Linda's Happiness Hour has flourished into one of the premier sources for discovering top photographers—both professional and amateur—who share their knowledge and experience with like-minded individuals. She has cultivated a community rooted in a shared passion, which has blossomed into a tight-knit group bonded by goodwill, engaging speakers, excellent content, and, of course, one outstanding hostess!
Essdras M. Suarez | Pulitzer Prize winning photographer | Panama
Happiness Hour with Linda Nickell is a must-watch for any photographer looking to deepen their knowledge and connect with a vibrant community. Linda's passion for photography shines through in every episode, as she brings together talented creatives to share their expertise and insights. Each Wednesday night, I look forward to tuning in, knowing I'll walk away inspired and armed with new techniques to try. The welcoming atmosphere and high-quality presentations make it a standout resource for photographers at any level. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and grow with Linda and the Happiness Hour community!
Lawrence Leyderman | Photography Workshop Instructor | Florida
In the often-competitive world of photography, Linda Nickell has created an oasis of connection and camaraderie. I’ve had the pleasure of presenting a few times for The Happiness Hour, and Linda always creates an atmosphere of welcome and encouragement. She knows her audience and cares about their learning. The group she’s attracted is eager to engage with the outstanding lineup of speakers. And the times I’ve been in the audience (usually on her YouTube channel, which is a fabulous way to catch up with more than 200 presentations – for free!), I’ve taken away valuable information that helps me to grow as a photographer. Thank you, Linda, for being the hostess with the mostest!
Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour saved me during the pandemic while alone at home when I felt connected and plugged in each week to a fantastic presentation. Her guest speakers talk passionately and share with authenticity their experiences, be it a hobby or a profession, and I have enjoyed so much listening to their stories, tricks and tips, travels, and insights. Even four years later my Wednesday night is reserved to join this happy gathering of community and discovery of creativity.
Susan L. | California
Happiness Hour is the appropriate name for what I look forward to on Wednesday evenings. Linda brings us all together once a week to learn, laugh, and inspire each other. Making friends and opening doors I never would have thought of, had I not found Linda Nickell’s Happiness Hour. Learning techniques of photography with every kind of camera, even the cell phone fills me with ideas. Speakers during the Happiness Hour inspire me to get over the fear of taking bad photos and learning how to play with light, bubbles in water, and wiggling the camera as I shoot. Linda is a master of the right combination of seriousness and playfulness. I encourage everyone to join, not just photographers or artists of all kinds. There is something for everyone. Incredible guidance through life is happily given by Linda in so many ways. See you on the Happiness Hour my friends.
Linda reached out to me on Instagram with a very kind, professionally written invitation to create a presentation for her Happiness Hour video conference series. Linda is a great photographer, and flattered by her invitation, I immediately accepted. Leading up to the day of the event, Linda was very helpful, answered all my questions, and always responded quickly. During the presentation, she was warm and welcoming, and an excellent host. Linda’s audience is a nice group of knowledgeable photographers that interacted with comments and questions, and many stayed around for a fun conversation after the show. Linda did a great job editing the final video and invited me back for a presentation next year. I’m looking forward to another great event!"
Scott Setterberg | Nature Photographer | Costa Rica & Washington
I was introduced to the Happiness Hour through a friend in 2020 when we were looking for ways to connect with our friends in a safe way. This gathering grew from a little group getting together to share a love of photography to a successful group drawing a variety of speakers and visitors from every corner of the globe. I have drawn so much inspiration from the speakers that share their knowledge. Since joining the Happiness Hour, I have found myself trying new techniques, looking at things from a different perspective, and being drawn to subjects that I never thought that I would enjoy capturing. Linda has a knack for finding captivating speakers that selflessly share their images and tips that we can take with us to help with our own photographic journeys. I was honored to be asked to speak for the group and it was very rewarding! As a novice speaker, I was a bit nervous to speak, but Linda makes everything so comfortable and easy. I really felt like I was just speaking to a group of friends.
The Happiness Hour is a weekly learning session, led by Linda Nickell. Each session reminds me of the amazing, collaborative community of like-minded artists that come together to share knowledge, insights and suggestions that help everyone who participates! As a presenter and frequent attendee, I learn from this group that Linda has brought together from all over the globe. I highly recommend her sessions and hope to see you there!
Sometimes you’re lucky and you find your people! That’s how I feel about The Happiness Hour. Coming together to learn with others, who share a passion for photography, is so much fun. The quality of speakers and breadth of topics covered means you’re always learning something new.
And, when you learn, you grow!
In today's era of social media and short attention spans, photographers are frustrated when their still artistic expressions get overlooked in a frenzy of finger scrolling and "watch till the end" predicated videos. However, there are still a few beacons of true photography appreciation out there. Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour happens to be one such welcoming space. I have had the pleasure of presenting my work and passion (outdoor photography) on a couple of occasions. They have been such wonderful experiences and the feedback I received from her audience was encouraging! It is a positive and friendly environment where everyone attending is genuinely interested in what you have to say. An open webinar, anyone with an internet connection can attend and benefit from the eclectic list of photographers who present in an engaging 60 minutes every week. Interestingly, I realized that preparing for these presentations as a guest speaker gave me an opportunity to take a step back and review my own work, organize my thoughts, and understand the process of photography better.
I should mention that working with Linda is a breeze. She communicates well, is flexible and makes you feel like you know her already! For anyone contemplating either attending or presenting on the Happiness Hour - go ahead! Your best work will not be confined to six inches of 4:5.
Linda Nickell’s "Happiness Hour" is more than just a weekly Zoom gathering; it's a creative community that has become a cornerstone for photographers seeking inspiration, connection, and growth. What began as a pandemic project has evolved into an incredible resource for photographers at all levels, bringing together a diverse array of educators and speakers who share their unique insights on a wide range of photo topics.
Linda’s dedication is truly remarkable with over 200 “Happiness Hour” sessions and counting. The sessions are thoughtfully curated, with each speaker bringing something different to the table, whether it’s technical advice, creative techniques, or simply a spark of inspiration. It’s clear that Linda’s passion for photography and education shines through by creating an environment where participants feel both supported and challenged to expand their skills.
What makes "Happiness Hour" truly special is the sense of community it fosters. It’s not just about learning; it’s about connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for photography. Linda has created a space where photographers can come together, share their work, ask questions, and grow as artists…and gives us something to look forward to every week….or on YouTube if you can’t make the classes live.
Jama Pantel | Family Photographer | Texas
While struggling to learn about my new macrophotography hobby during the pandemic I stumbled upon Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour. It was there that I found this incredibly supportive and encouraging community Linda has cultivated. Her speakers share their passion, motivation, and technical tips unselfishly. Even if you are a purely hobbyist photographer, like me, you never feel intimidated or unwelcome, but rather inspired and appreciated. Her guest speakers come from all over the world and each brings their unique set of talents and experiences. There is nothing like this out there. What Linda has done with the Happiness Hour is absolutely stunning. It is obvious that her passion for photography and her deep compassion for photographers everywhere fuels this endeavor. I can't think of anyone that works harder to support, encourage, and promote photographers than Linda. Check out the Happiness Hour and see for yourself.
Todd Council | Macro Photographer | Texas
I have enjoyed Linda Nickell’s Wednesday night Happiness Hour since 2020! I have expanded my photography skills after watching other presentations. I love the variety of topics, from gear to all different aspects of photography, and worldwide photo experiences. And if I’m unable to join live I love that I can watch them on Linda’s YouTube channel.
As a presenter I enjoyed getting feedback from photographers, friends and family. And appreciate that I can communicate with like-minded people and have learned so much in all aspects of photography.
I also love the opportunity to share our passion!
Linda has created an incredible community of photographers who have come together to learn from each other. It has been my privilege to speak on the happiness hour and it has allowed me to connect with other like-minded photographers in my area.
Jennifer Leigh Warner | Wildlife Photographer | Texas
I have been working with Linda Nickell now for several years with The Texas Photography Festival and the "Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour Live" during the festival. I was also honored to be an invited speaker on Linda's Happiness Hour weekly Zoom. Her speakers are inspirational and I know I have always learned something new every time I have watched.
David Valdez | Former Chief White House Photographer | Texas