WPPI offers classes before the big convention starts called Plus Classes that are essentially workshops with various photographers. This year’s classes were made up of 8 of the top photographers in the field, with 20 students per class, focusing for two days on their personal expertise in photography. I chose Mike Colón because I adore his work, he shoots Nikon (which is what I shoot) and I felt that I could learn a lot from him. I felt that our shooting styles were very much similar when it comes to shooting so I really felt that I could learn a lot from this amazing photographer.
The classes bascially were about the basics of photography and learning how to find and shoot natural light correctly. Each day we had a morning session of learning the craft and the afternoons were spent with models implementing what we learned during the day. The first day we had Jen & Adam as our models and the second day we had Krystal & Adam (same guy, different gals) as our models. I feel that I learned a lot from Mike – especially when it comes to determing light sources! I also learned how to pay attention more to what is in the background that could be potentially distracting when shooting. He also had his assistant/friend/sidekick Ray Santana along with him for the class and I also learned a lot from Ray.
I felt bad for both guys though who were mystified with my manners. When it comes to fighting 20 people for a shot, I’m the first to bow out. I got elbowed in the head a few times and someone hit me with their lens (some of these lenses aren’t light! ow!). Photography isn’t a contact sport in my world so I chose to go for the odd angles and try and get what I can. Both Ray & Mike by the second day were trying to not be great teachers but were also shoving me in for the good shots and looking out for me. They were both fantastic. I can’t say enough things about them. Anyone that gets a chance to take Mike’s workshop absolutely should!!
Below are some shots I got during the two-day class!
Ray Santana at work… with the new lens I want!
Some of the class and Mike shooting the models (Mike is in the green shirt):
- The Christy House Wedding with Ashley and Stephon - March 11, 2024
- Peninsula Wedding with Colleen and Eric - March 10, 2024
- Winter Inn Walden Wedding with Julia and Walter - February 29, 2024
Beautiful as always! I love it.
Yay! I’m honored toy glance at my blog:) And thanks for the shoe suggestions. The Guess “Jelissa” is actually my front-runner right now! I really like it. What do you think of these? Are they way over the top? lol
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Satin-Rose-Platform-Shoe/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=228154&cid=4172&clr=Purple&Rf-200=8&sh=0
Love the one with the slot machine … and the one below it with her amazing expression. Fabulous 🙂
What a fabulous event. Shooting with Mike must have been a real treat. Your pictures are great! Very good composition and color. Especially the shot inside the casino. Keep up the great work!
Curtis
[…] Recognize Andy? He was our model last year for my Plus Class with Mike Colon. […]