Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshop at The Parks 2018

Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshop at The Parks 2018

What happens when you connect a bunch of creative female photographers on a mission to learn and grow?

Deep conversations
A lot of laughs
Much fun
Some silliness
A lot of questions
Expansion and transformation!

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Around about a year ago I hosted my fifth Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography one day workshop in Joburg at The Parks Natural Light Studio.

We got deep that day and immersed ourselves in a programme that is just not your typical wedding or portrait photography workshop! The Unstuck Yourself Workshop is not one of those workshops where there is a styled shoot with a model and a table of flowers to photograph. Nope it is so much more than that!

We look at

  • Mindset and how practicing mindfulness can enhance your photography and your life
  • The importance of creating your own visual language and how to do so
  • Skills that will have you thinking out of the box
  • Problem solving techniques that will help you transform tricky shooting circumstances into creative possibilities
  • Simple ways of getting your flash off camera and playing with strobe and constant lighting
  • How to take your images from drab to fab
  • How to find the clients that you love
  • How to create a brand that is totally you
  • How to stay inspired and creative
  • How to see the light and make the light
  • We get in touch with your why but I also show you my how!

I give you loads of practical demonstrations and teach you many photographic techniques but this isn’t a workshop where I just teach you how to use a technique I will teach you why!

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The day started with coffee and chats. It was a chilly winter’s day that day and so there was much tea drinking throughout the day. We began with an informal presentation in the “movie house” where I shared my story and how I have got to where I am as a photographer. I shared the secrets behind my triumphs but also shared my mistakes so that you can avoid making the same! Later we went out into the mid-day sun and this is where I began to teach how to light using reflectors and off camera flash.

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We had an absolutely delicious vegetarian lunch made by Chef Venessa Marx, which was followed by more talks and then even more demonstrations of photo techniques.

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The evening ended with a cheese and wine and a chin wag around the table and so there was loads of time for sharing and Q&A!

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Here’s what some of the ladies who attended had to say.

“This workshop has motivated me to push myself to try think outside the box for every shoot, no matter what” Tammy Holiday

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“Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop and giving so much of yourself! I have found it very inspiring and taken so much out of it!“- Melanie Nel

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“I really enjoyed this workshop and have put my prices up since attending. I am now fully booked for the next 4 month. I found my focus and my self worth which has also meant attracting the right clients.”– Merissa Venter

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“Thank you so much for an awesome workshop Jax. The authenticity and timelessness of your work has always struck me, I can feel that your work is strongly informed by your clients, you don’t just shoot to a ‘shot list’ or follow what is trendy. I felt like the same was true for your workshop, you didn’t just follow a script… You moulded the day to what we needed and felt was important. You made me feel like an artist again.. And reminded me that everything informs and influences what we do as photographers. I loved your honesty in showing us your ‘bad dutch tilt’.. Made me feel like there was hope for us all!”– Lisa Skinner

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“When you go on a workshop like this you are investing in yourself which is ultimately worth more than investing in gear! The Unstuck Yourself workshop was an intense but amazing day which has given me lots to think about and try out. Being able to see a talented professional’s workflow and thought process, in person is priceless.

I do a lot of online learning but the benefit of an in person workshop with personal interaction and discussion is so vital to your own growth. I loved networking with other photographers and I also enjoyed seeing the “live demonstrations” Seeing and hearing from other photographers (usually experiencing the same feelings & frustrations) is an inspiration and motivation.

I would definitely recommend this workshop.” – Anne Nieuwenhuizen

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” This is the best workshop I have ever been to!”– Jean Dohse

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“I had reached the point in my craft when it used to energise me it sapped my energy and depleted me. I had lost my love of creating.
Jax’s workshop helped me unpack my creativity and find new, seemingly simple ways to get creative and in the same way re-inventing myself and my craft.
It reignited my passion for creating beautiful imagery and carving a niche in my business. This is not just another photography workshop. This is a fantastic investment in your personal growth to set you apart in a saturated industry. “- Sinead Brook

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“Thank you for the workshop you did for us last year, it forever changed my life and thought process. What I loved was how the process of the workshop focused on doing things in a new way. I loved the mindfulness exercises and I loved the way you taught us how to see – this has greatly inspired how I shoot. The very location of your workshop was a challenge but I loved it because it taught us how to win in difficult lighting situations. The environment on the day was amazing, truly reflecting your energy. Thank you for creating a bootcamp for creatives that continues to develop them even years after they have attended and for creating a community that we can go back to when looking for assistance.”– Nockwaka Sinxadi

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I’m going to be doing two more Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshops in 2019. One will happen in Joburg and one in Durban this June. I am toying with the idea of taking a year out to live abroad next year. So if you want to work with me, make 2019 your year as I am unsure whether I will be hosting these workshops in South Africa again, but that is another story all together!

These upcoming workshops will be slightly different to previous ones, as this time I will be doing them over two full days and not just one!! After doing some market research with all my previous attendees I realised that one day is just not long enough to really get through everything I share! I really want all attendees to be able to implement all the techniques once we finish the workshop. and so you will be practicing with me as your in person guide. We will also be doing some creativity exercises and journaling over the two days.

And then!! Just to make sure that you are on track I am going to be doing two zoom calls after the workshop so we can discuss the worksheets I give you to kickstart your creativity and get you thinking!

So if you book now you will get:

  • 2 full days of tuition, demonstrations and fun!
  • 2 lunches and teas
  • Late afternoon soup to warm up
  • 1 cheese and wine evening
  • Access to an online portal with all worksheets and other info
  • 2 group zoom calls after the workshop
  • Access to a facebook group where you can ask questions

And

If you book with a friend you will both get R3500 off the overall price.

Click here to find out more about the special

And click here to find out all the details

Credits to:

Venue: The Parks Natural Light Studio

Catering: Chef Vanessa Marx  

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Fearless Photographers Conference

Fearless Photographers Conference

My heart was racing so fast it felt like I had just had a sprint around the block!!!

It was Day one of the Fearless Wedding Photographers Conference in Aachen Germany and I decided not to miss a single talk even though my slot to speak was at 3.30pm near the end of the day and I probably should have been practicing my presentation.

As I sat there listening to these incredible world class photographers speak to 260 of some of the best photographers in Europe and the world I could feel my body reacting to the fear of not being good enough. It rushed through me like a flood. Hot sweaty palms, blood thundering through my ears like red hot drums. All I could see was that enormous stage, speakers dwarfed by their colossal pictures!

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Who was I to speak to all these people? What if I forgot my whole speech? What if I stumbled over my words and said UMMMMM too much? What if the audience thought I was talking nonsense?

And then I went home to BREATHE.

I was invited to speak at this international conference for a reason. I belonged there. Everything was just as it was meant to be!

I had to talk myself down. I had to be still. I had to connect with my heart and get out of my head.

The brain plays tricks on us all the time to keep us safe by exaggerating risk. Anxiety is the physical manifestation of fear.

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If I had to listen to my inner critic I can assure you I wouldn’t have done most of the most exciting and wonderful things that have happened in my life. My inner critic is a bitch. She loves to tell me how much I suck. She loves to hold me back.

But I know I am so much more than my thoughts so I know that it is so important not to be consumed by the head.

And in the end the talk went well. I felt revitalized by the fact that I overcame my fears and that I got up on the stage despite the nerves, despite the head, despite being all alone. Yip I traveled to Aachen alone and didn’t have a friend to hold my hand or give me a hug before going up there. In the end I congratulated myself for being the first South African wedding photographer to speak at this conference and I met so many absolutely, awesome people some of whom I now call friends and most importantly I had a heart warming response from so many people who resonated with my message. I realised just how brave I can be. I realised I can do alot more if I work on my mind and still the negative self talk crap! It was a life changing experience!

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It all starts with breathing, stilling the mind and then putting one foot in front of the other!

That’s all!

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What’s holding you back in your photography and life? The inner critic loves to sabotage us into safety. If I can talk to the huge crowd below I promise you you can accomplish so much more than your mind is allowing you to believe!!!

If you’re a photographer and would like to work with me I have two workshops coming up in June with very limited spots available. Send me a DM and I will send you a link to the webpage where you will find all the details.

PS I would like to apologise to the photographer who took the last two black and white images I stupidly forgot to save your details and I now can’t find you on Facebook to credit you! Thanks so much if you’re reading this. The first was taken by the amazing Niki Boon and the last by Dries Renglé

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Trend versus heart! How to make images that hold value.

Trend versus heart! How to make images that hold value.

I had someone challenge me about an article I wrote on my blog last week which you can read here

The title was, ‘You can paint an Apple red but that won’t make it taste sweet’

This was used to illustrate my idea that if you’re a photographer who uses trend based techniques to get attention, or fit in or because everyone is doing it, the chances are high the resultant work will hold little real value in the future. You might even look back on it and hate it as trends tend to fade! However when you use photographic techniques with purpose, intention and heart chances are way higher that if you look back at that piece of work it will still resonate.

I shot this photo well over a decade ago. It was in the days when HDR and using props in family shoots were very big!!! 

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I used a prop and I also used a bit of HDR software here!

BUT

Josh was OBSESSED with Peppa Pig and Peppa Pig listened to a seashell and found the ocean. He spent his whole holiday in South Africa listening to this shell. The prop told a story. There was a purpose to using this trend and a lot of heart! I was following a story that I loved! The HDR vibe? Well? It emphasizes their straight off the beach skin. They lived in the UK at that time so it told the story of their holiday

I still love this photo and my work has improved enormously since those days so that’s surprising! Using the techniques made my apple ripen because they had purpose and now this photo is worth gold as Josh is nearly a teenager and lives in Australia and this is a memory that he will have of him and his Dad that transcends time.

I’m in no way saying don’t experiment or play with Photography! .

Nope not at all! Because that’s how you learn, grow and improve. But use your head and don’t be a sheep!!

If you’re shooting the same as everyone else you will always be competing on price!!!

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Five star service versus two star service

Five star service versus two star service

I was so fast asleep I was practically dead!

24 hours of traveling from Berlin to Bali had me in a virtual coma the instant my head hit the pillow.

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All of a sudden I was ripped into a foggy consciousness by the sound of a whiney, disgruntled female voice.

She was just going on and on and on AND ON!!

 I couldn’t block it out.

I had to open my eyes.

And when I did I saw my newly arrived, fresh off the plane Australian friend being harassed by the Balinese lady who manned the front desk of the villas we were to call home for the week.

 She was shouting about a double booking and how Amy needed to pay for the other taxi.

Considering the fact that Amy had paid for the taxi she was in and never ordered another taxi to fetch her from the airport she was confused and stressed by her rude welcome to our villas.

 Somehow wires had been crossed and the villas had sent a taxi without the necessary confirmation from Amy  for the transfer from the airport. The desk lady was adamant that she must pay.

 This was not a good first impression on our first day.

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 The Taxi mixup was eventually resolved. Later in the week we decided to take advantage of a rare sunny day and find a hotel that offered a day pass to the pool facilities. After a bit of online research we decided to head to the Royal Pita Mahai, a five star resort in the jungle just outside of Ubud.

 Our arrival was a totally different experience. We were welcomed with a smile and given a cool, fresh towel scented with lemongrass to freshen up with. We were then offered a welcome drink and the receptionist explained their different packages and took us on a tour around the expansive hotel grounds to show us where the various pools were situated. We were totally blown away by the décor and gardens of this beautiful hotel, the attention to detail and the staff hospitality.

 We were not only made to feel special, we were given an experience.

We told so many people about the Royal Pita Maha. We did however not recommend the villas to anyone nor would we! Word of mouth is a huge marketing tool that should never be underestimated!

This really got me thinking about the business of being a photographer.

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What kind of welcome are you giving your clients?

What are you doing to make them feel special?

What kind of experience will they remember?

Will they remember you for your five star-service?

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 Here are some practical ways to make your client experience a better one as inspired by the Royal Pita Maha

  • A sunny welcome goes a long way. We don’t work in the corporate world. Smile with your emails.
  • Be approachable. Make things easy for your clients. Explain how you work and what your packages are.
  • Make things beautiful and a pleasure to be in. This includes your website. If things look good and it’s easy to navigate their first impression will be better.
  • Most people are getting married for the first time so if you want to serve them well, you will need to educate them about what you need in order to get great pics.
  • Your clients wedding day must always be about them and not you and your ego.
  • You are there to serve your clients and give them a beautiful experience.
  • Always do your best and be a nice person. Say please and thank you!
  • Don’t dress like a slob on shoot day and make sure you are groomed and looking like a five star photographer if you are wanting to deliver five star service.
  • Compliment people. Make them feel safe in front of your camera. Make them feel special! But don’t be false.
  • Under promise- Over deliver
  • Give that extra little bit that isn’t expected. This can be a gift, beautiful packaging, staying on for longer than expected, giving them a hand written note, delivering images earlier than expected. When people receive an added bonus that wasn’t part of the package they will feel special! This will help your word of mouth marketing.
  • Remember that failed expectations are the mother of all disappointments so make sure you deliver on your promises.
  • Definitely don’t ever respond to any miscommunication if you are angry or upset. Take some time to cool down so you aren’t reacting from an emotional space.
  • Please don’t write about your clients on social media if you’re upset. If you need to vent phone a friend you can trust. 

 And lastly remember that

  • Humans want to feel safe
  • Humans want to feel accepted
  • Humans want to feel special

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Painting the apple red!

Painting the apple red!

“You can paint an apple red but that doesn’t mean it will taste sweet!”

I went to a public speaking mini workshop last night here in Ubud, Bali and this was one of the lines the instructor used to explain the difference between using speechmaking techniques as opposed to speaking from the heart whilst using the techniques. Kind of like the difference between performing for the sake of it (gimmicky and shallow) and being authentic and driven from a place of true purpose (authentic and with depth)

I thought that this was a great way to explain the difference between being a photographer who uses the latest editing fads or flash techniques and one who uses the various tools at our disposal with purpose and intent.

When you understand why you are shooting and you shoot from the heart your work will start having :

  • More soul.
  • More meaning.
  • More authenticity.
  • More impact.
  • More purpose

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In order to this you need to understand yourself and your reasons for being a photographer.

  • You need to understand what drives you as a creative and what you are visually attracted to and inspired by, as opposed to using techniques because they are the latest fad.
  • You need to understand your subject and the space that you are creating from.
  • You need to tap into your inner story-teller.
  • You need to shoot in the moment and from the heart as opposed to just applying tricks brought in from your mind.

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If you want to create work with heart, depth and meaning you have go to go deeper than painting the apple red for the sake of it.

There are many workshops where you can learn how to take pictures but I want to teach you why you take pictures. I want to put the heart back into your art but also give you the technical side so you have a great library from which to draw from when you go out to make photos.

Here are a few things that can help you.

  • Ask your clients about who they are. Make pictures about them instead of just making pictures for the sake of it. This is where your visual stories will come from.
  • Think about the space where you are shooting. What does it feel like?? Make pictures about that.
  • Think about the story of the day – make pictures about that.
  • Spend a lot of time looking at imagery and try and understand why you like certain images
  • Buy a book and start journaling.
  • Write down all your thoughts and ideas down regarding your work
  • Spend time writing down why you are a photographer and then be that photographer
  • Write down your goals as a photographer. Dream big.
  • Find the clients who inspire you by only putting out the work that you want to make
  • Go to art galleries and book shops to inspire yourself so that you have a wealth of visual stimulation to draw from
  • Don’t make pictures for the sake of it shoot from you heart.

Get in touch if you would like to go deeper and find your artists heart!

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