Two words. Life changing.
Where do I begin with this past weekends photography workshop in Seattle at the CreativeLive studio. I was so honoured to be selected to attend the photography workshop with Joe Buissink, someone I’ve admired since I’ve started my photography journey. Joe has photographed weddings worldwide and has substantial list of high end clients including many celebrities.
If you have not seen the course, I highly suggest you go to the Creative Live page and purchase it! It will inspire you not only in photography but in life as well. That is what it did for me. He teaches you to see the world differently, by not missing the moments that are passing by, yes it pertains to wedding photography, but it went much deeper than that for me and I am forever grateful.
This is his approach to wedding photography. Capturing the moments that are happening right infront you as the day of unfolds. Yes of course it is, you think as a wedding photographer, but they way he conveys his message is just powerful. It’s not about capturing that “perfect” shot (technically and posed I mean), it’s about capturing that moment which is the perfect shot.
His approach is not for everyone and simply put by Joe, that is ok, find out who you are as a person and you can find out who you are as photographer. You have to find your own style but it ultimately starts with who you are as person.
I mean when I first put my camera in “P” mode (which is what he uses most of the time) my hands starting sweating and anxiety crept it’s way throughout my body. “P” mode? “Oh no, I am a manual shooter”, I like full control. lol. His point is that because has mastered the “P” mode technique, he able to capture those moments that happen in a split second faster than in manual mode, and really you must watch the course to fully understand how to technically rock the “P” mode. It’s not easy. It takes practice, lots and lots of practice. Don’t simply go to your next wedding and think you can rock it out. I am going to switch to “P” mode? Not anytime soon, but I am open to practicing this new technique to be able to capture those moments faster. I love editorial and fashion styled images, that’s just me, who I am, but I feel if I can combine the two I will have ultimately nailed who I want to be as a wedding photographer and it took this course to fully understand the direction of my business. I can’t thank you enough Joe for opening my eyes to see weddings in a whole new light. Often times we spend so much time organizing the perfect shot, the perfect scene, following the perfect timeline that we miss the most important elements in a wedding. That’s not to say I am going to start changing my editorial inspired images, but I am certainly going to be more aware of what is happening on the side lines of the day. I could go into detail and write a four page post about each element of this course, or you could just learn directly from the man himself. From the “pitch” (which is what it all starts with) to the camera, to the contracts, to the lighting, this course was beyond amazing. I mean he hires his second shooter to be the main shooter to ensure all the formals and needed shots of the day are taken so he can focus on the candids and what he wants to shoot. Simply brilliant!
I came into this with an open mind and in hopes I could take my business to new levels. I will do just that and I am so excited for what the future has in store!
Here are some images from when I was practicing with Joe (let’s just say that again, I was practicing one on one with Joe Buissink!) So incredibly awesome for me. All the shots below of Nikki, the bride, are taken on “P” mode, with very little retouching and some sweaty palms, lol. Our bride, Nikki, from Nixy Photography was stunning! Nikoma Souza provided hair and makeup. Great to meet you ladies!
Some behind the scenes for setting up day two, on location for the first look right down to reception. Isaiah….I see you! lol
Susan and Larae are as lovely as they look. So nice and so welcoming. Great to meet you ladies!
Joe working with the bride and groom, from Jon+Mach Photography, a husband and wife team. You guys were awesome and best of luck with your family and photography career.
Joe explains that by simply talking and asking questions you will get the reactions you are looking for. He simply asked them how he proposed and they were emotional all over again. It was so sweet.
The man in action!
Preparing for the first look. He explains in detail during the course about the first look, what to do, how to stage it and how to get the emotion you are looking for.
I love this one below. A mix of stylish and all unposed and candid!
Working with difficult lighting for the ceremony and reception. We worked on perfecting the use of bounce flash.
The lovely Jen and Makenzie who went above and beyond to ensure we had breakfast, snacks, lunches, fresh coffee and everything we needed. Thank you ladies. Thank you to the entire crew at creative live, everyone was so nice to ensure we had everything we needed at all times.
These bad boys were everywhere, but after the first few hours you do forget they are there.
Below was the set for day three, Business, Business, Business!
A gorgeous and generous acrylic print from Pictage, thank you!!
Some of Joe’s mini albums from Graphi Studios.
I had such a great time with the other photographers who were also selected to join the workshop! Best of luck with everything it was great to meet you all! Here is Joncee. Her smile is infectious, I look forward to practicing the sunset techniques you showed me! We were practicing here with our flashes. Joncee, I thought I came from a small town, best of luck!
Abbie (the lovely lady shooting), so great to meet you and share this opportunity with you. I had a great time learning and talking shop with you!
Doug, best of luck with your photography career and thank you for the great CD, your music is great! Even better with your “pitch” lol.
Gretchen, you are a trooper! Even with health concerns she made it everyday. Great to meet you!
Isaiah, thank you for making me laugh everyday and keepin’ it real. Good luck in September with everything and so great to meet your wife too.
That’s a wrap!
I know, some people are cut off, what can I say, 7D with a 50mm! lol
A big thank you for all the personal messages sent in from around the world and all my new photography fans! I really appreciated all your wonderful comments and look forward to learning and growing from each other.
So his message is this. Find out who you are as a person and you can find out who you are as a photographer. Find your style, practice, master the camera, master the technical lighting, and don’t miss the moments that unfolds. Learn the “pitch” and book those clients you want to photograph and who want and desire to be photographed by you.
Joe, I am so grateful this for this opportunity. Thank you a billion times over. Oh, and once I’ve completed shooting that Napa Valley Wedding in my lifetime, I’ll be toasting with a bottle of Caymus and thinking of your words, “don’t give up, you have what it takes.” I just may need a second shooter or a first so I’ll be in touch! lol
xoxo
All the best!
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