I was a bit nervous about going to the workshop. I was afraid I’d forget how to change the settings on my camera. I was afraid that I’d be to shy to direct the model. I was afraid in general really. I always get like that before I do something different and outside my comfort zone. On top of the nervous feeling I felt nauseous due the sickening flu and fever I’ve been barely managing to survive through for the past week… but as you can see it all turned out ok.
In case you didn’t see last week I posted about my excitement at attending The Nikon School “Fashion Photography” course taught by Christian Blanchard, an amazing young Australian talent. He was so calm, laid back and not to mention insightful. What I loved most was his complete transparency when answering questions. His answers weren’t scripted just honest, even when it came to talking about money.
The class was held at Hatch Studios in Alexandria, NSW. It had plenty of parking and located only 250mtrs from Green Square Station. It was the biggest studio I’d even been in and everything was so clean, white and organised. There were about 20 people in the class but I really feel like it should have been half that so we could get more one-on-one time with the beautiful model CJ and with Christian. The class ran on schedule and all the attendees were really nice and happy to chat about photography.
The course covered:
People Skills
Shooting Techniques
Classic Lighting Techniques
Capturing Motion
Digital Workflow
Morning Tea and Lunch were also provided.
CJ is a natural beauty from Perth and was so nice to me, she could tell I was nervous (the whole class and Christian was watching!) and chatted to me about silly things as I adjusted lights and thought about what I wanted to achieve.
My favourite image from the day.
Everyone else made her jump around, twirl, kick her legs up, mess about with her hair and pull sexy faces but I personally wasn’t feeling it and knew my (sickly) energy wouldn’t translate well to the camera if I made her doing things like that. I kept the posing simple and expressive. I’ve sure everyone thought I must have gotten the most boring images but I liked them.
The course was pretty balanced when it came to demos and practical exercises. You didn’t just sit there and listen to someone talk all day, there were plenty of chances to get up, try some of the techniques out and ask the other attendees and Christian for feedback and ideas. To me, learning hands on in this way felt more organic and that I got more out of it because I was having a good time… you know, despite dying inside from sinus pain and fever.
The capturing motion segment in the afternoon was fun. The girl up there jumping about was an attendee, so gorgeous! I’m really inspired to finally take the jump and work on a few collaborations opportunities I’ve been offered. It’s all baby steps but it’s totally exciting, when I can tell you more I will.
Can you see it in my eyes? I look like I’m dying but Christian was nice enough to enter my personal space for a bit of a hug and a photo. If you’re awesome like us and shoot with Nikon gear (or even if you don’t) you can attend the two remaining Fashion Photography courses in Brisbane, 2nd July and in Melbourne, 9th July. I found it inspirational, informative and happily recommend it.
I wasn’t paid for this post, I signed up and paid for the course a few months ago but I really wanted to share my experience. I know I have a number of photography enthusiasts like me reading and I want to push you all to go outside your comfort zone and sign up for courses you might think are out of your league… you might be surprised like I was!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so jealous! That class would have been amazing. I did a portraiture class on the Gold Coast with a place called Bluedog Photography last year and I was so nervous. It was so hard to direct the models when everyone else is watching you. And all that was going through my head was that they all thought my ideas were stupid.
Hey, I am considering doing my cert 4 and diploma of photoimaging next year because I would love to become a wedding and portraiture photographer. I was wondering if you might have some advice for me. I am 23 (turning 24 in October) and I feel like I am so far behind other people my age but this is something I am really interested in and would love to turn into a career. If you have any advice about how you got into photography that would be fantastic, My emails is ksultanie(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thanks!
That looks amazing! I think I might have to look into this. I have the same 'self-doubt' feelings about my photography that you had at the start. Great post! Really great post!! :D
I would not say your pictures are boring! I often think simple & expressive pictures tell more then motion packed photos. The picture you noted as your favourite is great!
Hope you feel better soon!
xo
I love the 5th and 6th pictures with the light behind her! Gorgeous!
You dont look like your dying at all, so excited for you doing stuff you cant tell us always means its majorly exciting ; )
I love your photos! I always doubt myself as a photographer, I think it’s something that a lot of photographers deal with, but I love your shots, they are beautiful. I prefer beautiful and simple and you sure captured that!