workshop retreat
APRIL 23-25, 2019 SANTA YNEZ, CA
mission About a year into our business, we knew that we wanted to shoot film because we loved the look and feel of film images. Little did we know how much incorporating film would transform our business and elevate our brand to attract luxury weddings for the loveliest of couples. It took a lot of trial and error, searching for information online, messing up rolls of film, trying different film labs, before we really hit our stride in creating images that we loved and were consistent with our brand and message. And after years of honing our film skills and building a profitable business, we wanted to give back to others in the wedding community who may not yet feel confident in getting the film images that they love. This workshop retreat is for those of you who want to hone your film shooting skills so that you can shoot film on a fast-paced wedding day and know how your images will look at the end of it. The mission of this workshop retreat is to provide clear guidance and tools toward your journey of successfully becoming a hybrid or full film wedding photographer. Designed to be a hands-on learning experience, we will provide you with measurable action items and outcomes so that you come away with well-rounded knowledge of how to shoot, edit, and profit with film in your wedding photography business. We look forward to getting to meet each of you personally and cannot to wait to help you in your film journey!
meet your mentor Jackie is the lead photographer and business owner of Whiskers and Willow Photography. She and her husband Matt are entering their sixth year shooting weddings, which they started in San Diego and have recently moved back to their hometown of Seattle. Growing up, Jackie and her dad would hike in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and shoot medium format film and panoramic cameras for her dad’s landscape photography hobby. This was her first introduction to film and photography and it wasn’t until a class in college that she became hooked on portraiture. While photography was not always her sole focus, her work in the academic and research sector has given her the experience and passion for teaching and mentoring others. Jackie loves traveling and exploring sweeping vistas and cute coffee shops, but also is a homebody and enjoys staying in with her and Matt’s two funny cats Cosmo and Lorne. Jackie and Matt’s work has received international recognition with publications in print magazines like The Knot California, Ireland Wedding Journal, and Munaluchi Bride, as well as the most highly regarded blogs Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge, Once Wed, Wedding Sparrow, 100 Layer Cake, Green Wedding Shoes, Ruffled, and more.
images courtesy sunstonewinery.com
sunstone winery Join us in the stunning Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, California for a workshop retreat at Sunstone Winery Villa from April 23-25, 2019. Inspired by our recent travels to Italy, Dani of HauteFêtes and Jackie of Whiskers and Willow are dreaming up gorgeous European inspiration to bring right to our own backyard! “Surrounded by sweeping views overlooking the Santa Ynez Mountains and the winery’s 55-acre estate, the Villa at Sunstone is an old world architectural masterpiece. Built from imported limestone from a small village in France, and wood beams and roof tiles reclaimed from a 19th century lavender factory, once owned by Queen Victoria, the Tuscaninspired Villa boasts 8,500 square feet of luxury living space. Completed in 2004, the Villa was constructed entirely from artifacts and materials recovered from buildings and rural villages carefully selected by Sunstone founders Fred and Linda Rice while on numerous trips to quarries and reclamation yards. The Villa has five master suites each replete with its own private bath, fine linens and bedding. It also includes eight fireplaces, Billiards room and numerous terraces and patios with views of the mountains and vineyard. The Villa’s Center Courtyard with fireplace is the ideal setting to enjoy a glass of Sunstone Wine and embrace the wine country lifestyle.” - sunstonewinery.com
tentative APRIL 23RD 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Check In at Sunstone Villa Welcome and Introductions Dinner Incorporating Film Into Your Wedding Photography Business Film tips and techniques Intro to finding your ideal client Pricing for profitability and print sales 1:1 Portfolio Reviews
APRIL 24TH 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:45 AM 10:15 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 1:30 PM
Breakfast Marketing, social media, and getting published Curating, branding, and creating your own shoots Collaborating with vendors and finding your team Break Styling and Shooting Details - Live Demo with HauteFetes Lunch with Richard Photo Lab Q&A Strategies for finding your light and posing couples naturally
itinerary APRIL 24TH 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 3:45 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:00 PM
Break Styled Shoot - Bride and Groom* Styled Shoot - Ceremony Site Styled Shoot - Reception Tabletop Dinner Shooting Receptions - Lighting after Dark *all attendees will get one on one time with models
APRIL 25TH 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 3:00 PM
Breakfast Styled Shoot - Boudoir Tasteful posing for female portraiture Post-Production Editing film scans and hybrid editing Lunch, Final Q&A, and Headshots Check Out of Sunstone Villa Private Wine Tasting Group Photo, and Goodbyes
all-star DANI HauteFêtes The creative force behind HauteFêtes Fine Weddings & Events, Dani is widely respected for her unparalleled eye for design and comprehensive planning skills. The daughter of a British diplomat and an artist, Dani grew up in London in a world of politics, entertaining and art. Specializing in luxury destination wedding design and planning for both international and domestic locations, Dani has been featured in numerous blogs and publications, and also named "Best Of" by Ranch & Coast Magazine. Drawing inspiration from her love of European interiors and nature, when not planning weddings you'll likely find her traveling or spending time with her family.
STACEY Beauty by Stacey Enhancing natural beauty is foremost in the mind of hair and makeup artist Stacey Triplow when she works. Growing up as a dancer, Stacey has more than 15 years’ experience in weddings, special events, fashion and editorial, as well as makeup education. Inspired by a desire to enhance women’s natural beauty, Stacey’s signature style is feminine and understated, yet in keeping with modern inspiration drawn from her love of international travel and fashion. Based in San Diego and available for travel worldwide, Stacey’s experience, combined with her passion for continued excellence, sees her clients transformed into their best selves. When not working, Stacey enjoys good food, wine and traveling with her family.
team KASIA Plenty of Petals Plenty of Petals is a floral studio in San Diego specializing in full-service weddings, corporate events, large-scale installations, and editorials. We focus on crafting gorgeous weddings and unique floral experiences using the freshest blooms, unique vessels, and intentional details. Our floral designs are delicate and organic and are known for their lovely combination of luscious blooms and unique textural elements that create a laid-back classic elegance. We are based in San Diego, and available to travel worldwide.
JASON Audrey Alba Films Jason is the lead videographer for Audrey Alba Films. Audrey Alba Films is a cinematography and video editing company located in San Diego California, creating Lifestyle, Commercial, and Wedding films. We are inspired by everything that goes into creating a great film. Everything from the right lighting, the movement of our cameras, down to the choice of lenses we use. We are also big fans of music which play a huge role with our work and is the key element to telling the right story.
sponsors
testimonials
Our 2018 workshop joint with Dear Lovers Photography was a one day intensive. See what our attendees had to say in an anonymous survey: “[The workshop] was such an amazing experience. Not only did they take the time to answer every question we had about film, business, posing, etc.., but they were also very hands on which helped us while shooting! Beyond that, the shoot they set up for us was absolutely stunning! The images are beyond what I was hoping in order to help really kick start my film portfolio. I would recommend this workshop to anyone that has any questions at all about film photography, meet some amazing photographers and expand your knowledge/portfolio.”
“Amazing. If you're wondering how to truly incorporate film into your business, attend this workshop!”
“You guys are literally amazing! I had the best time learning from you all and I am so thankful to have had this opportunity. I will forever be grateful for you guys sharing your knowledge about film photography with me. I love film so much and cannot wait to see where I’m headed with it. Thanks again!”
what you will learn Topics include Shooting film with confidence Incorporating film into your business Finding your ideal client Pricing for profitability Marketing and social media How to get published in a saturated market Curating and branding How to create your own styled shoots How to find and collaborate with your vendor team How to find and work with different light Natural posing for couples under pressure and with little time Techniques for editing film scans and matching digital and film Working with your film lab - Q&A with Richard Photo Lab Hands-on training Learn principals of styling details with a live demo and shoot Shooting and posing couples with one-on-one time The best composition for shooting ceremonies and receptions How to shoot reception lighting after dark Tasteful posing for female portraiture during boudoir shoots
investment Workshop classroom time and hands-on training Two beautifully styled editorial shoots (wedding and boudoir) Two night accommodations in Solvang All meals included (see itinerary) A brand new headshot One-on-one portfolio review Exclusive sponsor offers One hour one-on-one post-workshop Skype session follow up Access to a private Facebook group for continued group learning
$2750
A 50% retainer is required to reserve your seat with the remainder due three weeks prior to the event. Payments are non-refundable but can be transferred to another attendee or future workshop.
accommodations
Get away for a few days and enjoy a comfortable stay at The Hadsten House Inn, which is a charming French country-style inn located in the quaint Danish village of Solvang, in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country. Come early or stay after for a fun little getaway! Rest easy knowing everything is taken care of for you including shuttle pickups to and from Sunstone Winery.
image courtesy santabarbaraca.com
images courtesy hadstenhouse.com
questions Can digital photographers attend? Digital photographers are certainly welcome, however much of this workshop is focused on shooting and incorporating film into your wedding photography business. Be ready to learn about film! Can non-wedding photographers attend? This workshop is geared toward wedding photographers. Anyone is welcome but I believe that wedding photographers will get the most value out of this workshop. Will you provide film? We will provide a few rolls of Fuji400h film in your gift bags but please be sure to bring at least 15-20 rolls of your own film. I recommend Fuji400h as that’s what we love to shoot but Portra400 would be a great option as well. And if you’re looking to try some Ilford Delta 3200 or Ilford Delta 400 black and white film, maybe bring a couple rolls of that as well. How many photographers will be attending? We will cap the event at no more than 12 attendees so that we can have more one on one time with everyone.
Can I publish the photos from the shoot? You are welcome to submit the photos for publication once the shoot by Jackie has been published. You may of course use the photos on your website portfolio and social media. All we ask is that you properly credit the entire vendor team and tag #whiskersandwillowworkshop. How do we get there? Sunstone Winery and Villa are located in Santa Ynez, CA which is about a 40 minute drive from Santa Barbara Airport and 2-3 hours from LAX depending on traffic. Attendees will be staying at The Hadsten House Inn in Solvang, CA and transportation arrangements will be provided to and from Sunstone. What are the sleeping arrangements? A block of rooms have been reserved for attendees. Rooms are doubles with two queen beds and we will do our best to match you with an awesome roommate you will feel comfortable with. You may bring a non-attending spouse or a friend for an additional $300 to cover lodging and meals. What are we eating? We will do our best to accommodate any diet restrictions so please let us know if you have any dietary requests. What should we bring? Bring your favorite cameras and lenses to shoot with, 15-20 rolls of color film like Fuji400h or Portra400, 3-5 rolls of black and white film if desired, and a flash with remote triggers or LED light. You may bring a laptop/iPad to showcase your website and social media portfolios or I can pull it up on mine. Don’t forget an outfit for headshots. And bring a positive attitude and open mind - be ready to learn and grow.
contact us whiskersandwillow@gmail.com