Disclaimer: I’m by no means anywhere near an expert or industry-leading photographer in the wedding world. In fact, if I had to list all the accolades, awards, and recognitions I’ve gotten as a wedding photographer, that list would be pretty empty :). Plus, this is (only) my second year in the business. So what is this workshop all about? Good question, please read on!
In the last year or so, I’ve been fortunate enough to do what I absolutely love. And part of that includes sharing knowledge with other photographers and helping each others’ business grow to new heights. I’m always grateful of any photographer, whether they’re an aspiring or season-pro, that e-mails me, comments on my blog, or messages me on Facebook or Twitter with a (wedding) photography-related question.
Sometimes, it’s a simple question like, “How do you take a certain photo?” or “What equipment are you using and why?” Other times, it’s more complex like, “How do you go about marketing yourself to couples?”, “What’s the secret to making your bride and groom comfortable in front of the camera?”, or “How do you shoot in low-light/night situations?” Then there’s questions that take more than a day or two to answer: “I just like taking photos; how do I go about being a wedding photographer?” and probably one of the very best questions, “Why isn’t anyone booking me?” :). The point is, the number, and thus variety of topics on wedding photography is virtually endless. And as much as I want to answer every single question I get and simply help as many of you succeed, there’s only so much time in a week I can devote to answering messages and only so many opportunities a year I can bring one of you to assist/shadow me so you can see what I do.
So all of that led me this past evening to officially announce the creation of…hmmm, I haven’t thought of a good name yet but let’s just call it the “Henry Chen Photography Program” for the sake of finishing this post :). The beauty of this program is it’s not just going to take place at one/two locations or on one/two days. And as far as the topics we’ll cover, well, you can throw the rule book out the window because there isn’t a set list. Instead, here are the highlights of the program:
- An on-going communication/relationship between me and you, where I would constantly (1-2 times a week minimum) check with you via phone, e-mail, and in person your progress on being the photographer you want to be.
- We’ll cover any and everything that’s on your mind and topics you might’ve not even considered: photography, marketing, branding, workflow, what to do during a client consultation, your own personality and style, etc.; we’ll take things one step at a time and work on the areas where you need improvement but also capitalize on your strengths.
- Actual shadowing/assisting/shooting opportunities with me at e-sessions and weddings. Now I always, always, always require a second photographer who feels confident (and their work shows) shooting a wedding as the main/on their own. That’s something we can work towards in the next several months. I will also give you the opportunity to assist/shadow me at a wedding plus shoot alongside me at e-sessions (assuming the couple/client is okay with it and most are as I’d like having an assistant at every wedding to help me out). We will then spend the time reviewing your images afterwards and find ways to improve them.
- Opportunity to work under/alongside me as an associate photographer plus be on my preferred list of photographer recommendations to wedding dates I’m already booked or out of my price range. My goal is to help you book weddings. Period. I want nothing more than to see you succeed and exceed your goals!
- There’s several more but I better stop here for the sake of not having a long article :). Lastly, no program would be complete without an actual workshop:
Spring Wedding Workshop
Day 1 – April 4th: 10AM-5PM.
Location: Los Angeles or Orange County, CA.
Topics: tailored specifically to what you’re looking to learn, either strictly lecture-type presentation, hands-on workflow, and/or actual shooting with a wedding couple.
Maximum number of participants: 6.
Cost: $200.
Day 2 – April 6th (just because I have a wedding on the 5th and some of us still have to work M-F :P): 7PM-we fall asleep (and some of you know how late I can stay up!).
Location: Los Angeles or Orange County, CA.
Topics: actual shoot, focusing on low-light and night photography somewhere; going over images from Saturday’s shoot, and helping you map out the next few steps in your photography business.
Maximum number of participants: 6.
Cost: $200.
If you sign up for both Day 1 and Day 2, then the total cost will be $350 (you save $50).
Coaching Program (also open to non-California state and international photographers!)
This is where I’ll spend time with you one-on-one during the week (or weekends if we’re not busy) evening going over anything that you want, mainly focusing on your progress and areas you’d like to see improvement on. We can do this via phone, online chat with webcam (AIM, iChat, Skype, or Yahoo), e-mail, or in person. Each session would be roughly an hour or so and you will have my undivided attention – it’s you, me, and the photography world.
Maximum number of participants: 3 (I still need evenings to get my own work done :P).
Cost: $50 per session or $150 per month (roughly four sessions) plus you will get to work with me on a wedding at least once a month or the next available one (as an assistant/shadow and hopefully eventually as a second photographer). And yes, you can use the images you take on your website and blog :).
Interested? Ready to sign up? Questions?
Now nothing is set in stone, so if you’re interested but have any type of conflict (schedule, financial, etc.), please feel free to let me know. First come first serve on the workshop and coaching spots! Questions? Or if you’re ready to sign up, please contact me via the following methods:
E-mail: henry@henrychenphotography.com.
Phone/text: (626) 664-6735.
Contact form: click here.