Unstuck Yourself Workshop-Durban 2019

Unstuck Yourself Workshop-Durban 2019

I love running my Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshop at my home in Ballito as it just feels so lovely and personal. And that’s just it, my workshops are personal.

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I enjoy getting to know my students and when the workshop is done we stay in touch via a private Facebook group, which means that there is continued support. Friendships have been formed as a result of my workshop and I’ve  so enjoyed seeing students images get better and better and their businesses thrive. This isn’t one of those workshops where there are 20 people all vying for a position to photograph a styled shoot. Nope I keep the numbers down to give everyone personalized attention.

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At the end of June 2019 I hosted 8 wonderful photographers at my home, which I call the “Mouse House”, for my seventh Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshop in South Africa. We had a real mixed bunch, some of the photographers who attended have been in business for close to a decade and others are just starting out.

Despite their varying levels of experience we had so much fun and they all wanted to learn

HOW TO
·         Develop your own visual language and style
·         Find the clients that resonate with you
·         Turn tricky shooting situations into creative possibilities
·         Take your images from drab to fab
·         Make friends with your flash
·         See the light and make the light
·         Stay inspired and think out of the box
·         Create emotive imagery
·         Compose better
·         Put your prices up
·         Use mindfulness to reduce creative anxiety
·         Take better care of yourself for optimum performance
·         Put YOU into your work

Running the workshop over two days instead of one is the best decision I have made as it really gives attendees the chance to totally immerse into the creative process. We spent two full days working on the worksheets I have designed to get people thinking about their own creativity, life and business.

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I gave lectures about all my secrets and stories and everything I have learnt over the last ten years of working as a professional photographer.

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I gave lots of practical demonstrations about shooting in the mid-day sun.

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I gave students a bunch of tips and techniques abou how to make amazing images in messy, ugly spaces, boring spaces or just a plain white wall.

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I showed them my simple approach to flash photography and the joys of using lighting modifyers and then everyone got to play with me on hand to ask questions.

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We ate absolutely incredible lunches by Bleu Berri Concept Catering, drank loads of tea and coffee and finished it all off with a cheese and wine and a special G&T by West Coast Distillers for those who are into a spot of gin!

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Creative Photography Workshop by Jacki Bruniquel

A huge thanks to Carolyn from Adore weddings and Events who made us the most beautifully decorated table with gorgeous splashes of coral tulips and foraged botanical delights. I particularly loved the blue delft plates which she hired from the Delish Sisters!

Thanks also to House of Hudson for the chairs and Two Fold Interiors for the lovely linen.

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Here’s what some of these attendees had to say along with a few of the pics I took of them to demonstrate practical techniques.

Dawn Oosterberg: Attending Jacki’s Unstuck Yourself workshop was real food for my creative soul. I was rather bored and a little stuck in my photography and Jacqui managed to really draw me out of myself. Her natural, easy teaching style is not intimidating at all, but is rather raw, honest and real. This helps you feel comfortable to be yourself, to make mistakes and, most importantly, to grow. I walked away from this workshop feeling inspired, refreshed (can anyone say “Mama’s day out?”) and ready to take on new challenges. Thank you, Jacki, for really massaging in the new information, for being patient and for inspiring us all with your journey.

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Lucy Gemmill: I left Joburg so super excited to attend Jacki’s ” Unstuck yourself” course in June. From the moment I walked through the door and was given a massive hug by both Jax and Charne. I was made to feel welcome and included throughout the two full on days.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, where I was I met by a wealth of camera knowledge, from a team of amazing individuals. I found the soul searching fascinating. We were asked through several diverse modules to figure out what made us “tic”. I have figured out a lot about myself as I dig deep to this day, several weeks later on. By doing this I will attempt to implement what I have searched for and found within myself. Plus continuing to do so.

I loved every second of this course. I am so glad that I was able to travel from Joburg to attend.

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Shezaad Ally: The Unstuck Yourself workshop totally changed my way of thinking. I used to panic in wedding situations but Jacki not only gives you the tools to shoot in messy rooms she also teaches you how to calm down. My images also have more emotion since the workshop and my clients are so amazed at what I am able to create.

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Anja Meyer: The Unstuck Yourself Workshop was an amazing experience, not just photographically, but all round! Yes it focused on photography, but it also focused on tapping into your creativity, looking after your health and being more mindful when shooting. I felt beyond inspired and so excited to try new things after the workshop.

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Anneke Human: Attending Jacki’s workshop has been such a blessing at the right time, I came un-inspired and surely left inspired and unstuck. I’m excited about my photography again and I can’t wait to see and use light better. I loved the workshop!!

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Sally Mackay: ‘Jacki – you are a legend! It was a privilege to attend your ‘Unstuck yourself’ workshop in Durban. Your honest and open approach to the workshop was refreshing and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the mindful practices and loved the opportunity to play and try different techniques.   Your approach to difficult situations was inspiring and I will always think ‘What would Jacki do?’ going forward!   It was lovely to experience this workshop with like-minded people, who shared their experience and expertise freely. I feel that I have gained an extended community.

Thank you again for sharing your valuable wisdom with us.

Thank you also to Charne who looked after us so beautifully – you really are a patient angel ‘behind the scenes’!!

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If you would like to attend the next Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshop click here for more details.

The next one will be happening at my home in Ballito on the 17th and 18th of March 2020.

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Shooting in difficult locations

Shooting in difficult locations

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings is that I get to experience so many different types of cultures.  I love people and am always watching the way in which we interact and connect. Ritual is of particular interest to me and so traditional weddings become totally fascinating for me.

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Here are a few photographs from Andile and Langa’s Traditional Zulu wedding that happened the day after their Christian White wedding which took place at The Zunguness in the midlands.

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Traditional Zulu weddings generally happen at the Groom’s family’s homestead and they are filled with song, beautiful colours and sometimes even a bit of Zulu dancing! The main ceremony involves family members and important guests being presented with blankets.

Once the formalities were done which I shot in a documentary style, I wanted to capture a few portraits of the ravishing bride. Andile is drop dead gorgeous and a total fashionista, she oozes style and I wanted to make something special for her that spoke of her.

She looks like she’s standing in an African jungle in this photo but we were actually in an urban area with lots of cars, electric fences and razor wire which is typical in South Africa. As a wedding photographer we need to deliver no matter what the circumstances are, and Andile is a real fashionista so I wanted to create something really glamorous as she is.

I remember thinking to myself – Whats the best way to approach this Jacki Bruniquel.

And I slowed it all down and looked at the red of her outfit and changed my thinking to-
How can I solve this?
What goes with red!
Green is Red’s complementary colour
And off I went in search of a spot of green. Which we found in a vacant plot a wee bit down the road.

I used the Profoto B10 light to create some drama and fill in the shadows and a long lens to create some lens compression.

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If you would like to learn how to problem solve tricky shooting situations and take your flash off camera send me an email. I have a few spots free for my Durban Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshop that is happening on the 17/ 18 March 2020 and the early bird special is still available until the 30 January 2020. If you are keen to attend the Joburg workshop send me a DM and I will pop you onto the wait list.

For more information about the Unstuck Yourself Workshop, click here. 

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Self Care Creativity Challenge

Self Care Creativity Challenge

Self-care conjures up images of spas, bubble baths and candles! It can be seen as somewhat indulgent but self-care is actually one of the most important habits to nurture, because when our chips are down we can serve no one! If you don’t prioritize your physical, emotional and mental well being who will?

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There are some people who are masters at self care and disciplined with a capital D but for most of us we’re on a yoyo. One minute we are looking after ourselves, and the next we are falling off the yoga mat and eating all the cake. That’s me anyway!

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It’s soooooo easy to get out of the habit of making healthy lifestyle choices that will serve our long-term energy levels, especially when we are already frazzled. I know that when I am sad or stressed it feels so much easier to go for short term fixes and instant gratification as opposed to going for that run. Our brain tends to choose what is easy, safe and requires the least energy. It loves to trick us into staying on the couch!

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As photographers it is vital that we are physically fit and well as we are literally using our bodies to make a living! We also want to be mentally and emotionally healthy as well because we are dealing with people all the time, and running a business is stressful!!!
Most of us tend to prioritize getting the work done instead of making sure we can keep doing the work at optimum power. This doesn’t help our energy levels in the long term and if we keep abusing our bodies burn out is a serious risk. Trust me, I’ve been there and it takes a very long time to bounce back!

We need to keep filling that creative cup to stay inspired but when the editing pile is sky high this is often neglected. The result of not actively doing things to inspire is that we can start repetitively making the same old boring stuff!

I’ve had a crazy year and I’m feeling shattered. I want to be on tip top form for December season and I definitely want to end this year off on a high note so I’m doing this challenge to up my energy levels and fill my creative cup. I am inviting you to join me because I love to help people and quite frankly you will be holding me accountable!

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What will this challenge involve?

On Thursday the 31st of October at 11am, I will be telling you about what I pledge to do for the month of November during a Facebook live on my Jacki Bruniquel Coaching Page. 

If you join me I will send you some PDF’s with exercises that are designed to help you work out a self care routine that suits you, plus ways in which to boost your creativity.

For the month of November I will be going live once a week. All you need to do is  click here, to fill in the Opt In page with your email address, so that I can send you the PDFS and remind you when I will be going live.

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A lesson from Kirsty

A lesson from Kirsty

Monday the 3rd of June was a sunset I will never forget! The sun hung in the air like a giant red orb swaddled in a dusty blanket.

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We were traveling to Jozi for my creative photography workshop and my GPS had taken us on the totally wrong track. This was the third in a trio of giant mishaps, that happened on that trip, which included my clutch going and nearly running out of petrol after the clutch panic. I was stressed out of my eyeballs. The anxiety pulsed through my veins as I worried that we were going to break down and/or land up in a dodgy area. One minute we were near Fourways and the next we were on a dirt road that was a highway still under construction. It all didn’t seem right! It wasn’t right! The GPS lady had us totally off path. Things felt sketchy! It had been a day of sketchy!

And then there was a moment where I looked over at the sun and my soul recognised how delightfully mad it is to be a human. I saw how my brain had me all stressed and in a total state of worry but just outside of my windscreen was the sun in all its beautiful glory. For just a few seconds my mind totally stopped with its chattering and I took it all in – the irony of the human experience versus the beauty of the world that is always there for us to witness.

We eventually arrived safe and sound at my good friends house and after a large glass of wine I picked up my phone and read that my good friend Kirsty had passed away at sunset. She was literally passing over as I was looking at that giant red orb.

I feel like that moment was a message to me directly from her. She always knew how to live, but her life wasn’t always smooth sailing.

  • Lie on the ground and look up at the stars she often said!
  • Look at the light through the leaves she reminded me.
  • Dance in the kitchen.
  • Swim whenever you can and skinny dip in the middle of the day just because.
  • Drink champagne in a crystal glass and tea from a china tea cup.
  • Look at the beauty around you and invite it into all aspects of your life.

That’s how she lived.

Life is crazy. The human experience can be hard. But looking around is a delight.

Oh and! And don’t forget to watch the sunset.

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How to shoot in tricky locations

How to shoot in tricky locations

Oh my gosh, it smells like pee here!

Yip that literally came out of one of my bride’s mouths as I directed her into a vacant plot festooned with litter!

Why in gods name would I ask her to pose there?

Well it was day two of a very busy Hindu wedding and she was getting ready in her family home which was teeming with people. The house was chockas with family who were all directing her this way and that way, demanding her attention and taking pics over my shoulder with their cell phones. They all meant well, but I had to get her outside and away from all the humans for some portraits. There wasn’t time to drive to a fancy hotel or a pretty beach and most of the garden had been tented for a function. I had to make do with what was around and so I had to think a bit differently!

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As wedding photographers we are often challenged with tricky shooting situations and not so pretty locations.
If you are a good problem solver and have a creative mind plus a good dollop of technical ability, chances are you will be able to turn these situations into creative possibilities.

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It’s so easy to panic and get stuck in a thought process that says, “I can’t possibly make anything interesting here. It’s all a mess. I just can’t do this” The mind loves to amplify fear and when things look difficult and this fear mode might kick in which can spiral into panic. When you’re in a flap you’re so busy thinking about all the reason why you can’t that there isn’t much space for all the reason HOW you can.

If you battle with this the first step is to BREATHE!

  • And then stand back and really look at the situation.
  • Don’t look at all the problems. Look at the possibilities.
  • Look at the light. Look for compositions. Look for interesting shapes.
  • Look for things that can help you block the ugly bits out.
  • Look for blocks of colour.
  • What will happen if you change your point of view?
  • What will happen if you introduce flash?
  • What about using a different lens?
  • What about opening up your aperture?
  • What if you hold something up to the lens?
  • What about using lens compression?
  • What about exposing for the highlights?

Here’s another example of me being challenged by the surroundings!

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If you would like to learn more about how to problem solve in tricky shooting circumstances. This is one of the many things that will be covered in my upcoming Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshops, which are happening in:

Jozi on the 5 + 6th June 2019 – Bookings close 30th May – Only 5 spots left!

Durban 26 + 27th June 2019 – Bookings close  25th May – Only 4 Spots left!

Click here for more information about my Unstuck Yourself Workshop.

I’m currently offering a “Friends Special” – where 2 friends booking will pay R8000 each for the two-day workshop as opposed to the R11.5K price.

Click here for  a bit more info about that.

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