I learned how to do stuff that I couldn't do before...

It's really hard to express how much I got out of the 3 day workshop I just attended. For those of you that don't know, TriCoast is an incredible photography business (two main photographers, Cody and Mike, and their associate photographer, Jordan). I've been a huge fan of their wedding work for about a year now. I heard that they were having a workshop in San Diego and I had to, had to, had to go. I just got home from it and, to all you other photographers around the nation, it is the most I've ever gotten out of anyone in regard to photography. This workshop wasn't just inspiring (which is important) or fun (also good to have), but there was an unbelievable amount of practical education. That's what I love. I learned how to do stuff that I couldn't do before. Do you know how huge that is?!?! That was what I wanted and I got it. Along the way, I got to hang out with two of the country's best wedding photographers (I'd say "world's," but then people might think I'm overstating due to excitement :) and a handful of awesome fellow students (one of which, James Hays, took the photo of me).




Jordan of TriCoast - I call him "MacGyver."
The first day was shooting. The workshop was focused on off camera flash (where one flash on your camera triggers another handheld flash) and Mike showed us how to get right into it. Immediately, I was blown away. For the last year I had looked at his images and dreamed of being able to light my photos the way he lights his. His motto is "no secrets" and he didn't keep any. He shared 'em all and I soaked it up like a sponge. We shot models all day so here are a few of my photos...


Jordan showed me this little trick how he gets this photo without looking through the lens.


The next day two days were in class (with a little additional shooting) and were possibly my favorite. Mike and Jordan just let us pick their brains and they shared so much priceless advice with us. I was seriously not wanting it to be over. They also showed us how they post-process their images. This is something that many photographers are very unlikely to share. It can sort of be their secret ingredient to their images, so to speak. Not TriCoast.


Mike (on the left) of TriCoast. Can't stand the guy...
I hate to say it again, but Mike and Jordan showed me how to do things that I couldn't do before. I can't put a pricetag on all the images that will be so much greater looking and even more meaningful to my clients because of them. I'm writing this about an hour after getting home - so I know I'm leaving out a lot.

Bottom line, Mike and Jordan, you both have helped me become a better photographer - and that trickles down all over the place. It means that my couples will have more beautiful photographs of their wedding day. It means I will be even more fulfilled in my art. It also means that I have even better tools to provide for my family. You guys are both very special to me because of that. Anytime you're in San Diego, you're welcome to anything I've got. And I mean that.

Bobby

Oh yeah, and to show you how awesome the workshop was... the first night I continued shooting with Jordan 'till 12:30am. When I got to my car I realized I left my lights on ALL DAY! Tried to get people to stop and jump me... but the way I looked I couldn't blame everyone for not stopping. So I called my dad and he came and got me. The whole time I wasn't thinking "this sucks!" I was thinking "I can't wait for tomorrow!" That's how cool it was ;)