Shutterboo Photography

So earlier this week I told you about the “sit and discuss” portion of Christy Tyler‘s workshop.  But we did more than just sit.  We got to shoot.

Christy worked with local vendors and set up a practice shoot in the warehouse district of Chicago.  I was excited to not only see her vision come to life, but getting to shoot in an urban area tickled me pink!  (I may have blogged about it already.)  Once the bouquet and boutonniere arrived, a handful of ohs and ahs followed and I was fairly certain the practice shoot would be awesome.

It was.  It was awesome.

Irene and Michael, who are friends of Christy and engaged to be married, were the unfortunate souls who had to stand outside in 50° weather with wind whipping around every corner.  Never mind the goosebumps – Irene and Michael were stunning.  Beautiful people with sweet smiles and even sweeter laughs.  Though it was practice shoot, their love was apparent and were adorable together.  Put them in a brilliant wardrobe, hair and makeup and you got some major wowza.

This is Irene and Michale.

Mignonette Bridal - Bride/Groom’s Outfits   |   Larkspur - flowers   |   Makeup by Pamela - makeup   |   Debbie Petrielli - hair

There are several things that I liked about this practice shoot, but these were most valuable to me:

1. Seeing Christy work.  The way she got Irene and Michael into a pose, directed them along the way, said all the right things to get those beautiful expressions.  Homegirl can work some magic.  And I got a front row seat to the show.

2. Understanding the setup of back lighting.  I knew what back lighting was and have occasionally pulled it off, but if I’m being honest here, it’s mostly been luck.  But Christy showed us the light, where it fell, what to watch for and after culling, I totally see it.  I can say that I finally see the light.  (Yes.  Pun intended.)

3. Watching how the other ladies worked.  All photographers stand on things and move constantly to rework a setting, but seeing the other ladies position themselves, recompose and then check their LCD screens made me feel like I’m actually doing something right.

4. Getting frustrated.  I’ll admit that I got frustrated with myself.  Unhappy with my settings and what I was seeing on my LCD screen, getting more flustered – I had to make myself take a deep breath more than once.  We talked about it afterwards and I was reassured – being able to have your fingers respond immediately will come later, with practice.

This was a great opportunity for me.  A great idea to act on.  Not only to be mentored for a day, but to meet and visit with three other fabulous photographers.  And I’m so happy that Irene and Michael modeled – meeting two people that are head over heels for each other just makes my heart beat a little faster.  And I wish them nothing but happiness in their future together.  I’m also grateful for Christy and her willingness to make herself available to us and for her and James to open their home to a handful of strangers.  It doesn’t go unappreciated.

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. -Brian Tracy