Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai workshop

Not to long ago I got to take the Natural Lighting Portraiture workshop from Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai . It was one of the funnest workshops I've ever taken. First off considering I'm way more comfortable with off camera flash this was a very challenging time. CJ reminded me why I bought a light meter and recommended even though I shoot digital I should use it for available light. All the photos taken this weekend were shot with available light - no flash. -Yikes!




The main draw to the workshop was the "how to talk with models and/or your subject". Cheryl did a terrific job explaining how she works with a new client or model. Now I truly understand how she gets that connection in her photos.



We got to turn our photo shoots into "getting to know you" Interview shoots. To me it sure is easier to understand lighting and how radio transmitters work then sitting down without hiding behind my camera then getting to know my subject



So for two days I didn't fire a flash or hide behind my big camera. I talked, communicated, listened and got wrapped up in the storys of what makes the person special to the world and why am I photographing them. This shows up in the fact I only got one good shot of Phelyx. (I've got to spend more time with that guy to get some more shots. We talked for 45 minutes & I only took 4 frames.) (oops)



So to make things harder on us. CJ decided to invite some very talented local performers. A couple burlesque dancers and a metal bending magician. O'ryan is a fun girl who loves a martini and a good book. She will climb all over trains for a shot. She has a great Pin-Up look that photographs well.



Shotza is a bubbly dancer that is willing to try just about anything. She is quite funky to have around and has huge dog that's twice her size.





Next was Phelyx, the only guy I know who is kicked out of Blackhawk & Central City and it isn't for counting cards. He is very talented and has some amazing stories. He'll even bend a fork right in front of your eyes and barely be touching it.



The workshop is absolutely a blast I had a great time. To find out more about CJ's next workshop checkout her web. You can see more of all these characters down at Lannies Clocktower Cabaret. - even CJ as she sings down there sometimes too.

Andrew Clark on wedding photography

Well it's already February of 2009 & I've already got one workshop under my belt. I took the Wedding Photography with Andrew Clark workshop through Illuminate Workshops.



Andrew is one of the leading wedding photojournalist shooting in Colorado. He's shot several high society clients in the Denver area and around the world. He's even shot a wedding for TV! Channel 9news documented the wedding experience and Andrew was picked as the photographer. WOW!



What can I say... Let's see... You know how you have that one book in your life that is "the one book" you wish would of read earlier in your life? That's how I felt about this workshop. I kept thinking that it's a lot of money, do I really want to do wedding photography? whaah whaah whaah. I am so glad I took this workshop. There is so much very good information.



Several times from the student body of six people, I heard "what Andrew just taught us was so worth the tuition alone". Then we would move onto the next part of the lesson plan and someone else would say it AGAIN.



Andrew Clark's wedding photography workshop will take you over many aspects of the photography business; from photojournalism & basic posing, to digital workflow, to seeing the light & lighting, finally to branding & marketing your business.



Now whether I "do just weddings" or not... taking this workshop has given me the tools to be a better photographer and move my business in a positive direction. So if your sitting on the fence thinking about this workshop, hopefully I've helped lean you in a way by giving you a glimpse into what it's like.

These are the photos from the class of just walking around using available light and getting good shots.

Photos from the workshop...

I finished the photos from David Tejada's Small Strobes, Big Results workshop I took on August 23rd. I'd like to thank Dephedre from Model Mayhem #775164 and Colin Cheadle for letting me shoot them.

Small Strobes, Big Results workshop

Last Saturday the 23rd, I took David Tejada's Small Strobes, Big Results workshop. This was absolutely fun!!! Besides there being a bunch of great photographers from around the country there, David and his assistants are a blast to spend the day with. I made several new Photography friends who got to witness me attempt to drink a 64oz. margarita. :-O



David explained lighting in a easy to understand way. I fully believe that after taking this workshop I have the confidence to light any location with any creative idea that crosses my mind.

If you want to understand and control your light TAKE THIS WORKSHOP! You can find more information at Small Strobes, Big Results.


I'll have some behind the scene video as soon as i'm done editing it down.

Light Education....

I'm so excited for this weekend to come. I've signed up for the lighting class Small Strobes, Big Results, with David X. Tejada. He is an amazing photographer who can command the light to do exactly what he wants.



The class is all day Saturday and I cant wait!!! I want to see how he gets such great lighting with only little speed lights. He uses the Nikon SB-800s, and even though I have only 1 of those I'm looking forward to using the 4 Vivitar 285's I have.

If you haven't seen what David does check out his blog and watch his videos he's putting up on Youtube.

I'll let you all know how the class goes next week. I'm also looking to go downtown for the Democratic National Convention and see what I can get.