When I woke up this morning, the butterflies in my stomach from yesterday felt more like a flock of birds. Today, I would be shooting a part of Billy and Laura’s ”First Look” and CreativeLIVE would be filming and broadcasting everything LIVE, on the internet, to thousands of people. Ok, cool, I could handle that, no biggie (yeah, right!!)… What made those little bird wings beat even faster, however, was the thought that JASMINE would also be watching!!
To put this into perspective for you, imagine that you were having a little get together at your house with some friends & family to watch the video you shot of your recent vacation to Disney World. You’ve got this intimate little gathering planned, you’ve got everything under control, you’re in your element and you can’t wait to show your video and see how your friends react to the cool new things you’ve learned to do with your video camera. Then your crazy cousin Louise shows up with Steven Spielberg and announces that he’ll be staying for the show. Yes. Exactly. PANIC!! Suddenly your cool special effects seem just… mediocre.
Well, that’s how I felt knowing that Jasmine would be watching me work. Not because she’s even remotely judgemental or critical, but because I am extremely judgemental and critical of myself . So yeah, for everyone out there in cyberspace, it’s safe to say I was more than “a little nervous” about today.
Luckily, I was meeting Sachin and Audrey for breakfast, so I was able to put my performance anxiety out of my mind while we wandered around looking for an interesting place to grab a bite. We eventually found an organic bakery and decided to check it out. Audrey pointed out a sign by the cash register that said, “Try something different. If you are not entirely satisfied, we will refund you entirely.” I tried a gluten-free, vegan apple-walnut tart (it was goooood) and thought about the sign.
TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
That’s what I came here for. To try something different. To learn something new. To push myself creatively and get out of my comfort zone. I can eat pancakes for breakfast, or shoot with my “lazy girl lens” anytime when I’m at home. How often do I get the opportunity to eat a gluten-free, vegan apple-walnut tart – or to shoot wedding photos with no pressure to deliver a collection to a client? NOT VERY OFTEN! So I promised myself that I would make the most of this amazing opportunity and try something different today.
And I did. I shot with only one camera body (I usually have two bouncing around on my hips) and my new Shootsac packed with only my 70-200 f/2.8 and my 14-24 f/2.8. I shot Laura and Billy’s first look inside the venue with my 50mm f/1.4 (awesome!!), then when we moved outside I actually swapped in my 14-24, which I have NEVER used at a wedding for fear of making the bride look warped… but I think my favorite shots of the day were taken with that lens. I will be sharing some of those photos next week and you can let me know what you think, but right now, looking at them in Lightroom, I am SO glad that I pushed myself to try something different.
Laura and Billy were wonderful to work with too and I have to give them props for being so flexible and willing to work with each of us. They went along with anything and everything that was asked of them. They were natural and spontaneous and so in love… it was hard not to get caught up in the moment myself. Laura was so beautiful… I mean, really, really stunning and so natural and comfortable in front of the camera that you’d think she had been modeling for years and not the one behind the lens. Billy was looking and feeling great too. He even razzed Chase a little about his formalwear.
I am looking forward to tomorrow’s wedding with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence after having a nice dose of cyber-hugs from many new friends. Thanks to EVERYONE who took the time to read and comment on my blog, add me as a Facebook friend or follow me on Twitter (@KookyCatChick). Your comments and questions and encouragement are SOOOO appreciated and really made my day. I am not ashamed to admit that I sat here and cried because I was so touched at the outpouring of suport (yeah, I’m emotional like that!).
Anyhow… I REALLY need to get some sleep. So here are a few behind-the-scenes moments from today and I’ll catch you all on the flip side. Enjoy
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JD helping Jasmine get miked up.
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Billy: "I see you got dressed up for the occasion today Chase"
What do a bunch of photographers do when they're waiting for the workshop to start in the morning? Shoot each other, of course!
Nate impressed us with his athletic prowess.
Setting the stage for the big day. I can't wait to see the final results!!
Audrey gets a little wistful as Billy sees Laura in her dress for the first time.
Jasmine & Super-Hubby JD working side by side. It's amazing to see them work together and share that silent communication that only couples really have.
boom chica wowow
Victoria, you were awesome on Creative Live. I really enjoyed watching you! (not in a stalker kind of way though! lol)
@ Kat
I think I know you. I know a few Montreal photographers with ugly attitude, you must be one of them. No wonder there is no link to your blog or site…
So fun to see what is happening when the camera is pointed someplace other than at Jasmine or Billy & Laura (which is where is should be pointed!) – sort of the back story, if you will. Fantastic shots! Just waiting for day 5 to start in less than 15 minutes and can’t wait to see the photos of your day.
Great pics! Love the behind the scene shots and the photo students shooting each other. I am really loving everyone’s updates and am so thankful to all of you for sharing all your beautiful pictures! Thank you!
wow. i am so impressed with you all. you take amazing pictures so no doubt the cream of the crop were chosen as jasmine’s studio students. You have all inspired so many people out there me included. I just wanted to tell you (and the other 4) that you’ve gained a fan in me and soooo many others out there. NO DOUBT!
I am happy that you are having fun and learning from this amazing experience.
People eigther will love your work or put your work down.
No matter what goes around you, just learn from both experiences.
Amanda
I’ve really enjoyed your behind the scenes photos and your blog. I’m also realizing just how much I need to push past my own comfort zones. Recently, it dawned on me that I had only been shooting with my 85mm and virtually ignoring all other lenses. Whatever, did my poor 50mm do to deserve such sad treatment? So for now, I am going to put an effort into shooting again with my other lenses. It might not be as tasty as a apple walnut tart….but I won’t know until I try it!
And btw, I have been so envious of everyone that was in the class; that is until Jasmine said, “and now I’ll let members of the class take their shots and I’ll add my critiques!” I think I even got a little nervous *for* you guys! But it was so very awesome! You’ve all done such a great job!
HEY KAT… nice post.. you are a class act for sure.
maybe you should head back into your parents basement and continue making bad porn.. people like you have big mouths and dont do a damn thing..
Victoria is learning and i am sure will advance her portfolio using lessons learned here and applying them to create more original content than you ever will sitting around being critical..
do yourself and all others a favor by going away…
I’m a LOVING the behind the scenes blogs y’all are posting – the pics are amazing and the posts are as exciting to read as watching y’all on tv. Can’t wait to see your pics from the wedding!
Another day of super photographs. I think Chase was born to be in black and white film – perfect with Billy too.
You never appeared to be nervous – mind you, so much was going on yesterday it wouldn’t have been noticed.
I love your message today, it’s as if you were talking directly to me, yes something different is what I will try today! Good luck and more cyberhugs for today’s shoot.
Too many Chris’s, so chrispixelalias on Creativelive
You did great Victoria! Loving these shots and can’t wait to be out there with you guys today at the wedding…
Hope you got some sleep
Drop me a line when youre up..
Sachin
[SK]
I don’t even know how can you call yourself a creative perspective. Have you ever look at work of some really talented people who comes up with new ideas and not a cliches poses. It all has been seen before…
I am having the best time going around to your blogs and reading your take on the day’s session and seeing the class’ behind the scenes shots. Nice, huge run-on sentence, don’t you think?!? Your shots are great and I really love the two of Nate! I look forward to seeing everyone’s photos after the wedding today. Congrats on getting to be a part of this epic adventure!
I love the shot of JD and Jasmine shooting. Love it!
Vic, I hope you have a great day today! I really enjoyed reading about your muffin story and I love it when little messages pop up in everyday life that can have a bigger meaning if you just stop to notice them. Have a killer day – your first day jitters are over! Miss you!
I have been enjoying you witnessing your journey over the past couple of days. And know that us out there watching are with you in spirit and are having epiphany moments right along with you. I have been trying to force myself to get outside my little box as well. My best friend the 35mm f1.8 (which is my workhorse) has been taking a backseat to my frienemy the 50 f1.4. When she’s on she gets BEAUTIFUL shots but sometimes she wants to be difficult. I am so bummed I will no t be able to watch today but will definitely be popping in to your blog from now on!
I have been sat here in Germany all morning refreshing your blog, to find out how you enjoyed your day yesterday! I will be following from now on, you have a lovely interesting style of writing and your photos are amazing!
Enjoy yourself at the wedding today and I’ll be back tomorrow to see just how much you did.
Now I am trying to get to the right bit of the re-watch of yesterday, as just when it got really interesting (not that there was a boring moment) but your lunch break was our bedtime, so I missed the actual photo shoot, so hopefully I will get to see it in the re-watch!
Again, have a great day
Hugs
Kerri, who felt she just had to commment, after enjoying reading your blog and seeing your pics!