WOW! What a kickoff for So Cal Practice Group!

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.

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!

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!

I'm in.

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!!!

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

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

grego wrote in post #2516480
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!

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.

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

Perhaps we'll locate another couple in time.

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.

Wow that sounds fun!

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

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

Best of luck ~~

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?

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.

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.c​om/main_street.html