I have to brag on Abbey from our Atlanta Workshop! I am so PROUD of her! If you need a little inspiration, here is your Monday dose! π
Little background first…
The week before our workshop, Abbey emailed me and Brian and said she had been working for a wedding photographer as an assistant. Abbey was hoping the workshop would help her with confidence and skills b/c she wanted to be that much better of an assistant to her boss. But when her boss heard that she was coming to our workshop, she decided to “let her go” b/c she thought Abbey would be to good afterwards. Brian and I were speechless. This was a first!
Abbey told us she was totally thrown off, but was going to try and look at all of this as a sign to get her own business off the ground. She had the BEST attitude one could have for such a surprise turn of events.
After the workshop Abbey’s friend, a makeup artist, asked her to be the photographer for a fashion shoot. This request literally came the night the workshop ended. Abbey freaked out and said “NO!” because she knew nothing about fashion shooting. But her friend talked her into it, and the Tuesday after our workshop ended she was doing her first fashion shoot!
I thought I’d let you read Abbey’s words of what happened next.
I MUST say I was out of my element, but I could use so many of the things you guys taught me. I metered, talked to the models the entire time to keep them comfortable, I even bounced my flash (like a raquet ball, Brian)!! ha ha! I thought I would share a few pictures. Feedback is seriously helpful! I hope I did not embarrass myself or you, but was proud of myself for WAY stepping outside of the my “box”!! I sent these to the style team, and they have asked me to do the next photo shoot too!!!
Here are a few of the shots Abbey took! If you have a free minute, post a comment with some feedback! I think she did AMAZING for her first time of metering light and working a fashion themed shoot!
Way to go Abbey!!!
Update on San Francisco Workshop!
At your request, we will release ALL the details regarding the upcoming workshop on tomorrow’s blog post. On Wednesday morning, we will open registration to all our former workshop attendees for the first week. Next Wednesday, we will begin the Early Bird Special for everyone else with whatever spots we have left!
As a little treat…
Garrett, shot this beautiful image to give us a sneak peak of where our location will be for the workshop! π I can’t WAIT!
(thanks Garrett! You’re AWESOME!)
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For fun photo exercises, check out our popular Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box (They are BACK IN STOCK!! Yeah!!), our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography , click on the words of your choice!
Freak out! I grew up 10 minutes from where this photo was taken!!! I am beyond thrilled!! Jeramy and I take the kids to the Headlands all the time!!! When the base was open I had lots of friends who lived there.
I can’t wait till tomorrow!
Okay… I’m off to check out Abbey’s work! These shots are awesome!
Abbey! Those shots are awesome! I love the light coming through the model’s arm in the first shot. Way to go!
I am so excited for the details tomorrow! Although I probably won’t be able to go because the economy is ruining everything! Aww well, I can be happy for everyone else that gets to go. π
Abbey, these shots are amazing. Great job!
Great job Abbey..those shots are great! Sad that your boss let you go because she thought you would be “too good”..but good for you that it gave you the push you needed.
Thanks for the pics Garrett..I have to be sitting on one of those chairs in a few months.
I know where that is!!
SO EXCITED CANNOT WAIT!!
Abbey pics are fab…off to leave her a comment.
ABBEY!! You shots are awesome. Great job. I totally sympathize that feeling of stepping out of your confort zone. But you excelled girlfriend. Nice work!!!
Abbey, you ROCK!!!! We all knew that already, didn’t we, Atlanta workshop girls? Having your boss freak out right before the workshop is absolutely the best thing that could have happened to you. You are on your way, girl!!! You did an amazing job and were SO brave to step way out of your comfort zone like that.
woo hoo!!!
Huge hugs to you…
Abbey – Great Photos! Sometimes the best things happen when your thrown into the fire.
Between Abbey’s & Garrett’s tease photo – I now want to attend more than ever.
I hope I’ll be joining you in San Fran
Abbey, those shots are GREAT! Awesome first time! I’m sure you’ll be booked solid in no time. π
Abbey!! Oh my gosh, those are great!! You should be so proud of yourself, not just for attempting something completely new, but turning out amazing pictures! Congrats!! Okay, I’ve really got to work on that ATL opportunity for us…I would learn so much from working with you!
OH my goodness! Me Ra! Everyone… thank you for your comments! It is a confidence boost for me!! Wow! Meeting everyone in Atlanta was JUST want I needed!!! Could not have come at a better time….
My boss did let me go b/c she thought we would be more “equals”… she did it b/c she thought it was what was right, not to be mean or hurt me. I was shocked and surprised but understand…. and am excited about the future!!!
Yes, this photo shoot was crazy and so much fun! Me Ra, Brian… thank you… honestly without you two I would have been a shaking mess! π
-abbey
great job abbey. you would never guess that was your first fashion shoot. you may have found your calling π
hmmm….clever shot garrett….well…i’d have to say that has got to be fort baker. am i right?
great job, abbey!
not only did you step outside your comfort zone (which is SO hard to do!) you ROCKED that photo shoot. many, MANY congrats.
oh…also…i’ve got a dinner recommendation….D’Angelo’s in mill valley….wonderful!
Me Ra – Could you atleast post general info about the hotel options (i.e. distance, cost, etc)? It would help in figuring out if I can afford going. Thanks!
all I can say is HOT!!!! These are some smokin’ shots!
Congrats Abbey!
Abbey,
I am so proud of you. These photos are incredible!
You are an inspiration to all of us Atlanta Girls!
Congratulations!
Wow! Abbey– your shots are ammmazzing! I can’t believe that was your first shoot! Congrats!!!
MeRa thank you so much for posting details a day early!! very helpful! I dont think i have ever been more excited about anything!… and i litterally counted all the pennies i have last night- haha. =) I really really hope this works out that me and my mom can come!
Abbey, you are an inspiration to all of us newbies! Your pictures are absolutely wonderful! And congratulations on your new solo adventure into the biz! It truly is about the journey, isn’t it?!!
these are so good abbey! What an inspiring post – I LOVE the second one!!!
Abbey,
Way to go! One, for not letting what could of been a sad situation get you down. Way to stay positive and move ahead….a look at the amazing gift you got. Two,
for ultimately believing in yourself and stepping out of you comfort zone and just going for it. And, Three…what you captured is wonderful and artistic..you should be proud!
You are an inspiration to all of us workshop newbies π
I soooo wish I could go to this workshop! π
Abby! You go girl for not letting anything deter you from doing what you want. This is a great example of how a seemingly bad situation and experience leads to better and bigger things! great pics!
Abbey, I think you are discovering that it’s really not as “difficult” or “glamorous” to do a fashion shoot as you may have thought. I had every preconception in the world and still have some about goals I have yet to achieve…what if you could look at these images and imagine a stranger took them. How different would that be?
BTW, I think they are funky, professional, and artistic! And this is just the beginning for you!
wow!! abbey, those shots are amazing!!! way to go, girl!!!! π
Abbey I can say from experience that every situation we encounter prepares us for the next step in life. These shots are really amazing…the lighting, the editing,everything is really good!I’m glad you were able to clarifye that your boss was not being mean or hurtful. She knew your hearts desire maybe even before you did. She wanted you to follow your dream and be passionate about it just as she was hers. The unexpected has caused you to do just that, take that step and go after what you really want to do…which is awesome! Sometimes the best decisions as business owners are the hardest! It’s hard as a business owner and as a friend to be truly happy for someone else when you know they are destined to take that next step. My assistant is also getting ready to take that next step into launching her own business. I am proud of her for taking it, she has what it takes to make a successful business just as you do! She is a dear friend and as her friend I want her to follow her dreams, just as I am sure Melissa wanted you to do. Keep shooting and keep learning, that was the best advice ever given to me…best wishes with your new business!
Way to go Abbey! You did an amazing job!!
And I can’t wait to hear about the San Francisco workshop! Finally a workshop in my neck of the woods… well, sort of. Same state at least. π
Great job Abbey, that first image really gets one’s attention!!
Mera… I am freaked out that I will have no access to the computer tomorrow… I know that it is selfish to say this, but I am so hoping that you do not sell out before I get home tomorrow night!! π
Wow! what a great job. The lighting is great. You should be proud of yourself.
Don’t stop what you have started. Keep it up.
Awesome job, Abbey! I would have NEVER guessed or thought this was your first fashion job. You nailed it right on the money. So glad that they were shared here to see.
Thanks!
That’s a bummer! She could have been such a plus for her business. But i bet that Abbey will do way better alone! She is amazing! Loved her shots!
Good for you, Abbey! Well done! I expect you WILL surpass that former boss who was silly enough to let you go.
Wish I was going to be in San Francisco for your workshop! Why does it have to be so far from Paris? Sigh. I miss San Francisco so much. On the good news front, I just got a new Sony A900 with Carl Zeiss lenses and now must seriously step up my photography skills!
Abbey,
Great job! Your shots are lively, stylish and elegant. Nice one. I wouldn’t have guessed this was your first job either. Seems like Life was indeed offering you a chance to spread your wings. Well done for going for it, full on!