Images from Aspire Website - Check out their workshops!
Yesterday i flew to Leeds with Janine Walker & Paula O'Hara (Amazing girls - check out their blog's), for a mini adventure (it started at 4am) to go see the amazing Jessica Claire who came all the way from Orange County.
I love to follow Jessica Claire through her awesome blog, her work is always perfection, she loves her doggie Acey as much us other photographers too - added bonus.
After our flight, hiring a car and us driving from Leeds Airport to Cumbria (eek), We arrived at Aspire our base for the day at 9.55am, bang on time! But last to arrive, the usual front row seats were only available (i was feeling a mixture of nerves with excitement so to be sat in front of THE JESSICA CLAIRE front row was very weird at first).
Then, she began her talk and slide show... wow she is so Normal i thought....and soooo nice. I began to relax and really enjoy her inspirational question and answer talk. She discussed all elements of being a photographer, running a business, branding your businness but also making time to have a life. Which i find very hard to do, i can never 'switch off'.
After a delicious lunch (mmm eton mess for dessert too), we did a photoshoot with Jessica, complete with 2 fab styled models and vintage props - oh and sunshine!
She showed us how she controls natural light and her subjects deciding upon locations and posing them, we were all amazed by how quick she was able to work. We all had a chance to take a few images by setting the models up.
Jessica Claire in action complete with her cute baby bump!
We had the chance to shoot along side Jessica, and have the models to ourselves for 1 minute and 30 seconds!
After the photoshoot was a chance for a few more questions and to see how she manages her work flow and post processing, again so fast and precise she worked. The day flew by in a flash but it was perfect, i loved that so many photographer's flew from all over the UK and Europe to see her.
Just before we left -
Gonna frame this in my office - to inspire me to 'Keep Calm & Snap On'.
L-R - Janine, Me, Jessica & Paula
Jessica Ceason took this image - so thankyou!
On the drive back to Leeds aiport, on the plane and in the car from Belfast aiport to Portadown we did not stop chatting, we felt buzzing (i'm still buzzing - 10.30 Wednesday morning) it was 100% worth it.
I have so many things i want to change within my businness this year
- my website & branding
- being more productive with my time
- to create amazing images for my couples now that wedding season is here
- blog more
Right well, i think i best go write a list and perhaps plan my next photography adventure/workshop! I would recommend anyone to attend Aspire workshops, i have puts links on the page so check them out.
