ELEVATE
Concepts, tools, and techniques
to take your photography Brand to the next level
• In-depth courses + lessons
• Follow-along sessions (breaking down my thought process on business, entering new markets + pricing structures)
• Light + composition
• Communication + art/photographic direction with couples
• Creating interesting and unique story-centered galleries
ELEVATE is
a series of courses and follow-along sessions covering everything from foundational principles in photography, to more advanced concepts and theories that I've implemented in my business to arrive at where it is today.
What's included:
You might be wondering why the ELEVATE program was created, especially since nothing is held back and all of the information you need to pretty much replicate my work and business strategies is in the 12 bundled courses.
The ELEVATE education program was created to give you all the information you need in business. From marketing and communication, to camera techniques, gear, lens choices, composition, light, direction/posing, pricing, and more; the courses included in ELEVATE are robust and full of unfiltered information.
The goal is to provide you with an entire suite of education that takes all of the knowledge that is necessary to build a thriving and successful photography business, and to be able to take that business to whatever level you desire within the industry.
Successful businesses lift up the industry as a whole, improving quality and friendly competition. Making your business a success is what the ELEVATE program is all about.
ready? lets get started.
LOOKING FOR AN IN-DEPTH EDUCATION PROGRAM WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION TO BUILD A SOLID BUSINESS FOUNDATION?
SPECIFIC help you get past the roadblocks in your business or Your creative technique and elevate your brand?
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
PURCHASE FULL COURSE WITH BONUSES
PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
Access the elevate bundle
Buy Now
$1800
ONE FULL PAYMENT OR A MULTI-MONTH PAYMENT PLAN THROUGH Affirm FINANCING
purchase the Elevate bundle with access to all 12 courses
Watching the entire education program will give you the inside scoop on how to create truly emotive and unique galleries, full of story and dynamic energy.
The program will also supply you with the knowledge you need to create a strong foundation for your business, and provide you with a roadmap to achieving the level of success you desire in your market.
You will learn techniques in all manner of shooting scenarios to create galleries that speak to both your clients and their planners, earning you continual recommendations, referrals, and repeat business.
20+ Hours of Video Content
12 Courses
5 Follow-Along Sessions
Recorded In English
Lifetime Access to Original Courses
Future Access to Bonus Courses
THE FULL EDUCATION PROGRAM INCLUDES:
PURCHASE Elevate BUNDLE
"I have been loving your course!
Things I love about the course:
1. You get right to the information. So many courses spend so much time with fluff that I spend hours listening to something that could have shared in 20 mins.
2. You were honest about how you felt about details. It felt so reassuring to me, to know that a high end photographer doesn’t view that part of the day as the most important. Ive always been taught that styLing invitations, rings, shoes, etc was crucial because it told the story of the day. Meanwhile, thinking to myself that my couple and their love was the real story. I also had never heard of / thought to do details the day before. I would love to try that this year!
3. I really appreciated how you explained how you found your mountainside location. You went into detail about finding it on the map and what to look for in regards to the terrain and sunset.
4. Your approach to storytelling during the engagement session is exactly what I had been looking for. I took courses that taught posing, and all it did was create copy/paste photos. I was quickly losing my creativity.
SO MANY COURSES ARE JUST REGURGITATED INFORMATION EVERYONE ELSE ALREADY KNOWS. THANK YOU FOR PUTTING TOGETHER TRULY UNIQUE LESSONS!"
"SO MANY COURSES ARE JUST REGURGITATED INFORMATION EVERYONE ELSE ALREADY KNOWS. THANK YOU FOR PUTTING TOGETHER TRULY UNIQUE LESSONS!"
I have been loving your course!
Things I love about the course:
1. You get right to the information. So many courses spend so much time with fluff that I spend hours listening to something that could have shared in 20 mins.
2. You were honest about how you felt about details. It felt so reassuring to me, to know that a high end photographer doesn’t view that part of the day as the most important. Ive always been taught that styLing invitations, rings, shoes, etc was crucial because it told the story of the day. Meanwhile, thinking to myself that my couple and their love was the real story. I also had never heard of / thought to do details the day before. I would love to try that this year!
3. I really appreciated how you explained how you found your mountainside location. You went into detail about finding it on the map and what to look for in regards to the terrain and sunset.
4. Your approach to storytelling during the engagement session is exactly what I had been looking for. I took courses that taught posing, and all it did was create copy/paste photos. I was quickly losing my creativity.
SO MANY COURSES ARE JUST REGURGITATED INFORMATION EVERYONE ELSE ALREADY KNOWS. THANK YOU FOR PUTTING TOGETHER TRULY UNIQUE LESSONS!
I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS ON COURSES, DOWNLOADS, BOOKS, ETC. AND I WISH I COULD GO BACK AND JUST TAKE YOURS. I LOVE THAT IT’S NO FLUFF, STRAIGHT TO THE POINT, AND INFORMATION NOT ALREADY OUT THERE.
STHEFANIE CARRIKER
Brilliant!!!! The best investment I made for myself and my business. Let’s be real, there are lots of workshops out there, and they are good, but none are as true and pure. Sean is honest and doesn’t hold back. He answers all the questions and ones I didn’t even know I had. He explains everything from A to Z. If you are looking to start a photography business or elevate the one you already have, look no further. He helped me understand what was missing from my business, where I need to improve, and how to get on the path to success.
I watched the lake session. It was great. Love the story telling aspect of the session. Also how effortless everything felt. I just thought of my clients and how much they would enjoy a session as such. It was fun, romantic and cool.
it is great. It made me think about my process, my shooting, I love it. And you are straight forward and clear.
I truly enjoyed the Elevate program, and have been watching whenever I have a chance. It did make me realize that I really need to work on myself a lot more than I thought. I love seeing how your brain works, your thoughts, and how you put everything together; plus the way you photograph, especially the engagement session.
"HE ANSWERS ALL THE QUESTIONS AND ONES I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW I HAD. HE EXPLAINS EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO START A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS OR ELEVATE THE ONE YOU ALREADY HAVE, LOOK NO FURTHER!"
I AM HOOKED AND I AM CONSTANTLY TALKING TO OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS ABOUT IT AND HOW THEY SHOULD INVEST. IT IS LIKE NOTHING I HAVE BOUGHT BEFORE, YOU DON'T HOLD BACK,
Kasia Rzepka
meet Your instructor
Hi there! I'm Sean, with Sean Thomas Photography. I wanted to introduce myself, to those of you who have not already been following me on social media prior to happening upon my education course. With the plethora of education available online and in-person, I wanted to give you some insight into what makes my education program different, and why I believe it would be beneficial for anyone, from a beginner photographer to a seasoned veteran.
Prior to jumping into the photography game in late 2018, I had successfully ran an international sales company for 10+ years, accumulating skills in creating value and bringing products and services to market. I also spent several years as an ICU nurse, in a highly technical and chaotic environment. With both of these skillsets combined, I was able to quickly learn the technical and artistic skills of photography (having no real prior experience other than basic hobbyist photography), and built a brand that I was able to bring from the lowest ends of the market to the higher end/luxury market in a little over 3 years.
My goal is not to teach you how to be a luxury photographer, as there will be quite a few of you who don't have any motivation to deal with the stresses of that level of the market. Instead, I want to teach you how to take your skill sets to a level that would be highly sought after no matter which market or clientele you wish to approach. I want to prepare you for whichever future you choose to take your business into, and give you the skills to be successful.
Where do you want your business and technical/creative skill level to be by the end of this year? Where would you like to be shooting weddings in the next 3 years? How about 5 years?
The ELEVATE program is built to provide you with all of the technical skills, business/marketing concepts, and creative know-how to get you where you want to be in a time-frame that works for you.
Having shot weddings, elopements, and engagement sessions all over the world has afforded me the experience and knowledge to share with you to help you ELEVATE your business. I hold nothing back in my courses. I want you to learn everything I know, and make it your own.
- Sean
The Elevate Program: Course List
(Click on Course Names to see summary)
Business and Marketing: Concepts and Theories (7+ Hours)
7+ Hours of video content
Covering everything from starting your business, planning your business trajectory and market, and passing the market hurdles you will bump up against as you elevate your brand into the level of the wedding industry you are determined to reside in.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
Covering everything from starting your business, planning your business trajectory and market, and passing the market hurdles you will bump up against as you elevate your brand into the level of the wedding industry you are determined to reside in.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- Business pre-planning and market research for brand establishment.
- Setting attainable goals and establishing comparable benchmarks.
- Identifying the proper market for initial entry, and pricing appropriately.
- Pricing strategies for market movement or growth in current markets.
- Steps to establishing a legal business
- Concepts and theories on business practices for success.
- Identification of market breaks and friction to be expected when crossing market levels.
- Communication expectations by clients and planners.
- Blending work and life in healthy ways.
The information in this course is current. I’ve built my business in just the last 4 years, shooting my first wedding in late 2018 and starting to market with zero social media or web presence. Every step we have taken in the last few years has been under the same algorithm and market changes everyone has had to suffer through. I have planned my best to avoid the usual brick walls that can stop a brand from rising too quickly, and so far we have avoided the usual stalls. I talk through some of the tactics I used to get through the market quickly, and the various issues I came up against at each market break. At the end of this course, you should be prepared to begin your journey to elevate your own brand to the levels of the market you wish to be present in.
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Big Sur Engagement: A Follow-Along (3+ Hours)
3+ Hours of video content
Follow along with me as I shoot a celebrity client's engagement session on the California coastline. This two clients both work in the entertainment industry and had very high expectations for the final product. Most of my engagement sessions are couples who see my work, and come into the session with little to no expectation beyond what they see me post online. This couple wanted something a little different.
They saw my fashion and editorial work, and wanted something mimicking the style of photography I shoot on those types of sessions. I typically don’t shoot in a fashion/editorial style when dealing with the average couple as I have found that there is a very small percentage of people who can actually pull off the look well, and an even smaller percentage of people who enjoy their pictures even if we nail it on the shoot. Most people think they want that look, but after the fact they tend to regret not getting the more romantic and fun portraits I typically capture on engagements.
This couple was different. With her being an actress and him being a musician, they had both been in front of the camera hundreds of times, for other photographers and cinematographers, and were very used to seeing themselves with a more editorial look. When they asked me to shoot their entire session with that editorial/fashion spin, I was excited at the challenge.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
Follow along with me as I shoot a celebrity client's engagement session on the California coastline. This two clients both work in the entertainment industry and had very high expectations for the final product. Most of my engagement sessions are couples who see my work, and come into the session with little to no expectation beyond what they see me post online. This couple wanted something a little different.
They saw my fashion and editorial work, and wanted something mimicking the style of photography I shoot on those types of sessions. I typically don’t shoot in a fashion/editorial style when dealing with the average couple as I have found that there is a very small percentage of people who can actually pull off the look well, and an even smaller percentage of people who enjoy their pictures even if we nail it on the shoot. Most people think they want that look, but after the fact they tend to regret not getting the more romantic and fun portraits I typically capture on engagements.
This couple was different. With her being an actress and him being a musician, they had both been in front of the camera hundreds of times, for other photographers and cinematographers, and were very used to seeing themselves with a more editorial look. When they asked me to shoot their entire session with that editorial/fashion spin, I was excited at the challenge.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- Prepping for a shoot, especially when it is outside of your usual creative box.
- Working a multi-location shoot on a limited timeline.
- Directing clients both with and without visual aids.
- Client communication before, during, and after a shoot.
- Photo review.
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The Art of Photographing Flatlay Elements (1+ Hour)
1+ Hour of video content
The most important recipient of your flatlay images is not the client, it is the vendors who created or supplied the elements you are styling on the flatlay. If you don’t satisfy those vendor’s expectations with the final gallery of flatlay images, you might be missing out on them referring you in the future. This is especially devastating when the vendor whose expectations you failed to meet was the planner or stylist. Those two vendors hold a lot of weight on whether a photographer is hired or not.
Flatlay images can truly set your brand apart from 90% of the other photographers in your market. All you need is one thing that you do, that almost no one else does, and your brand is now unique and exciting. Flatlays are an easy way to elevate your brand. Don’t spend so much time styling and then fail to really get all the shots the vendors are expecting. In reality, of all things you should be overshooting on a wedding day, it should be the details.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
The most important recipient of your flatlay images is not the client, it is the vendors who created or supplied the elements you are styling on the flatlay. If you don’t satisfy those vendor’s expectations with the final gallery of flatlay images, you might be missing out on them referring you in the future. This is especially devastating when the vendor whose expectations you failed to meet was the planner or stylist. Those two vendors hold a lot of weight on whether a photographer is hired or not.
Flatlay images can truly set your brand apart from 90% of the other photographers in your market. All you need is one thing that you do, that almost no one else does, and your brand is now unique and exciting. Flatlays are an easy way to elevate your brand. Don’t spend so much time styling and then fail to really get all the shots the vendors are expecting. In reality, of all things you should be overshooting on a wedding day, it should be the details.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- How to use highlights and shadows to add dimension and interest to your flatlays.
- Using leading lines to draw the eye to various elements.
- Telling a story with your flatlay images.
- Capturing textures
- Using your aperture to draw focus on specific elements.
- Using macro filters or macro lenses to your advantage, getting those details everyone else misses.
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Sunrise on the Bluffs: A Follow-Along (2+ Hours)
2+ Hours of video content
With this sunrise session on the bluffs of the Washington coastline, I had prepared for the best and worst case scenarios. I wanted sunlight and clear skies. The bluffs had some stunning views of the cliffs and the beaches far below. The angle of the sun was highly planned to give us the best results for those sunrise shots. We showed up that morning and had thick fog everywhere. There was zero chance we would even see a peek of direct sunlight for the entire shoot. It was disappointing, but instead of letting the change of weather and visibility affect me and my shooting, I dove headlong into creating a story shift on the fly. I embraced the moody light and the moist air.
After all was said and done, this sunrise session ended up with some amazing portraits. Eventually a magazine publication would reach out to me and ask if they could publish it in print. If I had let the disappointment kill my motivation and creativity, or if I had not shifted my shoot's story from plan A to plan B, I’m sure this gallery would not have turned out nearly as good as it did.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
With this sunrise session on the bluffs of the Washington coastline, I had prepared for the best and worst case scenarios. I wanted sunlight and clear skies. The bluffs had some stunning views of the cliffs and the beaches far below. The angle of the sun was highly planned to give us the best results for those sunrise shots. We showed up that morning and had thick fog everywhere. There was zero chance we would even see a peek of direct sunlight for the entire shoot. It was disappointing, but instead of letting the change of weather and visibility affect me and my shooting, I dove headlong into creating a story shift on the fly. I embraced the moody light and the moist air.
After all was said and done, this sunrise session ended up with some amazing portraits. Eventually a magazine publication would reach out to me and ask if they could publish it in print. If I had let the disappointment kill my motivation and creativity, or if I had not shifted my shoot's story from plan A to plan B, I’m sure this gallery would not have turned out nearly as good as it did.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- How I planned out my location and light scenarios.
- How I scouted the model, and worked with a stylist to pull together an outfit that would fit the theme.
- How I shifted my plans in the moment to play into the dense morning fog.
- How I metered my film in the flat and dull light.
- How I utilized my gear to get the various images, helping to build the story of this session.
- How I used a macro filter on both my film camera and digital camera to get those intriguing and romantic closeup crops.
- How I worked in motion into some of my shots, adding in a dynamic element.
- How I directed the subject to get the shots I envisioned.
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The Art of Backdrops in Natural Light (2+ Hours)
2+ Hours of video content
For those of you who shoot studio spaces, don’t abandon natural light completely. Studio flash can really make things consistent, but I still find that the most beautiful light is the light coming from the sun. For those of you who don’t shoot studio spaces, but want something new in your location lineup, a backdrop setup in beautiful outdoor light can be a game changer and truly elevate your galleries.
Backdrops can be purchased, or hand made. The backdrop in this course was hand painted by our talented stylist. She used a painter’s cloth from a local hardware store and some oil based paint. Even a simple sheet or length of fabric can be a great backdrop for a portrait session.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
For those of you who shoot studio spaces, don’t abandon natural light completely. Studio flash can really make things consistent, but I still find that the most beautiful light is the light coming from the sun. For those of you who don’t shoot studio spaces, but want something new in your location lineup, a backdrop setup in beautiful outdoor light can be a game changer and truly elevate your galleries.
Backdrops can be purchased, or hand made. The backdrop in this course was hand painted by our talented stylist. She used a painter’s cloth from a local hardware store and some oil based paint. Even a simple sheet or length of fabric can be a great backdrop for a portrait session.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- Working with light and reflection to get great results in natural light.
- Directing models in limited spaces.
- Exploring creative posing and shooting perspectives.
- Properly metering deep shade for a perfect exposure on film.
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The Art of Lighting and Composition (4 Hours)
4 Hours of video content
A photograph is just a capture of light waves. When you begin to think about your camera as a machine that captures light, you start to think about every shot differently. You begin to really see the quality and quantity of light. You see the various colors of light, and the intensity of that light streaming into your lens. But what good is light without fashioning it into something pleasant to look at. This is where composition comes into play.
Composition in photography is summed up as the organization of the light waves your camera collects. The light is falling onto your camera lens, coming from all kinds of directions and surfaces. It is chaotic and unless controlled can be uninteresting or even confusing. The photographer is paid by their client to understand and control the waves of light and create an image that is intriguing and evokes an emotional response.
Whether it is a short portrait session, or a multi-day wedding with all kinds of moving parts, your goal is to capture light in a way that speaks to the viewer. The better at reading and shaping light you become, the less you need to focus on its qualities and instead start focusing on what it harbors and displays to the eye. You can begin to capture the emotions, the actions, the story in ways that won't easily be forgotten.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
A photograph is just a capture of light waves. When you begin to think about your camera as a machine that captures light, you start to think about every shot differently. You begin to really see the quality and quantity of light. You see the various colors of light, and the intensity of that light streaming into your lens. But what good is light without fashioning it into something pleasant to look at. This is where composition comes into play.
Composition in photography is summed up as the organization of the light waves your camera collects. The light is falling onto your camera lens, coming from all kinds of directions and surfaces. It is chaotic and unless controlled can be uninteresting or even confusing. The photographer is paid by their client to understand and control the waves of light and create an image that is intriguing and evokes an emotional response.
Whether it is a short portrait session, or a multi-day wedding with all kinds of moving parts, your goal is to capture light in a way that speaks to the viewer. The better at reading and shaping light you become, the less you need to focus on its qualities and instead start focusing on what it harbors and displays to the eye. You can begin to capture the emotions, the actions, the story in ways that won't easily be forgotten.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- Understand and photograph all types of lighting. I cover indoor lighting, outdoor lighting in high sun, mottled shade, and low light. I discuss reflective light and its importance in getting the best fill.
- Light has a quality to it. Not all light is equal. Even in a cloudless sky you can find different qualities to the light based upon the environment and its surroundings.
- One of the keys to shooting light well, is to pay attention to the contrast ratio, which is the difference between highlight and shadow.
- Intentionality in composition is what makes a decent photographer a good or even great photographer.
- Learn the various compositional tools and why and when to use them.
- Don’t ignore foreground and background elements.
- Elevation and distance are key components in good composition.
- There are rules to making a good photograph, but there is also a time to break the rules.
- Great photographs usually take forethought and planning. However, the best photographs are typically caught in the moment.
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The Art of Photographing Details (2+ Hours)
2+ Hours of video content
Photographing details is an important part of documenting a wedding day. The largest part of a client’s budget will be spent on the details, and if these are not photographed in a professional and aesthetically pleasing way, it is a huge disservice to the client and the rest of the vendors involved in bringing the day together. I can’t necessarily say that photographing details should be “the priority”, but it is definitely up there on the list of things that are important to document. These pictures will matter to the clients themselves, but they will be invaluable to the vendors and the planner. How you photograph the details is whether or not you will be rehired in the future. This isn’t to say that a planner won’t bring you on for future projects if you don’t do details justice on a single wedding. However, if you continually fail to take solid pictures of the details, more than likely that planner will start looking for a photographer who can do the details justice.
How to photograph details “correctly” is a debate worth having. However, my goal is to teach you how to photograph details in a way that has received positive responses from both planners and clients. In my experience, it should be a goal to capture every element that you can find within the scene. This includes, centerpiece florals and various decor, dishware, glassware, runners, paper goods, linens, chairs, tables, etc… Don’t forget to capture textures and light. Get those interesting angles and crops. Extreme closeups are appreciated, but don’t go overboard on them. Make them make sense when capturing those macro shots.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
Photographing details is an important part of documenting a wedding day. The largest part of a client’s budget will be spent on the details, and if these are not photographed in a professional and aesthetically pleasing way, it is a huge disservice to the client and the rest of the vendors involved in bringing the day together. I can’t necessarily say that photographing details should be “the priority”, but it is definitely up there on the list of things that are important to document. These pictures will matter to the clients themselves, but they will be invaluable to the vendors and the planner. How you photograph the details is whether or not you will be rehired in the future. This isn’t to say that a planner won’t bring you on for future projects if you don’t do details justice on a single wedding. However, if you continually fail to take solid pictures of the details, more than likely that planner will start looking for a photographer who can do the details justice.
How to photograph details “correctly” is a debate worth having. However, my goal is to teach you how to photograph details in a way that has received positive responses from both planners and clients. In my experience, it should be a goal to capture every element that you can find within the scene. This includes, centerpiece florals and various decor, dishware, glassware, runners, paper goods, linens, chairs, tables, etc… Don’t forget to capture textures and light. Get those interesting angles and crops. Extreme closeups are appreciated, but don’t go overboard on them. Make them make sense when capturing those macro shots.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- Getting the proper exposure in difficult light.
- Using leading lines to help bring the viewer’s eye to your intended subject.
- Using aperture to maximize your shot variety.
- Using elevation to showcase elements.
- What to shoot and why
- Shooting details into and through sunset
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The Art of Storytelling Through Photography (4+ Hours)
4+ Hours of video content
Telling a story is what photography is all about. I feel like a lot of us have been fooled into thinking that taking beautiful pictures was the focus of this profession. I love taking pretty pictures as much as the next photographer, but I was quickly noticing that every picture I took began to look familiar to the last. I began to see similarities in all of my wedding galleries, and had to sit down and think of why this was the case. At first I made the excuse that the galleries looked similar because weddings are similar in their structure and flow. “Of course the galleries all look the same!!”
I lived with that misconception for a bit, but slowly came to the realization that the reason all of my galleries looked similar was really because I was injecting way too much of myself and my thought process into my wedding days. I wasn’t letting the wedding play out, but was instead trying to control it. I thought control was a good thing because it allowed me to get the pictures that I thought were necessary to fill a gallery. It wasn’t until I let go of controlling all of the various moments, when I began to see magic unfold before my eyes. Emotional moments, surprising actions, fun twists, chaotic mistakes… all of this began to play out in front of my lens and I began to see the importance of a wedding photographer. I was there to document everything in a way that felt true to the day, an honest representation of my couple’s story. It was at that point when I began to fall in love with photography on a level that I didn’t know existed.
Storytelling also works wonderfully for portrait sessions, engagement sessions, couples sessions, and family sessions. Still get those poses you’ve placed into your mental toolbox, but focus mostly on movement and action. This will bring in so much variety into the shots you capture. Even if you tell every subject to act out the exact same storyline, each subject will interpret it differently and the story will play out in a noticeable different way. Plus the subjects will move and interact in different ways, walking differently, running differently, hugging differently. At this point you are capturing the actual subject and their normal body posture and movement. This will play a huge role in how the subjects view themselves in your pictures. They will not question the reality of the moments that were captured.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
Telling a story is what photography is all about. I feel like a lot of us have been fooled into thinking that taking beautiful pictures was the focus of this profession. I love taking pretty pictures as much as the next photographer, but I was quickly noticing that every picture I took began to look familiar to the last. I began to see similarities in all of my wedding galleries, and had to sit down and think of why this was the case. At first I made the excuse that the galleries looked similar because weddings are similar in their structure and flow. “Of course the galleries all look the same!!”
I lived with that misconception for a bit, but slowly came to the realization that the reason all of my galleries looked similar was really because I was injecting way too much of myself and my thought process into my wedding days. I wasn’t letting the wedding play out, but was instead trying to control it. I thought control was a good thing because it allowed me to get the pictures that I thought were necessary to fill a gallery. It wasn’t until I let go of controlling all of the various moments, when I began to see magic unfold before my eyes. Emotional moments, surprising actions, fun twists, chaotic mistakes… all of this began to play out in front of my lens and I began to see the importance of a wedding photographer. I was there to document everything in a way that felt true to the day, an honest representation of my couple’s story. It was at that point when I began to fall in love with photography on a level that I didn’t know existed.
Storytelling also works wonderfully for portrait sessions, engagement sessions, couples sessions, and family sessions. Still get those poses you’ve placed into your mental toolbox, but focus mostly on movement and action. This will bring in so much variety into the shots you capture. Even if you tell every subject to act out the exact same storyline, each subject will interpret it differently and the story will play out in a noticeable different way. Plus the subjects will move and interact in different ways, walking differently, running differently, hugging differently. At this point you are capturing the actual subject and their normal body posture and movement. This will play a huge role in how the subjects view themselves in your pictures. They will not question the reality of the moments that were captured.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- Planning and scouting out shooting locations.
- How I use the environment to build a story of movements and emotion into my couples interactions.
- How to take light and environmental lines into consideration when building your scene.
- Using a mixture of storytelling with directed posing.
- Using props to help sell the natural interactions.
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The Art of Documenting Elopements (1+ Hours)
1+ Hours of video content
When photographing an elopement, it is less about filling a gallery and more about trying to capture the story. Sometimes those stories are brief, and sometimes they can be full of emotion and connection. Your goal should be to tell the story in an honest way. Now with this particular lesson, it is a styled elopement during a workshop, so there is a lot of stop and go, and there is teaching happening which disrupts the flow of the shoot. On an actual elopement, you should prioritize minimizing the breakaways and instead focus on trying to keep everyone in the moment.
With this lesson we want to focus on posing and directing a couple in a wide open space with dynamic light that is constantly changing as the sun falls. My goal is to capture the foreground and the background in a flattering way while also incorporating the subjects into the scene. Composition is key, especially in wide open spaces. Try to use leading lines and natural funnel points to draw attention to the subject. The best light for elopements is almost always a soft glowing light, but it is impossible to plan for or force, so we have to use what is available. In the case of this lesson, it is full sun. Probably one of the most difficult lighting situations when shooting an elopement because it limits your angles, and the risk of having background elements blown out in the highlights is relatively high.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
When photographing an elopement, it is less about filling a gallery and more about trying to capture the story. Sometimes those stories are brief, and sometimes they can be full of emotion and connection. Your goal should be to tell the story in an honest way. Now with this particular lesson, it is a styled elopement during a workshop, so there is a lot of stop and go, and there is teaching happening which disrupts the flow of the shoot. On an actual elopement, you should prioritize minimizing the breakaways and instead focus on trying to keep everyone in the moment.
With this lesson we want to focus on posing and directing a couple in a wide open space with dynamic light that is constantly changing as the sun falls. My goal is to capture the foreground and the background in a flattering way while also incorporating the subjects into the scene. Composition is key, especially in wide open spaces. Try to use leading lines and natural funnel points to draw attention to the subject. The best light for elopements is almost always a soft glowing light, but it is impossible to plan for or force, so we have to use what is available. In the case of this lesson, it is full sun. Probably one of the most difficult lighting situations when shooting an elopement because it limits your angles, and the risk of having background elements blown out in the highlights is relatively high.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- How to scout out locations for elopements, taking lighting and environmental surroundings into consideration.
- Using compositional techniques to subliminally draw the eye of the viewer to your subject.
- Capturing the wide range of crops to flesh out the story.
- Working in natural light with zero diffusion.
- Shooting through sunset into Blue hour.
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Sunset on the Dunes: A Follow-Along (2+ Hours)
2+ Hours of video content
For me and my brand, it is important to create fun and emotionally driven photos, but it is equally important for me to create a relationship. I want my couples to have fun and feel a friendship forming throughout the shoot. I want the direction and posing to feel effortless. If one of my subjects is having a hard time replicating a pose, I don’t dwell on it. I take a few shots to help them to feel like they are doing well, even if I don’t like the way it looks and I know I will end up tossing those specific frames, and then move them into a new pose or give them a new set of directions.
At the end of the day, they should have a great memory of the session and our interaction. They should feel confident that we nailed it and will have beautiful pictures delivered to them. They should feel that I captured their true selves, and not some interpretation that I forced on them. I love the occasional stunning portrait, but they should have a gallery full of images that represent them and their relationship honestly. The best scenario is to have a couple laugh, smile, and reminisce when going through their gallery.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
For me and my brand, it is important to create fun and emotionally driven photos, but it is equally important for me to create a relationship. I want my couples to have fun and feel a friendship forming throughout the shoot. I want the direction and posing to feel effortless. If one of my subjects is having a hard time replicating a pose, I don’t dwell on it. I take a few shots to help them to feel like they are doing well, even if I don’t like the way it looks and I know I will end up tossing those specific frames, and then move them into a new pose or give them a new set of directions.
At the end of the day, they should have a great memory of the session and our interaction. They should feel confident that we nailed it and will have beautiful pictures delivered to them. They should feel that I captured their true selves, and not some interpretation that I forced on them. I love the occasional stunning portrait, but they should have a gallery full of images that represent them and their relationship honestly. The best scenario is to have a couple laugh, smile, and reminisce when going through their gallery.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- How I come up with a story on the fly, and how I describe it to my couples in a way that they can easily digest and mimic without any issues.
- I walk through my shooting route and describe my thought process on why I chose it. You will also see me come up with some twists to my original route as we shoot, to create a more dynamic story.
- You will hear how I communicate with my couple throughout the shoot. How I direct, converse, joke around with, and give affirmation.
- You will see how I shift my shooting direction to get better results due to the clouds blocking the sun and then clearing on small occasions.
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Engagement on the Lake: A Follow-Along (2+ Hours)
2+ Hours of video content
Engagement sessions can be so much fun. I always look forward to meeting my couples prior to their wedding day and working with them in front of the camera. It is time that allows us to get to know each other, as well as getting to know how I work a portrait session. This always helps us cut back portrait time on the wedding day, as the couple usually remembers exactly how I directed them on their engagement session and they roll right back into the posing so naturally.
One complaint I hear from photographers all the time is when their couples want to schedule a session to happen during the worst of lighting conditions. We can all agree that an hour or two prior to sunset is some of the best lighting conditions to shoot in. You get that soft diffusion of the low sun coming through the atmosphere, which turns into a golden glow near sunset, then transitioning into a beautiful soft light during blue hour. However, sometimes we don’t get the choice to shoot in the best light. Especially on a wedding day, when our allotted portrait times usually happen midday.
With this styled engagement session, I wanted to give us the worst lighting situation possible, and scheduled the shoot to happen right at the point when the sun was highest in the sky. This allowed me to show you how I work with difficult light, while also having a very fun and energetic couple’s session. I wasn’t constrained to the deep shade, forcing us to work in a small area and getting repetitive shots. Instead, I embraced the sunshine and used it to my advantage, looking for areas of the environment that would bounce back that strong midday light and give us some beautiful open shadows.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
Engagement sessions can be so much fun. I always look forward to meeting my couples prior to their wedding day and working with them in front of the camera. It is time that allows us to get to know each other, as well as getting to know how I work a portrait session. This always helps us cut back portrait time on the wedding day, as the couple usually remembers exactly how I directed them on their engagement session and they roll right back into the posing so naturally.
One complaint I hear from photographers all the time is when their couples want to schedule a session to happen during the worst of lighting conditions. We can all agree that an hour or two prior to sunset is some of the best lighting conditions to shoot in. You get that soft diffusion of the low sun coming through the atmosphere, which turns into a golden glow near sunset, then transitioning into a beautiful soft light during blue hour. However, sometimes we don’t get the choice to shoot in the best light. Especially on a wedding day, when our allotted portrait times usually happen midday.
With this styled engagement session, I wanted to give us the worst lighting situation possible, and scheduled the shoot to happen right at the point when the sun was highest in the sky. This allowed me to show you how I work with difficult light, while also having a very fun and energetic couple’s session. I wasn’t constrained to the deep shade, forcing us to work in a small area and getting repetitive shots. Instead, I embraced the sunshine and used it to my advantage, looking for areas of the environment that would bounce back that strong midday light and give us some beautiful open shadows.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- How I use all types of light to get the results I want. Our focus will be on the harsh midday sun most photographers try their hardest to avoid.
- You’ll see how I build a quick and simple story for my couples to play through, getting me those fun and energetic portraits.
- I discuss the importance of reflective surfaces, and talk about the quality and quantity of bounce light. I also go over reflective colors and why it is important to heavily consider the colors of surfaces before choosing to shoot over them, as they can impact the tones of your subject's skin and shadows.
- You will see how I meter my film for harsh light, and why I choose the film stock I do.
- We will also go over how I scout locations, choose the proper attire for my couples, and work with vendors to create the best possible end result.
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Indoor Lifestyle Session: A Follow-Along (2+ Hours)
2+ Hours of video content
Engagement sessions can be so much fun. I always look forward to meeting my couples prior to their wedding day and working with them in front of the camera. It is time that allows us to get to know each other, as well as getting to know how I work a portrait session. This always helps us cut back portrait time on the wedding day, as the couple usually remembers exactly how I directed them on their engagement session and they roll right back into the posing so naturally.
One complaint I hear from photographers all the time is when their couples want to schedule a session to happen during the worst of lighting conditions. We can all agree that an hour or two prior to sunset is some of the best lighting conditions to shoot in. You get that soft diffusion of the low sun coming through the atmosphere, which turns into a golden glow near sunset, then transitioning into a beautiful soft light during blue hour. However, sometimes we don’t get the choice to shoot in the best light. Especially on a wedding day, when our allotted portrait times usually happen midday.
With this styled engagement session, I wanted to give us the worst lighting situation possible, and scheduled the shoot to happen right at the point when the sun was highest in the sky. This allowed me to show you how I work with difficult light, while also having a very fun and energetic couple’s session. I wasn’t constrained to the deep shade, forcing us to work in a small area and getting repetitive shots. Instead, I embraced the sunshine and used it to my advantage, looking for areas of the environment that would bounce back that strong midday light and give us some beautiful open shadows.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
Engagement sessions can be so much fun. I always look forward to meeting my couples prior to their wedding day and working with them in front of the camera. It is time that allows us to get to know each other, as well as getting to know how I work a portrait session. This always helps us cut back portrait time on the wedding day, as the couple usually remembers exactly how I directed them on their engagement session and they roll right back into the posing so naturally.
One complaint I hear from photographers all the time is when their couples want to schedule a session to happen during the worst of lighting conditions. We can all agree that an hour or two prior to sunset is some of the best lighting conditions to shoot in. You get that soft diffusion of the low sun coming through the atmosphere, which turns into a golden glow near sunset, then transitioning into a beautiful soft light during blue hour. However, sometimes we don’t get the choice to shoot in the best light. Especially on a wedding day, when our allotted portrait times usually happen midday.
With this styled engagement session, I wanted to give us the worst lighting situation possible, and scheduled the shoot to happen right at the point when the sun was highest in the sky. This allowed me to show you how I work with difficult light, while also having a very fun and energetic couple’s session. I wasn’t constrained to the deep shade, forcing us to work in a small area and getting repetitive shots. Instead, I embraced the sunshine and used it to my advantage, looking for areas of the environment that would bounce back that strong midday light and give us some beautiful open shadows.
Some of the topics discussed in this course are:
- How I use all types of light to get the results I want. Our focus will be on the harsh midday sun most photographers try their hardest to avoid.
- You’ll see how I build a quick and simple story for my couples to play through, getting me those fun and energetic portraits.
- I discuss the importance of reflective surfaces, and talk about the quality and quantity of bounce light. I also go over reflective colors and why it is important to heavily consider the colors of surfaces before choosing to shoot over them, as they can impact the tones of your subject's skin and shadows.
- You will see how I meter my film for harsh light, and why I choose the film stock I do.
- We will also go over how I scout locations, choose the proper attire for my couples, and work with vendors to create the best possible end result.
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12 Full Length Courses to help you Elevate your business and creative skills to the next level
- Know how to construct your photography business with a solid foundation
- Know the market breaks, the roadblocks at each market level, and how to get past them
- Know how to approach and communicate with wedding planners
- Know how to use all manner of photography gear
- Know how to price your business in a competitive and constructive manner
- Know how to direct your couples in a unique and dynamic way
- Know how to create compositionally intriguing images that render an emotional response
- Understand light in all its qualities and intensities
- Tell a story with your images in a way that is fun and exciting to view
- Know how to capture all the details on a wedding day, in a way that vendors appreciate
- ...and much more!
- Know how to construct your photography business with a solid foundation
- Know the market breaks, the roadblocks at each market level, and how to get past them
- Know how to approach and communicate with wedding planners
- Know how to use all manner of photography gear
- Know how to price your business in a competitive and constructive manner
- Know how to direct your couples in a unique and dynamic way
- Know how to create compositionally intriguing images that render an emotional response
- Understand light in all its qualities and intensities
- Tell a story with your images in a way that is fun and exciting to view
- Know how to capture all the details on a wedding day, in a way that vendors appreciate
- ...and much more!
By the end of this program you should:
Access the elevate bundle
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$1800
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purchase the Elevate bundle with access to all 12 courses
Click on the Course Link Below
Want to purchase a single course?
$600
7+ Hours of Content
Business and Marketing: Concepts and Theories
The Art of Storytelling Through Photography
4+ Hours of Content
$600
The Art of Lighting and Composition
4 Hours of Content
$600
Big Sur Engagement:
A Follow-Along
3+ Hours of Content
$175
Sunset on the Dunes:
A Follow-Along
2+ Hours of Content
$175
Sunrise on the Bluffs:
A Follow-Along
2+ Hours of Content
$175
Engagement on the Lake:
A Follow-Along
2+ Hours of Content
$175
The Art of Using Backdrops in Natural Light
2+ Hours of Content
$175
Indoor Lifestyle Session:
A Follow-Along
2+ Hours of Content
$175
The Art of Documenting Elopements
1+ Hour of Content
$100
The Art of Photographing Flat Lay Elements
1+ HOUR of Content
$100
The Art of Photographing Details
2+ Hours of Content
$175
$600
7+ Hours of Content
Business and Marketing: Concepts and Theories
$600
4 Hours of Content
THE ART OF LIGHTING AND COMPOSITION
$600
4+ Hours of Content
THE ART OF STORYTELLING THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
$175
3+ Hours of Content
BIG SUR ENGAGEMENT:
A FOLLOW-ALONG
$175
2+ Hours of Content
SUNRISE ON THE BLUFFS:
A FOLLOW-ALONG
$175
2+ Hours of Content
SUNSET ON THE DUNES:
A FOLLOW-ALONG
$175
2+ Hours of Content
ENGAGEMENT ON THE LAKE:
A FOLLOW-ALONG
$175
2+ Hours of Content
INDOOR LIFESTYLE SESSION:
A FOLLOW-ALONG
$175
2+ Hours of Content
THE ART OF USING BACKDROPS IN NATURAL LIGHT
$100
1+ Hour of Content
THE ART OF DOCUMENTING ELOPEMENTS
$175
2+ Hours of Content
THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHING DETAILS
