Sew Trendy Retreat | The Lessons
The first photo session of the Sew Trendy Retreat smashed through expectations, and offered a bevy of editing goodies. As each file opened, the photographers shared images with open enthusiasm and more than a few delighted gasps.
Ogling over the pictures of elegantly draped gowns and magical landscapes during the AM session offered the attendees a sense of accomplishment, and a cool-down from that morning’s hard work. As photographers know, there’s a spike of adrenaline in the reveal of session images, as well as frustration when a picture that was expected perfection, turns out lacking in composition. This is why the Thursday evening itinerary was a saving grace to the emotional-roller coaster of this cut-throat field.
Four classes were scheduled to discuss the ups and downs of photography careers, as well as educate on the best techniques to increase success. The first of the classes was on a subject all dream-reachers battle throughout their journey. Photography careers are synonymous with overworking and undercharging. When a hobby becomes work, passion ensues, often to overtake family priorities and individual health.
Tracie Jean has been there, and she came out as the champion of her own story. She spoke with vulnerability and strength, as she gave smart advice to pull through the hardships. Her expertise offered the how-to’s in this complicated balance, and the habits to develop to maintain motivation. The close-to-home subject caused glistening eyes and an urge to share experiences.
Working in teams during the morning session had created connections, but it was Tracie’s sentimental subject that forged friendships. Tears of understanding, nods of relatability, and emotional empathy connected each photographer as it echoed their own struggles with career and life balance. These sentimental links turned to joyful waterworks as the course closed, due to an unexpected and wonderful announcement. One of these business-minded photographers had news that would rock her world in the most glorious of ways. She is expecting a rainbow baby. This revelation was a perfect closing to this class, and a reminder to keep family first in the trek toward our goals.
Speaking of success, the next class was taught by the owner of Sew Trendy™, Valerie Best, who offered her inside techniques to running a profitable marketing campaign. With a wink and a sly smile, Valerie divulged the rules about what Sew Trendy™ looks for in featured photos, and what misses the mark in sellable images. She also explained the never-do’s that have spawned a justifiable fear of her own email inbox. These revelations brought good-natured laughter amongst the group, and fair warning of what actions to avoid in their endeavors. Learning how to make the most out of images, and market them efficiently, is a wealth of instruction often unseen. Her inside information was a reminder that talent needs a well-thought-out platform in order to launch.
Class three was an outdoor interaction to teach the best ways to use natural light, and make the most of a senior session. An abandoned house and dry field was the backdrop to this active lesson, and Amber Fite knew just how to masterfully adjust to the environment. A light reflector in her capable hands became its own sun, and the photographers circled around her to soak up its rays, as well as the knowledge she was giving.
The light was diminishing, but you wouldn’t know it as the brilliant model, Madison Andersen, glowed under the reflector’s light. The photographers took advantage of this opportunity; because finding light when they thought there was none meant hours of editing time would be saved in the future. You could see their fingers twitch with the eagerness to get their hands on a reflector and integrate it into their work. That’s the beauty of entrepreneurs, if you watch them closely, you can almost see when knowledge becomes opportunity within their clever minds.
The final class was an interactive pinup session with the beautiful maternity model, Carly Larsen, and the striking non-maternity model, Briana Hulme. Pizza cushioned the setup time, and offered a chance to soak in the information of the day. Karen Marie of Belly Beautiful Portraits not only instructed this class, she executed it to perfection. Each photographer became a part of the experience, as they took turns implementing her incredible techniques. Skills were traded, knowledge was gained, and photographers became upgraded masters of their work.
Thursday evening gave opportunity of the mind, and stress-relief in the form of peer-connections. The retreat had been an innovative whirlwind and a buffet of expertise. The night ended with the photographer’s resting their crafty minds, as the Sew Trendy staff prepared for the next day.
Friday’s sessions were coming, and that meant a photographer get-away grand enough for creative exploration was on its way...
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The Sew Trendy Retreat Photo Contest is has started!
Like your favorite photos to give that photographer a better chance of winning the Overall category prize.
If you see the photo has been nominated for a "Best Of Award" (you will see this in the photo description) - comment NOMINATE to give that photo your vote!
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A special thank you to our amazingly talented hair and makeup team, be sure to take check out their work!
Tierra's Beauty Bar | Lexi Harker Beauty | Elite Makeup & Hair by Crystal | Hair by Jenny | S. Lauren Beauty Co. | Katie Adair Makeup
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