Art photography by Kira workshop in Mackay, Queensland
Lovely girls from Creative Shots Photo Club in Mackay created a lovely flyer for the upcoming workshop.
If you are in that area of the time of the workshop it is really worth checking it out. There are going to be 2 days, fully devoted to photography, posing, directing and practice, practice, practice on real women with curves, attitude, complicated characters and having no idea how to pose. Don’t miss it! Would love to see you there.
I find it is the best outcome for students when we invite “real people” for a workshop instead of models so the students can learn how to pose real people (who have no idea, who needs a bit or, sometimes, a lot of help) instead of just simply watching a beautiful model in front of them who perfectly knows how to move already, where the light is and what to do.
This happens a lot at workshops – that is my observation only. What are students left to do? What they are really doing is – fighting with each other over the best spot to take the photo that was already orchestrated for them by the tutor, his idea and the perfect model that the tutor hired – so they can get a shot for their portfolio. They don’t try to analyse why and how the image works and “what if”– they don’t have time. They need to grab a shot while they can and I can perfectly understand it – who wouldn’t want to take a shot of a beautiful, elegant girl in a perfect gown that actually suits her, standing in a gorgeous light with a veil blowing?
The tutor is not a fool. He/she would pick a right girl, in a right gown and take her to a perfect location at the right time of day. Who wouldn’t want to take that shot and even fight for it? I would.
But then… students go home with “portfolio of gorgeous images” (probably sincerely thinking that that was 100% their “creations”), they post those images on their website and facebook to attract clients and get bookings…..and clients book, assuming that what they see is what they get….so our ex-students start dealing with real people and those poor real people can’t understand why their photographer doesn’t deliver the same quality of beautiful images they show online and so it goes…
Of course it is not always that black and white…But I hope it explains a bit why I am so passionate about teaching students to shoot real people, how important I think our role as teachers
It’s going to be fun! Hope to see you there. Kira
Some “Before and Afters”
Here are some of testimonials from people who attended my workshops:
“I feel so lucky that I was able to spend two amazing days learning how you create “magic” photos. It was like no other course I have ever done, you have such attention to detail and the most wonderful ability to express so much emotion thro…ugh all of your photos. I have never come across another photographer who can capture moments quite like you can. I still cant believe that you are open and willing to share all your photography secrets to the rest of us. The lessons that you teach in your courses are exactly what every photographer needs to know. You so kindly shared priceless information and helped me with all the areas of photography that I needed guidance. I am forever grateful for giving me the opportunity to learn from you and for the kindest hospitality you offered me. Thanks again Kira I cant wait to do it all again one day hopefully soon. All my love…Laura xoxo”
“I just wanted to say thank you so much Kira for sharing your amazing knowledge and passion with us at your workshop. I can’t tell you how much you inspire me make me want to strive to be a better photographer. I feel so empowered after your workshop. I feel I have I walked away from my days with you knowing how to work with ‘real people’. There was nothing contrived or ‘set up’ about your workshop, and I know that I now have the confidence I need to pose, light, communicate (and have fun with) with my own ‘real’ clients. This was such an amazing learning experience for someone new (or even someone not so new) to photography. You have an such a fabulous way of conveying the way you ‘see’ and create an image, and were able to have us leave your workshop with just a little bit of your magic. Again, Kira, thank you, thank you, so much.”
“Thank you so much for devoting not only your time, but boundless energy and passion with us at … Workshop.
You are unique, and you shared many tips about the ‘reality’ of guiding a bride to pose in a complimentary way. Of going beyond the obvious… What works, what does not work and why. Maybe its the woman in you, or just simply the Kira Factor!
I love your character and your style, which is so reflective in your creations – you are inspirational and its encourages me too, to be me, who I am and continue on my path of developing my own style. Not just photographically but also how I like to engage myself within the whole experience.
You are a gem Kira, and I feel so happy to have had the chance to meet you and your lovely husband David… He is a gem too! :)”
“After attending a 2 day Intimate workshop with Kira I can honestly say that it was worth every dollar spent to attend. I went to the workshop with ideas of what I hoped to learn but my experience far exceeded my expectations. Kira is a brilliant teacher with a unique perspective and eye for detail matched by no other! The teaching is easy to understand and full of hands on experience which is great if you want more than just theory. Due to the intimate nature of the workshop the material covered will largely be directed by what you need to learn unlike larger workshops that are tailored to suit a variety of needs and skill levels. After the time I spent with Kira, I was armed with an invaluable amount of information and a new found sense of confidence to take my photography to new previously unimagined levels. The hospitality during my stay was sublime and I enjoyed every minute of my stay! I highly recommend this workshop to any photographer who may be considering attending. I guarantee, once you meet Kira you can’t help but love her and enjoy your time spent learning with her!”
Wow! Amazing! And that is just the start of my experience with Kira. Having just spent 3 days with Kira, two days of workshops followed up with one day experiencing the other side of the camera I can honestly say that I left with a head full of new information. Kira certainly knows what her lens can do, how to work the light that is available and how to interact with her clients to get the very best out of them. Having done a number of workshops over the past few years, this experience really showed me what the difference a ‘master’of their trade can do and Kira is a master at her trade! This was again confirmed on the last day, when my companion at the workshop also had her photo taken, I will never forget the magic I saw when Kira instructed her to just move her head slightly and up a bit – she was transformed instantly – 20 years younger on the spot! My eyes have been opened and my passion for photography once again ignited. David and Kira where kind enough to invite us into their home and made us feel like part of the family instantly. Many many thanks, you guys are the best!
Read more about workshops here: Workshops with Kira