WOW! What a kickoff for So Cal Practice Group!

[NBEast]

Well technically, Orange County / LA Aspiring Wedding Photographer's Practice group! (let's see, OCWPPG)? lol.

Don't know if you've followed this thread. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=257928)

I've been seeking interest in having a practice group for people trying to break into the Wedding Photography biz in this area (OC/LA).

Well, if you have $50 hang on to your socks!

Jim Kennedy is going to offer a lecture on that day in his studio in Huntington Beach. Subject is his tips on getting through an E-Session and wedding.

Sunday, Jan 21 at 11AM. PM me for location details and confirmation. I'll need a count in case it grows too big and needs to be cut off.

The content is not set in stone, but it's the pragmatic "get through this wedding" and "get through this E-Session" stuff. I don't think he's planning on a formal presentation, more of an interactive meet with an underlying objective.

Per our discussion it'll be stuff like how to give subject instruction, kinds of places to go, what to do about harsh lighting, shade, how to take advantage of different environments, bride management, how to knock out the formals in 20 minutes and make them fantastic.

Frankly; I didn't take notes, but it's intent is the stuff my co-shooter and I need to get through my first 3 weddings scheduled over the next 3 months.

Now Jim personally did 107 weddings last year! His studio did about 250 weddings ... all top shelf stuff. His expanding studio has 6 or 7 full time photographers (2 recently added). In other words, he's definately someone I'd love to corner for a 5 on 1 or 10 on 1 instructional session.

His E-Sessions are reputedly fantastic. Clients book him just for that if they missed his wedding schedule.

IMO, this is an unbelievable opportunity (esp. considering how busy he usually is on Sunday's) - and the price! Pinch me! (am I repeating myself? I'm excited)!

He's putting it on if there's 2 people or if there's 10. It was sort of a personal favor / nice guy of the century thing he offered to me. I thought it would be a great kick-off for our So-Cal Practice Workgroups to involve everyone who can make it and he agreed!

WOW! Please PM me for details if you want to make it.

Obviously; this changes our Long Beach meeting plans (ie: it's now HB). We'll still line up a model to shoot in the afternoon, but most likely somewhere closer. I'm thinking we'll decide then (from Jim's suggestions) and have the models meet us nearby (or there).

The deal with the models was to give them rights to the photos (they're my friends), but if you're not into that, then no need to go to that. The fewer the better actually because they're a little nervous. If there's a lot of interest, maybe we'll hire a couple.

Jim probably won't accompany us on our little shoot, so we'll be on our own.

Note: No, I am not his personal press agent. But his generousity astounds me! He's a great guy and just giving back to the grass roots. Again, WOW!

[Ariane911]

Yes, I would love to go! Count me in. It's funny you mention jim kennedy, because, I'm actually involved in a knitting project for one of his photographers daughters....neat!

[Knightshade]

I'm in.

[NBEast]

OK, I think that makes 6 confirmed. Good size.

If someone can recruit another couple for the shooting, that would work well. Then we can split up 3 and 3. Just post if you have a couple lined up. Best I think to have a real couple - more rewarding to know your shot may grace someone's wall :) ... and they'll probably have to kiss a lot.

Don't know yet if Jim wants a model there during his little seminar but I'm guessing not. I'll ask and will get an answer soon.

Edit: 7 now. Definately need another set of models. Anyone?

Edit: Looks like 8 now. Folks; we'll need more models or I'm afraid the shoot afterwards will be off. My couple isn't up for more than 4 photographers at a time. Hired models is a possibility but common ... can't we even give it away!!! :)

[salinas20d]

I'm very interested ,I'll pm you for the info.

[grego]

I'm siding more on the side of yes, but with school who knows what crap comes up. So I'm like 75/25.

[NBEast]

I'm siding more on the side of yes, but with school who knows what crap comes up. So I'm like 75/25.

EDIT: That makes 9. Just talked with Jim and limit is 12. So; if there's more interest then PM me. Thanks!

Also; my models unfortunately won't be up for 9 cameras, even 3 or 4 was received reluctantly. So the shoot afterwards is off unless we can scare up another (braver) couple. Since I'll be off shooting my couple, I'll leave that to someone else here.

Still; the seminar should rock!

[NBEast]

I think we're up to about 10 or 12 ... starting to loose count. His studio is OK with 12 but not much more so it's probably time to cut it off unless someone else really really wants it.

Also; my models are definately not up for 10 cameras (or even 5) so that part's off unless someone wants to hire a couple (suggest Craigslist). I'll leave that to someone else since I'm committed to these people to take some Engagement shots (they're friends).

Besides; I think one of his focus' is on how not to make a Hollywood production out of shooting people. So a big group practice seems counter-intuitive.

See you all next Sunday! It's from 11 - 1 but he said he'll be there a bit early in case anyone wants to get introduced and chat beforehand.

If anyone's up for grabbing some lunch after, lets!

Note: I'll edit this post when I gather up a list of who's said they'll be there. There's 3 or 4 from another board.

[Rumjungle]

Looks like we got a full load. I was looking forward to shooting afterwards, though.:(

Perhaps we'll locate another couple in time.

[montecristo]

I was, as well, looking forward to the shoot. Though, I am looking forward to the class, I tend to learn more by doing. Let's try to get another couple in time.

[oni0n56]

Wow that sounds fun!

I'd love to go but I don't have a car yet :( Plus it seems full.

[kickmaster]

Sorry I can't make it this time, but please keep me informed of the groups activities!!

Best of luck ~~

[Knightshade]

if this was in SD, I could probably get another couple in for it, but I'm not from the area where this will be held, so I won't be able to help out.

Doesn't somebody have some friends up there who haven't had pictures done recently who wouldn't mind donating some time for a lot of good, most likely "free" pictures?

[NBEast]

The count's back to 8 or 9. 3 "possibles" were all busy.

One photographer suggest that she and her husband may agree to model at 3:30, and my models would be OK for 3 photographers. So; maybe that'll work out. The seminar lets out at 1 so that's a long wait, but it's not a bad area for photographers to blow some time. We'll work it out there and if someone can find some more models then chances are increased we'll be able to shoot after all!

See you there.

[geester]

Heres some stuff to do down Main Street in HB, if youre hungry or just hang out in some stores....or maybe just take some shots amongt yourselves down at the beach or by the pier to kill some time. It will be mid day, but get creative with light.

http://www.stockteam.com/main_street.html

[kawter2]

If you guys plan on lunch, I'd love to join you. keep the thread updated

[NBEast]

Lunch? You bet! I'll PM my cell phone. Surely some of the others will join in.

Be great for some of us LA/OC area POTNers to meet!

[grego]

I'm really going to try to make it. Hopefully i get all my homework done. I will give you a call later this week when I know more!

[Knightshade]

Ok..so the San Diego person is going to try and step up, because I really need to make this trip worthwhile. I have a friend who lives in HB, I'm going to try and see if either he and his girlfriend would be interested or know of a couple who would be.

and hey Grego...you're on a college campus right? Surely you can drum up some people? Maybe?

[Rumjungle]

So what's for lunch?:)

[geester]

Id like to meet up with you guys afterwards too. my wife will be there for the duration, so she can call me to let me know where youre gonna be.

[Rumjungle]

Sounds good, Greg. It'll be nice to see you two again.:)

[grego]

Ok..so the San Diego person is going to try and step up, because I really need to make this trip worthwhile. I have a friend who lives in HB, I'm going to try and see if either he and his girlfriend would be interested or know of a couple who would be.

and hey Grego...you're on a college campus right? Surely you can drum up some people? Maybe?

Yes, I go to UCLA. Unforunately I've not taken advantage of the population as much as I probably should have. I will see if I can get one friend and her bf.

Sounds good, Greg. It'll be nice to see you two again.


Oh crap, how am i supposed to get away with selling you just the box of a 2xtc if I'm going to see you?! :lol:

[Ariane911]

There is a really great BBQ place (Mo's) on Main, that's if you guys don't mind eating BBQ on our first date;)

So what's for lunch?:)


We'd love to meet you for lunch, Kawter!...For those of you who don't already know, he's one of Jim Kennedy's photographers!

[Ariane911]

To Everyone...

Please keep us updated on the "couples" situation. I have spoke with NB and told him that I would voluteer my husband and I, if no one elses can get a couple or two lined-up.

We should try and have a final couple tally by Friday, if you can.

Thanks,
Ariane

[NBEast]

The couple who's wedding Steph and I did Sunday wanted to meet us for a little thank-you lunch before moving out of town next week.

note ... this is, for both of us, our first real wedding, ie: non-family. It was sort of a freebie (we're making some on the prints) and the B&G are very appreciative - I don't think I'd invite a paying B&G for such a thing. We also had a blast with them and wanted the opportunity to present them with a framed surprise.

I polled them for interest in stepping in front of several cameras for some free photos. They are very warm to the idea (we never did an E-Session) but 9AM is better than 2:30PM.

If they confirm, anyone interested in meeting a couple of hours early? I mentioned that if they had some frineds, we could probably use a 2nd couple.

The guy on the left (his best man) is a strong possibility - no photo handy of his girlfriend/wife ... not sure, she's very pretty and they photograph well.

They're a fun couple ... but again I'd like to limit to 3 or 4 cameras per couple.

I think that's just fine (9AM). Better to go make some mistakes then hear what Jim has to say, it'll sink in better. I'm making it a plan as is Steph. Got a couple more takers? Anyone?
http://newportphotoworks.smugmug.com/photos/123727492-S.jpg

They're a fun couple, down-to-earth warm and sincere looks ... (but then, wedding day is always so hua?)

[NBEast]

Id like to meet up with you guys afterwards too. my wife will be there for the duration, so she can call me to let me know where youre gonna be.
We'de better make a reservation! There's some nice outdoor cafe's (bring warm stuff if so). I don't know the names, maybe someone could choose for say ... 1:15 reservation. I'd suggest something not too expensive and maybe not too formalish - like the pizza place or the BBQ mentioned.

Actually; my favorite place to eat around there is the Irish Pub across from the parking structure (under the back of the theaters). They have a little outdoor patio and indoor booths and tables, a big bar and an auxillary long table with barstools. Doubt they take reservations but their Irish Stew and Fish & Chips are both outstanding (as are the Black & Tans)! Doubt we'll all get seated together but 12 people seating at one table is sort of a confusing mess anyway, may as well just break up and pull a few tables together ... make the rounds etc. Downside there is it's sort of a sports bar (bigscreen TVs) so if there's a big game it could be too crowded. Anyone know (sorry, don't follow football much anymore)?

One more idea: I'm suggesting the corny idea of name tags. Since half the benefit is to meet and I'm so lousy with names, I'd hate to avoid someone just because I'm afraid to ask "what's your name" for the 3rd time (this could become a serious drawback when I start getting the Brides confused).

[Rumjungle]

Oh, I love pubs. Fish & chips and a few pints of Guinness are right up my alley.:) However, the playoffs are on. At 1ish, the Saints vs. Bears game will be on. GO SAINTS!!

[NBEast]

Oh, I love pubs. Fish & chips and a few pints of Guinness are right up my alley.:) However, the playoffs are on. At 1ish, the Saints vs. Bears game will be on. GO SAINTS!!
Well; I'm not opposed to crowding in. We could have an alternative if that's too much. No shortage of choices. Not exactly the quiet discussion of what happened, but a great meet-up. Hmmmm, they don't exactly have a big kitchen or staff, so maybe the pints would have to tide us over.

The BBQ place suggested above would work as well for me and less noisy. For Pizza we could just order them 15 minutes before and if it's too crowded we'll take them to the beach and sit on the steps. Pick up a few 6 packs of sodas and save some $$ there - maybe someone could bring a small cooler for that. Sorry; no pints on the beach.

How about we call or send a scout to the Irish pub to check the crowd situation and if too much then order pizza or head to the BBQ (I'm just wondering about any vegetarians - cole-slaw only goes so far).

Only thing is the few people who're just coming for lunch ... OK OK, mental gymnastics here. How about someone who knows the place take over and decide for us. :)

[Knightshade]

9am...urgh..yer killin me....

I "might" have 2 couples lined up..but that is a extremely strong might. The allure of "free" pictures may bring a couple down from SD to there and I'm still fishing for some people local in the area.

[Rumjungle]

Let's let a local call it then. I'm cool with whatever.

[mboardman]

hello everybody.. is this event still happening?? if so i am interested.. Please PM me some information.

Thanks,
Michael

[kawter2]

No Ka Oi is GREAT

http://www.stockteam.com/nokaoi.html

[NBEast]

No Ka Oi is GREAT

http://www.stockteam.com/nokaoi.html
So; No Ka Oi Resturant it is at 1:15. I made reservations for 12 people. PM me if you don't want lunch. Oh shoot ... I forgot the main man, kawter ... for that matter, does the great Jim Kennedy eat? haha. Ahhh, I'll call to change it later or we'll just pull some chairs over. I requested patio seating, bring a sweater just in case.

geester, you going to make it too?

hello everybody.. is this event still happening?? if so i am interested.. Please PM me some information.

Thanks,
Michael
I'm assuming so; haven't heard otherwise from Jim. I just left him a message to confirm for sure. He had said about 12 should be the limit.

There's about 12 people in I've lost count at around 10 - feel like I'm counting cards in Vegas.

Let's see:
1 wrecker
2 grego (probably)
3 knightshade
4 ariane911
5 sjobraid
6 montecristo
7 Rumjungle
8 geester's wife
9 me
10 Ref (another board)
11 Rowena (From another board)
12 Stephanie (my co-shooter)

Did I miss someone?

Yip, that's 12. I'd say a definate maybe. Let me hear back from Jim and post you.

In all likelihood; someone won't be able to make it so I'd say you're lucky number 13.

Still waiting to hear from the 9AM models. Donno, they're moving to Texas next week so are busy packing, but they'de love the photos.

For afternoon, there's ariane911 + hubbie and maybe those folks from San Diego.

Now; would some enterprising person who goes to UCLA post a "model couple wanted for shoot this weekend, $40 + a few free photos for 2 hours for amature photography club" poster? Then everyone could mail them their favorite print or two. Something like that. Or maybe at some beach city laundrymat. Or Craigslist. Should get a taker by then.

Wow! It's finally gonna happen!

[Knightshade]

I have to back out, I have too much PP to do and I'm going through hell right now w/color management. Maybe next time.

[Ariane911]

Okay...I'm out as far as the "couples" shoot goes! The husband came home with a black eye the other day...and it looks hitious! I told him he's getting to old to play basketball with all the youngsters:rolleyes:

[Rumjungle]

Tell us the truth...what did he do that was so wrong you had to give him a black eye?;)

[NBEast]

I have to back out, I have too much PP to do and I'm going through hell right now w/color management. Maybe next time.
Doooh! I didn't take color balance shots. Dang.

Sorry you can't come.

Oh; Jim said 13 was fine - so if someone wants to take Knightshade's spot, it's open.

Okay...I'm out as far as the "couples" shoot goes! The husband came home with a black eye the other day...and it looks hitious! I told him he's getting to old to play basketball with all the youngsters
Hate when that happens!

[Ariane911]

that's so funny you ask...the guys at his work keep asking him the same thing!!!!

NOTHING...

It's not the first time he's go elbowed in the eye!;) :lol: :lol:

Tell us the truth...what did he do that was so wrong you had to give him a black eye?;)

[grego]

Sorry, i'm still waiting on if I'm going to Cal/Stanford for basketball next weekend. I'm hoping I know by Monday.

[Rumjungle]

Sorry, i'm still waiting on if I'm going to Cal/Stanford for basketball next weekend. I'm hoping I know by Monday.

Next weekend? Are you going to be there tomorrow?

[grego]

Oh crap!! How did i lose a week?! Now I need to think. *crap*

edit: As of right now its not looking good due to my poor calendar planning and bad study habits so far this quarter. :(
And I really did look forward to meeting all the nice bunches of people. I will make sure to attend whatever comes next though. :(

[NBEast]

Oh crap!! How did i lose a week?! Now I need to think. *crap*

edit: As of right now its not looking good due to my poor calendar planning and bad study habits so far this quarter. :(
And I really did look forward to meeting all the nice bunches of people. I will make sure to attend whatever comes next though. :(
Bummers. Looked forward to meeting you too.

Maybe for next time we'll be able to set up some actual shooting. (or who knows, someone may surprise us tomorrow)

[Maureen Souza]

Have fun everyone...wish I could go too. I lived in HB for 13 years.

[grego]

Bummers. Looked forward to meeting you too.

Maybe for next time we'll be able to set up some actual shooting. (or who knows, someone may surprise us tomorrow)

Yeah, imj disappointed in myself for not keeping better track. I will make sure to try to fit in next time and hopefully recruit some ppl if possible.

[Rumjungle]

That's too bad, Greg. I'll catch you next time.

[Rumjungle]

I really learned a lot today and Jim has really opened my eyes. I'm glad to have met those of you who made it. Brad, I don't think I ever said "thanks" for putting all of this together.

[NBEast]

I really learned a lot today and Jim has really opened my eyes. I'm glad to have met those of you who made it. Brad, I don't think I ever said "thanks" for putting all of this together.
Wow; this 2 hours with Jim was really some 10,000 words from the wise (and I think that's at a rate of about 200/minute ... he talks really really fast!)

I wish I had my recorder because we covered so much I wouldn't know where to start remembering. However; for those who took some notes; can you repeat the various services he uses for things like albums and prints? Leatherbound?

I'd say his main thrust was be a photographer, be a fast photographer, and be a photographer with personality. If you take more than an hour for an E-Session you're taking too long (I'm thinking this advice isn't for everyone but one worth aspiring to).

That said; we (Steph and I) went to shoot an E-Session immediately following lunch (4 - 5:30). The guy was real dull at first. At about the 1 hour mark; the ice finally broke and we got some great sunset shots. Guess I'll work on that personality / ice-breaker thing - but his advice to "Always do the E-Session as an aquaintence tool" is superb.

[grego]

That's too bad, Greg. I'll catch you next time.

Well for just lunch, i'm willing to do that anytime very soon. Still feel guilty i couldn't organize my schedule and stay healthier the past few weeks. :( Definitely know i missed out.

[wrecker]

It was great meeting everyone who was able to make it today. Thanks Brad for organizing this. Jim was superb and had excellent pointers / tips.

For those who were unable to make it, Jim will be in Vegas on March 27th presenting the business aspect of wedding photography.