Wedding Photography Workshop and Styled Shoot
In the month of October I had the privilege of teaching a workshop for photographers. The class was part of PPA's (Professional Photographers of America) continuing education program. By teaching a workshop I earn continuing education credit as an instructor and attendees earn continuing ed credit for attending. Having been a teacher for 10 years as my first career, I found that I REALLY enjoyed the opportunity to teach again and also to give back to my colleagues. Here are a few behind the scenes shots of some of the photographers who attended! (Some of these behind the scenes shots were photographed by the attendees. The rest of the images were shot by me in the context of demoing).
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And here are a few of me teaching, demoing, and helping others.
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The focus of the workshop was specifically about how to work with lighting "on the fly" in the context of weddings. I am very thankful for the vendors who were wonderful collaborators on the project. Each one is listed below, and I would encourage others to consider working with them when in need of their services. A very special thanks to our model couple Nathan and Vivian Phillips who were celebrating 2 years of marriage and who are also wonderful creatives in their own right. I met them earlier this year when we worked a real wedding together, and we really gelled as a team. (They are also photorapher/videographers).
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Our day was broken up into segments of classroom-like instruction and hands-on practice and followed the flow of a real wedding. We spent about an hour photographing the "getting ready" pictures including hair and makeup, dress, and details. A couple of the attendees enjoyed learning how to do "the hairspray shot" which I didn't get on my camera. (The shot involves back lighting the person having her hair done to show the cloud of hairspray.) Other class attendees enjoyed photographing the dress, rings, jewelry and other details.
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We chose a champagne lace sheath by DB Studio from David's Bridal for our bride and complimented the simple sheath with rose gold and champagne colored accessories and a cathedral length champagne veil.
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The color pallet we chose for this fall event departed from the traditional oranges of fall in favor of a dusty rose for the bridesmaids and coordinating colors like various shades of pink, purples, deep reds, blue, and white. One of a Kind Events did a magnificent job of bringing this color pallet together for a gorgeous and rich display of color!
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Once the details were shot, we then had a "working lunch" where I answered questions and gave tips about working as a second shooter and about leading team with a second shooter.
After lunch we had some extra models come and help us fill in the roles of family for the mock ceremony and family formals. We ran the processional and recessional about 4 times so different photographers could practice shooting. The outdoor space we used at the Pavilion Center in Avon was pretty chilly, and the lighting was difficult being heavily back lit with the late afternoon sun. It posed a good challenge for everyone. After family formals we shot the couple pictures and wedding party pictures.
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After the portraits we went back inside for a dinner break of pizza and then shot some pictures of the reception space (The Aspen Room at the Pavilion Center), more decor, cake, and the "end of night" shots. The cake, provided by Classic Cakes in Carmel was a gorgeous little gem! Purple with gold stenciling and beautiful floral sugar work! The chocolate and strawberry layers were amazingly moist and delicious! We all enjoyed a few bites after the cake cutting pictures!
It sure was a packed day! Would I do it again? Sure! But, I would split it into a two-day workshop next time!
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Collaborators:
Venue--Pavilion Center in Avon, IN http://www.washingtontwpparks.org/pavilion-center.html
Hair-- Paige Patrick https://www.urbansocietysaloncarmel.com/
Makeup--
Dresses--David's Bridal of Greenwood, IN https://www.davidsbridal.com/DBIAjaxStoreLocatorDirectionsView?stLocId=73
Flowers and decor--One of a Kind Events https://www.oneofakind.events/
Cake--Classic Cakes https://www.classiccakescarmel.com/