I know I promised this post a while ago. This inspiration shoot started with a simple something old - a wedding dress from a thrift store  - and evolved into this. Something new.

Here’s what went down. (If you aren’t interested in the technical aspect of photography then I excuse you to skip to the photos. I promise I won’t be offended. Really. I swear.)

We were out shooting this session at basically high noon. There wasn’t much shade to be found and when the sun is that high overhead it creates pretty harsh shadows. So after we did our first few shots in front of the white brick wall we drove around for a long time looking for something else in the shade. We didn’t have the luxury of waiting until the magic golden sunset hour since my models had to go to work at 3.

So, we went to my garage.

I had just purchased a backdrop set and triggers for my flash to be set up off of my camera. I had also experienced the blessing of going to Justin + Mary’s Workshop earlier this summer, where Justin reminded me of a dream. He actually has a similar one – and that is to take more classic portraits. The kind in Vanity Fair. The kind with celebrities. The kind that never go out of style. At Justin and Mary’s workshop I learned just how to start moving in the direction of that dream… practice with flash.

I know what you’re thinking. I love natural light too. And flash is tricky. Technical. Complicated. But I really feel like as my business grows I don’t want to stay comfortable doing one thing. I want to be able to take an amazing photograph, at any time, anywhere. I don’t want to be dependent on the ever-changing sun. I want more.

What better opportunity than this? But I was scared honestly. What if I messed it up? Nat and Tim looked amazing and what if I didn’t get any photos that I really loved?

The payoff for pushing beyond your comfort zone and your creative limits is ALWAYS worth the risk. It will drive you forward.

I’m so excited about these images, and excited for another “studio” session. I feel like I’m moving towards something really exciting. So, who wants to hang out in my garage?

I’d love to know what you are doing this year to push yourself forward, leave a comment and let me know. There is accountability when you say it out loud.

Thanks again for always being such an encouragement to me my friends.

xoxo,

Em