2013 has been a year of growth, transition, and new friendships.
In January of this year, I purchased my first Contax Medium Format Film Body. I began experimenting with film primarily for personal purposes and fell in love with the results.
Over the past 6 months, I’ve slowly begun integrating film into my professional work, mainly for bridals and engagements and as I move into the year 2013 I’ll be focusing those sessions solely around film.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend 2 incredible workshops this year. In the month of September, I attended Jose Villa’s Napa Workshop (Day 1 & Day 2) and last month I attended the FIND (Film Is Not Dead) Workshop in NOLA.
The process of learning about film is quite extensive and I’ve continued to make and learn from my mistakes.Β Because I studied architecture for both undergrad and grad school I’ve done the bulk of my photographic learning through experience and seeking out knowlegdge from other experienced photographers.
I was nervous to attend my first workshop this year as they can be intimidating. However, since I’ve returned home, I’ve made huge changes and strides and have continued to grow as a result.
Feel free to read more about Jose’s workshop HERE and HERE. And today I wanted to write a bit about my experience at FIND Nola.
The first night I arrived a little late. After my afternoon shoot in Lafayette, I hit the road for New Orleans. It was nice attending a workshop close to home for the convenience and familiarity but if I did it againβ¦I would have traveled for the full experience.
When I arrived, I was greeted by a group of sweet and friendly, talented attendees (in addition toΒ JonathanΒ and Catherine, Jon’s workshop coordinator). Dinner the first night was delicious and it was a lot of fun getting to know everyone.
Every morning of the workshop, we sat inside the upstairs of the firehouse in NOLA and listening as Jonathan critiqued each person’s work, including their websites and blog arrangements. I found this time very insightful.
And then my brain exploded. π
Noβ¦but seriously. After critiques each day until before and just after lunchβ¦.we were overloaded with technical information regarding film stocks, settings, and gear. I took away so much knowledge and weeks later, I’m still soaking it in. I’ve revisited my notes several times and will continue to grow from the workshop over time I’m sure.
At the end of each day we went into the streets of New Orleans (in what were the COLDEST days of the year so far) to shoot film. Days 1 and 3 were photographing families and couples and Day 2 was personal work (where I had the pleasure of exploring the city with Brandi, Cassidy, and Alyssa.) This was probably the most memorable part of the workshop for me because I feel like I was able to not only see New Orleans in a whole new way but approach photography in a more personal light.
The experience of FIND is one I won’t forget. I really enjoyed meeting and learning from Jonathan and the other women as well as the experience of bonding over our passion for film photography. I know that moving forward it will be really fun to see everyone grow and continue connecting as our businesses change.
Below are a few of my favorites from the workshop. I also plan to post favorites from the sessions in the upcoming weeks! :::
Love them Catherine! I can’t wait to see scans from the sessions! I am so glad I got the opportunity to meet you and share in this experience with you!
I’m happy I got to meet you too! π
These are awesome, Catherine! You are very talented (and you have a beeauutiful name!), and I adore the feeling of these… I love that you took so many great BTS photos! And if that is Alyssa blowing sugar off of her beignet, well I seriously just die! That is rad!
Thanks Catherine (also love your name) π β¦.thanks for stopping by to checkout the images! I had a blast at the workshop; thanks for all your hard work.
These are great! It was such a pleasure meeting you and I can’t wait to see the rest! You are incredibly talented!
It was great meeting you too! Can’t wait to post photos of your session!