PPA Workshop Images (Kansas City, MO)
At Long Last … I have our workshop images POSTED!!! Yipppieeeee!!!!
Sorry it’s taken me so long, but we’ve simply been buried with client work, the holidays, destination weddings, and oh yeah … a BLIZZARD!!
In any case … 
This fantastic workshop was hosted by the Greater Area – Kansas City PPA.
We had a great time, had some great models to work with, and had some good fun. We also managed to learn a thing or two and hopefully – we even came away with some nice images and new inspiration for all!
Now, I’ve gotten several emails and phone calls from many of my students wanting to see what we captured during the workshop, which is what we’re blogging about today. I tried my best to illustrate some of what we discussed during the workshop … things like: composition, lines of interest, selective focus techniques, dodging and burning, etc … etc ..
Having said that, I know this entry is “less that complete” in terms of detailed descriptions on our technique … SO …
… let me know if you need any additional descriptions, or techniques described in greater detail, and I’ll be happy to assist. Maybe over the phone? So please … don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email or leave a comment!
Last but certainly not least … I’d like to give a special shout out & thanks to Jim Newell for all of his help and support during our workshop & especially for helping out with the gear!! Thanks Jim!! You made my life a LOT easier!
-tduncan
First and Foremost - Our Class Photo!
Now on to technique …
I tried to show a few different images that illustrate our “before images” … (in other words … “straight” out of the camera files)
… and then contrast those with our finals. (aka – images that have been processed in Lightroom & Photoshop.)
*Disclaimer … these images will look different from monitor to monitor, and I’m not 100% savvy with the sRGB color space, so please bear that in mind when going back through our results posted here. Thanks!
Before Portrait of our Wedding Couple
After Portrait of our Wedding Couple
Low Light Portrait shot at 1600 ISO
Before
After
Next thing I wanted to post were a few of our album design concepts we discussed during our workshop. Hopefully the photos will be illustration enough for you, but please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions about how & why etc … etc …
Our Album Design Software of Choice
I’m using the white line you see below, to help illustrate where the gutter would be in your design. Just FYI
Sample of splitting your group shots across two pages
Well that’s it guys!! I hope it helped, and please don’t hesitate to leave comments, or give me a call or shoot me an email if you have need for any additional help with these ideas!! – and thanks for reading!!
Travis Duncan
Workshop News!!
A quick update on our November workshop
Hosted by the Kansas City Chapter PPA & Sponsored by White House Custom Color …
We’re going to be teaching in Kansas City Missouri, this coming Tuesday [November 9th]
from 3 pm – to – 5 pm
[Safari Segment]
Followed by a dinner meeting (catered dinner) from 6 -to- 9
-and-
A Evening Program focusing on Lightroom & Photoshop techniques to finish your images!
*Cost is $35 per person which covers the class & dinner * We’ll be meeting at 2:45 pm on the corner of 3rd and Deleware for
our Safari Segment!
Hope to see you there!! ~tduncan
How to Look & Feel your BEST – in your Wedding Photos!
Here’s a short list of 8 different ideas that I truly believe will help you LOOK and FEEL your best in your wedding photos!!
1. Schedule a (pre-wedding) Bridal Fashion Session
… with your photographer & make-up artist. Why is that important you ask? Well, let me tell you from my own experience what this appointment will mean to you. First off – not only will you be giving yourself the opportunity to work with your photographer in creating [and here it comes - a shameless photo plug] some fantastic additional gift portraits that consequently are very nice to give out on your wedding day – moreover, it will create an opportunity for you to go through a “Test Run” with your Hair and Makeup Stylist before the actual wedding day arrives. This is huge!
I currently have a great relationship with a traveling Hair & Make-Up Artist – Kandis Cunningham (Make -Up On The Move) and she’s worth her weight in GOLD!! We’ve had many past clients that were thrilled to set aside a specific day for all of these appointments (Hair, Makeup & Bridal Photos) – and LOVED the results! Because of the “test run” with your Hair and Make-Up Artist – our clients have virtually eliminated the possibility of unexpected results & unforeseen time restraints on their wedding day. You might want to check with your Hair and Make-Up Artist, as they may offer a free trial run – already built into the wedding day fee itself. Even if they don’t, it’s well worth the small investment to have peace of mind on your big day!!
2. Hire a professional wedding planner!!
This one can’t be overstated! Can you imagine trying to look your best while thinking in the back of your mind … “Where are the extra table linens that I ordered?” -Or – “What happened to the Cake? … and where is the Cake Topper?” In this scenario it would be nearly impossible to look your best for photos, when these types of thoughts are going around in your head. I mean unless you’re a professional actor, I would recommend letting a trusted and proven wedding planner take care of all the little details!! I’ve worked professionally with several planners in the Mid-Missouri area, and two of my personal favorites are: Natalie Imhoff of (The Bridal Solution) and also Stephanie Snofke of (Simply Elegant). Coming from a seasoned pro – I’ve seen first hand the difference an organized planner will make in your wedding day! By putting your faith in the hands of a great wedding planner, you can relax and live in the moment & be worry free! This mindset alone will create a wonderful atmosphere for all of your guests to enjoy, and will also give you the very best photo opportunities imaginable. After all, don’t you want to look your best!?! If you feel worry free … you’ll definitely look your best in your photography!
3. Remember to eat breakfast, stay hydrated & avoid too many salty foods.
This goes for the rehearsal dinner too. Nothing like the feeling of retaining water in your wedding dress. (Not that I speak from experience here, but my wife will back me up on this 
… and if you’re anything like me, you’ll need some fuel in your tank to avoid feeling cranky on your wedding day. You’d be surprised how many brides actually forget to eat the morning of the wedding. Don’t let it be you! I always work with an assistant, and will be happy to send them down the road to pick up some fresh fruit, granola bars & bottled water if you find yourself in the need of little pick-me-up snack!!
4. Carry a touch up kit with you on your wedding day.
Try to include items like: powder, lipstick, lip-gloss, mini-can of hairspray and a mirror in the kit. (Put your maid of honor in charge of the touch up kit so you don’t have to keep up with it.) Just knowing & confirming that you look good, will give you that additional confidence – and confidence really SHOWS in your photos!!
5. Hire a full-time pro photographer.
I know often times it’s tempting, and sometimes even necessary to cut corners in your budget, but in most cases photography is NOT the place you should consider cutting back. There are many ways to “move the numbers around” in your budget, and I’d say again – referring back to number 2 in our list … a great wedding coordinator can really help you shine in this area. Professional photography is absolutely priceless and should be approached as such. It’s the one thing you’ll have 50 years down the road to tell your story. Additionally, a full-time pro-photographer or studio that orients themselves as offering “high end service” can no doubt take you through your wedding day step by step, easing your mind about what to expect next. Again, when you’re relaxed – you’ll photograph like dream! A full-time professional photographer can also give you advice “on the fly” during your wedding day – on how to look your best. The term “posing” often has a negative connotation to it, but the fact is … a seasoned full time pro photographer can give you little tips that will make a HUGE impact on the way you look in your photographs!! It’s our job and responsibly as a professional, to make you look your best!!
6. Keep your feet happy!
Don’t forget to bring a change of shoes with you on your wedding day. A pair of flip flops, or any other pair of shoes that you find comfortable are definitely encouraged!! You also might want to walk around your house or apartment in your wedding shoes (several times) to adequately “break them in” before your big day.
7. Engagement Photos!
This may not sound like a tip at first but think of the benefits in having a “practice photo session” with your fiancé. (That’s really what your engagement sessions is) Not only will you benefit from having a great set of engagement images (often times more timeless than the wedding photos themselves) – but you’ll have the added bonus of the extra confidence that comes with working ahead of time with your photographer! You’ll learn how to respond (as a couple) to your photographer – see how he or she works – and most importantly – your photographer will gain valuable information on what angles look best on you, and how to best photograph you and your significant other on your wedding day!
8. Relax and bask in the emotions of your day!!
Let your guard down and have fun in front of the camera! It’s a once in a lifetime occasion, and it’s your time to shine!! Those feelings that you have for your fiancé will be captured & preserved beautifully on film if you just clear your mind & live honestly in the moment!
Well that’s it for now. I might add to this list as time goes along, perhaps another segment altogether – so please stay tuned and check back with us. Better yet, you can subscribe to our blog at the bottom of this page and get all our updates via RSS or Email so you’ll always be up to date on our latest entries. I hope you enjoyed reading these tips and find them useful in planning your big day!! If you have any questions about this entry, or if you’d like to schedule a free no obligation consultation in our studio, please don’t hesitate to call or email. Thanks for reading!!