"Should we leave on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday?"

The EXPLORE Waterfalls & Gorges of Western Indiana workshop was happening on Tuesday. To get to Indiana would be about an 8hr drive. I prefer not to travel on Sundays, and we were hoping to spend some time with the host family in Indiana over the weekend, so leaving on Saturday made the most sense. But the November assignment was coming up, and I needed to shoot the Demonstration Video before the workshop. Could I do it on Monday in Indiana? Did I need to stay in West Virginia to shoot it on Saturday or Sunday? Our travel plans all hinged on when and where the filming of the Demonstration Video was going to happen.

So, I called my host. "Would you mind if I videoed myself photographing the November assignment while I'm at your place on Monday?"

"Well, sure, if you'd like. But what do you think about doing it on Sunday morning, before our church service begins? I could gather all the models you need, if you'd like."

Would I like?! Why, that would be fantastic! That's half the work of the entire assignment!

And so, that's how I found myself introducing this month's Demonstration Video on a Saturday at a quaint rest area in Ohio, surrounded by gorgeous fall color....

I know this Demonstration Video is longer than most, and probably wasn't the most engaging one you've ever watched. But I think it's good, for demonstration purposes, to give you a more accurate feeling of what it was actually like. I hope it helps you not feel discouraged if it takes a lot of time, or you fumble with your words, or you don't feel you directed everyone perfectly.

A couple comments in retrospect, as I watched the Demonstration Video and edited photos in preparation for this blog post:

• Note to self: I really need to use a mic next time so you can hear what I'm saying better!

• I really only photographed 1 of the 8 different concepts requested in the details. The reason this happened is because I didn't familiarize myself with the details much ahead of time. I should have done 1 concept at the first location, a 2nd concept at the second location, etc.

• Like I mentioned at the end of the Video, I wasn't shy about talking about what I was doing, directing folks to do things, and in general being a micromanager at the beginning. I wanted everyone to feel safe with someone in control, so they could be relaxed and not have to worry about second-guessing if what they were doing was the right thing.

• I always make a effort to get to know the names of the subjects I'm photographing. I'm terrible with remembering names, but that's only the result of not connecting the name to a face when someone first tells me their name. I try now to think intentionally about it when someone tells me their name. Sometimes I have to ask them to repeat it, but I can remember a name if I deliberately connect that name to their face. I am very much a visual learner.

• When we stepped outside, I tried photographing from all sides. But the only good photos were the ones that were backlit. The sunlight was just too harsh from the other directions, leaving bright, blown out patches on the skin or hair (see photo below).

• I didn't plan it this way, but I was grateful for one older lady in the group. She looked like the leader. She made for a good subject for most of my photos. It would naturally fit that all the younger women are listening to her.

Here are my favorite shots from the shoot. Which ones are your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.

A big thank you to Amy for gathering the needed models! And thank you Emanuel Church for letting us use the professional-looking spaces around your church building.

Now It's Your Turn!

First, find some folks who will be willing to pose for you. Decide on a time and location. Scout around ahead of time for ideas of where to bring the models. Then have fun photographing them having fun! And don't forget important details like I did. 🙂 Get the details here, and go out and photograph Christian Womanhood!

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