Back in February we attended a three-day workshop with Bambi Cantrell at her studio in Benicia. The third day had a major contribution from Jim Garner.

Our motivations for attending the workshop were twofold: soak like sponges from these wonderful educators, and specifically learn first hand how Bambi poses her couples and groups. (She is a master after all!) We hear so often now how posing is a dirty word, but a professional photographer should be able to create the best images from any given situation – whether reportage, gently directed, or full-out posed.

Bambi supplied models for two days, and gave us great insight into her use of light and posing, then assigned us to shoot with the models. The following mornings we would take our ‘out of camera’ images in for critique. I love being critiqued – it’s the best education. Nicest comments from the critiques were “you should do this professionally!” and “I wish I had taken that!”. Seriously, the critiques were great and extremely constructive.
As a side note, we were also advised to go see the print competition judging at WPPI for the same reason, and fresh back from WPPI, I can highly recommend the viewing for improving your photographic eye. This skit should convince you..!

The additional time with Jim Garner was valuable and entertaining. Again, there were gems of advice, and we spent the whole time scribbling notes on technique and album design – Maria’s strength already – but understanding how an award-winning pro shoots with vision, plans and designs is wonderful education. The work and slideshows he showed were moving and inspiring.
I have to say that the workshop exceeded our expectations and I would highly recommend professional photographers attend a workshop with Bambi and Jim – it’s fun and immensely educational.. We came away with pages and pages of scribbling and many ideas for new shoots. Thank you both!

Here’s the same pic, straight out of camera, with no photoshop finishing:

Love making grungy images!