The Workshop : November 2011

Last Tuesday I sat around a large table surrounded by photographers from around the world. Okay, so the majority of us were American, but there were five Canadians, so that's still around-the-world-ish, right? At this time in the evening–after a long day of my photography branding workshop–we felt like friends, BFFs sitting around the proverbial campfire swapping stories. When I started a sentence that began with, I really love that new show New Girl… I was promptly cut off by four other people who reinacted their favorite scenes.

And right then? I felt like the luckiest girl. Ever.

It's one thing to do what I love (wedding photography), and another thing to teach photographers about what I do (branding and marketing), but an entirely different thing to be seated at a table with people who I want to squeeze way too tightly. I don't think I'm stepping out of bounds when I say that in that moment, we all felt really darn lucky.

The Workshop focuses on the Eight Components of Branding and I spend the day detailing how I built my business…and formed my photography brand. I arranged a shoot to demonstrate how I shoot in ways to push my brand forward and I give attendees the chance to do the same…but before they do, they have to tell me what three words embodies their brand and how they plan on photographing images that'll push that idea forward. Lucky for us, we worked with Melanie and Mark for the day and I couldn't have asked for a nicer couple to model for us…

One thing I love about Melanie is her ability to live life to the fullest…she's fun, kind, and quirky…oh, and she's also an insanely talented event designer/wedding coordinator for Jesi Haack Weddings…she definitely came ready to have a good time…

One of the attendees (hi, Chantel!) asked if I'd be able to demonstrate how I shoot in full, midday sun…and riiiiiiight about then I felt my stomach turn. It always makes me nervous to shoot in the harshest conditions, but I maintain that if a photographer can shoot in those conditions (75-degrees, full sun), they can shoot anywhere!

Many thanks to the ever amazing…ever kind…and ever fabulous Vivian Tran of All Made Up for styling, hair, and makeup…love her!

Oh, Melannnnnnnnnie! STOP IT. Really. So much hotness and I can't even stand it! Work it out…

Lah-lah-love…

Because Melanie is beautiful AND talented, she decided to make her own bouquet…yes, I'm jealous of her, too.

And, like, always, this is my favorite photo of the day…I can't describe how much I loved this group. So much talent, heart, and burning passion that I am thoroughly excited where the industry is headed!! Oh, and they made J* t-shirts, so I gave them double cool points for being so awesome! I can't wait to see where they're headed and the amazing things they'll do in their communities…I'm lucky to call them peers…and friends.

To attend a future workshop, be sure to sign up for the newsletter as I announce registration for The Workshop exclusively through it!