Coming off of a Darling Wedding Workshop, is always the most amazing feeling. It’s so much more than a photography workshop. It’s hard to put into words the experience that is Darling. This most recent one was so much more than I could have ever expected. My heart is still on cloud nine, and I hope it stays up there for a while.

These women are more than just attendees to me. They’re new friends, new community. Yes, I spent two days pouring everything I know about taking pictures and running a photography business into them, but I think I learned more from them than they did from me! They taught me what it is to love and uplift those around you. To work together as a team for a bigger purpose. They re-affirmed that community is so much better than competition. They showed me what it’s like to serve your neighbor, and I’ll truly never forget our two days together!

We spent the first half of day one talking about all things behind the scenes. You know, fun stuff, like bank accounts, taxes and contracts. Things that aren’t as glamorous but are essential to running a profitable and sustainable business! It’s one of my favorite parts of the workshop, because I love seeing the lightbulbs go off in people’s head! It took me years to learn some of this stuff. Years that I wasted not doing things correctly or maybe even legally, and it gives me such joy to be able to save these women from making the same mistakes I did!

After we tackled all of that we moved on to that actual picture side of things! Talking about settings, exposure, and how to actually read the back of your camera so you get back to the computer and love your images! We put it all into practice with one seriously gorgeous styled shoot! Just wait until you see these images!!!!

Then on day two, we took those images and put them into a practical workflow system to be organized and efficient. We edited photos we’d taken the day before! I always love this part of the workshop, because taking images is only half of the puzzle. Knowing what to do with them in editing is equally if not more important! Anyone can set settings on a camera and take a picture. Editing is where photos turn into art!

Before wrapping up the workshop, we spent a few hours going over wedding day timelines and lighting a reception! Timelines are what gives you the freedom to be the best photographer you can for your couples. It’s a part that’s often skipped over, but without a realistic and efficient timeline, it’s easy to feel stressed and rushed. With one though, you get to be as creative as your heart desires! Same with lighting. It’s scary and terrifying. Until you know what you’re doing. It’s actually one of the easier parts of photography, believe that or not! I love taking this seemingly complicated subject and breaking it down into the easy thing it really is!

That’s it! That’s Darling!

Right now, we’re figuring out what’s next! If you’d like to be the first to know about future workshops, click on the link below to sign up for the mailing list! You’ll get exclusive access to early registration when launch the next one!

Behind the scene image taken by my ever talented sister, Carter, during our styled shoot!! Huge thanks to these vendors for making the shoot such a success for these ladies:
Venue: The Bradford
Coordinator/Planner/Stylist: C & D Events
Florist & Bridal Gown: Trebella
Cake Artist: The Cupcake Shoppe of Raleigh
Hair Stylist: Wedding Hair by Liz
Makeup Artist: Karen Michelle Clark
Furniture & Props: Themeworks
Tabletop & Linens: CE Rentals
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Stationary Suite: Oblique Pen