So a few months ago I did something totally crazy and signed up for an ah-mazing photo workshop by the lovely Elizabeth Messina. It made sense to me because I was already going to be in sunny CA shooting a wedding the same week of the workshop where it was taking place. So I splurged for my business and inspiration and signed up. I then found out my mom was going to be visiting my sister in Portland, OR the next week. So I figured I should go as well. Before I left I learned about the Erich McVey Workshop happening in Bend, Oregon the same time. I kept going back in forth in my head if I should do both. I decided it was too much and that I couldn’t afford two big workshops in one year. But after attending the Messina Workshop it just made me want to go ten times more!!! I have absolutely no regrets! The Erich McVey Workshop was truly inspiring. I’ve attended some amazing workshops but none as moving, educational, and stunning as Erich McVeys! What I loved most was how personal him and his wife were with everyone. He wasn’t put up on a pedestal, but instead gave you the confidence that you could be sitting where he was one day. The team he put together was unforgettable as well as the other attendees and the entire experience. I would highly recommend this workshop to any photographer needing to move forward in their carrier. I’m so honored to have been a part of it and I’m still swooning over my images.

I also made friends with one attendee, Michele Beckwith who I adored! She signed up for both workshops too, so it made me feel less crazy. I also got to know Ginny and Holly from right here in Birmingham who did all the stunning styling and flowers for Erich’s Workshop. These ladies are the true dream team. They can put together stunning center pieces with just the environment around them. One really big thing about these two workshops is that both Erich and Elizabeth are film shooters. Because of them and other high end wedding photographers, shooting film seems to be a trend that’s picking up. It’s a tinny bit funny to me that I shot only film at The Brooks Institute and at UA and now that I finally own all the digital gear I need, film is moving forward. I learned the pros and cons of both and I am very inspired to at least become a hybrid shooter. At the bottom of my post I tried to put a film photo and a digital photo next to each other so everyone can compare the two. They are very different looks but I love them both!!! There is a bit less editing involved when shooting film, but you are paying for it to be processed and scanned. However, sometimes I would pay extra just to take a break from editing nonstop.

I did go on a limb with my friend last week and bought a sidewalk raffle ticket and we won 10K!!! So deciding to go to both workshops was the right choice and meant to be. Because all the money I spent on them I just won back?! WooHoo! Keep your eyes open for some new rebranding in my future 😉 So much to do, yayaya! Until then enjoy these photos from the workshop and let me know if you prefer film or digital?

Film vs Digital. Which do you prefer?