Wondersnaps …experiencing the wonders of life from behind the lens
Come See the World Through Larger Eyes…
Come learn and travel with us. Pick up your camera, follow the light, and awaken to the wonders that wait in every corner of the world. Let each frame you capture become a doorway—to magic, to story, to life itself.
Legend says: the larger your eyes, the more wonder you can see. And the camera is the perfect tool to open them wider. Through lenses and light, skill and vision, we capture more than images—we capture awe, curiosity, and the unseen beauty in every moment.
Yet in the rhythm of everyday life, wonder can fade. Our eyes grow dull, our attention drifts, and the extraordinary slips quietly from view. Photography is our bridge back. It invites us to slow down, observe deeply, and connect—not just with the world around us, but with ourselves.
Come journey with Shanon as we explore the sacred dance between photographer, camera and subject. Each click is a meditation, each frame a rediscovery of awe. The skills you cultivate here—observation, patience, presence—become a template for connection in every part of your life.
Step into the light. See differently. Feel deeply. Wonder always.
According to legend, The larger your eyes are, the more wonder you can see as well as experience.
Why Wondersnaps?
Wondersnaps is more than a photography program—it’s a year-long journey of vision, craft, and creative awakening.
- Develop an intimate relationship with your camera
- Master Lightroom Classic for post-production and storytelling
- Explore light, composition, and storytelling in the wild and at home
- Field experiences, Zoom classes, homework, and portfolio reviews
- A portion of tuition supports the Timbavati Foundation, helping communities in South Africa
Wondersnaps and all SAMI Institute programs are crafted around this organizing principle of Ubuntu—“I am because we are.”
Meet Your Guides…
Chad Cocking – Timbavati, South Africa
Wildlife photographer, storyteller, and author. Chad has spent decades following lions, leopards, and the rhythms of the African bush. His work has appeared in books, magazines, and calendars worldwide.
Joe Klocek – Denver, Colorado
Photographer, educator, and founder of The F Stops Here. Joe specializes in wildlife, macro, studio lighting, and Lightroom Classic editing. He guides photographers from fundamentals to mastery.
Shanon Marie – Director of Wondersnaps
Shanon helps you reclaim your sense of wonder and connect deeply with the art of seeing.
Wondersnaps 1: A Year long Journey in Photography
Step into a world where every click of the shutter is a doorway, every frame a story waiting to be told. Wondersnaps 1 is an invitation to open yourself to a lifelong passion for photography—to see the world with fresh eyes, and to discover the joy of creating images that speak from your heart. Along the way, you’ll learn to harness the power of Lightroom Classic, transforming your captures into visions that truly shine.
We are thrilled to welcome your guides on this journey: Chad Cocking and Joe Klocek. With decades of experience behind the lens and countless hours sharing their knowledge, they bring both mastery and inspiration to every session. Together, they form a team dedicated to helping you grow, explore, and fall in love with photography.
Wondersnaps 1 is designed for those just starting out. Through engaging formats—Zoom classrooms, hands-on experiences, homework, and thoughtful evaluations—you’ll gain confidence, develop an intuitive connection with your camera, and begin to see the world through a lens that captures wonder at every turn.
True to the spirit of giving, a portion of every Wondersnaps 1 tuition supports a meaningful cause. At The SAMI Institute, we honor Ayni, the timeless practice of giving without expectation.
Our Ayni Project supports the Timbavati Foundation in South Africa, an organization devoted to education and sustainability for underprivileged communities within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu—“a person is a person through other persons”—the Foundation reminds us that our actions ripple outward, touching lives far beyond ourselves.
Participants of our upcoming 2026 and 2027 Photo Safaris will have the opportunity to visit the Foundation in person and witness the impact of this collective gift.
Below, you’ll find the full course offerings for Wondersnaps 1. For questions, reach out to Shanon Marie at kanchaysonqo@gmail.com or 303-886-1901.
Are you ready to open yourself to the magic and lifelong joy of photography? Follow the registration directions on the form below and join us on this extraordinary journey of vision, light, and wonder.
2026–2027 Wondersnaps 1 Photography Program Calendar
| Date | Topic | Instructor | Format | Cost | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 2026 | Camera & Composition | Chad | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| July 19, 2026 | Photography Basics | Joe | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Lightroom Classic Intensive I | Joe | Zoom | $140 | $75 |
| Sept 20, 2026 | Wildlife Photography | Chad | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| Oct 1–4, 2026 | Fall Foliage | Shanon | In-Person | TBA | – |
| Nov 8, 2026 | Portfolio Review | Chad | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| Nov 29, 2026 | Lightroom Classic Intensive II | Joe | Zoom | $150 | $35 |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Let’s Talk Light | Chad | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| Feb 21, 2027 | Editing: The Art of Masking | Joe | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Portfolio Review & SA Prep | Chad | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| Apr 11, 2027 | Portfolio Review | Joe | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
| May 2027 | “Come Alive” Photo Safari | Shanon & Chad | South Africa | Limited 6 | – |
| June 13, 2027 | Lightroom Classic Editing | Joe | Zoom | $75 | $35 |
May 2027: “Come Alive” Photo Safari
Step into a world where light dances across the savannah, shadows tell stories, and every frame is alive.
• Cape Town, Johannesburg, and immersive safari adventures
• Tanda Tula: Your ultimate photography destination with Chad Cocking
• Limited to 6 participants
✨ Come alive… stay tuned for the trip flyer, coming May 2026! ✨
May 2027: “Come Alive” Photo Safari
Step into a world where light dances across the savannah, shadows tell stories, and every frame is alive.
• Cape Town, Johannesburg, and immersive safari adventures
• Tanda Tula: Your ultimate photography destination with Chad Cocking
• Limited to 6 participants
✨ Come alive… stay tuned for the trip flyer, coming May 2026! ✨
Wondersnaps 1 Registration:
How to Join Wondersnaps:
- Complete the Wondersnaps Registration Form
- Email it to kanchaysonqo@gmail.com
- Pay deposit via Venmo or Zelle by the due date to secure your spot
- Questions? Call Shanon at 303-886-1901
Deposits are non-refundable; balances due before each class.
Wondersnaps 1 Registration Form:
Your Invitation
Reclaim your wonder. Expand your vision. Explore the magic of life—one frame at a time.
Run, run, run—claim your once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Wondersnaps Take Two… The Intermediate Journey
As our knowledge expands, so does our ability to create art.
Through class sessions and time in the field, we challenge ourselves to see differently—to deepen our relationship with the world and translate those moments into images that carry story, mood, and presence.
In this year-long program, Chad Cocking and Joe Klocek will guide us further along the path of photographic expression. Together, we will refine how we capture the moment, dive deeper into Lightroom Classic, and begin our exploration into the powerful creative possibilities of Photoshop.
This year also carries us into adventure.
We will travel to South Africa for a “Come Alive” Photo Safari, where wild landscapes and extraordinary wildlife will offer endless inspiration behind the lens. Later in the year, we journey into the dark skies of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for our first exploration into astrophotography—learning to capture the quiet brilliance of the night sky.
Astrophotography will open a new doorway in our creative practice—one we will carry with us on future journeys and photographic adventures.
This second chapter of Wondersnaps is about expanding vision, deepening skill, and continuing the transformation from taking pictures… to creating art.
Wondersnaps Take Two – Intermediate Program
| Date | Time | Program | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 22 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Lightroom Editing with Joe | $75 |
| April 19 | 12:00–2:00 PM | South Africa Trip Preparation with Chad | $75 |
| May 9–25 | — | Wondersnaps South Africa “Come Alive” Photo Safari | See Trip Pricing |
| June 7 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Interactive Editing with Joe | $75 |
| July 12–16 | — | Astrophotography Adventure – Black Canyon of the Gunnison | $1,750 |
| August 23 | Noon–2 PM | Photo Review with Chad | $75 |
| September | Noon–2 PM | Interactive Editing with Joe | $75 |
| October 18 | Noon–2 PM | Let dive bigger in to composition with Chad | $75 |
| November | 9–11 AM | Introduction into Photoshop | $75 |
Program Notes:
- Individual classes: $75 (payable by Zelle or Venmo)
- Astrophotography Adventure: $1,750 (includes instruction, permits into the Black Canyon, and lodging. Participants provide their own food.)
- South Africa Photo Safari: Pricing provided in trip flyer.
Deposits and Payments…
- Participants can pay for classes or deposits via Venmo or Zelle.
- Deposits must be paid by the due date to reserve a spot in class.
- Please note that deposits are non-refundable.
- On the day of class, participants will pay the remaining balance via Venmo or Zelle. Please make payment arrangements with Shanon before class.
Any questions please contact Shanon at 303-886-1901 or kanchaysonqo@gmail.com
Wondersnaps 2 Registration Form:
