Imagine this. You are looking for the best way to catapult your photography skills fast. You’re also thinking about getting some hands-on learning but don’t know where to begin. Then, one day, you find yourself immersed in an epic experience of photo ops as elegant models stroll with purpose amidst racks of glittering gowns and stylish props. And to take it up a notch, your teachers are among the most skilled and talented photographers in the world, providing you access to top-tier lighting gear and accessories. Now, pinch yourself because this is not a dream. This incredible full day of learning, networking, and community building took place on August 15—all part of Adorama’s NYC Wedding Photography Workshop at the Sixth Floor Loft venue space in Manhattan’s Union Square area.
A Wedding Photography Workshop, Just Steps From Adorama
Who wouldn’t want a chance to partake? For the 60+ wedding photographers who did register and attend—some just starting out and others with several years’ experience—the day was pure magic. Each photo “student” had the opportunity to learn from and photograph alongside the pros themselves—in this case, the incredible Alison Conklin, Rob Hall, Kesha Lambert, and Susan Stripling. Each instructor had their own set that was personalized and infused with their aesthetic, as brilliantly designed by Wedding and Event Designer Stacy Armand, who collaborated closely with each one to bring their visions to life.
A Black Wedding Dress
For example, the esteemed and super-talented Susan Stripling comes from a theater background and is drawn to the dark and dramatic. Her “dark goth” set exuded Tim Burton vibes, with dark flowers, a black backdrop, and a black wedding dress.
“I knew other instructors here might have light and airy or bright and pretty sets, but I wanted mine to be dark and dramatic,” Stripling explained. “I wanted to see how my students would bounce the light and welcome an unexpected setup. Even if they only ever used natural light before this, here they would have to figure it out.” They did as she helped them along, showing three different looks obtained with just one light and sharing how she directs her subjects with subtle prompts. The main takeaway from her demo: “My settings stay the same for the most part; just my angles change.”
Stripling shot with the Canon EOS R5; her lens was the RF 24-105mm f/4.0. Her set was outfitted with the Profoto A2 and Profoto Clic Octa Softbox and a grid.)
Organization is Important at a Wedding, or a Wedding Workshop
On this day, the students were up for any challenge. They were divided into four groups and given colored wristbands. Each color section had 30 minutes of teachable moments by one of the instructors. After that, they had roughly an hour to practice what they learned and shoot within the confines of that set. When the whistle blew, they quickly rotated to the next set so that every group had time with each photographer.
Rallying the troops (and blowing the whistle!) throughout the day was photographer Seth Miranda. Seth is a much-admired host and content producer at Adorama. He is also the creator behind the AdoramaTV series “Coffee with Creators.” Miranda was pivotal in keeping the flow of the day intact. Additionally, he also infused the experience with laughter, camaraderie, and exciting raffle giveaways.
Bright Colors and Smiles
Over at Alison Conklin’s set, there was a mix of what she describes as organized chaos. Fun colors, whimsical elements, and interesting patterns and design.
“What I personally love about photography is how powerful it is,” says Conklin, who is based right outside of Philadelphia. And who first fell in love with photography at age 14. “The designer, Stacy, did such a perfect job capturing my vibe of bright, fun colors, and the yellow dress my ‘bride’ wore was a real showstopper.” Conklin also loved meeting so many photographers, getting the chance to hear about their work, and answering their questions. “Their excitement was contagious, and I am so grateful I had the experience of being there and sharing my experiences with them.”
Beyond the technical and working mostly with a one-light setup. Part of Conklin’s goal was to teach her students how to make their clients feel comfortable. That is, to be themselves, and to capture images that not only champion who they are but also make the viewer feel something.
Her gear for the day was Fujifilm’s GFX100S II medium-format mirrorless. Along with Fujifilm’s GF 110mm f/2 lens and the GF 55mm f/1.7 lens. Also on hand was a Profoto 65″ shoot-through umbrella and diffuser and the Profoto B10X Plus OFC head.
Getting Ready Shots at the NYC Wedding Photography Workshop
Kesha Lambert, a New York wedding photographer and Sony Artisan, used her set to focus on the “getting ready” aspect of a wedding day. Her station was filled with all the details that make a wedding image shine. Including the rings, the wedding dress, and lots of hair spray!
With bellies full from a delicious lunch catered by Chef Ania and Soho Platters, the groups continued to rotate sets. As more images were amassed, the lure of the Canon ImagePrograf large-format printer called to the students. A queue quickly formed as proud image-makers saw their creations become larger-than-life prints, which will be a nice reminder of their day’s hard work and creativity.
Bright and Airy
Michigan photographer Rob Hall, who mostly does commercial and editorial shoots, is a lighting guru in any photo genre. His portfolio includes many stunning wedding shoots.
His presentation focused on the use of off-camera lighting for portrait photography. Using a three-light setup, his set was light, airy, and did not disappoint. The tethered iPad around his chest that students could watch in real time was an unexpected plus.
“I am a very technical photographer, but many are not,” he explained. When I am teaching students, I like to show what each light is doing independently. Then, I show a layered approach. My goal is for each added light to not be scary.”
Building a Community of Wedding Photographers at the Workshop
In addition to viewing some of the images attendees created throughout the day, hearing their stories was inspiring as well. One photographer, Patricia, attended a similar Adorama workshop in 2019 with the hopes of starting a wedding photo business. While there, she met another photographer, Clara, who had the same aspirations, and they instantly bonded. Shortly after that workshop, they even worked on their first wedding together in Central Park. To this day, they remain friends. They refer each other for jobs and second shoot with each other when they can. “Beyond the great hands-on learning at these workshops, great relationships are formed,” Patricia summed up.
Shawny of Shawny & Elena Photography came to the workshop with just one full wedding photographed so far, and the newly transplanted photographer (from Chicago to NYC) was nervous but excited at the same time. Kristen Frank, who picked up a camera for the first time at age 15, already runs a successful wedding photo business in New Jersey but came to practice posing and brush up on skills. “I attend a lot of Adorama events, and I must admit that anything Seth Miranda says or does wakes up my brain!”
When Strangers Become Friends
What struck a chord most during this educational extravaganza was how, when attendees filtered in first thing in the morning, each quickly grabbed a coffee and took whatever seat they could find, each ensconced in their own personal bubble. Their heads were down for the most part as they looked at their phones, and on occasion, nervous glances scanned the room. Just an hour later, though, everyone was relaxed and excitedly sharing the backs of their cameras to see what each other had photographed. They were comfortable, and they were in their element. By 6 p.m., many a relationship had been forged, and everyone walked away with phone numbers exchanged, images shared in person, and tagged on social media, as large print tubes emerged from under their arms. A sense of community was established, and it was clear that it would endure well into the future.
Unique Space to Create
As Susan Stripling so wonderfully put it, “The production level was so high and incredible, it really gave the students four uniquely different spaces to work within. I loved having the groups come through; that way, EVERYONE got one-on-one time with every single set of models. And the decorator, Stacy, took my design ideas and made the most gorgeous set, totally nailing it!”
And on the attendee side, NY-based Kenneth Gohel, originally from the Philippines, vocalized his thoughts on the day as well: “We had a very diverse and motivated group here today with a broad range of challenges—my heart is happy.”
Join Adorama for Workshops Throughout the Year
If you missed this wedding photography workshop or if photographing weddings is not your jam, never fear; Adorama has several events like this scheduled throughout the year, as well as an event space in the store (with a ton of free events). They attend major trade show events, offering demos in the booth. These workshops are amazing opportunities for learning new techniques from industry experts, building upon one’s portfolio, trying new gear, trading in used gear, entering giveaways, and, most importantly, networking with your photo community.
Check out the full workshop schedule here.
A special thank you to Adorama’s Partners on the workshop:
Canon, Fujifilm, Sony, Profoto, Godox, Flashpoint, Glow by Flashpoint, OWC, and Printique.
Feature Image: © Jennifer Mullowney Photography
