Although I built a little vacation into my Phoenix trip, the main reason that I was there was to attend the MJ 2 Day Workshop held by the lovely and talented Melissa Jill.
I started entertaining the idea of a workshop this summer, but wasn’t sure what to do or where to look. In a totally random act of web surfing, I came across Melissa Jill’s blog. I started looking through her FAQ Section and was so impressed with her open and generous spirit. When I stumbled across the resources for photographers page I stopped. A workshop? Awesome! I browsed over the information and the fit was immediate. I was super nervous signing up because it meant a big commitment of taking off work and traveling to Phoenix all alone. Allen was super supportive, and I went for it. In hindsight, I don’t know what my problem was. It was the best decision I have made for my business to date.
Day 1 was all about photography. Melissa generously shared her shooting techniques, tips on lighting, choosing locations, posing and more. As if that wasn’t enough brain overload, on the afternoon of Day 1, we ventured out into Old Town Gilbert for a mock engagement shoot. With our group of thirteen photographers and two gorgeous models, we were quite a sight. We got a lot of stares and interested looks as our “tourist group” shot around town.
Did I tell you they were gorgeous, or did I tell you? They had so much personality and handled our big group with grace and humor.
There was a water fountain in the middle of town, so we pushed them right out into it! They were actually really good sports about the whole thing and offered to run through it if we wanted. I think these two turned out cute.
It was great watching Melissa interact with her clients. They were so trusting and did anything she asked. I love to watch other photographer’s techniques and client interaction. The mock session was such a good learning experience. If you are one of my upcoming engagement sessions, watch out! I’ve got some new tricks that I’m sure to pull out of the bag.
On Day 2, we were up and at ‘em early in the morning. Melissa filled my brain to the rim with everything business. We went over workflow, album design, networking, blogging (check) and tons more. In the afternoon, we headed back out to Old Town Gilbert to shoot each other. This was one of the funnest parts of the whole workshop. By now, we were all friends and it was so much fun taking turns with each other in front of the camera.
My first partner was the seriously talented Holly McCaig. One section of her business focuses on Senior photography, so she tried out her “loosen up” trick on me. I channelled my inner Metro Cheerleader and jumped as high as I could. Dang it! – I still haven’t mastered that herkie!
The lone guy in our group, Bruce Clarke, obviously saw my mad jumping skills and asked me if I wanted to jump a nearby fire hydrant. He showed me what do and cleared it perfectly. I tried my hardest, but I couldn’t quite get the hydrant jumping either. At least he caught my ridiculous expression. Ha!
I was much better at sitting on the fire hydrant instead!
I definitely preferred being behind the camera. These are a few of my favorite images of my new friends. Left to right: Holly McCaig and Courtney Stephens.
My sweet new friend Denise worked it – WATCH OUT girl!
And you know me. Thanks to Jessica Hampton for taking this fun one of me.
I seriously had so much fun at the MJ 2 Day Workshop. If you get a chance to go to one of her future workshops, just DO IT. I promise you won’t regret it! I made so many great new friends, and you should go check out all of their awesome work: Anna, Bruce, Courtney, Dallas, Denise, Holly, Janna, Jessica, Kelly, Lucy, Mary, and Robin. Thank you to each of you for the laughs and the fun experience. I’ll never forget it!
by Amanda
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