Last week I traveled my way to Richmond, Virginia to attend a photography workshop. Not just any workshop, a workshop held by Katelyn James Photography. She’s an amazing wedding photographer that I’ve been following for 3 years now. Back in 2010 I was googling tips on how to shoot manual, how to use light, etc. and I just happened to come across her blog. I immediately bookmarked her web link and from there my life has changed! Katelyn probably doesn’t realize how much she has helped my business just from her blog posts. Without her I don’t think I’d be where I am today. I think I read every blog post she had that night!!! There were tons, trust me. She has a whole section on her blog dedicated to photographers, from tips on lighting, editing, posing, etc. This industry is very competitive and most of the photographers in my area haven’t been so kind in freely giving away tips and tricks. But that’s why I love Katelyn. She isn’t afraid to help a fellow photographer out. Which leads me to this blog post. 

The workshop was held on February 8, very close to Valentine’s Day. So Katelyn planned a V-Day styled shoot. Tori and Aaron, of Marvelous Things Photography were adorable!!!! Tori is a photographer herself but I think she could be a model for sure! Simply gorgeous! When I saw Tori carrying her dress in I knew it was going to be an amazing shoot. I think there is only 1 person who can rock the hot pink tights, and that’s Tori! Her husband, Aaron, was a bit nervous at first but it didn’t take him long to get comfortable in front of the camera, or cameras for that matter. I bet those 2 felt like the paparazzi was attacking them. There was a time in the shooting portion that Katelyn needed to go check on something and she said, “Kacey, you take over the styled shoot!” I got all nervous and sweaty LOL, but if she trusted me to do it then by all means you do what Katelyn says. She had just spent the last 3 hours telling us tips on how to pose and stuff so I just had to take what I had learned and put it into action. It was pretty fun.

The flowers, cake, makeup and styling were simply gorgeous for this Valentine’s Day themed shoot and I’m so excited that I got to be apart of it. There was one point in the shooting part of the workshop where I just took a step back and truly soaked up the moment. The day was going by so fast and I was still star struck from meeting Katelyn. When you dream about something for 3 years and it’s finally coming true, it’s something remarkable. I don’t know how I got to be so lucky but I’m thankful every day that my business is at a point where I can attend workshops like this.

I left the workshop feeling so overwhelmed but in a good way. I couldn’t wait to get started on all the new things I learned, business side and shooting side, that I think I read through my notes a million times on the way home on the plane. I’ll stop rambling for now and get right to the pictures. Enjoy looking through my favorites from the styled shoot. And Katelyn, thank you so much for your generosity and sweet spirit. You truly are my inspiration and I’m so excited to see how my business grows because of you. 

Katelyn made some cute notebooks to take notes in. The box held some goodies from sponsors for the workshop. So cute and of course teal, her favorite color and her branding.

Getting ready to start the shooting portion of the workshop.

Floral design and Fashion Styling: Janie Medley Flora Design from The Bride’s Cafe.

Seriously, how cute!

Some of my favorites right here! They look so in love.

The paparazzi!

Tori, you’re BEAUTIFUL! So jealous of your hair.

BUBBLES!!!

Valentine’s Day bow and arrow… I think so!

One of my top 2 favorite pictures from the shoot right here!

Look at those flowers! I wanted to steal them and take them home LOL.

The amazing cake by Candy Valley Cake Company.

All you need is LOVE.

I’m a huge fan of detail shots!