One on One Workshops

Glynn, Natasha and I spent much of yesterday with a young photographer named Justin. Justin has great vision and a passion for all kinds of photography and after attending our Creative Wedding Photography workshop he asked for a One on One workshop so that he could hone his skills and have personal questions and issues more directly attended to. It was more like a Three on One as Glynn and Natasha naturally assumed roles as instructors as well as 'bride and groom'. It is a great mix. Apart from her obvious physical attractiveness, Natasha is a keen and gifted photographer and knows how to see and pose for light. Her confidence and humour make the process easier for photographers also. Glynn's experience in the photography industry, his natural ability and vision as a photographer and his marketing prowess make him invaluable also. So, what the heck was I needed for? Don't tell Glynn and Natasha that, ok?

We started the day over coffee at Abbottsford Convent discussing Justin's personal photographic ambitions and issues. We discussed our preferences for images that come straight from the camera without need for exposure or post capture repair. We discussed marketing and equipment priorities. And, then it was time to start shooting.

One of the techniques I like to teach photographers is the ability to see light, place a model within its nature and context and create above average images in less than ordinary circumstances. Essentially, for many professional photographers in various fields, this is exactly what is called upon them to do. Justin sees his professional future in wedding photography a viable field of endeavour and here is where this understanding of light and creative metering are paramount. While much can be done in post processing, there is often no need to waste the time doing so if your image straight from the camera is impressive in itself. Also, showing a couple images on the back of the camera that are immediately impressive is just good business.

After lunch we found ourselves in Flinders and Hosier Lanes in mid city Melbourne, where we taught a few strobist techniques using Justin's own equipment. This was a wonderful session as it revealed the strength of off camera flash to enable a photographer to create, manipulate and position his lighting anywhere and any way he or she sees fit. The images Justin produced here were quite wonderful and, in his own quiet way, he was very excited with them. After the workshop, it was down to the Docklands to meet with the gang from my digital photography tutorials website, The Five Minute Photographer. It was a really fun evening of fun and photography will fellow crazy people. A great way to end a day of photography. Caroline Tra once again came to be our model and she is always so lovely to work with. Apart from a frustrated, female, megalomaniacal security guard who wanted to intimidate us off of 'her promenade', all went very well. In fact, her presence added a little more opportunity for laughter.

At Creative Photo Workshops we highly recommend our personal 'One on One' workshops for photographers needing particular assistance in certain areas. They are certainly a more expensive option for one person than for a group but I have had comments from previous customers that indicate that they are an excellent investment. Sometimes all you need is someone to hold your hand and take you down one particular path long enough for you to get your footing. Then, you can walk, even run, by yourself. I wish I'd taken a few in my day. Perhaps it wouldn't have taken me so long to make things click....pun seriously intended.