10 Lighting Tricks in Your Pocket: WPPI Master Class

The notes from my first program at WPPI is available here. Thank you to all of you who were there! I hope to see you also in the Nikon booth today through wednesday, in my booth daily, in the Bay Photo booth on Wed., and of course at my platform program tonight at 6:30pm. 

Please use the password I gave you at my class to download and open the notes file. Go make light!

Download notes here

What do uniforms, leopard dresses, vintage bikes, runaway schoolgirls, & sexy Hollywood lighting have in common?

SPA 2011, that's what! The Senior Portrait Artists hold their annual convention in beautiful Palm Springs at the Riviera Resort and Spa. If you are a senior photographer, or what to add that to your photography business, I can't think of a better way to spend your time. This convention is expertly run and extremely well thought out, with more opportunities to learn and get great images than just about any other "seminar" I've been to. I was invited to be a guest speaker and to lead a couple photo shoots. I was pleasantly surprised to find that SPA is all setup with great senior models, fun clothing and accessories, and an abundance of beautiful locations to shoot. It's just a playground for photographers!

My first senior, Emma, is a gymnast and full of energy. While she looks comfortable in just about any setting or outfit, she admittedly is a nature girl - most comfortable climbing trees and running around barefoot. She was wonderful to work with!

Emma's gymnastic skills enabled her to pull off this shot I pictured in my mind even better than I had hoped! She held that balance on the bike for a solid 10-15 minutes without even a wiggle. Amazing!

Kristin was just as amazing too! She carried off elegant Hollywood looks as easily as fun and funky fashion flings! She had a great attitude and willingness to try just about anything. We really enjoyed working with Kristin and creating some great images with her.

Lighting workshop with Jules Bianchi

A few years ago I met this quirky photographer. She had an infectious smile, a personality that just won't quit, and also happened to do amazing things with a camera. Today, I am fortunate to call her my friend, and Jules Bianchi is one of my favorite photographers as well. I was allowed to tag along on a location posing and lighting workshop she did in New Orleans for Partner Con a little while back, and I realized she was a great teacher too - this lady does it all!

Jules doesn't do a ton of workshops, so when she does, it's worth getting in on the action. She will be holding a location lighting workshop in Orange County, CA on Jan 26th and I think there are a couple of spots left. I would highly recommend this workshop to any portrait or wedding photographer looking for ways to improve their location lighting and posing. Jules really does make it look easy - and is excellent about explaining how she does it. It will be money well spent!