We’re so excited that our first workshop was a success. We were thrilled to work with Katie & Ryan as we demonstrated a live shoot for our attendees. Here are a few images from the session.
Our day and a half workshop took place at our gallery in Rosemary Beach. The primary focus for our workshops is to inspire and challenge our attendees to identify and advance in their own unique style. We talk openly about everything from client meetings to processing images. We’re so humbled and thankful to have had such great people attend our first workshop. Thank you to all of our attendees, and especially to Charlie Pappas and Taylor Haynie for contributing a few behind the scenes shots!
Fabulous!
Here are my comments on the workshop.
Wow!
I’m really motivated after spending 2 days with Paul and Mecheal and the other five photographers.
We met at their new really cool client studio in Rosemary Beach. The walls were adorned with their fabulous work and a really big surprise on one wall. Let’s just say it involved a tree. The Daylite screen was displaying a slide show of amazing wedding photographs set to really nice music. I’d love to get their iTunes list.
Later in the day, we observed Paul and Mecheal in action with a real wedding couple. The magic of this shoot was that these were not their past clients and so we were able to see the critical interaction between photographer and subject evolve. Let’s just say it started out with a few casual snaps as the couple strolled down the cobblestone streets of Rosemary Beach and progressed into a full Oklahoma Drill type exercise. The beach was a tad cool (OK, freezing for Fla folk) but the couple seemed to really enjoy the experience. I’m sure they will love the results. Check out Paul Johnson’s Blog for the photographs.
Paul shoots in sports shooter mode similar to an SI photographer. This becomes obvious as to why he uses his special technique. He reveals how he achieves his signature action shots. Paul and Mecheal explained in full detail what they were doing technically during the shoot.
Later that evening, we all met up for dinner. When in Grayton Beach, be sure and dine at The Red Bar. Bring your appetite and your cash/check cause at The Red Bar they don’t serve average food, and they don’t take American Express…or Visa…or any plastic. ATM in the rear.
On day two, we observed Paul create. He is a true artist. I watched as he worked his images and brought them from, really good out of the camera, to his fabulous signature look. He says there isn’t any “magic dust” but he has it in his DNA. He visualizes the final image and works every detail until he achieves it. A few tools and a secret sauce or two and there it is. No “one click actions” here. The exception being the blog wrapper. Everything is custom. And that, he explains, is how he maintains his look and style.
There were many more points covered, including Mecheal’s culling process. Not only did she show us her method, she explained what her thought process was for each edit decision. Paul and Mecheal covered every aspect of their wedding photography business answering every question with open honest detail.
The clients of Rosemary Beach are wealthy, sophisticated, educated and very demanding. This becomes obvious when experiencing the quality of available cuisine. Even the sandwich wraps were gourmet and organic. Average won’t do and won’t survive. In fact, Starbucks recently closed.
Paul and Mecheal have the formula to provide the necessary products and services to cater to this high end market. It was pleasure to learn from them and to gain insight into their business. A bonus was meeting and getting to know the other five wonderful photographers.
Very best,
Charlie
Amazing work Paul, GREAT shots, and so glad the workshop was a hit! Totally unsurprised..you guys rock it, seriously. All the best.
looks like you guys had a great time. my husband can’t wait to come to the next one!
Out of all the workshops that I could have signed up for, this was the perfect one for me. I was the last person to sign up and literally did a dance in my house when I found out I got the spot!
Paul and Mecheal, it was such a treat to learn from you and get to know you last week. You were both so open and honest and willing to equip us with tools to move our businesses forward. I came home inspired and overflowing with more ideas than I can handle! 
Thank you both for putting so much hard work into helping us succeed.
These are fantastic! WOW! Love it.
Paul and Mecheal- seriously, the best money I have ever spent. I am so proud to call you guys my friends
Wow! I love the close up of her eyes! These are amazing!!
Nice shots! Fantastic!
Its very good to share the expertise with other photographers. I wish to be there !
I live on beach – Florianópolis – here in Brazil and the brides is starting to want photos on the beach! So cool! Since 2007 I also promote workshops about wedding photojournalism. To teach is a very good experience!
Hey Paul, when do you come to Brazil???
Paul & Mecheal, your first workshop was amazing. You two covered so much in two days. It was like receiving cliff notes of years and years of experience. I could go on and on, but I think Charlie already covered it all.
I want to thank both of you again for opening up your studio to all of us. It was greatly appreciated.
sounds like your workshop was a smash hit. way to go paul and mecheal!
I am sure you get these type of questions all of the time but in the shot 7th from the top the focal point of this picture seems to the the subject rt eye. What set up, lens and exposure did you use for this shot. It is amazing and the depth of field produced just adds to the feeling and intensity of this shot. WOW
I have been a admirer of your work since my future wife introduced me to your blog. It appease you use allot of wide lenses, like 14 thru 28 mm focal length. Thank you for your work. It is inspiring and I hope to attend one of your workshops in the future.
Chris
All I can say WOW
!