Explore North Workshop | Part Two | The Experience

Holy cow, where do I even begin?! Like April talked about in her recent blog post, we were sitting in a coffee shop back in December just talking, daydreaming, the usual, when we both agreed wouldn't it be awesome to host a workshop?! One thing led to another and our ideas quickly escalated into what became the Explore North Workshop. I have been so humbled and grateful by this whole experience and don't think I can say enough how incredible it was. Thankfully we had the amazing Shaunae Teske to help make one unforgettable weekend happen. Having 3 different photographers (haha with 3 different sizes of buns on our heads) made for such a unique workshop :)

Yesterday I shared a blog post all about the wedding styled shoot, here, and as much fun as that was to shoot (I mean, lets be real, what photographer wouldn't get all giddy for a shoot like that) I had even more fun just stepping back and watching everyone else work and experience this weekend. I cannot tell you how happy it made me feel to see other photographers so excited and invested in our workshop. Strong bonds and friendships were formed, gorgeous images were taken, but more importantly we all shared in this unique experience together. 

The last night of the workshop in particular was my favorite. After teaching all day we had free time for everyone to just hang out or do whatever they liked! I loved seeing everyone get together and head down to the beach for some fun (and revealing) portraits!! We could not have asked for a better group of photographers to spend the weekend with!! Then it was on to the massive campfire where of course an epic dance competition happened (huge shout out to Group 3 for killing it!!!) and then the cherry on top, getting to see and photograph northern lights. If anyone had walked up to see a group of photographers all laying on their stomaches in the pitch black with cameras propped up on a stick they probably would've thought we were nuts! But it was these moments that I loved and will always remember :)

I've included a bunch of behind-the-scenes images as well as a few from our fun styled engagement shoot! I can't say enough, thank you to EVERYONE involved with this workshop. I think the last thing I said Sunday to April was that I'm going to fall asleep with a smile on my face and that has lasted this whole week after as well!

Explore North Workshop | Part One | Wedding Styled Shoot

Where do I even begin?! Tomorrow I will be doing a more detailed blog post about the entire workshop and experience so I'll try to hold back the emotion, but this past weekend was truly and unforgettable one. A big part of that was the styled shoots!! The dynamic duo of Mint & Lovely put together such a unique concept for our attendees to photograph and it all came together better than I could have imagined!

I have included some highlights but I want to give a huge shout out and lots of love to all of the vendors (listed below) that contributed to the workshop!! Having such a creative and professional team to work with is invaluable and I am so grateful for all of their hard work. Enjoy these today and look for another blog post right away tomorrow :)

VENDORS: Event Stylists + Stationary: Mint & Lovely | Dress Designer: Leanne Marshall | Bridal Boutique: Flutter | Floral Designer: Saffron & Grey | Jewelry Designer: Alyssa and Anna | Hair + Makeup: Mollie Kae | Cake Designer: Cake and Cookie | Hand died linen: Aeva | Laser cut names: Everlaser | Prop Rentals: Event Essentials | Jewelry: Lizzibeth | Venue: Lake Superior Barn | Models: Brock and Katrina

Explore North Workshop | A Wedding Photographer Workshop

Hosting and teaching a workshop has been something I've been talking about and wanting to do for years. I am so SO excited to finally be making it happen and to be working with two other amazing photographers, April Violet and Shaunae Teske! Together we are all hosting the Explore North Workshop on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior.

Our workshop is going to be very unique in that all 3 of us have different styles and ways that we run our business, but we all believe in community over competition and we want to help other photographers grow their businesses and reach their goals. That's why we're going to be giving very detailed information on exactly how we do things. Blogging, client experience, accounting, organization, branding, and design are some of the main topics we will be talking about.

But wait, there's more! Haha I totally feel like an infomercial right now. What other things would be valuable to a wedding photographer? New portfolio images, a new head-shot for your website, networking with other photographers and vendors, and just a few days to have fun. As important as all of that other stuff is, being a wedding photographer is draining. You need to take time for yourself to re-charge and get inspired!! This is why we're doing this, and all of this is why we are so very excited to be making this happen :)