What makes us click

Photography! It’s our passion, our lifestyle, and what fuels us every single day. We live and breathe photography, always thinking, talking, and creating, with a camera that is never far from reach. While not everyone may be as photography-obsessed as we are, our greatest joy comes from sharing that passion with others. That’s the heart of Panoptic Photography Workshops—helping photographers of all levels discover their potential. As proud members of the acclaimed Westcott Top Pro Team, we bring our expertise and enthusiasm to every workshop. Join us and experience photography like never before!

Mark Behrens - CoFounder

Mark Behrens has been shooting high-quality photographs for over twenty years. Always interested in teaching others the art of good photography, he began conducting workshops emphasizing the various aspects of photography. These workshops have now been attended by thousands of amateur and professional photographers worldwide. Since 2010 Mark has also taught Adobe Photoshop in 38 states.

Whether in a classroom or at his latest workshop, Mark relies on a down-to-earth style to teach basic and advanced photographic techniques. He can never be found without a camera, believing that every good photographer’s camera should become an extension of themselves.

Mark’s past work has included Banzai magazine, and ESPN as well as working with a number of musicians, A-list celebrities and professional athletes. When not working in his studio or conducting workshops, Mark spends most of his free time with his wife and their four children. Together, they enjoy boating, camping, hiking, and riding quads in the mountains near their home in Redding, California.

Steve Batz - CoFounder

Steve is a working photographer with over 30 years of experience and a genuine love for photographing people. He currently shoots weddings, families, portraits, and headshots—focusing on real moments, natural expressions, and meaningful connections. His goal is simple: help people feel comfortable, confident, and truly seen in front of the camera.

His background in music photography has led to work featured on album covers, in magazines, newspapers, and online, and that creative influence still shapes the way he approaches every shoot today.

Steve has also traveled internationally, documenting humanitarian work for organizations such as World Vision, Compassion International, Convoy of Hope, and Focus of a Child. Those experiences continue to shape his heart for storytelling and his appreciation for the people he photographs.

For more than 15 years, Steve has taught and mentored photographers through workshops and classes. Known for his fun, energetic teaching style, he loves helping photographers grow while keeping the process enjoyable and encouraging.

He is a Spider Holster Ambassador, a Westcott Top Pro Team member, and a brand ambassador for Think Tank Photo and Cheetah Stand.

Married for over 30 years and a proud dad of two, Steve is based in Granite Bay, California, where he continues to photograph people, relationships, and life as it unfolds.