Over the past couple of years I’ve really felt boxed in to only shooting in natural lighting conditions. Don’t get me wrong, I love natural light..I love the softness on the skin and the eyes. But sometimes I want to try dramatic lighting….and I’d like to be able to shoot outside during the middle of the day without worrying about how harsh the sun will be. While at a photography convention last year, I saw Blair and Suzanne Phillips of Blair Phillips Photography speak about Breaking the Mold. Their whole philosophy is to try new things..things no one else is trying. Trying new things is hard. Practicing new techniques takes time. That’s time and energy most photographers don’t want to put into their craft. I do. I want to try new things. I want to push myself to learn and grow. So when I found out that Blair and Suzanne had recently started doing a Break the Mold Workshop, I was more than excited. I signed up for it right away because I didn’t want to take the chance of it selling out. Then, I had to wait more than 6 months. The waiting was excruciating. I knew this workshop would change my world. And I wasn’t disappointed.

When March rolled around, my friend Nichole of Nichole Alexandra Photography and I headed up to Landis, NC. Nichole and I do a couple of photography trips a year together and always have such a great time. We spend our free time searching for the best places to eat and talking about everything under the sun. We always enjoy the kid/family-free time to just focus on our businesses. That’s not something we get very often so we take full advantage. Of course, there’s lots of gossiping too! Oh back to the workshop.  We were blown away from the moment we walked into Blair and Suzanne’s studio. Everything was absolutely gorgeous and screamed Blair Phillips Photography. We got to meet the other 14 workshop attendees who, like us, were eager to learn.  Over the next 2 days I learned exactly what I needed to learn to bring my photography to the next level. I learned how to use studio lighting outdoors and do it well. I never thought I would be able to shoot a bride outside during midday full sun and still be able to see the details in her dress. I did it…with the help of Blair and his amazing assistants. We also were able to shoot a senior session and add that edge that I need to separate myself from the people that bought a digital camera last week and started a photography business this week. I will forever be grateful for Blair, Suzanne and the rest of their crew for sharing so much of themselves and showing us that it is possible to grow a successful photography business in a small country town. Here are a few shots of their studio and Blair working his magic.

Blair was so awesome with the children that came into the studio that day. He got natural expressions out of this little girl while their were 20 other people standing around watching…and let me tell you, that’s not easy.

Blair builds these amazing sets outside behind his studio. Awesome!

This is the dressing room. Who wouldn’t feel incredibly glamorous in this room?

Didn’t I tell you their studio was fabulous?!

This is their client ordering room. Clients are treated to a real theatre experience.

Blair always says that he would never ask a client to do something he wouldn’t do.

So now that I’ve shown you all of the Blair awesomeness, here are some shots I got while he was demonstrating.

I know no one is going to believe me but I did absolutely no retouching on her skin. That’s what great lighting techniques do!

So what does all of this mean for my clients? It means I have a broader range of choices for selecting locations and scheduling sessions. It means I’m bringing more to the table when I pick up my camera. And that means more awesomeness to display in your home. Set up a session and let’s get started!!

I’ve been wanting a space like this for some time. I have been shooting on-location and meeting couples for bridal consultations at my home for a long time and just really needed somewhere to call my own. I feel quite sure my family is thrilled to have all of my photography stuff out of our house. It was literally taking over.

I thought it would be cool to post before and after shots so everyone could see just how far the little place has come. Of course, I still have some spaces to fill on the walls. I’ve got a few wall galleries on order that will be in this week but who knows when I’ll get the opportunity to hang them. So I just wanted to go ahead and take some images and put them out there. Let me know what you think!! And thanks again for making my dream of photographing people come true!

Before and After - Studio Entrance

Another shot of the Entrance

Before and After - Office Area

Before and After - Studio Bathroom

Before and After - Another shot of the bathroom

Before and After - Sales Area

After - Sample Product Showcase

Before and After - Camera Area

Before and After - Camera Area

Finally have a place for all of the newborn stuff

Kids Play Area

Ok, so I know I still have lots of work to do. But it’s a start and I’m so proud of my space. I hope everyone will come out to our Grand Opening Party that we’re planning for March. I’ll post the details very soon! Thank you for stopping by!!

-Heather

Little Baby S is due in only a month so it won’t be long and we’ll be doing her first portrait session. I’m so excited! And I’m so excited for this wonderful couple. They are the most deserving people in the world of such an incredible gift. I just think I’m so lucky to be able to share in their joy. Congrats guys and I can’t wait to meet Baby S in just a few weeks!!