The WORKSHOP : Sydney, Australia

As a child, I was fascinated with Australia…so fascinated, it bordered on obsession. As a homeschooler, my mother decided to channel my obsession interest and create a curriculum around all things Australia. Math was converting feet into meters, science was a study of koalas and kangaroos, and english focused on the syntax of letter writing (she found me a pen pal in Sydney).

I wrote a report on the Sydney Opera House and promised I'd visit one day. At the time, we didn't own a car, my father caught the bus to work, our refrigerator was empty, and we shopped at thrift stores. Instead of being realistic, my mom nodded and agreed. Yes, my love, you'll visit Sydney one day.

Decades later, I can't walk through Sydney and not think of that semester of homeschool. I can't help but think that life is sweeter than I could've imagined back then. Sydney has been good to me, both in childhood and present day. Two weeks ago, I hosted photography workshops in Australia and it was an epic adventure I'll never forget.

I met 20 amazing photographers and together we focused on how to build a branded photography business, effective marketing, and focused on how to flow pose with clients to reflect our brand.

Many thanks to the Intercontinental Hotel in Double Bay for hosting us…it was beyond perfect and the entire staff made us feel like we were at home.

We began the wedding photo shoot around the property of the Intercontinental, paying particular notice to natural reflectors and how to create soft light on really bright days…

I have to take a minute to thank our AMAZING sponsors who came on board to ensure theWORKSHOP was perfect…I'm completely blown away by their support! Many thanks to:
White House Custom Colour – for awesome prints, press printed cards and canvas prints.
Replichrome by Totally Rad – for creating the best Lightroom presets…ever.
Pixieset – for hosting my online galleries and providing a gorgeous + user friendly interface.
Blogstomp – for making image watermarking incredibly easy and my work identifiable when shared.
Albumesque – for designing gorgeous wedding albums for me…Amy's the best!
Photographer's Edit – for being an amazing outsourcing partner during these past crazy weeks and editing the photos just the way I like them.

As part of theWORKSHOP, I challenged photographers to be confident in their skills when it comes to shooting in the worst light. Our shoot was during the brightest, hottest, and sweatiest part of the day. Photographing at high noon is usually avoided at all costs, but I walked through techniques and approaches to use and make photos to be proud of.

Shooting in Double Bay–just 10 minutes from Sydney's CBD–was a dream…

A highlight of the day was working with Jordan and Jordan (yes, they share the same name and they're a real couple), who flawlessly worked multiple cameras at once and looked downright beautiful…

Jordan, you are nothing short of perfection…

I was smitten with Jordan's blue suit…fashionable and classic at the same time!

We ended the wedding photo shoot near the hotel…the space was tiny and actually served as a parking lot, but we learned how to take the little we have and make the most of the space!

Adding a geronimo balloon always makes things more fun!

This is my second most favorite photo of the day…

….and this is my favorite photo of the day! Meeting this group of photographers made me a better person. I was embraced like an Aussie and treated like a friend…they were gracious, kind, and full of passion. Beyond all else, I know their talent will grow not just by way of their photo skills, but by their good hearts. I'm honored to call them peers.

Many, many thanks to the AMAZING team who brought this day to life…
Venue: Intercontinental Hotel in Double Bay
Wedding Gown – Leah Da Gloria
Suit – Shirt Bar
Jewelry – Samantha Wills
Stylist – Orla from Elevate VM & Styling
Florals – Mr Cook Flowers
Coordinator – Samantha Macabulos
Hair – Deelush
Makeup – Simone Aspinall Makeup
Headpieces – Yummi & I
Models – Wink Models
Props – Styled by Linda