Workshop ~ Part 1

Last Saturday, I met with a FABULOUS group of ladies at The Loft on The Square for a day of learning, practicing, and evaluating all things PHOTOGRAPHY.  This was my first ever photo-class, and I have to say I was a bit nervous.  I definitely don't think that I am an expert, by any means.  In fact, I know that I have a lot to learn.  I also know that in my 2 year journey from hobbyist to professional I have learned much from reading, trial and error, and from attending workshops all over the country.

My education is in engineering so the technical side of photography has always appealed to me.  The artistic side, and the business side has always been (and I'm sure will remain) the harder.  I'm not sure if the ladies in our workshop group knew it, but I was learning from them too!

In this first post, I'm including a few images I shot of the group...in The Loft as we discussed aperature, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, metering, focus points, etc; and outside as the group put the tips and tricks into action by shooting some super cute models.

The day wouldn't have gone as smoothly without my co-presenter, Jennifer Erickson.  We met at a Becker's workshop last fall and I'm so glad we got to reconnect.  AND since the NIKONS outnumbered the CANONS, I was super relieved that she was there to help with all of the buttons and setting on those "other" cameras!  :)

 

Stephanie Scruggs Catering provided our lunch for the day and it was pure DELISH...chicken salad on croissants, candied apples, homemade cookies and sweet tea...Mmmmm!   We all felt pampered for the day with the FABULOUS food and beautiful presentation.  (I just wish I had gotten some pics...booo on me!)

I am so grateful for all of the support that I have gotten from the local businesses here in Magnolia.  They have played such a huge roll in the development of my business and I appreciate it so much!  Some SUPER-SWEET gifts for the participants were provided by Melissa's Custom Framing, Pink 'N Blue Avenue & Cosmopolitian Ladies Club. 

I've asked each of the participants to send me their best pics from the day, so those will be in Part 2.

Fair Queen Pageant

This week I had the wonderful opportunity of doing the pictures for the Columbia County Fair Queen Pageant.  It was a bit out of the ordinary for me, but it was a great experience.  I enjoyed hanging out with the girls while they were getting ready and chatting with the Quota Club ladies at dinner.

The conditions were not so great.  A full week of rain meant that the Fairgrounds were a sloppy mud hole (that did not play out well with the flip-flops I was wearing).  The girls made the best of it and had a good time...and thank goodness the actual pageant was under a covered pavillion.

Congratulations Amanda Watson, this year's Columbia County Fair Queen...

 

If you would like to see the rest of the pictures from the pageant, click HERE, and enter the password FairQueen09.

These babies need a home...

I recently connected with Allison on Facebook, she volunteers with the Columbia County Animal Protection Society (CCAPS).  We thought it would be a great idea to share some pics of some of the pups at the shelter...

 I was overwhelmed by the number of sweet eyes staring back at me!

The volunteers, like Allison, and the director, Steve, spend time working with each and everyone of these dogs to make sure that they are ready for a home.  I was so impressed by how well Steve knew each of these little guys. Some were abused, some were abandoned, some were in bad health...but each one is rehabilitated individually.

 This sweet puppy was run over by a car.  They didn't think he would live, but he's doing well now.

Trixie was found in a box...in a ditch...on the side of the road...with her puppies.

Did you know that its harder to find a home for a black dog???

OMGoodness...this one just kills me! 

You can learn more about CCAPS from their website, or by becoming a fan on FACEBOOK.  Each of the dogs pictured here are ready for a home! 

FALL MINI SESSIONS

 

Please contact the studio for more information or to book your session.  949.0540/info@janetmanuel.com

THANKS,

Janet

Santa Sighting

Santa made a last minute stop in Magnolia last Monday.  The kids couldn't have been more excited!

Parents - the Santa proofs have been posted here.  Use the password Weiser. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.  Thanks!

***Update*** The 5x7 prints are ready for pick up at Pink 'N Blue Avenue.