I’ve had a couple weeks to soak it in… I was reeling after coming back from Santa Fe, after taking a workshop with Andrew Southam. If I could wake up every morning with a lesson in art history followed by a shoot with fabulous models in the afternoon, prepped by a world class makeup artist, I think that might be my version of heaven.  The Fashion Portrait at Santa Fe Photographic Workshops comes very close! 

Before I arrived in Santa Fe, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Andrew, being as accomplished as he is in his craft. In seeing his portfolio on his website, I could tell he’s worked alongside the best of the best in the industry and his work really resonated with me (ok, I’ll admit, it also intimidated me!).  I was happily suprised that when I met him in person he was just as lovely as he was on his blog, extremely humble and kind. He had a very organic approach to shooting, working with natural light and then using artificial light to enhance the image/concept. He kept reminding us to always look at what is motivating the light, and to always use that to decide how you will light your subject.  To me, he was the quintessential Hollywood photographer, the real deal. And the best part was he was really a great guy! (Side note: He shoots with his cowboy hat on. And has a killer Aussie accent. That must be the secret to his success.)

Being a natural light shooter, I’ll be the first to admit that using artificial lighting during the week made me feel a little bit like a deer in the headlights, especially at the beginning of the week. But I embraced the challenge. I did, after all, go out there to grow and I’ve learned the best way to do so is pushing beyond my comfort zone. On the first day the students photographed each other in the studio. I found myself in a stupor, staring at the grey backdrop, my classmate Ashley, and a pile of equipment and lighting and wondered how in the world I could find my style, myself, in all of this. It was overwhelming, and I thought I might fail. I did fail. Several times. But I kept trying!

Every morning we’d get together and for a lecture and review each other’s work from the previous day, then we’d go on location for a shoot. It truly was heaven for me (besides having to carry all that heavy gear around!). By the end of the week I was finally in my groove, feeling like my style was coming across (even in the studio, can you imagine?),  just in time to pack up and go home. I’m excited to keep at it!

Here are some of my favorite images from the week, in no particular order.