge while developing technical proficiency and creative vision. Classes cover camera operation, exposure theory, workflow management, and advanced techniques. Students receive personalized feedback through lectures, field practice, and post-processing guidance.
PhotoExplorations
Guided photography expeditions to diverse locations worldwide. Small group sizes (6-8 participants) ensure personalized instruction while exploring landscapes and developing creative vision. Sessions include on-location shooting, technical guidance, and creative feedback tailored to individual skill levels and artistic goals.
One-on-One Instruction
Customized private photography coaching for individual growth. Sessions focus on technical mastery, creative development, and portfolio refinement. Flexible scheduling accommodates both short-term skill-building and long-term artistic development through personalized curriculum tailored to each student's specific needs and goals.
Fine Art Prints
Museum-quality photographic prints available in multiple formats. Our collection features landscapes, abstract compositions, and environmental studies from global locations. Prints are produced using archival materials and offered in standard sizes for easy framing, with specialty options including wood-mounted and cyanotype editions.
Books on Photography
Self-published educational resources and handmade books combining technical instruction with creative philosophy. Titles include 'The Exposure Equation' and 'The Ecology of Photography,' covering fundamental concepts and artistic approaches. Limited edition hand-bound volumes offer unique collectible options for serious photographers.
People
Mike Shipman
Photographer/Instructor
Award-winning photographer with 30+ years of professional experience, combining formal wildlife biology training with artistic expertise. Recognized Idaho Commission on the Arts Teaching Artist since 2010, offering workshops globally since 2002.
Questions
What photography skill levels do you teach?
We offer instruction for all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced professionals seeking specialized techniques or creative development.
Do you offer international photography workshops?
Yes, we conduct PhotoExplorations workshops worldwide, with locations spanning six continents including popular and remote destinations.
What printing options are available for fine art prints?
We offer museum-quality standard prints, wood-mounted editions, and cyanotype prints in various sizes with archival materials for long-term preservation.
Can I schedule private photography instruction?
Yes, we provide customized one-on-one sessions for technical training, creative development, or portfolio refinement with flexible scheduling options.
What photography genres do you specialize in?
Our expertise spans landscapes, environmental photography, astrophotography, and creative portraiture, with teaching methods applicable across all photographic disciplines.
Do you offer digital or physical educational materials?
We provide both physical books and digital resources, including self-published titles and handmade limited editions covering technical and creative photography concepts.
Reviews (2)
Sheila Robertson
Dec 27, 2021
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Mike Shipman is one of the Treasure Valley's most talented photographic artists. His work is beautiful. I have found him to be generous with his time and advice.answering questions, leading free field trips, organizing shows and helping solve processing problems. He has shared his expertise with school classes as well as leading photographic workshop trips in many parts of the world. Sign up for a workshop or field trip. You will learn.
Barbara McClain
Dec 11, 2021
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Mike is a thoughtful teacher who always makes sure his students get the right amount of attention and advice in his workshops.
