2013 NYC Styled Bridal Shoot Workshop + Business Workshop

What was a dream many many months ago is finally coming together.  I felt the fear, pushed past the hiccups and made it happen (with lots support & love).  Here’s the behind the scenes story of the 2013 NYC Styled Bridal Shoot Workshop + Business Workshop.

I first met UK based destination wedding photographer Segun Olotu of Sottu Photography in person when he reached out letting me know that he was in New York all the way from the UK.  He was the 5th person I’d met from Instagram and then connected in real life.  Note to self: I should make this a goal, meet and make more real life friends from social media.

We grabbed an early dinner at The Republic and discussed stories of how we started in photography.  It was refreshing since most photographers I meet up with put up a I’ve-got-it-together facade, so you feel like you’re the only one going through stuff.  Segun has an incredible, inspiring story about how he got started and has quickly built a solid destination photography business.  At the end, Segun told me, ” I can’t wait to attend your first workshop.”  I looked at him incredulously with a look of confusion and disbelief because my vision of doing a workshop was years into the future, but he said, “next year, you’ll make it happen.”  It’s so important in this industry to have a strong network of photographer friends to encourage you to take a leap.

Though I didn’t realize it from that moment on, the seed was planted and the wheels started turning in my head.  God also began to whisper into my heart, “make it happen.”  Months later, Segun emailed to let me know that he’d be back in the States to shoot a few weddings, and I confidently stated, “let’s make a workshop happen.”

I spent the next few months thinking about the skills and gifts I could offer to help other photographers, what beginner wedding photographers really wanted to know and who best could help them and along the drive to Pier 1, it hit me…  I’ve worked in corporate America as part of big brand teams on major household brands including Advil, Avon, Splenda, and Pepsi for years brand building and creating campaigns to drive brand awareness, increase household penetration, reposition and defend against imitators.  For so long, I’ve had this skill but never married it together with photography.  I also have an MBA from the top marketing business school Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.  I love brand building, and I wanted to share that information with photographers willing to do the work; I want to help them create brands that are unique, authentic and priceless.  This is the gift that I want to share at this workshop.

So now, I’m unbelievably excited to unveil and announce the 2013 NYC Styled Bridal Shoot Workshop + Business Workshop featuring 3 really awesome friends: Syed, Segun and Tiffany.  I chose the topics particularly because when I first started out in wedding photography, I struggled to find this information and believe most new photographers have the same questions and concerns.

Segun who’s always on the go somewhere in the world will be presenting destination weddings: how he communicates with clients around the world, books, travels and shoots destination weddings.  Feel free to grab this picture and pass it along to anyone you know who may be interested.

Note: My photo in the marketing promo above was shot by the fab Gina Zeidler.

Here’s one of Segun’s photos from an engagement session he did in Paris.

I’m also excited to announce Syed Yaqueen of SYPhotography will be one of the main presenters.  I met Syed at Stacie Francombe’s Inspire Smart Success (ISSE), and we kept track of each other through social media but only recently chatted for real.  He is one very cool dude, down to earth and personable; you’d forget he’s been featured in the luxury magazine Grace Ormonde or regularly shoots top bridal runway shows at New York’s Bridal Market.  He’ll be sharing his cool formulas and techniques for how he lights up small and large grand wedding receptions beautifully.  Check out the photo below of Syed’s work.  Yup, I’ll be in the front row asking lots of questions. You?

Finally, joining this awesome cast of workshop presenters is Tiffany Chalk of Tiffany Chalk Events who I also met through ISSE.  Tiffany is one of the most sought after event professionals in the TriState area.  Dedicated to her craft, Tiffany stays abreast of what she calls “T3” (the latest techniques, technology and talent boosters), by learning from the best in the industry.  She’s been wonderful personally and professionally to work with on this workshop and such a great source of encouragement.  Be forewarned.  It’s going to be a gorgeous luxury styled shoot.

Ok, you can stop reading, get more details and GO Register { here }.