The 2020 Adirondack Wedding Workshop wrapped up a few weeks ago, and it’s time to look back. It was a feat to pull off in the age of coronavirus. At the same time it was just the hope I needed to keep going this year.
Am I the only one who feels like that?
We gathered a group of 8 photographers in Saranac Lake, NY for a film photography workshop. During that time we captured 2 unique wedding scenes and lifestyle engagement sessions (5 total shoots). Three days of photography business coaching allowed for conversation and growth. We focused on purpose, pricing, marketing, clients and portfolio. This foundation gives all levels of experience a plan to move forward. The goal, of course is to have a business and life you love. To pay yourself well and still enjoy your job – taking pictures – at the end of the day.
Interested in attending? Be the first to sign up and receive special offers.
Inspiration for the 2020 Adirondack Wedding Workshop
The inspiration for the 2020 Adirondack Wedding Workshop was a wedding in the river. Being not quite in the water but on it led me to our location : the Jay Covered Bridge.
It is a historic spot and a favorite swimming area. Most summer afternoons people are throughout the river and waterfall. At 6 in the morning we had the place completely to ourselves.
Now, when the workshop was announced last year and sign up began, one couple and wedding was promised. However, once coronavirus barged in as the unwelcome guest, I doubled our shoots and added a second couple. A favorite mountain view hosted one ceremony and the river the other. Two very different lifestyle engagement sessions were planned. One a classic day at the lake, the other a fashion focused editorial shoot “in the studio” (meaning on seamless and not location based at all).
Take a look at all of our shoots – which will link to individual blog posts soon! I can’t wait to hear what you think and which is your favorite.
2020 Adirondack Wedding Workshop Team
None of this would have been possible without the amazing team that assembled. I am so grateful to everyone who shared their work, created something beautiful, spent time planning and trusted me to make this happen.
- Workshop Host + Story Curation : Mary Dougherty
- Planning + Design : Katharine Phillips
- Floral Design : Little Farmhouse Flowers
- Hair + Makeup : Katherine Elizabeth Salon
- Jewelry + Accesories : Hushed Commotion
- Rings : Grace Lee
- Cake : Enuf Chocolates
- Dress Shop : Lovely Bride Rochester
- Invitation : Model Paper
- Shoes : Bella Belle Shoes
- Linens : LaTavola Linen
- Models : Jacqui Blanding + Marina Boswell / Alex Korchynski + Tom Burtless
Jay Covered Bridge Elopement in a Waterfall
Adirondack Wedding Workshop Welcome Dinner
Fashion Focused Editorial Engagement Session
A day at the Lake Engagement Session
Bright Florals for this Intimate Wedding with Mountain Views
Workshop Teaching + Content
The content I created and taught stems from my mistakes, successes and 12 years of experience as a creative small business. Being a wedding photographer means no co-workers, guidebook, mentors… unless you seek them out. I have found all of those things over the years and if you need a place to start read this post + attend a workshop like mine. By developing a framework I keep going back to, I am able to adjust as life changes, my business grows and I plan new goals.
Over those 12 years I moved three times, welcomed three children into our family and through it all kept my business going. Not only that, I was booking luxury weddings that paid five figures. I knew I needed share my secrets with other photographers.
Now I teach other photographers to carve their own path without making all of the mistakes that come from learning as you go. As a guide who opens the door, I not only show the possibility but a way to get there. If you are a photographer near burn-out, resenting work, without time for your family… I will show you the way into a different world.
2020 Adirondack Wedding Workshop Sponsors
I was so grateful to have the support from these wonderful brands :
B+H : loaned us several mirrorless cameras for everyone to test out during the workshop and try. I’m convinced it’s time to upgrade.
The Find Lab : My film lab of choice! They gave all attendees a discount on processing and sent some welcome gifts.
Sourced Co + Narrative App both shared gifts for the welcome bags.
Of course the unsung hero in my book is Matt, my husband who cooks for us during the workshop (and it’s so good), and my family who comes to take care of the kids so we can actually pull this off. Grateful to have so much support from you!
