Just had to post this for all of my Hoosier friends. One of my Indiana friends emailed it to me and I had to thank her for the blog content. LOL! I hear it is pretty chilly back home in Indy. Don't hate though - it is pretty chilly here in Florida this week too. They have had a series of "cold fronts" recently and another one is upon us this week. It has been in the 50's and 60's recently. It is hysterical - and I do mean hysterical - to see the locals all bundled up in full fledged winter coats when it is 60 degrees here. Brennen and I got to laughing at the attire around town the other day because everyone was so wrapped up in these huge winter coats. Back home in Indy, when it is 60 degrees, that's like Spring time for us. So here I am, being an unfit mother and letting my child wear shorts to school while every other Floridian child is in jeans and winter down coats. Kenidi's school went so far as to send out a mass voicemail yesterday telling the families that they could wear jeans tomorrow due to the "cold." We cracked up. "Cold." 5 degrees is cold. Not 60. LOL! Either way, I am missing the normal 75-85 degree temps here. According to the weather man, we won't see that again until at least next Tuesday. My beach days are numbered until after that I guess. :(
Right now I have been concentrating on getting past the H1N1 junk, kicking the helldacious migraine it left me with (Thank you to my Indiana neurologist for coming thru with a prescription last night that will hopefully kick that), then helping my Mom look for an apartment/condo and a job down here, as well as kicking off the new Angie Seaman Photography class that began Monday. The class sold out once again over and above the my normal allotted seats. What a blessing all of you are! I am thrilled to be working with each of you and even more grateful for the new friendships being established thru this class. For those of you who missed this particular class, the next round of beginner photography classes start on March 1st. You can locate the sign ups via the "classes" link by clicking HERE for my website. Registration has already been opened up and is underway. Feel free to purchase your seat now. I'll be offering a weekly LIVE chat with these new classes that was never offered before with past classes. The chats will be a visual chat where you can see and hear me via your computer screen and headphones. I will also be able to hear you and ask questions you might have as we go along. I hope for the LIVE chats to be a great way to teach you how I post edit certain things. Good times ahead! Get your seat while you can.
And speaking of photography classes, I'm hoping to announce a BIG surprise for this year. A big surprise in the way of offering a weekend workshop - photography workshop - for beginners here in Naples, Florida. Details are still to come as I finalize my thoughts and plans for this sure to be fun filled event. I do know that it will be 1.5-2 days of shooting with live models around downtown Naples, urban sessions, and hands on teaching from me regarding how I shoot and why I shoot the way I do. The workshop will also have nightly beach sessions where we practice how to shoot on the beach as sunset falls behind us. In between all of that, we will have group break, lunch, and dinners where we discuss what we are learning and answer any open ended questions you might have along the way. So...until final details are announced, start saving your pocket change and plan ahead for a great weekend chalked full of photography and learning. I can honestly say that I've learned more via the workshops I've attended in person than I have any other way since beginning my photography journey. The workshops have been like "college" for me. Truly! I pray I can offer that same knowledge to each of you who might attend the workshop. (which is at this time - planned for the end of September 2010) Stay tuned...you DON'T want to miss the registration for this event. And for those who have attended my classes before, there will be a special discount just for you. YAY FUN!
For now, I'm off to eat dinner with my family and then get the kids wrapped up and ready for bed. Until the next post, enjoy your week.
I am once again offering the next round of photography classes via Angie Seaman Photography. These classes have been such a hit thus far and leave me eager to dive back into the next session which begins January 4th, 2010. Some of you have already begun registering and for that, I am so thankful. I wanted to wait and allow everyone to get past the holidays before starting the classes up again. Registration is open and seating is limited. If you are interested in taking a beginner photography class that teaches you the basics of beginner photography, how to use your camera and its settings, etc., then this class is for you. Do you have a certain someone on your Christmas list who would love to take these classes? Do they show an interest in photography or always have a camera in their hand? If so, buy them a gift certificate toward the class and allow them to dive in with the rest of us.
You do not have to have a digital SLR. We discuss the pros and cons to both styles of cameras as well as the ins and outs for both designs. Next, the course is done online. There are no specific times each day that you must check in or anything. You would be given private access to a forum/discussion board where you could log in at any time throughout the day - as much or as little as you'd like. You make your own schedule with it. Some people check in everyday, others just check in a couple of times of week. We have one lesson a week that is posted on a certain day. Once posted, you are then given an assignment to do which pertains to that weeks lesson. All questions and notes will be posted on the forum for everyone to read so that we are all learning together. It is a very laid back atmosphere with no/zero pressure. You can participate as much or as little as you prefer. Of course the more you participate, the more you learn. You have one week to turn in each assignment. I then "constructively critique" your assignment and let you know how great the shot is and/or how you can improve for next time. Some students were really involved, some hung out and chimed in from time to time, and then there were some who didn't say much of anything on the forum but checked in for the lessons and the "silent" learning throughout the four week time period. I am on the board/forum everyday so I'm always there when someone has questions or needs additional help. As for what I'll discuss or teach during the 4 week class, here is a list of topics that we'll go over and learn:
1) Getting tight and close with your images 2) Uncluttering a photograph 3) Framing your images in camera 4) Composition (rule of thirds) when shooting 5) ISO 6) White Balance 7) Changing up your angles 8) Aperture Priority Mode 9) Avoiding and forcing the flash 10) Your cameras highlight warning & what it means 11) Learning your histogram 12) Exposure compensation 13) What is burst/continuous mode? 14) Shutter Priority mode 15) Graduating to "manual mode."
...and many other topics along the way.
Here are some of the comments and feedback I've received from past classes:
"This class has been amazing! I used to consider manual settings as impossible and scary but now that's my 'go to mode' and my camera is constantly set on it! All of a sudden my camera can do so much more than I ever realized it could... and that's all thanks to Angie! She is an incredible teacher, she's so encouraging and was willing to help whenever I had questions. I am so much more confident when using my camera now, and I finally know what all the numbers mean! I can't recommend this class enough, it's SO worth it!" ~Caroline
"Simply stated, this class was priceless. Angie has a unique way of explaining photography terms in everyday language that is easily understood. She is open and honest in the way she approaches photography. And she is encouraging and extremely "hands on" through out the entire class. The class forum is unlike any other I've ever been apart of. It's simple and easy to use. Angie invites questions of all sorts and answers them completely for each student. Angie Seaman is very gifted and artistic. She loves art, she loves life, and she loves sharing with the world through her pictures. Above all else, I've learned that "beauty is in the eye of she who holds the camera!!" ~Amanda in Texas
"This class ROCKS, as Angie would say!!! I have a Nikon D60, and have for the last year, I learned more about the options/menus of my camera in the first week, than the entire time i owned it!! I was able to tackle things, that I would have not tried, and really enjoyed it!! Angie is a great teacher, she is easy to communicate with and speaks in "human" terms, when it comes to teaching.. I was very happy taking this class, it is has been a great experience and very rewarding!! I am even more addicted to my camera than I was before, and I actually know how to use it, now!! Haha!" ~Christina in California
"Angie Seaman really knows her photography! She is a passionate teacher who is able to connect with all of her students. The forum is well organized and easy to use. I highly recommend taking this class. It is truly a gift that I have given myself. I encourage you to give yourself the same gift and sign-up for Angie's photography class! You are an amazing teacher and I love how you take complicated topics and turn it into manageable chunks for beginners to understand. I enjoy reading your writing and your personal photography is beautiful. I love how this class was organized as well. You can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into this class. Thank you very much! I would recommend this class to anyone and everyone. Plus, I can't wait to take other classes that you offer. I will continue to be a loyal reader of your blog and I am always available to give feedback to potential clients or customers." ~Bernie in Maryland
"I don't know if I can sum up how wonderful this class was in only a few sentences...I'll try. This photography class was hands down amazing! I was a little hesitant to sign-up for an online class thinking, how much can I really learn through the Internet?, but I totally proved myself wrong with how much I have walked away with. Before I was terrified of every button on my DSLR and now with Angie's stellar lessons and consistent feedback I feel more confident in capturing our life's important moments. Thanks again Angie...please keep me on your e-mail list if you should do a next level up class (okay you have to do another...no pressure)." ~Meg in Texas
"I am a busy mom of four kids. My lack of knowledge with my camera prevented me from trying anything other than point and shoot situations. Time is of the essence and I also needed someone I could trust to show me the ropes (not someone trying to sell me products or with their own "spin"). Enter Angie Seaman photography classes! Through Angie's class I learned what makes a photograph great, how to read all the settings on my camera (this was BIG for me) and it also took the intimidation out the huge manual for my camera. This class is easy to understand and simple to follow. I recommend to anyone wanting to sharpen their photography skills in a short amount of time. Thanks Angie!" ~Kristin
If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. There are only 20 spaces available. All of our past classes have sold out. If you want in, now is your chance. We'd love to have you. PS...You can have a point and shoot camera or a DSLR for this class. Either one is fine.
From left to right we have Audrey Woulard (Chicago), Tamara Lackey(North Carolina), Laura Novak (Delaware), and Lena Hyde (Palm Beach, Florida). These four fabulous women are like Rock stars in the photography field. If you are into photography but didn't know of these four women until now, then you had to have been hiding under a rock for the last 6-8 years. For myself and the other 59 photographers who got to spend all last week with these women, it was truly the experience of a life time. Literally! Unfortunately, they are no longer doing LEARNFEST so I got in on the very last LEARNFEST to ever be offered. To think that I almost missed out on that opportunity makes me physically ill. I'm so glad that I was able to go and that the stars and the moon aligned for me in order to make it happen. It was tough to be away in the middle of the week like that but in the end, I decided it was worth the juggling and worth the chaos of planning to be away for that long. And boy am I thankful that I did it. WHEW! I'm still reeling from the excitement and can barely contain myself. I spent all weekend with my nose in my laptop - working with my graphics girl, Crystal, to design and order new marketing tools - new business cards - changing up my website details and so forth. I've sat down and strategically planned on how I intend to hit not only the Indiana market but the Southwest, Florida market as well. Beings that we are at the Florida house at least once a month, there is no reason why I shouldn't be tapping into that market as well.
I snapped this shot as one of our models was jumping in mid air. I believe the Mom to this little girl emailed me here on the blog yesterday - inquiring about the images all of us photographers took at Learnfest. If that was you, feel free to email me directly at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com if you are interested in the image. When we did the model shoots, I eventually quit shooting and just decided to sit back and take in all that the instructors were doing. Normally I am so eager to get a shot that I jump right in and go to town with the shutter. However, I quickly realized that this time...I was in the company of some extreme talent and didn't want to miss a beat in regard to how they shoot, why they shoot what they shoot, their personality interaction with kids, parents, etc. I became a sponge and monitored their every move...just trying to incorporate that vibe then somehow bottle it and take it home with me. Ha ha! In the end, the biggest thing that I learned is that people are paying you for "you." Not for your images, not for your prices, etc. They are paying for "you." Sure they can go down the street and find some prices that are cheaper. But in the end, they want "you." Therefore, gaining the confidence to carry that "you" trait is a work in progress for me. The hardest thing about photography is one...finally calling yourself a photographer and meaning it. Secondly, it is being confident enough in yourself to step out there, and jump - allowing your wings to catch your fall. So many times as a photographer, you second guess your abilities. So from here on out, I'm working hard to not second guess my skill level and I'm just jumping. Just like my painting says...jump and you shall find out how to unfold your wings as you fall. Love that!
Above, these are just some of the awesome photographers that were in my RED group at Learnfest. As I mentioned on Friday, there were 60 photographers at the event. They then took those 60 and broke us down into four separate groups. These ladies were just a snippet of my group. Did I mention that the RED group rocked??? Ha ha! These wonderful women have now become some very dear friends and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'll be able to lean on them as we all embark on this journey together. It is so awesome to share the same passion. We all just sat and talked for hours on end during our stay at the Chateau Elan while at Learnfest. Not only was the hotel amazing but it had grounds that went on and on forever. There was so much to the location that you couldn't do it all in one trip. The grounds were stunning. Just stunning. And the inside of the property made for a great local when it came to long chats about photography with my new peeps. Did I mention how good the food was there too? Yes, we got to eat with our instructor and our groups each morning as well as for lunch. They had an amazing breakfast buffet especially. I'm not normally a breakfast girl but they whipped me up some "mean" egg white omelette's while I was there each morning. :)
Above is Tamara Lackey. This woman's energy is like nothing else I've ever seen. She actually got herself and one of her groups booted out of one of the banquet hallways for being so loud during a model shoot. Ha ha! Love it! I also loved her thinking that she passed on to us. She said..."If you as a photographer, aren't getting kicked out of places, then you are doing something wrong." HA! So funny! We all know how I have been kicked off properties and such by now. Guess that isn't such a bad thing after all. Check out the energy and the vibe between Tamara and this little boy below. This is talent people...talent! And yes, they are inside the hotel water fountain. Hysterical! Remember what she said about "getting kicked out of places..."
According to the Learnfest website, Tamara's work has appeared in a variety of publications such as Vogue, O Magazine, Elle, Town & Country, Martha Stewart Living, Parenting Magazine, The Knot Weddings, Food & Wine and Inside Weddings. She regularly shoots the cover images for Adoptive Families Magazine, Premier Baby & Child, Endurance Magazine, and Carolina Parent. Her photography has also been showcased on The Martha Stewart Show. Tamara is also an author. She has a new book out regarding children's portraiture. You should grab a copy. I promise it won't disappoint!
Tamara is a vibrant spirit with an amazing heart. She talked to us about all of the ways she did her photography business wrong in the early years. Then she told us how she did it right, sharing each of her reasons to her success as of today. I loved her vibe, her energy, how she interacted with the clients, and her passion in general for the industry. She is also the instructor that discussed how important it is to get your images out there and share them with the world (i.e., via a blog). It is thru her blog that images of President Obama were viewed after she went to a press event. Following the viewing of those images, she was ultimately hired to come work on his campaign trail. She shared an image with us that she also took of Maya Angelou and Mrs. Obama together. It was beautiful!
I also liked Tamara because she wasn't afraid to get down and dirty for her shots. I can't tell you how many times I come home looking like I've rolled in pig slop following a shoot. As photographers, if you aren't ending up in some funky positions on the ground while shooting, then you aren't going out of the box to capture some really cool angles. Get down, get dirty, get crazy. The client will love you for it - especially their child. The kids think it is a hoot. Following Tamara's hard earned posed below, she got up with some mud on her feet but she was still rockin' it out. The grass was so wet and muddy from the rain that day that she her hands and feet were squishing and sinking in that stuff. Too fun!
Now let me introduce you to Mrs. Audrey Woulard...
Audrey is going to kill me for posting these pictures on my blog of her with the rain bag on her head. She even said..."I better not see these on any blogs." Ha ha! However, I just had to post them because it just reconfirms what a rock star she is. It was pouring down raining that afternoon and she grabbed a bag from the hotel bellman, wrapped her camera in it as well as her hair and went to town. Now that is taking charge of a shoot! Not stressing about the rain, the lighting, etc. She just worked it! Many of you are familiar with Audrey. She has pretty much taken over Chicago when it comes to children's portraiture. Her talent is a force to be reckoned with. For those of us in the photography realm, we love her style, her edge, her attitude...we just love it all! According to the learnfest website, along with Audrey's portrait work, she is also commissioned for high profile kids commercial work for clients such as Pottery Barn Kids, Toys R Us, Advocate Hospitals, and The Disney Store. In the shot below, this is one of the moms of our model holding the umbrella for Audrey as she worked the shoot.
These shots above and below are more images of my gals from the RED group during our model shoot under the instruction of Audrey. Love my RED group girls. Did I tell you that the RED group ROCKS? :) If I didn't, let me just say that....the RED group ROCKS!!!
Here is Audrey working her magic with one of our little models. Again, this is talent people - talent. You either have the personality to carry a photography session or you don't. This is clearly someone who exudes talent...
And this one below is of Audrey too. I can't remember what she was doing here but we were all on the hotel floor out in the middle of the atrium laughing about something. There were a lot of laughs during the week. Sooooooooo much fun!
And here we have the fab "four again." I was sad that I wasn't able to get any other shots of Lena or Laura. Unfortunately, they did the "business and marketing" part of the conference and therefore didn't have a model shoot at all. Tamara and Audrey were the only two instructors who shot for the week. Laura is 2nd from the right. According to the learnfest website, along with gracing the mantles of families nationwide, Laura's photos can be found on the pages of many publications including Brides Magazine, People, The Knot, Modern Bride, My Day Magazine, Philadelphia Elegant Bride, Professional Photographer Magazine, Rangefinder and the Wedding Photographers Handbook. In 2007, Laura was named one of two photographers nation-wide as Kodak's Photographers, recognizing her ability to capture spontaneous, intimate and emotional moments like few others in her field.
Lena Hyde is on the end, on the right. According to the learnfest site,
Lena's international clients come to her year after year for an experience they know they cannot find elsewhere. Her studio revenue has multiplied by over 1500 percent in the last four years and Lena is more than happy to share her career experiences and lessons learned with her students. Before shooting people, Lena was an art educator in San Francisco and wrote an art column for the SF Chronicle. Her experimental photography has been internationally exhibited in galleries and museums, including Southeast Museum of Photography, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Gallery, American Embassy, Harare Zimbabwe; and Casa Fotografia Fuji, Brazil. Lena also has eight years experience teaching art and photography. Did I mention that Lena also shoots clients like Tiger Woods and other athlete's families? Very cool!
Above, some of the gals from my RED group again - having fun. This one is out of focus but I had to share it anyway.
And lastly, above...the entire red group all together. Don't mind the bad "ghost" job at the top left. It was a horrific shot of me so I politely removed myself - quickly - from the image. Hey...at least I was there in "spirit," eh? Ha ha! I know I'm going to catch h-e-double hockey sticks for this one. :)
We still have openings for the next beginner photography workshop that starts on September 1st. If you are interested, feel free to sign up before Monday of next week. Our first class was a huge success and I couldn't be more proud of the graduates. They did a fabulous job over the 4 week class and really impressed me with their talents by the time the class had ended. In fact, here are some reviews of the class and what a few of them thought in regard to the workshop in general...
___________________________________________
"Simply stated, this class was priceless. Angie has a unique way of explaining photography terms in everyday language that is easily understood. She is open and honest in the way she approaches photography. And she is encouraging and extremely "hands on" through out the entire class. The class forum is unlike any other I've ever been apart of. It's simple and easy to use. Angie invites questions of all sorts and answers them completely for each student. Angie Seaman is very gifted and artisic. She loves art, she loves life, and she loves sharing with the world through her pictures. Above all else, I've learned that "beauty is in the eye of she who holds the camera!!" ~Amanda in Texas
"This class ROCKS, as Angie would say!!! I have a Nikon D60, and have for the last year, I learned more about the options/menus of my camera in the first week, than the entire time i owned it!! I was able to tackle things, that I would have not tried, and really enjoyed it!! Angie is a great teacher, she is easy to communicate with and speaks in "human" terms, when it comes to teaching.. I was very happy taking this class, it is has been a great experience and very rewarding!! I am even more addicted to my camera than I was before, and I actually know how to use it, now!! Haha!" ~Christina in California
"Angie Seaman really knows her photography! She is a passionate teacher who is able to connect with all of her students. The forum is well organized and easy to use. I highly recommend taking this class. It is truly a gift that I have given myself. I encourage you to give yourself the same gift and sign-up for Angie's photography class! You are an amazing teacher and I love how you take complicated topics and turn it into manageable chunks for beginners to understand. I enjoy reading your writing and your personal photography is beautiful. I love how this class was organized as well. You can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into this class. Thank you very much! I would recommend this class to anyone and everyone. Plus, I can't wait to take other classes that you offer. I will continue to be a loyal reader of your blog and I am always available to give feedback to potential clients or customers." ~Bernie in Maryland
"I don't know if I can sum up how wonderful this class was in only a few sentences...I'll try. This photography class was hands down amazing! I was a little hesitant to sign-up for an online class thinking, how much can I really learn through the internet?, but I totally proved myself wrong with how much I have walked away with. Before I was terrified of every button on my DSLR and now with Angie's stellar lessons and consistent feedback I feel more confident in capturing our life's important moments. Thanks again Angie...please keep me on your e-mail list if you should do a next level up class (okay you have to do another...no pressure)." ~Meg in Texas
________________________________________________
If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. There are only 20 spaces available. The class sold out within approximately 48 hours last time. If you want in, now is your chance. We'd love to have you. PS...You can have a point and shoot camera or a DSLR for this class. Either one is fine.
It's that time again! The next Angie Seaman Photography online workshop will begin on September 1st. Our first class was a huge success and I couldn't be more proud of the graduates. They did a fabulous job over the 4 week class and really impressed me with their talents by the time the class had ended. In fact, here are some reviews of the class and what a few of them thought in regard to the workshop in general...
___________________________________________
"Simply stated, this class was priceless. Angie has a unique way of explaining photography terms in everyday language that is easily understood. She is open and honest in the way she approaches photography. And she is encouraging and extremely "hands on" through out the entire class. The class forum is unlike any other I've ever been apart of. It's simple and easy to use. Angie invites questions of all sorts and answers them completely for each student. Angie Seaman is very gifted and artisic. She loves art, she loves life, and she loves sharing with the world through her pictures. Above all else, I've learned that "beauty is in the eye of she who holds the camera!!" ~Amanda in Texas
"This class ROCKS, as Angie would say!!! I have a Nikon D60, and have for the last year, I learned more about the options/menus of my camera in the first week, than the entire time i owned it!! I was able to tackle things, that I would have not tried, and really enjoyed it!! Angie is a great teacher, she is easy to communicate with and speaks in "human" terms, when it comes to teaching.. I was very happy taking this class, it is has been a great experience and very rewarding!! I am even more addicted to my camera than I was before, and I actually know how to use it, now!! Haha!" ~Christina in California
"Angie Seaman really knows her photography! She is a passionate teacher who is able to connect with all of her students. The forum is well organized and easy to use. I highly recommend taking this class. It is truly a gift that I have given myself. I encourage you to give yourself the same gift and sign-up for Angie's photography class! You are an amazing teacher and I love how you take complicated topics and turn it into manageable chunks for beginners to understand. I enjoy reading your writing and your personal photography is beautiful. I love how this class was organized as well. You can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into this class. Thank you very much! I would recommend this class to anyone and everyone. Plus, I can't wait to take other classes that you offer. I will continue to be a loyal reader of your blog and I am always available to give feedback to potential clients or customers." ~Bernie in Maryland
"I don't know if I can sum up how wonderful this class was in only a few sentences...I'll try. This photography class was hands down amazing! I was a little hesitant to sign-up for an online class thinking, how much can I really learn through the internet?, but I totally proved myself wrong with how much I have walked away with. Before I was terrified of every button on my DSLR and now with Angie's stellar lessons and consistent feedback I feel more confident in capturing our life's important moments. Thanks again Angie...please keep me on your e-mail list if you should do a next level up class (okay you have to do another...no pressure)." ~Meg in Texas
________________________________________________
If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. There are only 20 spaces available. The class sold out within approximately 48 hours last time. If you want in, now is your chance. We'd love to have you. PS...You can have a point and shoot camera or a DSLR for this class. Either one is fine.
