A Month of Learning
A month of learning
Well, actually, it’s been an entire year of learning, really. In 2021, I have taken in-person workshops, both one-on-one and in a group, from mentors whose work I adore, like Ana Brandt, Barbara MacFerrin, Jonny Edward, Sue Bryce and more. What a whirlwind of education. I have learned so much, this year. It’s crazy that even after almost 20 years of professional photography, I often felt like I just picked up a camera for the first time.
October
The month of October was the biggest adventure in education. This was the month that brought me to Phoenix for the four day Portrait Masters Shootout event. There, not only did I get the chance to work with and photograph world-class models but I got to learn,hands on, from names like Sue Bryce, Felix Kunze, Peter Hurley, Nikki Closser and so many more. I also got to experience a “rain studio” for the first time. Yes, that was way cool but probably not something I will be offering to my clients in the near future. Still, the images were amazing and I learned about lighting for rain so at least that is something I can take home with me, as Florida does have a lot of that!
Fine Art
October also brought with it the chance for hands-on learning intensive from the great fine art portrait photographer Jason Buff. That was amazing! It was a 12-hour event in an old four-story warehouse (with no elevators, which was not the most pleasant thing on a broken toe, wearing shoes and socks for the first time since the break). I was absolutely amazed to discover new tips and tricks for photo editing that I was unaware of.
What I learned
Whew! That is a long list, actually. Aside from learning that my mentors are very helpful but also every bit as nice in person as they seem to be on video and social media, I learned a great deal which will help me up my game for my future clients and bring even better images to life. I learned more about fine art lighting, posing, backdrops, new gear and much, much more. All of this will help you, my clients, get the best photography experience possible, with photo images that you will be proud to display on the walls of your home and pass on to your children down the line. I can’t wait to show you!
