You want to know what inspires me? Besides kids just doing really cute things, and stolen kisses from soon-to-be newlyweds, I'd say my biggest inspiration comes from other photographers. In my spare time, I watch
PhotoVision DVDs of photographer's advice and look up photographers online that I like and study what they do. Nerdy, I know, but I actually really love it!
Anyway, one of the most beneficial things I ever did for my business was to go to a workshop by
Gray Photography. Zach and Jody are two amazing people that excel in wedding photography, and have shared their wealth of knowledge through workshops and speaking engagements. I met them through my amazing friend JC from
Jessica Rai Photography, when she worked as an associate for them, and I took their In-Camera: Shooting and Post Workshop last September on my birthday! I learned so much, and since I'd been saving afterwards I bought some tools they recommended, and my photos improved by miles!! I can't say enough about them, and their workshops are live now so sign up before it's too late!
Here are some shots from the workshop!
Note that this and the others below are shot with all natural light with only a reflector and/or diffuser to enhance them. It's all done in camera! Of course I used the Lightroom skills they taught us too, like eye enhancement and skin softening, but no lighting effects at all! Cool huh?!
Like the "buttery" smooth look of the light? That's one of the tricks they teach you!
They also go into composition, how to pose based on the person, and even show you how to make a "blah" black and white look so much better!
I love the catch light in the eyes! Needless to say, I bought a reflector and diffuser right after this workshop! And an Expodisc, and a new lens, and other goodies they let you know about.
Below is a photo I took a few months before the workshop, and then a similar pose a few months after. See the difference!
On the left: Blah lighting, color, and no awesome buttery skin! Plus, my composition was poor and my background non-appealing.
On the right: Awesome smooth look, killer light, strong composition, and a non-distracting background (if I do say so myself).
I know which one I'd prefer in my Baby's 1st year album!
So that's my advice to you: Go to these workshops. Learn all you can, and then pass it on! Thanks Zach and Jody (and JC who, by the way, did the brand photography at the top of my blog!) for being such a blessing to me! You all rock my socks off!
