PCU Austin 2025

Precision Camera University (PCU) is a two-day, immersive photography experience featuring specialized workshops led by four of the industry’s top photographers. Attendees will join one of four breakout groups, rotating through each instructor’s 4-hour hands-on workshop over the course of the event.


Each workshop combines engaging lectures with practical shooting sessions, complete with live models, professional studio setups, and dynamic lighting.


This event offers an incredible opportunity to expand your portfolio, connect with fellow photographers, and gain exclusive insights from world-renowned instructors!

Since 2002, Vanessa Joy has been photographing weddings, portraits and corporate branding primarily in the Austin, NJ and NYC areas. She is a Canon Explorer of Light and trusted by brands like Hilton Grand Vacations, Bravo, Profoto, Lexar and more. Through online education and resources, she helps photographers elevate their craft. 

Miguel is a beauty & portrait photographer currently residing in Orlando, Florida. Starting his photography business in 2012, Miguel has traveled the world photographing interesting faces as well as teaching photography at conferences like WPPI, Photo Plus, Shutterfest, and many more. Miguel has been recognized as a Sony Artisan of Imagery, as well as a Profoto Legend of Light.

Julie formally opened her photography business in 2009, beginning her journey with landscape photography and exploring many genres over the years. She has years of experience with portraiture, documentary, weddings and events, real estate, and conceptual photography. This experience gives a powerful perspective for her work to express the many unique viewpoints and styles of her clients.

Ian Spanier is an award-winning photographer known for his versatility in various formats and lighting techniques. He is a Westcott Lighting “Top Pro” and a Brand Ambassador for leading photography brands, including Spider Holster, CamRanger, ThinkTank, and Hoodman USA. Ian captures diverse subjects, inspired by the original Masters of Photography.

 

Vanessa Joy: 

Picture Perfect Love: Engagement Photography - 

sponsored by Canon

 

Join Canon Explorer of Light Vanessa Joy for a fun, hands-on 4-hour workshop all about capturing stunning engagement photos! Learn how to pose your couples so they look natural and in love, use light like a pro (even in tricky spots), and edit your images to perfection. Whether you're new to engagement sessions or just want to up your game, this workshop is packed with tips, tricks, and laughs to help you create swoon-worthy photos your clients will adore.

 

 


 

Miguel Quiles

Portrait Dojo

sponsored by Sony

 

Join Sony Artisan Miguel Quiles as he shares his techniques for beautiful, consistent portraiture in studio and on location! You'll learn how to set up your camera to get amazing images no matter the situation, along with valuable tips that can help you take your work to the next level.

 

 


 

Julie Gayler

Beyond Reality: Capturing Fantasy in Studio

sponsored by Fujifilm

 

Step into a world of creativity and elevate your photography in this immersive, hands-on fantasy-themed workshop. Perfect for photographers of all levels seeking to push their boundaries, this experience combines inspiration, technical mastery, and creative exploration.

 

 


 

Ian Spanier

Storytelling Portraits, from Start to Finish

sponsored by Westcott

 

Take a comprehensive journey into the world of photography with our immersive class that covers every aspect of taking a photoshoot from inception to completion. Led by a Celebrity Portrait Photographer and Westcott Top Pro Ian Spanier, this class will provide a holistic understanding of the photography process, from planning and execution to post-production and client delivery.

 

 

At the Palmer Event Center

Start Time: 6:30 pm

End Time: 8:30 pm


Precision Camera and Nikon are proud to welcome Dixie Dixon as guest speaker to kick-off PCU Austin. Dixon is an internationally renowned fashion, lifestyle, and commercial advertising photographer and film director based out of Dallas, Texas. As a Nikon Ambassador of the United States, she is well known as one of the world’s best photographers.  She brings a wildly positive energy to set that creates a one-of-a-kind experience for her clients. Dixie’s style embodies an idealistic approach to photography and motion work with a touch of soulful realism.  


As a full-service production company, she and her team regularly create refreshingly upbeat campaigns for lifestyle brands, beauty companies, and high fashion advertising campaigns. “I was excited to learn quite early in my life that if you ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ - Confucius.