Todd Nettelhorst
Todd Nettelhorst is an accomplished and award-winning photographer, as well as an international speaker, whose love for photography and filmmaking has been a lifelong pursuit. His journey into the world of photography began in his early years when his father gifted him his first SLR camera, igniting a passion that would shape his career.
During family road trips in the summertime, Todd's appreciation for photography blossomed as he captured moments in time throughout the country. After completing college, he ventured into the realms of sales and marketing, where his adeptness at building relationships quickly propelled him to success in various industries.
Todd's transition to professional photography evolved organically as he documented the authenticity in his own children's lives. Others soon recognized his ability to capture genuine moments, and requests poured in for him to immortalize the spirit of different families. Todd's un-posed, spontaneous style, developed through years of photographing people living in the moment, reflects his patience and keen eye for documenting real-life personalities and expressions.
Beyond family photography, Todd has ventured into commercial photography, excelling in events, architecture, engagements, and various products. While continuing to serve new and established clients in the commercial realm, Todd shares his charismatic energy, unique photographic perspective, and profound passion for the visual arts through coaching others. His goal is to help individuals explore and develop their creative abilities to the fullest.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Todd finds joy in a variety of outdoor activities, including climbing, biking, hiking, golf, and hockey. However, his greatest joy comes from spending time with his beautiful family. Todd resides in Chicago with his lovely wife, Tambi, and their three young girls.
Todd's Seminars & Workshops
Bird & Wildlife Photography at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
WED 7 - 10:00 A.M.
Field Workshop
Meeting Location: St. Augustine Alligator Farm, 999 Anastasia Blvd.
Ticket Price: $100 + Annual Photo Pass
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 10
Join Todd for an immersive in-field session at the renowned St. Augustine Alligator Farm, tailored specifically for bird and wildlife photography enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Florida, this iconic location offers a rich tapestry of avian and wildlife species against the backdrop of lush landscapes and historic charm.
During this hands-on experience, participants will have the opportunity to refine their photography skills under the expert guidance of a seasoned professional. Whether you're a novice looking to master the basics or a seasoned photographer aiming to elevate your craft, this session caters to all skill levels.
Suggested Gear List:
Cameras - DSLR, Mirrorless or the latest Smartphone models
Telephoto Lens: 200mm or greater focal length
Teleconverter
Filters (CP / ND)
Cable Release / Remote
Fast Memory Cards & Extra Batteries
Field Guide & Binoculars (optional)
Close-Up & Personal: Joys of Macro Photography
WED 1:00 – 2:30PM
Classroom Seminar
Meeting Location: Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia 5205 A1A S
Ticket Price: $25
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 30
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Join Todd for an enlightening seminar as he delves into the captivating world of macro photography, where the smallest details unveil a universe of beauty and wonder. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, this seminar offers insights, tips, and inspiration to elevate your macro photography skills and immerse yourself in a world often overlooked by the naked eye.
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Key Topics Covered:
· Introduction to Macro Photography
· Gear and Equipment Overview
· Composition and Framing Techniques
· Lighting and Exposure Control
· Creative Approaches and Challenges
· Post-Processing Tips
· Inspirational Showcase
Abstract Photography: Art of Seeing Creatively
THUR 8 - 11:00 A.M.
Field Workshop
Meeting Location: Castillo de San Marcos, 11 S Castillo Dr.
Ticket Price: $100
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 10
Embark on a creative journey through the charming streets and historic landmarks of downtown St. Augustine with a specialized in-field photography session on abstract photography. This unique experience is designed to inspire photographers of all levels to unleash their creativity and discover the beauty of abstract art in unexpected places.
Highlights:
· Historic Ambiance: Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural diversity of St. Augustine's downtown area, where cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and Spanish colonial influences provide a picturesque backdrop for artistic exploration.
· Unconventional Perspectives: Break free from traditional photographic norms and embrace the challenge of capturing abstract compositions that evoke emotion, provoke thought, and challenge perceptions. Learn to see the world through a new lens and find beauty in the ordinary.
· Guided Exploration: Receive personalized guidance and mentorship from an experienced abstract photographer who will share insights, techniques, and creative exercises to help you push the boundaries of your photographic vision.
· Play of Light and Shadow: Discover the transformative power of light and shadow as you experiment with contrast, texture, and patterns to create dynamic and visually compelling abstract images that resonate with depth and complexity.
· Urban Details and Textures: From weathered facades and intricate ironwork to whimsical street art and unexpected details, downtown St. Augustine offers a wealth of visual stimuli waiting to be interpreted through the lens of abstraction.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer seeking fresh inspiration or a beginner eager to explore the limitless possibilities of abstract photography, this in-field session promises an enriching and transformative experience in one of America's most historic and visually captivating cities. Join Todd as he redefines the boundaries of perception and unlocks the secrets of abstract beauty hidden in plain sight.
Recommended Gear List:
Cameras - DSLR, Mirrorless and/or Smartphone
Macro, Telephoto, Standard and Wide-Angle Lens
Tripod
Filters (CP / ND)
Cable Release / Remote
Memory Cards & Extra Batteries
Suggested Gear List:
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Bird & Wildlife Photography at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm
THUR 4:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Field Workshop
Meeting Location: St. Augustine Alligator Farm, 999 Anastasia Blvd.
Ticket Price: $100 + Annual Photo Pass
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 10
Join Todd for an immersive in-field session at the renowned St. Augustine Alligator Farm, tailored specifically for bird and wildlife photography enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Florida, this iconic location offers a rich tapestry of avian and wildlife species against the backdrop of lush landscapes and historic charm.
During this hands-on experience, participants will have the opportunity to refine their photography skills under the expert guidance of a seasoned professional. Whether you're a novice looking to master the basics or a seasoned photographer aiming to elevate your craft, this session caters to all skill levels.
Suggested Gear List:
Cameras - DSLR, Mirrorless or the latest Smartphone models
Telephoto Lens: 200mm or greater focal length
Teleconverter
Filters (CP / ND)
Cable Release / Remote
Fast Memory Cards & Extra Batteries
Field Guide & Binoculars (optional)
From Above: Art of Drone Photography
FRI 3 - 4:30 P.M.
Classroom Seminar
Meeting Location: Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia 5205 A1A S
Ticket Price: $25
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 30
​
In this one-and-a-half-hour seminar, dive into the exhilarating world of drone photography and discover the artistry, techniques, and creative possibilities that await from above. From breathtaking landscapes to dynamic aerial perspectives, drone photography offers photographers a unique vantage point to capture stunning images and elevate their craft to new heights.
Highlights:
· Introduction to Drone Photography: Gain insight into the evolution of drone technology and its transformative impact on the field of photography. Learn about the different types of drones, essential features, and regulations governing safe and responsible aerial imaging.
· Composition and Framing: Explore the principles of composition specific to aerial photography, including framing, leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds. Discover how to leverage the vastness of the sky and the dynamic interplay of light and shadow to create captivating compositions.
· Lighting and Exposure: Master the nuances of lighting and exposure control in aerial photography, from managing harsh midday sunlight to harnessing the soft glow of sunrise and sunset. Learn techniques for achieving optimal exposure, balancing highlights and shadows, and enhancing contrast and vibrancy.
· Creative Techniques: Unleash your creativity with a variety of advanced techniques for drone photography, including long exposure, panoramic stitching, HDR imaging, and aerial timelapse. Experiment with different flight patterns, camera angles, and perspectives to capture dynamic and visually striking images.
· Post-Processing Workflow: Explore the post-processing workflow for drone photography, from raw file management and color correction to image stitching and compositing. Learn how to use specialized software tools to enhance your aerial images and bring out their full potential.
· Safety and Ethics: Understand the importance of safety and ethical considerations in drone photography, including respecting airspace regulations, privacy rights, and environmental conservation. Learn best practices for conducting pre-flight checks, mitigating risks, and maintaining situational awareness during aerial operations.
Whether you're a novice looking to embark on your aerial photography journey, or an experienced drone pilot seeking to refine your skills and expand your creative horizons, this seminar offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you unlock the skies and capture breathtaking images from a whole new perspective. Join Todd and elevate your photography to new heights with the art of drone photography.
Close-Up & Personal: Joys of Macro Photography
SAT 10 - 11:30 A.M.
Classroom Seminar
Meeting Location: Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia 5205 A1A S
Ticket Price: $25
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 30
​
Join Todd for an enlightening seminar as he delves into the captivating world of macro photography, where the smallest details unveil a universe of beauty and wonder. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, this seminar offers insights, tips, and inspiration to elevate your macro photography skills and immerse yourself in a world often overlooked by the naked eye.
​
Key Topics Covered:
· Introduction to Macro Photography
· Gear and Equipment Overview
· Composition and Framing Techniques
· Lighting and Exposure Control
· Creative Approaches and Challenges
· Post-Processing Tips
· Inspirational Showcase
Hands-on Close-Up & Personal: Joys of Macro Photography
SUN 10A.M. - 1 P.M.
Hands-on Workshop
Meeting Location: Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia 5205 A1A S
Ticket Price: $50
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Max No People: 30
​
Delve into the mesmerizing world of macro photography during this immersive 3-hour workshop, designed to ignite your creativity and hone your skills in capturing intricate details and tiny wonders. With over 30 individual stations featuring a diverse array of subjects, coupled with professional coaching assistance, participants will embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and photographic mastery.
Highlights:
· Hands-On Learning: Engage in hands-on learning experiences at each station, allowing you to experiment with different techniques, compositions, and camera settings under the guidance of a seasoned professional.
· Diverse Subject Matter: Explore a wide range of subject matter carefully curated to showcase the beauty and diversity of the microcosm, from delicate flowers and natural materials to intricate textures and abstract patterns.
· Professional Coaching Assistance: Benefit from personalized coaching and guidance from an experienced macro photographer who will provide insights, tips, and feedback to help you elevate your photography.
· Technical Demonstrations: Learn essential macro photography techniques, including focusing strategies, depth of field control, lighting techniques, and equipment selection, through live demonstrations and interactive tutorials.
· Creative Inspiration: Immerse yourself in a stimulating environment filled with visual delights and creative inspiration, sparking new ideas and perspectives that will enhance your photographic vision and storytelling abilities.
· Equipment and Gear Showcase: Explore a variety of macro photography equipment and accessories, including specialized lenses, extension tubes, macro flashes, and tripod systems, to discover the tools that best suit your creative vision and budget.
Whether you're a beginner looking to unlock the mysteries of the macro world or an experienced photographer seeking to expand your creative horizons, this hands-on workshop offers an enriching and unforgettable experience that will transform the way you see and capture the beauty of the small-scale universe. Join Todd and embark on a journey of discovery where every detail tells a story waiting to be captured through your lens.
Recommended Gear List:
· Cameras - DSLR, Mirrorless and/or Smartphone
· Macro, Zoom, Standard
· Extension Tubes
· Close-Up Diopter
· Tripod
· Filters (CP / ND)
· Cable Release / Remote
· Memory Cards & Extra Batteries
Select Gallery of Todd's Images
Click Image for Full View
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