I am beyond thrilled to share with you my very first film photographs from my first workshop. There were a lot of firsts that day. I had the amazing oppurtunity to go to Matoli Keely Photography & Kristen Lynne Photography, For the Love of Film Workshop. I decided to go on my own and leave the kiddos with Coty. Yikes! I have been flying alone since I was a kid, that has never been a big deal until I realized I hadn’t flown alone since becoming a mom. Normally not a big deal but I realized quickly how amazing my husband is when I had to fend for myself. I was on my way to DC before the sun had even come up. When we arrived, it had just snowed the day before and there was a nice blanket of white on the ground, along with some ice. I had planned on going to DC real quick before making it over to Virginia and as I made my way over the bridge, it was literally magical. There was absolutely NO ONE out, I mean no one. It was foggy so it was a bit eery while driving in. I couldn’t figure out where to park so I did a couple loops around Lincoln Monument and then made my way over to the White house. I loved the architecture, the old buildings, the history, it all was so beautiful. I’ve already decided I’ll be making my way back sometime in the spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming.

When I arrived at the workshop my first thoughts were… you didn’t even bring your digital camera… what the heck! I literally made myself leave the digital at home and threw myself into a film workshop head first! Manual focus and all. I haven’t manually focused since college, it was truly exhilarating. With every click of my camera I would get a little giddy. The first time I loaded my own film, I may have done a dance inside. It was just so INTENTIONAL! When you’ve been shooting digital for so long you just shoot shoot shoot until you run out of gig space and grab another card. With film its completely different. I recently read something a photographer said about shooting film and I could not have said it better myself so I’m going to quote them. “When each click of the shutter is an investment (both financially and emotionally) you tend to put a lot more thought into what you’re shooting and how you’re shooting it. The results are also far more rewarding when there is a cost. Slowing down means that I see light differently, I see my subjects differently and ultimately I see the world differently.” -Bradley James Photography

I learned so much from Matoli & Kristen, it was exactly what my heart needed at that moment. I needed something fresh, new, challenging and fun! To me, film is all those things. They did an amazing job and delivering so much information, it was easy to understand, it was a casual and laid back setting so we didn’t feel like we were in a classroom but rather at lunch with friends. Not to mention the amazing set up and styled shoot. The vendors they used were absolutely fabulous, I loved meeting them all. I hope to shoot with them again sometime, of course that means I shoot on the east coast which is totally fine with this Ohio girl. Here is another one of my new favorite quotes from the workshop…

“Light is air to a photograph, it gives an image life.” – Elizabeth Messina

A huge thanks to Matoli & Kristen for giving such an amazing workshop! You guys were so sweet and informative, I loved meeting you both!

Mamiya 645af Fuji 400, Porta 800

Black & White Images converted with Red Leaf Boutique presets

Lab | PhotoVision , they were amazing!

Credits

Printemps, French for Springtime

Matoli Keely Photography | www.matolikeelyphotography.com

Kristen Lynne Photography | www.kristenlynne.com

Alex Meyer Events | www.alexmeyerevents.com

Dress | Alexandra Grecco | www.alexandragreccobride.com

Flowers | Violet Gardens Floral Designs | www.violetgardens.net

Calligraphy | Lydia Robins Hendrix | www.lydiarobinshendrix.com/

Cake | Lauren Bakes Cakes | www.facebook.com/LaurenBakesCakes

Hair & Makeup | Jordan K Winn & Co. | www.jordankwinn.com

Jewelry | Suz Somersall | www.suzsumersall.com

Model | Jeff Bruins | www.modelmayhem.com/2236264

Model | Kathleen Masek | www.facebook.com/katie.masek7

Venue | Pamela Jane’s Studio | www.pamelajanesstudio.com