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I posted a peek photo from the Fershop I attended in Rockville, Maryland, last week.  I have had a few photographers ask me for more details on what I thought.  I didn’t really know yet what to say.  I knew the workshop was good, but wasn’t sure how to sum up what I learned.  It was more of a feeling still.

A couple days ago, I did my first session after the workshop.  It was a maternity session, at a couples’ home in Washington DC.  Now I know what I learned.  I felt inspired and in control of creating artistic photos.  I’m loving the results so far as I edit the photos.  I’m a different style photographer from Fer Juaristi (who is incredible by the way), so after the workshop I was trying to figure out how to adapt what I learned to work with what I do.  I capture moments first and foremost.  With inspiration from Fer, I was able to still keep my documentary style, while really working the lighting. I brought my gear, and started to use my fill flash.  Then I looked around, and the sun streaks were beautiful and dramatic.  I turned off the flash, directed the couple to locations to make the most of the light, and feel like I really captured the true nature of the couple with artistic images.

Back to the Fershop.  Every photographer I know told me I must go.  I contacted Fer directly to ask for more details, and he gave me a few, but I still didn’t feel like I knew what to expect.  I contacted another photographer, who I respect greatly, who had attended one in another city recently.  She simply pointed me to her work before and after.  Decision made.  I signed up.

The day was filled with an interactive lecture, lots of q&a, a few hours of shooting, and as much individual attention as you wanted.  Fer talked to each person, and was really an open book as far as sharing everything.  He was a fun light hearted speaker, with tons of passion for photography.

What did I get out of the workshop?  I imagine this is different for each photographer.

1.  Inspiration

2.  Encouragement

3.  A couple neat camera tricks that I didn’t know, like how to make my viewfinder show in b&w, and why (which I love by the way).

4.  Post-processing tips that help speed things up, and add a little oomph to the photos.  (I’m still a believer in keeping things natural.)

5.  Branding and marketing ideas

6.  Lighting – but not in the way of use 50 lights with x and y settings.  The lighting I learned is more of going back to basics, remembering to use what is there, to really see light, and to not be scared of it.

7.  Control.  Seeing the image and creating it with your clients.  My hesitation with this was how to do this and still capture moments, but with a little practice now I feel like I got it. Of course, this applies really for just the portrait sessions (bridals, engagements, families).   Most of the wedding day I will as always capture with a photojournalism style.

8.  Use what you have and where you are.  Amazing photos can be made anywhere.  You don’t need a beautiful beach, or lush park.  There are ways to work in any location and any lighting.

What I loved most, and this is silly, is that Fer is a minimalist.  I have gear and backup gear, but I’m not a photographer that is excited by owning lots of toys.  The camera and lenses are just tools.  It was awesome to meet such an amazing and successful photographer that can get all the photos he wants without 50 different lenses and lights.  I love the simplicity of just having the tools I need, knowing them inside out, and being able to focus (pun not intended) on creating amazing photos.

If I had to sum up the seminar in one word, it would be inspirational.