Learning, to me, is the only way to keep growing.  Do I sound like a broken record yet?  I hope so because it is worth repeating.  So when it comes to workshops, how do you know which is the right one to go to?  Is there a one-size-fits-all or should you try different types to become a well-rounded photographer?

A couple of months ago, I was honored to host two of my very favorite photographers for their lighting workshop in Atlanta.  Now, some might wonder, what does a photographer who specializes in seniors need to learn from two wedding photographers?  And I say….PLENTY!!

Justin & Mary Marantz are two people who know their stuff!  Whether they are talking about branding or lighting or weddings or whatever, you want to listen.  I am always drawn in the minute they open their mouths, and I am always left with knowledge that helps me in life and in my business.  You see, Justin and Mary are passionate.  They exude heart and soul and they put every ounce of their being into helping others in this field.  They are truly there to help.  Not to be the “it” photographers and not to be so called “rockstars.”  But to be themselves…their caring, knowledgeable, entertaining, helpful selves.

So I drove to Atlanta just to listen to them.  I have heard them speak several times and each time its something new and different and something that gets my brain swirling with new ideas.  Ideas that work in the wedding photography industry as they have done so successfully but also ideas that can be applied to any genre.  This particular workshop was on lighting.  And I knew that lighting would be a good way to add a new dimension to my senior portrait business.

Lighting has always been a scary thing for me.  The equipment, the costs, the shear lugging around a bunch of stuff all intimidated me.  So I shied away.  Stayed clear.  But then I heard J&M were teaching a lighting workshop and I figured if anyone could make me literally see the light, it was these two!

Because I was the host, I got to do what I do best, which is plan.  I found the location for the workshop, which was this awesome studio in Decatur, found the models (Christina, Brittany and Erin – you guys rocked!!), got the makeup artist (my awesome friend and makeup artist for Seniorologie Tour Atlanta – Michele – you rocked too girl!), planned the meal and then got to enjoy the company of some great photographers and learn from two of the best.  What better deal is there than that?

As soon as we all gathered, Justin and Mary immediately started demonstrating how the right light can transform a photo.  If done the correct way, it can make a simple setting look rich and elegant.  They showed us the do’s and don’ts of using your flash and then brought out the big guns…off-camera flash.  This is where I was starting to sweat a little.  I mean big lights and stands…they aren’t for me.  But then they showed us how you could simplify it.  Use one stand with your flash and an umbrella and get a nice soft, natural looking light.  No big flash, no deer in headlights look on your subject’s faces…just beautifully lit subjects.

J&M talked to use about why?  Why do you do what you do?  What do you want to say with your images?  And how can light help you achieve that?

After the instructional portion, we had dinner and then got to shooting.  And J&M were so hands on and literally held our hands if we needed them to.  They helped us feel comfortable with lighting.  They made sure we understood it and got the shots we wanted.  And I can now say that I would be able to use a light if I needed.  I have even set up a backdrop and my flash on a stand with an umbrella in my garage and practiced!  I also have plans to use this set up in the future.

J&M helped me to not be afraid of lights.  They helped me understand how I could use it in my business, even though that business is not weddings.

So when you are looking for a workshop, be open to any and all types.  Figure out what you need to learn or improve upon and go to the experts.  Find photographers who are passionate about sharing and teaching.  Find those that will help you as long as it takes to make you feel comfortable with what you are learning.  Justin and Mary did that for me and I will forever be grateful!

If you are looking to learn more about lighting, Justin and Mary have several J&M Lighting Intensives throughout the country.  Click here to find out more about where they will be and when.

To Justin and Mary, thank you for allowing me to continue to learn from you two!  You guys will always have a special place in my heart and I will always be grateful to all the knowledge, love and inspiration you spread by just being YOU!!

Check out some of the images of the amazing models and see how we utilized the light.