So as many of you know (and some of you don’t) I had the distinct pleasure of attending “Nichole Van’s Professional Photography Workshop”.  Let me start off saying “WOW!”.  In all honesty I am not sure I can fully express what a fantastic experience this was.  It was well worth the investment and I highly recommend it to any of my fellow photogs whom are looking for a great workshop.

Let me start off by saying that Nichole is not only an extremely gifted photographer, but her previous experience as a college professor gives her a unique advantage when it comes to teaching the content of her workshop.  She really is able to explain things in a way that makes them easy to follow and understand.  The workshop itself is extremely well organized and is full of fantastic content. She has thought of everything, is open and forthright based on her experience and it showed.  I personally came home with a wealth of information that I will now be able to apply in my own art and business.  Yes, Nichole has a very distinct style when it comes to photography but her workshop isn’t about her style; it is about learning the tools to assist you in being able to express your own creative vision. Leaving her workshop I actually felt like I was given numerous little gifts that will forever be in my photographic tool box.  For me this is what a great workshop should be.

Oh and a quick side note…. Nichole is hysterically funny!  I know many wouldn’t choose to mention that when reviewing a workshop but the girl had me laughing the whole time I was there and I appreciate  a great sense of humor.

So our shoot day was quite cold to say the least and I have to give a huge “THANK YOU” shout out to our fantastic (and gorgeous) models. These girls literally stood outside in the freezing temperatures for hours without complaining.  No matter how many times I offered them my coat or told them they could go in to warm up they gratefully refused and when on working to give us there best poses.  They were all a blast to work with and I would do it again in a heartbeat.  Also, a few of us were fortunate enough to coax Nichole’s beautiful daughter outside for a few shots. She was such a great sport and so patient with all of the cameras pointing at her. She is quite the little lady and gracious to boot.

So without overloading you blog stalkers out there I wanted to show a few (ok more than a few) of my shots from the workshop.

Thank you so much Nichole , Dave, their families, the models and my fabulous fellow workshop attendees for making this workshop so much fun!  It really was worth the money and time I invested to attend and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  ;)

Oh and for those of you who just read my review whom are thinking, “Wow, I need to attend one of Nichole’s workshops”; you can find them here

Nichole’s Amazing Workshops (my verbiage of course)

]]> http://kristannevphotography.com/blog/2010/04/nichole-van-workshop-denver-portrait-photographer/feed/ 20 http://kristannevphotography.com/blog/2009/09/feeling-inspired-and-looking-to-have-some-fun-colorado-family-photographer/ http://kristannevphotography.com/blog/2009/09/feeling-inspired-and-looking-to-have-some-fun-colorado-family-photographer/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:35:28 +0000 Kristanne http://kristannevphotography.com/blog/?p=351 Hello to all of you blog stalkers out there. I apologize for not being very active the last couple of weeks. As I mentioned in my earlier post I have been participating in the most amazing photographic workshop taught by the fantastically talented and generous Marta Locklear. I cannot rave enough about Marta’s workshop. I wish I could put into words how impacted I have been after taking this workshop. I can honestly say that I have grown immensely as an artist over the last three weeks and I am so excited to share it with all of you in the images I create in the future.

To my fellow photographers I highly recommend Marta’s workshop. I know there are many workshop offerings out there but Marta’s goes above and beyond. You will not be disappointed. To my clients, I am so excited to create artistically beautiful images you and your family can cherish for a lifetime.

Over the next couple of days I am going to be “playing” with my camera and just “creating”. Thank you for tagging along with me on this journey. Without further ado here are some of my experiments over the last couple of weeks.

Our first assignment was one which most photographers dread; “The Self portrait” (Da da da…… do you hear the haunting music?). At first just the thought of it made my stomach do flip flops. I hate being in front of my lens. In fact, I think that is one of my traits that makes me such a great photographer; I understand that others feel the same way too so I work at helping them to feel comfortable and relaxed in front of my lens. Well I have to admit it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, after I began snapping the images the artist in me took over and my self conscious self took a hike. In the end it turned out to be a lot of fun!

So without further ado I present me without a camera attached to my face.

Well after the walk everyone whom attended was able to submit two photographs from the walk for entry into the local contest; one image would then be chosen represent their local walk in the International competition.  Well today I was notified that my image “The Water Dancer” had been chosen!!! There were so many amazing images submitted and I was humbled to see be in a pool with so many talented photographers; to have my image recognized is overwhelming and exciting all at once.  This means I have to ask you all for your good luck vibes. They will announce the winners of the international contest on August 17th.

I just want to thank Katy the Evergreen Photo walk leader/judge and all the other participants for the honor and for allowing me to be part of such an amazing group of fellow photographers. I really am honored.

The Water Dancer

I just had to post these outtakes from our earlier cake smash because I love them! I hope you enjoy them as well.

*Hint to those mothers out there that want to try this with their little ones; have a bath ready and waiting.*

Thank you all for your continued support and guidance, I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people whom have helped me on this artistic journey!