May 2010

I promised to show some photos from the workshop I took in Dallas with Leah Profancik. First off, she’s a wonderful photographer and a very down to earth person. I had a great time and learned an amazing amount.  She discussed how she got into business and gave us some biz tips and suggestions. Things that worked for her, things that didn’t. How she handles the business side. We got a coupon to her store to buy actions or papers.

I had a fun time meeting up with some great ladies that I know from a photography forum that I’m on. 4 the Love of Focus. (isn’t this model just adorable?)

We were going to shoot one afternoon and on into sunset…but it got rained out. We had to head for some cover, but Leah didn’t miss a beat. We shot a few in this old shed. I. Love. His. Freckles. Anyway, Leah quickly changed gears, we went back to the hotel and learned some photoshop techniques, and she rescheduled the shoot for the next morning.

Here is Leah with another one of our models. Leah taught us backlighting in some pretty bright sunlight. I’ve never been successful with portrait photography in this type of light. I think I’ve nailed it now. She was very patient and would look at the images on the back of our cameras and give suggestions. She gave lots of tips on things to help prevent color casts from the green grass, getting light in their eyes with the sun behind the model, and how to properly expose in this kind of lighting along with a wealth of other little tips.

She helped me figure out the video on my camera too, along with changing some custom functions to make things easier.

She taught us how she processes photos like these. Then the last afternoon she did a portfolio review of each person who went to the workshop. I learned so much just listening and discussing her comments on everyone’s photos.

I had a wonderful time and learned a lot. The best workshop/class money I’ve spent on my photography. She was organized and always willing to answer questions as we went along.

So there are my thoughts on Leah Profancik’s workshop MiaBella Photographer Training. (if you do nothing else, go click on that link and see the ever so adorable photo of her daughter. It’s amazing. )If you’re a photographer interested in getting into portrait photography, her workshop is a great investment.