Future fashion designers...cute as could be!

 We had a great time at the Savvy Studio Workshop last weekend! The shoots were so much fun...great little models (recognize the one with braids? My sweet little Ava was a trooper modeling for all those photographers...having her best friend model along side her made it much more fun!)

Our guest speaker was amazing! Lisa Furey taught the girls so much...I even learned a ton! I have much more to blog about (it's been quiet on the blog lately)...so much blogging to catch up on! I'll get there (eventually). Enjoy some of the images for now of our future fashion designers in action. 

We have a few seats left for the 2014 Alys Beach workshop!
Grab your seat here!  

Meet the lovely Lisa Furey!

It's Friday...and I'm ready for the weekend!
I'm so behind on posting my photographer interviews...and it's my favorite feature on the blog. I love getting to know more about people and how they were lead to a career in photography.
Today we are welcoming Lisa Furey to the Savvy blog!
I'm so excited Lisa will be joining me in Atlanta soon as a guest speaker at the Savvy studio workshop! *(we have a few seats left for the workshop...grab them while you can...it will be a wonderful two days of learning and some great styled shoots!)

Will you share with us how you started your career in photography?

It was the pending adoption of my daughter that brought me into the photography community in 2008.   It was at this time that I began blogging.  Once I started to visit other blogs, I was completely consumed by the amazing photos.  I wanted to have photos like that of my own children so I retired the Kodak point and shoot and picked up my first dslr.   Like so many, it started as a hobby and just for fun, but then it became a true passion.   In 2009 I took a few classes and found out what a camera could really do once you turned the dial past the little green box.  Within the next year, close friends and family members began to ask if I would take photos for them.  At the same time, online friends and other bloggers were asking me to share what I was doing to my photos and how I was achieving certain looks.  After a few months of wavering back and forth, I began teaching and sharing my approach to photography.  It has been an incredible experience on so many levels.  I get to do what I love, give other people photos they love, and teach photo enthusiasts how to go out there and take pictures they will love and treasure forever.

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

My favorite subjects are my children…. or any children for that matter.  I love to capture their beauty, their innocence, and their spur of the moment actions.   I also find food photography therapeutic and fun.   I really enjoy being in the kitchen and love to cook, so before I go in for the first bite, I will often photograph what I am about to eat.

What do you think makes your business stand out from the other photographers in your area? 

I have a very outgoing yet approachable personality, yet I am always up for a challenge.   I like to explore and look for new locations and places to shoot so that everyone has a unique experience.   I never sit still and continually try to learn new things so I don’t become stagnant in an ever changing and fast paced industry.  I also try to stay true to my style and to myself instead of trying to be everything to everyone. 

Who or what inspires you as a photographer?

Children inspire me most, but so do soft colors, pretty light, and clothes.  I know it sounds funny, but when I am shopping and see certain outfits, I can visualize the photo shoot in my mind.  So it starts with an outfit and progresses from there.  I also like to frequent antique malls.  Here in PA we have more than a few and sometimes I will get lucky and find a gem.

What are you favorite products that you offer your clients?

There are so many great products available, but very large canvases are my absolute favorite.  They have such a WOW factor and there is nothing quite like delivering them and seeing the expression on a client’s face when they are staring at their loved ones in large print.

I adore your blog, The Long Road to China... when do you find time to blog?

I try to blog late at night after my kids are tucked in or first thing in the morning while the house is quiet and I can drink my coffee and collect my thoughts. 

Do you shoot with Canon or Nikon?

I am a Canon girl.  The very first camera my husband purchased for me was a Canon EOS 40D.  Since then I have upgraded twice and currently, I shoot with a 5D Mark iii.

Favorite thing in your camera bag?

This is a tough question to answer.   It changes from week to week, but for now I have to say that my 135mm f2.0 lens.  It is just DREAMY.

What's your Savvy indulgence?

A good red wine, an Italian pastry, or shopping of any kind!

Will you share with us the proudest or most memorable moment as a photographer?

There are so many wonderful things that have occurred over the years because of photography, but I think the most memorable moments come from the emails or phone calls from prior students who want to express and share that they have also found passion in photography.   One morning I woke up to a beautiful note written by one of my former students who now has a booming business.   She went on to thank me for getting her started all those years ago and for giving her a good foundation and the confidence to go out there and start a successful business of her own.  There once was a time that I doubted myself and my abilities and whenever I am having a bad day or get down, I pull out that little note as a reminder.   I love that I can help others find themselves in photography.   It has brought so much joy to my own life and it is so rewarding to watch others find their joy too.  It keeps me going and striving to be a better person and photographer.

Lisa uses the beautiful actions from Florabella and will teach the attendees at the Savvy workshop her editing techniques and will show the Florabella actions in use.

Thank you Lisa! 
You can see more of Lisa's work on her blog, The Long Road to China and 2HipChics.

Kara May at the Savvy Studio Workshop!

We are so excited to have Kara May join us at the Savvy Studio for the January workshop!!

To hear more details about what Kara will be teaching, click here... January Savvy Studio Workshop. Seats are limited and selling quick...we only have a few left!!

Lighting…it can make a good photograph great. Kara May will share secrets of how she finds the best light to create beautiful, moving imagery. She will be teaching how to seek light, how to use it once you find it and how to achieve ‘in-camera’ accuracy using technical aspects of photography. She will also open the secret door into her post-processing and share some of her tips and tricks to help you captivate your customers. 

Join us at the Savvy Studio in Johns Creek, Georgia on January 24-26, 2014.

Attendees will also have 4 hours of professionally styled shoots with models and go home with a portfolio full of images.

Each attendee will receive a Savvy Workshop binder full of information 

*** plus a Savvy Swag Bag with gifts from our favorite photography vendors! 

Savvy Workshop at the Studio (images)

I'm finally getting around to showing more workshop images from the October Savvy Studio Workshop...it was a wonderful weekend getting to host the attendees in my studio! I want to give a big thanks to Clickin Moms for the adorable tote bags in the image above...each attendee received a bag filled with goodies from the Clickin Moms store and an issue of Click magazine. 

I have many more images to share...stay tuned :)

The Savvy Studio Workshop Images

We had a wonderful time at the Savvy Studio Workshop this past weekend! The attendees were such a great group of girls...and very talented photographers! We have so many images to share and even more vendors to thank for donating to the swag bags and giveaways! Stay tuned for more~

The next Savvy workshop will be in January with the super talented Kara May from Kara May Photography. The registration will open this week..and those seats will fill fast...we will announce on Facebook when registration will begin.

We also only have four seats left to the February workshop "Creating Captivating Images" with Lisa Furey! We don't expect these seats to last long...grab one while you can!

We also will announce the dates of the Savvy Studio "Head Shot" Workshop soon...but I think we have already filled all the seats...we have a list of ladies waiting to hear the dates and ready to purchase their seat. IF we have any seats left, we will announce it here! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

The Savvy Studio Tour

I'm finally getting the Savvy Studio tour posted...took long enough, huh? This weekend is the first workshop at the studio...and I'm super excited to host the girls! Keep an eye out for lots of pictures! We are looking forward to fun dinners, lots of chatting, tons of learning, and great styled shoots to top off the weekend! You can follow us on Instagram... and of course Facebook! To learn more about the workshops, click here. 

I hope you enjoy the tour!

The Savvy Studio Workshops...new class in the works!

We are so excited to give a peek into the next workshop at the Savvy Studio... it will be two days filled with shooting and exploring the market of contemporary head shots. Each attendee will walk away with a portfolio of beautiful "fashion inspired" head shots AND beautiful images of herself! Yes...the attendees will have the opportunity to be the models. You will be "the client"...our makeup artist will work her magic...and you will be photographed by Marsha and the other attendees. There's no pressure for those not wanting images done...but it's an amazing experience and you'll love the images of YOU!

This workshop will be limited to a small group of attendees...and the cost will be $700 per person.

The date of the workshop is still being determined...if you are interested in attending, please email us at thesavvyphotographer@gmail.com. We are also deciding if the workshop will be held on a weekend or during the week... feel free to give us your suggestions.

Weekend Inspiration

 It's the weekend...and Fall is here! The weather is beautiful in Atlanta...crisp and sunny...perfect! Head out this weekend and don't forget your camera. Capture something beautiful...

The images below are from the talented Lisa Furey...who will be joining us in February at the Savvy Studio Workshop. The images are edited using Florabella's newest Actions and Textures. Lisa will be sharing how she uses these actions in her editing and the beautiful results she achieves.

Lisa Furey is joining us at the Savvy Studio Workshop in February!

We are so excited to announce that the talented and super sweet Lisa Furey will be joining us at the Savvy Studio Workshop February 21-23, 2014. She will be teaching the attendees all about “Creating Captivating Images”.

We ask Lisa to tell the Savvy readers a little more about the class and who she is...here's what Lisa had to say~

"Join me for a fun filled photography weekend as I walk you through some simple tips and tricks that will take your photos from ordinary to extraordinary.  

During our time together, I will share my approach to photography from start to finish.  We will cover topics that include: choosing locations, looking for light, creating interesting composition, and posing your subjects.  After all of that, then it is time to complete the vision as we dive into post processing techniques using my favorite Florabella Collection Actions and Textures. I will show you how the elements tie together from shoot to edit.

Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned photographer looking to take your work to the next level, I promise that you will leave our weekend feeling inspired and ready to create images that will captivate and be admired."

About Lisa Furey~

Most of you know me as Lisa, from The Long Road to China. 

My three passions in life are family, photography, and food.

I am a Sicilian mom (thus the love of food) to three beautiful blessings and like so many in this industry; my children are what inspired me to begin my photography journey.   

Over the last three years, my love of photography opened many new doors and I began teaching other moms how to use their cameras to capture ordinary moments in extraordinary ways.

To date, I have taught and had the privilege of working with over 400 women online and through weekend workshops.  I am a CMPro Member and accredited by NAPCP.  I would be honored to have you come spend a weekend with me so we can explore the world of photography together. To take a little peek into my life, visit www.thelongroadtochina.com or www.2hipchics.com.

 Click here to purchase your seat...they are selling quick!!

You can also read more about the agenda for the weekend. 

We hope you join us!!

.   

Meet the October guest speaker at the Savvy Workshop~ Jen Wright

Welcome Jen Wright to the Savvy blog!

We are so excited Jen will be joining us in October at the Savvy Studio Workshop! 
We would love for our readers to know more about Jen and what they can expect to learn from her at the workshop.

Tell us a little about you~
  ~I grew up in a fairly small town in South GA but somehow managed to escape without much of a southern accent. :-)  I moved to Atlanta to attend college and received a bachelor's degree in business before deciding that one degree just wasn't enough (Oy!) and moving to California in 2006 to attend photography school. I graduated with a degree in Professional Photography in 2009 and had every intention of staying in Southern California and continuing to build my portrait business. In October 2009, fate stepped in with other plans. I was in an ATV accident and crushed 3 of the fingers on my right hand. I was forced to move home and closer to my family so that I could have some help. I've been here in Atlanta ever since.  Those fingers STILL don't bend and likely never will. I work around it though! 

How long have you been in this industry?
~about 7 years -- Am I supposed to have some sort of itch for something different now? Ha. 

Do you photograph mostly children? (tell about what you specialize in)
 ~Yes, I photograph mainly children and families. My very favorite thing to photograph are little girls with their dad's. There is just something about that relationship that absolutely melts my heart. 

How would you describe your style of photography?
~I would say that my style is very simple and clean. I don't do much post processing work. I really love to just capture a beautiful moment in beautiful light. Yep, that's my style…as simplistic as it sounds. 

Do you do in-person sales or online?
~a little bit of both. Mostly on-line but I am starting to add more in-person sales because I think the client's really do enjoy having their photographers opinion as to which images would look best where. I am hoping to go completely into in-person sales in 2014. 

What will you teach the attendees at the Savvy workshop in October?
~I plan on teaching the absolute importance of getting your shot right in camera - know your settings, know your lighting, and really work on capturing the emotion in your subject -- everything else is secondary. In order to edit an image well, you must first have a great image to work with.  That is my opinion at least. 

What equipment do you use?
~ I am really simple in my approach -- I use my D700 with a 50mm f/1.4G Lens. That's it. I always try out other lenses and keep going back to the 50. Maybe I am just a creature of habit but it works for me. 

Thanks Jen!!

If you would like to join us at the October workshop and learn from Jen, you can sign up here...we have a few seats left... The October Savvy Studio Workshop.