I GOT THE GOLDEN TICKET: JVS SPEEDLITE WORKSHOP

There was never any doubt that I wanted to go. But when it was announced that the workshop was coming to Orange County at the beginning of July, I quickly realized it just wasn’t in the budget. And the more everyone talked about it on Twitter, the more I pouted. Because I knew this workshop would change everything for me. And I was right.

Let’s rewind back to last Thursday, shall we? At 4 o’clock in the afternoon, I tuned in to the B-School Study Hall. Just as I do most every Thursday afternoon. And because I knew JVS was going to be Becker’s guest, I was crossing my fingers that I’d be able to glean even a little bit of wisdom from him. I knew I wouldn’t be attending his workshop the next day, so I was going to take whatever I could get. And that’s when they announced it. JVS decided to give away a ticket to his OC workshop. And though I was doubtful I’d win, I reminded myself of the strange sort of luck I’ve had with so many other photography related contests. So I decided to give it a try.

“The first person to tweet a link to one of JVS’ fusion pieces to @thebschool will win the ticket” they announced. I’d been signed into Twitter on my computer (because it’s faster than my phone) in anticipation of having to tweet something. And as soon as they said what it would be, I googled it as fast as I could, copy and pasted the link, stopped for a brief second to make sure it was all typed out correctly, and hit send. My heart was beating quickly, the way it does whenever I’m rushed, and as soon as I’d taken a deep breath, I saw it. Someone else beat me to it by 30 SECONDS! And when I realized just how close I’d come to winning the ticket, it made me want it even more. And I pouted. And J pouted for me when I told him. And Whitney pouted for me as well when I told her the story just 15 minutes later as she and I hopped in the car and made our way to do some thrift shopping.

As I browsed the racks at the thrift shop, I began to forget all about the workshop and all about finding a one of a kind pieces. Until a repeated voicemail alert finally directed my attention to my phone. It was full of voicemails, tweets, and texts letting me know that the winner of the ticket couldn’t make it to the workshop. Which meant I was next in line. And I couldn’t help but think it was a joke. Because honestly, I couldn’t be that lucky, could I?

Fast forward 15 hours later, and I arrived at Photo Studio Six for my first photography workshop. Ever. And nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to learn. I anticipated that my head would want to explode at the end of the day, and I was right. In fact, I think I’m still processing everything. And the more I reflect on what I learned at the workshop and test things out with my single speedlite, the more I feel ridiculously legit. Because Francis Bacon was right. Knowledge is power! Okay, either that last part came across as really powerful or really nerdy. Hopefully the latter.

Many thanks to Megan and Carol for modeling for me at the workshop.

“the grid” was one of my favorite modifiers…

Gotta throw in the self portraits.

And just like my teeny bopper days, I had to get a pic with the masters (:

Speedlites are now a heck of a lot cooler than I thought they were before I attended the workshop. And maybe that’s because they used to scare me. The unknown seems to elicit that sort of reaction, especially when it comes to photography. Granted, I already had somewhat of a working knowledge of how to use flash for wedding receptions before the workshop, but I truly believe that what I learned from JVS and Anne will transform the way I use light. And instead of believing that having to use flash is a curse, it has now become a potential pathway for creativity. Because if you’ve ever seen what JVS can do with a single speedlite, you know it’s absolutely extraordinary.

Be warned. If you attend the Speedlite Workshop, you’ll not only be shooting, but modeling as well. And as most photographers would agree, that can be a scary thing! Please note: I borrowed these next few images from JVS’ blog. They were taken by my friend Marc Weisberg and you can catch his review as well as more images from the workshop here.

The light on the right is called a beauty light and it’s said to bring out features people don’t even know they have. JVS found
out that I have good cheekbones. Score! Can you guess which light modifier I want to purchase first?

Oh and my engagement ring got to model as well. And guess what, now I’m DYING to buy a macro. This could be an expensive hobby!

If you’re even considering buying a ticket to the workshop, do it. Don’t even hesitate. I guarantee you’ll walk away with so much information that your head will want to explode. And that’s a good thing. Please note: I wouldn’t recommend this workshop to photographers who are just starting out. Having a working knowledge of how to shoot manually on camera as well as a basic knowledge of how to use flash makes it a lot easier to absorb all the information presented. Two years ago all this information would have gone right over my head. Heck, some of it was still over my head and I’d venture to say I’m not the only one who felt that way. Or maybe I am. I did say some pretty blonde things to other workshop attendees that day. Maybe it was excitement, or fatigue. Whatever the case, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand the basics before taking things to the next level. Trust me, JVS and Anne are on a completely different level than the rest of the photography world.

JVS and Anne, thank you sooo much for your generosity and for sharing all your knowledge! You both made it so easy to learn and never made me feel too afraid to ask questions. I think my brain is still exploding from everything you shared. And I’m excited about that! Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise. You both are amazing. I can’t wait to start buying gear and putting it all to good use!