Higher Education

Wedding photography is constantly evolving. Styles change, new techniques emerge and clients are inundated with an ever-changing stockpile of portfolio images. The question arises: How do you stand out amid a growing heard of wedding photographers. How do you define your vision and present it to brides?

I've always believed that good workshops can help us rejuvenate and find new ways to serve our clients. When I took Jose Villa's workshop in Mexico a while back, it helped force me to go through a period of introspection that helped define my business. I forged incredible new friendships during that amazing week. I also hosted some pretty outstanding workshops right here in North Carolina, including Zach Arias's OneLight Workshop and David Beckstead's "Shoot with Beckstead."

It can be tricky finding the right workshop that will encourage and inform.

Back when I was just beginning to become a serious professional wedding photographer, Joseph Victor Stefanchik was a huge inspiration. He was producing work that I didn't think was possible. He's a master of lighting, composition and post-production.

When I ran across JVS's new workshop offering, I couldn't help but copy and paste it here:

"Date: April 14th & 15th
Location: Dallas, Texas
Who: JVS and Anne
Name: 2 Day Lighting Workshop + From RAW to WOW! 1 Day Workshop

Start your new season with a hands-on Workshop!

JVS & Anne's 2 Day Lighting Workshop will show you how to make
small strobes look big along with hands-on shooting (yes, you will be shooting)
in 10+ lighting scenarios!

Explore the world of artificial light with JVS through multiple demonstrations and
in studio learning. You will learn how to effectively use your own strobes,
modify your strobes and have the chance to shoot with AlienBees monolights.

New for 2009 is the From RAW to WOW! 1 Day Workshop on April 16th.

From RAW to WOW! will teach you the importance of a calibrated monitor
and color managed workflow, RAW conversion and working with the Totally Rad
actions. JVS and Anne will also present live printing demonstrations with
Red River inkjet papers.

JVS Workshops are open to all professional photographer’s, including studios in the
DFW area.

For more information please visit this link."

While I'm endorsing Stefanchik's workshop, let me tell you a little bit about my own. I've entered the seminar and workshop fray. I know a lot of photographers become jaded about workshops and their leaders. I can only promise you that I wouldn't try to sell something I didn't believe in 100 percent. I feel like I have a unique perspective and way of doing business. You can learn more about my workshops here.

I'm also looking to fill remaining seats for a seminar featuring myself and Matt McGraw. Our seminar is called "Duel" because we're presenting two different yet effective styles in marketing and shooting.

When: March 23
Where: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Time: 9:30 a.m. until completion
Cost: $250 ($100 extra for optional shooting day with Matt on March 24)

To register, you can paypal $250 to shane@shanesnider.com or make other arrangements by contacting shane@shanesnider.com or matt@mattmcgrawphotography.com