so, I just realized that I really never did a FORMAL review of the workshop I went to last April. it is one of those things that is always on my ever-growing to-do list. the same list that every time I cross one thing off I feel like 5 more get added. I guess that's what I get for working a full time job, having a growing photography business, planning a wedding, AND teaching 3-5th graders about horses & ponies on Tuesday nights :)
I had followed Melissa's blog for about a year before I made up my mind to go. when I booked my spot for the April MJ 2 Day all I could think about was how much money it was going to cost. how many vacation days I was going to have to use, and my biggest worry...was I going to learn anything? my business was still shiney, fresh and new. I hadn't taken many people's pictures and honestly I was still learning about my camera. I knew enough to be dangerous :) really, looking back, it was the absolute perfect time to go. when April came around I was SO EXCITED....because lets be honest...meeting Melissa Jill was like meeting a celebrity :) except way cooler because we have something in common...photography...and a love for dogs.
so last April I hopped on a plane in Milwaukee and landed in Phoenix, picked up a rental car, got lost for an hour, found my hotel, and then went to meet the other lovely ladies that were attending the workshop with me.
photo courtesy of Melissa Jill.
day 1 was all about shooting, lighting & interacting. which for me was great. I usually seem to gravitate to the same shots & places. but we learned how to take an ordinary place and really make it into an extraordinary place. I think my biggest "ah-ha" moment was backlighting with the sun. it was one of those...oh my gosh...duh! why didn't I think of that?! honestly it makes the photos so much better. so now, when I shoot...I don't just go for the shade areas, I always try to do a bunch of fun sun shots (provided its a sunny day of course). I also made the switch to full manual mode while at the workshop. at first I was a little apprehensive about it, but then I thought...what do I really have to loose?! well, I haven't taken my camera off of manual since :) it was so awesome to be able to learn how to fully use my camera. and almost instantly I saw better photo results. we also learned about back button focusing. best. thing. EVER. I use it ALL THE TIME. so, if you go for one thing, go for the back button focusing :) you will appreciate it...trust me. day 2 was workflow, branding, pricing and a few other things. on the plane ride home, I was able to write down so many notes about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to take my business. a lot of what I wrote down is actually happening :) like rebranding my website, and restructuring prices, more interaction with clients, and so on. there is SO much to take in. it seems crazy that its only a 2 day workshop! but it truly makes you think about what you want out of your business. at least it did for me.
one of the things that I absolutely loved about the workshop is that Melissa isn't afraid to share information! which is awesome because it makes me not afraid to share information either. so many people are so scared that by sharing information that other person might steal your customers away. well, really you can't photograph everyone. so for me, I loved it because now I find myself passing on information to other photographers and sharing tips and tricks.
Thanks again Melissa for opening your home and your mind!
xoxo
Maggie
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