Twin Cities birth photographer Gwendolyn Waite shares the beginner's guide to birth photography today on the blog.  Her gorgeous work in the birth photography field makes her the perfect candidate for sharing how to get the gig, how to photograph the gig, and how to avoid making common mistakes you might make during the gig.

minneapolis_birth_photographer1.jpg

Birth photography. You mention it to people, and they either get it, or they don't. Some people will call you all kinds of crazy. Birth photography is certainly not for everybody. But for those folks who do choose to document their birth in photos and who appreciate the art, beauty, and storytelling of birth photography - these images will be their most cherished. The ones they run to rescue from a fire. The ones that survive generations. The ones that bring tears to their eyes. Every. Single. Time.


Having been on both ends of the camera during the birth process, I can tell you how incredibly beautiful these images are to a family. I only have a couple snapshots from my oldest kids' births, but they are still the most amazing, beautiful photos of two of the most important days of my life. However, I would give anything to go back in time and have a birth photographer tell our story of those days. All those tiny details I will never be able to remember, that were lost in the momentum of the day. When I was pregnant with my third child, I knew that I had to document the story of his birth more completely. Hiring a birth photographer is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Ever.


So why would a family choose to hire a birth photographer, instead of having a family member snap away? Simple. A birth photographer will capture all those little details that will otherwise be forgotten. The look of relief on mom's face when she's made it through another contraction. The clock two hours in, seven hours in. Grandma, waiting patiently in the hallway. A hand of support on mom's shoulder. Dad's face when he makes the first phone call announcing the birth. All of those small moments that would slip by, unnoticed. These photos, woven together, tell the story of the birth day.


A birth photographer will also free up everybody else at the birth to support mom. After the baby is born, dad can focus all of his attention on mom and the baby, and enjoy those first incredible moments knowing that the story is being captured.


minneapolis_birth_photographer2.jpg


Some of you as photographers will be drawn towards this type of documentary photography, but might not be sure how to get going. Here are some tips about how to get started as a birth photographer.


  1. Know the birth process inside and out.


If you haven't given birth, then talk to people who have. Read or listen to some birth stories. Become familiar with the process so you're not taken by surprise at the birth.


  1. Start shooting.


Talk to everybody you know, and tell them that you're hoping to photograph a birth. Find a friend who is pregnant, and see if you can shoot her birth. Talk to a midwife or doula in town, see if they know anybody who would like to have their birth photographed. Post a model call on your blog, like this fabulous Philadelphia birth photographer did. Talk to people.


Everywhere you go, mention that you would like to photograph a birth. Someone's up for the adventure.


  1. Talk with the parents.


If you don't know the parents, meet them before the birth. Give them a chance to get to know you a little bit. Nobody wants a total stranger at their birth. Even if you do know the parents, talk with them about what to expect. Let them know how you'll turn into a fly on the wall at the birth. How you'll capture the most incredible moments of their life without making a big production.


Discuss whether they want "the shot." You know, the one. The crown glory. The money shot. If they want you to photograph the baby crowning, discuss it before the birth.


You don't want to be asking permission to be up in a laboring woman's business between pushes. Trust me.


Show the parents some photos of another birth you have photographed, or better yet, a slideshow set to music. Show them how beautiful these photos will be. Not graphic. Not intrusive. Simply extraordinary.


  1. Get a signed contract.


Birth photography is like no other photography out there. There's no way to relive that day if you don't make it. And seriously, there are a million reasons why you wouldn't make the birth. The baby could come early. There could be complications, and they might need to do a C-section. It might be a very quick birth. You might not be able to get child care for your kids. You might not be let into the hospital room. You need to be covered legally in case you miss the birth. Get a rock-solid contract, and have your client sign it before the birth. Not in-between contractions. Before.  Here is one resource for a birth photography contract.


  1. Be prepared.


First of all, know your camera. The lighting can be not only less than ideal, it can be downright horrific. Know how to handle that. Things move really fast when the baby comes out and you don't want to be fumbling around with your camera settings.


Second, make arrangements to reschedule your life when you're called in for the birth. That might involve child care, rescheduling photo shoots, or changing appointments. You will be on call 24/7 for up to four weeks, possibly more. Be ready to drop everything.



minneapolis_birth_photographer3.jpgStay tuned for part 2 of this guide from Gwendolyn Waite next week, nation!  And don't forget to leave Gwendolyn some love, pretty please. 

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Ryan says:

Thanks for the wonderful post, pictures and information.

(07.29.10 @ 11:49 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.gettotallyrad.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/164
Just reading through our first TRA user survey results and these made me laugh.

Q: Any other thoughts you'd like to share about our products? What about them is most important to you?

A: Warm it up Kris is my favorite name. I mean, CLASSIC...so yes, I do sing the song EVERY time I use it.

A: I would marry select-o-sharp if they would legalize it.


A:
That I don't feel like I want to throw my f*cking computer through the window. I like easy, clean, and does what I tell it - just like my husband.

Lots of you commented about how much you love our Photoshop recipes site, too -- there are new recipes added a few times a week, so bookmark it and visit often!

This quick lil' recipe: Pool Party @ 100% + Grandma's Tap Shoes at 10%, both from TRA2: The Revenge Action Set for Photoshop CS2 and later.

balloons.jpg
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jenn king says:

in 2 steps that photo went from blah to AMAZING LOVELINESS

(07.27.10 @ 02:05 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: BEST OF: SURVEY RESULTS . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.gettotallyrad.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/162
We just wrapped up two awesome giveaways here at Totally Rad!  Here are the lucky recipients:

Laura Elle wins a seat to the sold-out Voice workshop taught by Sarah and Chris Rhoads!  She won the run-off in our video contest with 61% of the vote.  Way to go Laura!  Have fun in Oz!

Tabitha Anderson won a free 32GB iPad for taking our survey.  Sweet!  I don't even have one of those yet, so I'm a bit jealous of Tabitha :)  THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to complete our survey.  I know that some of the questions probably made your brain melt, but we learned many important things that will help make our future products better.

On that note, Kristen is out of the office for the next couple weeks, so I, Doug Boutwell, will be rocking out the blog, Facebook, Twitter, and our support, in addition to all the other super-secret things we're doing.  Please be patient with me while I try to juggle about 8 balls in the air at once.

Finally, Cracked just posted a hilariously demented series of wedding photography tips, and I highly recommend you spend 5 minutes of your Monday reading it.  Because you know you were looking for another reason to keep ignoring your pile of email.

Hugs and kisses,

-Doug
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Sarah Rhoads says:

Chris and I just want to thank EVERYONE who submitted videos! Thank you for making us laugh, for your sincere words, time and effort putting these together! You guys are all amazing!

(07.28.10 @ 09:23 AM)
Doug says:

To the commenters that have a little bit of venom laced into your words (you know who you are):

We're glad you're passionate about our little contest, and sorry you're disappointed in the results! "Aw, shucks" is a perfectly appropriate response. Ripping on the winner is not. All the entries had merit (that's why we couldn't decide!) and I simply won't stand for letting anything within my control degenerate into a DPReview-style internet snipe-fest. Play nice, kids.

(07.28.10 @ 08:07 AM)
Agi Magyar says:

Tessa, I think you are talented and has some beautiful images on your website. However, your last comment here seems bitter... You are a winner either way and please don't ruin it with such sarcastic comments...

(07.27.10 @ 04:24 PM)
Tessa Harvey says:

Congratulations Laura! You truly deserve this and I hope many wonderful things for you! I'm very blessed to have had the privilege to get to see your work and I have been inspired by your unique style and gifted eye for beauty. I wish you the best and am excited for you and your future.

Sincerely,

Tessa Harvey

(07.26.10 @ 09:28 PM)
Agi Magyar says:

Guys! It was a contest and the lucky winner is Laura. Get over it and be happy for her! If someone is talented and working hard on pursuing their dreams then they will be successful even without winning a competition!
Congrats Laura! You'll sure enjoy Australia! It's an awesome place! :)

(07.26.10 @ 07:27 PM)
Danielle Snelson says:

I am so THRILLED for you Laura Ella! I am confident you have been blessed richly with a wonderful opportunity, but more confident you have been blessed with a true talent. I am sure you are a beautiful person inside and out and that you are one of the MANY gifted women in the world. ENJOY YOUR WIN! Let no one take away this victory:)

(07.26.10 @ 07:09 PM)
Amy Y says:

I agree with you Sandy...very sad for Tessa. She is incredibly talented. I hate to see people win competitions based on popularity and not talent. Oh well, their loss. She's an incredible person to know and to work with.

(07.26.10 @ 06:26 PM)
Annie says:

Congratulations Laura! Your video made me laugh :) And those tips were hilarious!

(07.26.10 @ 04:35 PM)
Sandy says:

I am highly disappointed in the selection of the contest. If you were looking for someone who is creative, unique; someone who is remarkable with others, possesses the richness in life, inspiration, creativity-which are the characteristics you passionately propose as important as a photographer- then Tessa's video representation was the best.

(07.26.10 @ 02:46 PM)
Doug says:

LOL that's true! Sorry to get your hopes up!

(07.26.10 @ 02:24 PM)
Tabitha McCausland says:

Dang it!!! I saw the name Tabitha and thought it was me :) You don't see many Tabitha's :)

(07.26.10 @ 01:50 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.gettotallyrad.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/166
Party people: you made it too hard to choose a winner.  Sarah + Chris can't decide, so help us out!  One of these three video peeps will win a spot at the sold-out Voice workshop hosted by Sarah Rhoads!

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Heather Chamberlain says:

Wow...Tessa fo sho!!! I love it!!!

(07.26.10 @ 07:38 AM)
Matt says:

Tessa

(07.25.10 @ 08:49 AM)
Amy Y. says:

Tessa....totally!!! Very creative and talented! Danielle, also very talented but still vote for Tessa. LauraElle, I'm sure you're a nice girl but not sure if I get it?? Good luck ladies!!!

(07.24.10 @ 07:14 PM)
Brenda b says:

Tesssssssa!
Tesssssssa!
Tesssssssa!
Tesssssssa!
Tesssssssa!

(07.24.10 @ 07:21 AM)
Javauna says:

Duh, Tessa Tessa Tessa!!!!! But it wouldnt let me vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(07.24.10 @ 12:02 AM)
Erika says:

I love the Rollei Dundee video. I just wish we could see a human in it at some point! This is a hard vote!

(07.23.10 @ 09:10 PM)
Leonardo says:

LauraElle is so real, her video comes across as very sincere and you can tell she has the “it” factor. She will be a great student…. Good Luck!

(07.23.10 @ 02:54 PM)
Ken Condry says:

Good one

(07.23.10 @ 01:05 PM)
Anonymous says:

Tessa
You've got IT!!!

(07.23.10 @ 12:38 PM)
Katy Sievers says:

If Tessa doesn't win, it will be a sad sad day! Her video is obviously the best, nothing else needs to be said. TESSA HARVEY is a star!!!!

(07.23.10 @ 12:09 PM)
Katy Sievers says:

If Tessa doesn't win, it will be a sad sad day! Her video is obviously the best, nothing else needs to be said. TESSA HARVEY is a star!!!!

(07.23.10 @ 12:08 PM)
Joanie Barnes says:

Tessa is so passionate and determined and full of energy. She never does any thing half way. She would be an excellent choice!

(07.23.10 @ 11:57 AM)
locutussix says:

Loved the stop motion, it was pretty cool, but Tessa knocked it out of the ball park. loved the acoustic break in the center. had me rolling. Good luck to you all. wish all 3 could go.

(07.23.10 @ 11:02 AM)
Penny says:

Goodness, these are all fantastic. But, I did finally decide and vote. :) Best of luck to all!

(07.23.10 @ 09:50 AM)
Austen says:

LauraElle is the best ever. at everything. and that's all.

(07.22.10 @ 07:22 PM)
Kristina says:

LauraElle's video is creative and sincere. you can see she is incredibly passionate about photography, and this workshop is a perfect opportunity for her to grow and learn. good luck LaureElle!!!

(07.22.10 @ 07:18 PM)
Betty and Kathryn Tongue says:

Tessa.. Wow you are amazing..We know you are gonna win..

(07.22.10 @ 05:28 PM)
Kathie Shank says:

Tessa! I hope you win! You are AWESOME!

(07.22.10 @ 06:40 AM)
Ryan Mark says:

WOW!!! What can i say? Not only did tessa put a ton of time thought and effort in to this small project but she has shown through. Her passion and determination are clearly present and i believe she will do amazing things. Tally one for TESSA!

(07.22.10 @ 06:33 AM)
Kaela M says:

TESSA! I love love love your rap. Incredibly creative. And your photos are so expressive and emotional and.....creative. Each one of them is a work of art! You definitely deserve to go to Australia. I am praying you will get that opportunity! Love you!

(07.21.10 @ 05:41 PM)
Gemma Carr says:

Impressive entries indeed! I am a sucker for animation but the rapping Tessa has to be my fave.

(07.21.10 @ 04:01 PM)
Tracy Sink says:

Laura's video is AWESOME!! She is incredibly talented!! Can't wait to see more!!

(07.21.10 @ 03:56 PM)
Candy says:

I would have liked to see photography by each of the contestants. Based entirely on the creativity of these videos, hands down, Tessa Harvey. I couldn't read some of the text in Rollei Dundee and the LauraElle Spice didn't quite hit the mark. Nice efforts all around.

(07.21.10 @ 03:00 PM)
Ashley S says:

Tessa's was by far the BEST video!!! I hope you are chosen to go to the VOICE workshop.. Your photography is amazing and you really know how to tell a story with a single picture. You are very creative and unique.... You deserve this opportunity! My prayers go out to you girl! Keep doing what you do best!!! Love you girl! :)

(07.21.10 @ 01:14 PM)
Melissa says:

Tessa, your creativity and heart in what you are doing will get you so far, not to mention the one who is behind you!!! I love how you uniquely promote creativity in your video not only with the play on the idea of engendering something creative, but all the awesome tools you use, like your positions and depth of field. I have always loved your work and your video really says Tessa. You got this, and whatever happens, it will be awesome!

(07.21.10 @ 01:11 PM)
Samantha Lauren says:

I went through, watched all three videos, &Tessa's was definitely the most enjoyable to watch. Through what she creates, you can tell she's serious about what she wants to do &where she wants to go while maintaining an incredible sense of humor. Loved her piece.

(07.21.10 @ 12:10 PM)
Shandel says:

Tessa is one girl that has the motivation and drive to give her all, she will learn and you will have fun in the process with her. You can't loose by choosing her, she will go above and beyond your expectations and you will leave being changed by her and not even know it, because her heart remains so teachable.

(07.21.10 @ 12:01 PM)
ashley b. says:

tessa is hilarious. :) I think she would do so well with this project. She obviously has an eye for creativity - and you can see on film that she has a pretty incredible level of comfort with a camera (in front of, not to mention behind) and her humor and spunk is sure to get clients to open up and feel comfortable to relax, explore, and be themselves.

(07.21.10 @ 11:47 AM)
ashley b. says:

tessa is hilarious. :) I think she would do so well with this project. She obviously has an eye for creativity - and you can see on film that she has a pretty incredible level of comfort with a camera (in front of, not to mention behind) and her humor and spunk is sure to get clients to open up and feel comfortable to relax, explore, and be themselves.

(07.21.10 @ 11:47 AM)
Leslie says:

Putting some props up again for Tessa! One thing that has captured me about her photography is that she sees beauty in everyone, and not matter what she is able to portray that though her photos... Tessa is a world changer, this workshop will only help propel her into in destiny of making a difference in this world!!!! Pick Tessa and you wont be disappointed!!!! She will make 120% of the info and experience she gains at this workshop!!!!

(07.21.10 @ 11:14 AM)
Jennifer says:

Tessa is an amazingly talented, passionate artist. I've been blessed with the opportunity of watching her grow up and I guarantee you, you will not find someone any better than her. She is an incredible woman, well rounded and has the energy to excel beyond your wildest expectations.

(07.21.10 @ 11:05 AM)
Clare Benson says:

I have had the pleasure of working with Laura Elle, and I must say she is an incredible photographer with an amazing, genuine, and humble heart! Her passion is only surpassed by her desire to learn and grow in every way that she can, and I know that she would gain so much from an opportunity like this! I wish you the best, Laura!!

(07.21.10 @ 10:56 AM)
Jeanette D'Anna says:

Tessa is an amazing young lady and so full of creative ideas. Her passion is catching, she draws people in because of her talents and entusiastic personality. Give her this opportunity and she will run with it!

(07.21.10 @ 10:50 AM)
Anonymous says:

Make sure you VOTE at the top of the page!

(07.21.10 @ 10:40 AM)
Anonymous says:

Make sure you VOTE at the top of the page!

(07.21.10 @ 10:40 AM)
Amanda says:

Tessa's video was very fun and alive, it had SO much creativity and I can tell she really wants this and will do well at it. she put a lot of time and effort into her video it looks like she is serious about this.. her last line "making my dreams a reality" hit it on the nose..

(07.21.10 @ 10:27 AM)
Courtney says:

Tessa's video is amazing! I am sure that she would use this opportunity to grow as an artist! Choose TESSA!!!! :)

(07.21.10 @ 10:23 AM)
Christine Nini says:

Tessa Is great!!! She really deserves to go Because she is awesome. She's the one you want!!

(07.21.10 @ 10:20 AM)
Sandy says:

Love the Tessa video - so much fun, so creative too! Hope you get to go to Australia on this amazing opportunity!!! (Visit my cousin while you're there!)

(07.21.10 @ 10:11 AM)
Jennifer :) says:

Go Tessa! I believe Tessa has the eye of photographer. She is very sweet and has a keen sense of what is photographing. I believe she has the opportunity to share to what's a depth of an individual to the world. She has a beautiful work and the most definite of the voice! I wish you well!!

(07.21.10 @ 10:07 AM)
Jennifer :) says:

Go Tessa! I believe Tessa has the eye of photographer. She is very sweet and has a keen sense of what is photographing. I believe she has the opportunity to share to what's a depth of an individual to the world. She has a beautiful work and the most definite of the voice! I wish you well!!

(07.21.10 @ 10:07 AM)
AmandaB says:

Tessa's video is certainly my favorite. She brings a refreshing ingenuity to everything she takes on, from her exquisite photography to her music, and her video was no exception. She has the ability to speak to (no pun intended) a very varied audience. I have no doubt in my mind that she will be the best candidate for the Sarah Rhoads Voice Workshop.

(07.21.10 @ 09:57 AM)
Matt says:

Something tells me Tessa got her friends to leave flattering comments ;-) Good luck to everyone but it is clear to me who has the most experience and therfore a sound skillset, to build upon and make the most of the workshop. My vote: Agi Magyar. Nice touch leaving the audio off too. I hope you find your 'voice' soon...

(07.21.10 @ 01:19 AM)
Meredith Hoover says:

I love Tessa's Video!!!! It is hilarious and refreshingly creative!!! She is the perfect candidate to go th THE Voice... her creativity will only grow greater with this kind of opportunity!!! She is an amazing photographer with such vision and motivation... she is THE ONE.

(07.20.10 @ 08:12 PM)
ConnerP says:

I Love Tessa's video! it's definitely the same amount of creativity and effort that she puts into her photography as well, which is breathtaking!

(07.20.10 @ 07:54 PM)
Nathan says:

I've worked with Tessa on a number of projects (photo/film/web) and sincerely appreciate her growing creativity and passion.

I would encourage you guys to look back at her blog and see how far she has come. The exciting part is tha journey is just beginning! This contest will sincerely motivate and inspire her that people notice her talent and believe in her vision to use photography to change the world!

(07.20.10 @ 12:28 PM)
Danielle Snelson says:

Ladies I have to say you are all pretty amazing! Proud to be in the running with a group like you! No matter where your journey leads, the road will take you all, very far:) Best of luck to you each of you!!!!!

(07.20.10 @ 12:19 PM)
Corrie Trotter says:

How is Tessa this awesome!? Oh the day she hung up pictures all over our dorm room...and look at her now! LOVE IT!!! Snaps for Derek too...I liked you in the video as well. Send Tessa to Australia...you won't be disappointed!!!!!

(07.20.10 @ 12:12 PM)
Karen says:

Tessa Harvey has a gift that is blooming right before our eyes. Her talent transcends her age. She has an innate sense to capture the essence of what the subject is feeling. This trip to Australia would LAUNCH her career to the place where her talent is visible to many. You would not regret picking Tessa for this unique gift of the workshop.

(07.20.10 @ 11:24 AM)
Scott says:

Totally biased here, but my wife LauraElle is the most amazing person in the world! She has such a newfound passion for photography and this experience would mean everything to her. Laura came up with this amazing idea last Thursday night before the video entry was due on Friday, and I have to admit...it was hilarious to watch her! I wish you all could see the outtakes :) Good luck love! I'm constantly inspired by you

(07.20.10 @ 11:12 AM)
Catherine says:

Wow Tessa Harvey's video is amazing! Very creative, and so are her pictures on her blogsite. Her work is incredible!

(07.20.10 @ 10:55 AM)
Tiffani says:

WOW!!! I LOVE Tessa's video! SO creative and fun!! She definitely deserves a chance!
Her pictures are beautiful, and she is WONDERFUL to work with!

(07.20.10 @ 10:41 AM)
Leslie says:

WOW! I am loving Tessa's video... this girl has done some amazing photography (looking at her blog)... her style is creative and unique, not just good photos! She needs and deserves to get a VOICE!!!!

(07.20.10 @ 10:25 AM)
ymc says:

The Why We Love's "Rollei Dundee" video is far ahead of others in creativity, range, fun, and style! The workshop would stretch and catapult their ability and sensibility to greater frontiers.

(07.20.10 @ 09:07 AM)
Michael Garner says:

LauraElle does amazing photography and completely deserves the trip to the workshop in Australia!

(07.20.10 @ 01:56 AM)
janean says:

Why I love {The Why We Love} ? ... ingenious, stylish and oh-so-hard-not-to-sing-along-to video! (A-ha would be proud.) This is an entry one could watch over and over again. Go Rollei! Hope you get your adventure after all, mate !!

(07.19.10 @ 08:54 PM)
Jessica says:

Lauraelle! best video ever!! You deserve this opportunity and I hope you are chosen to go to the VOICE workshop!

(07.19.10 @ 07:24 PM)
jackie thames says:

laure elle you ROCKKKKK :) def the BESSST

(07.19.10 @ 06:16 PM)
Nikki says:

Love love love that Laura Elle video, hillarious and sincere!

(07.19.10 @ 05:50 PM)
Pepe says:

AWESOME AWESOME VIDEOS GIRLS!!!! I DONT HAVE A VIDEO BUT IT WOULD BE SWEET TO FIND MY VOICE IN AUSTRALIA!! Oh well...*sigh* GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ARE IN THE RUNNING!

(07.17.10 @ 09:21 PM)
Tessa says:

Hello! So excited as everyone else sure is that we have this amazing opportunity! Thank you so much. Here is my entry! http://vimeo.com/13423591

Also, check it out on my blog/site www.tessajanaephotography.com

(07.17.10 @ 09:00 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: VOICE GIVEAWAY FINALISTS - VOTE! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.gettotallyrad.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/161
The photographic world went absolutely crazy last week when Sarah and Chris Rhoads launched their first ever workshop!  It sold out within twenty-four hours, but you can WIN a seat to the workshop here on the TRA blog!

Jai-0311.jpgHere's how to win.  First, make sure you have the cash to get yourself to Canberra, Australia for the welcome dinner on November 9, 2010 and the workshop on November 10th.  The workshop seat valued at $950 is free, but does not include any travel or lodging fees.

Next, make a video telling us why you should win.  Get crazy, get creative, get going!  You have until Friday, July 16th Monday, July 19th at Noon PST to enter.  Post a link to your embeddable video in the comments section.  The top two videos will be posted on Tuesday, and Rad Nation will vote to pick the winner!


Stephanie_Kylan-2039.jpgMore Voice workshop details...

Why Voice?

 
We are so passionate about sharing with and encouraging photographers to find their own unique voice as artists and business owners.  It is our belief that everyone has a unique message and voice to share with the world.  Most times, it is just a matter of finding it. Our VOICE workshop will be an experience rich in life, love, photography, inspiration, exploration and creativity.

The concept behind VOICE centers around finding your unique voice as an artist, developing a market niche, staying inspired, being remarkable for your clients, and building a brand experience. VOICE stands for Vision, Openness, Inspiration, Creativity & Experience. During our time together we will dig into developing personal vision, voice, inviting your clients to a space of openness, building a brand experience, and creating work that you are excited & passionate about. We will be covering a variety of topics such as:

    * Finding your VOICE as an artist
    * Shooting
    * Interacting with and posing clients
    * Chemistry with Clients
    * Marketing
    * Building a brand experience
    * Post Processing
    * Pricing
    * Setting up creative shoots
    * making time to shoot for yourself
    * Managing client expectations
    * Blogging
    * Working with available light
    * Workflow
    * Staying Inspired, fresh & Creative
    * Being Remarkable for your clients


The photography industry has been clamoring for you two to bust out a workshop.  Why Australia?


We were approached by a fantastic photographer in the Australia, Christine Pobke, who asked if she could host us for a workshop out that way. We really felt like after all of the mentoring we have been doing with photographers that it was time to share on a group level and we are really excited about the opportunity!

Laundry-00614.jpgCan you share a few words of wisdom about finding your voice as an artist and photographer?
 
Finding your voice is a journey and it will always continue to be an evolution process for every artist. To "know thyself" is something I think every artist should continue to strive after, when we are able to find those things that make us beautifully unique we are then able to create niches in markets and create work that we are really passionate about.

Awesome.  Any plans for those of us state-side who want to attend Voice 2.0?  ;)
 
Right now we are taking this one step at a time. We are focused on making this workshop really great and connecting with those artists who are attending the Australia workshop! We cannot wait!

--

Again, if you can be in Canberra, Australia on November 9th and 10th, and have enough dough in the bank to pay for lodging and travel, get to video-making!  Post your video entry link in the comments section of the blog by Friday, July 16th  Monday, July 19th at Noon PST.  We can't wait to see what you come up with!

If you're viewing this on Facebook, note that only comments on the actual blog post here will be counted as entries.


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Sarah Rhoads says:

Chris and I just want to thank EVERYONE who submitted videos! Thank you for making us laugh, for your sincere words, time and effort putting these together! You guys are all amazing!

(07.28.10 @ 09:22 AM)
Ali says:

SHES AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!VOTE TESSA!

(07.23.10 @ 07:18 AM)
jessie fouts says:

PICK TESSA!!! She's the best ever!!

(07.20.10 @ 10:19 AM)
Tessa says:

Hello! So excited as everyone else sure is that we have this amazing opportunity! Thank you so much. Here is my entry! http://vimeo.com/13423591
Also, check it out on my blog/site www.tessajanaephotography.com

(07.17.10 @ 08:36 PM)
Danielle Snelson says:

Ok, tried to post this a couple times now. Let's hope that 3rd times is a charm! Super excited for the opportunity! Best of Luck to you all! the video can be seen here http://vimeo.com/13407724 OR http://www.thewhywelove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Rollei-Dundee.mov

Thank you TRA team for the opportunity and for an amazing product! Your Lightroom presets not only make my workflow a dream but made the production of this video fast & easy.

(07.16.10 @ 11:56 PM)
Danielle Snelson says:

TRA team thanks for this amazing opportunity. Cheers to all who enter! My entry can be viewed here http://www.thewhywelove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Rollei-Dundee.mov OR http://www.thewhywelove.com/blog/?p=517. Sorry if this was a re-post. Think I viewing from the wrong page;)

Cheers!
Danielle

(07.16.10 @ 01:41 PM)
Roshel says:

okay, so i just embarrassed myself LIVE on the Internet, all so I can find my VOICE and not imitate others : ). it's a short video but full of meaning. check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH-_V96-690

(07.16.10 @ 09:20 AM)
Jessica R says:

What a wonderful competition and opportunity! Here's my entry: http://vimeo.com/13390200
Its my first time making a video (sorry about the quality and colour of some of the photos)
Good luck everyone! x

(07.16.10 @ 07:52 AM)
Annie says:

Hi everyone! I'm Annie, and I'm 21 years old from Brisbane Australia. I want to find my VOICE! :)

I'm not very video savvy, but here is my little ditty. Enjoy :)

http://vimeo.com/13350585

Good luck to you all, I love all the videos so far!

(07.16.10 @ 07:39 AM)
Agi Magyar says:

Well.. Scretch that last one please :) Thought an old school movie like submisson will be more fun :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCYnRMIfn7c&feature=youtube_gdata
As my friend sent me: "There's a saying in film production: "Audio is 10% of the input and 90% of the problem!"
Good luck to me :)

(07.16.10 @ 02:58 AM)
Agi Magyar says:

Ok. So this will make you all think: "What the...?"
I'm sorry.. Seems like my video file and the movie maker software doesn't like each other. We've been trying to work out how to overcome this issue all day and no luck.. As I am running out of time, I have to submit it as it is. Even if you will not hear when I'm saying funny things, talk about my passion and why I should win this contest.
It's a shame as we had so much laugh with my friends making it :))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9DcLhGCIM8

(07.15.10 @ 11:52 PM)
Laura Elle says:

Hi Guys! Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity! You all rock! Please enjoy my video...a little nod to Old Spice :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNJKCuQUj5E and a very special thank you to my husband who stayed up past his bed time to help :) Happy Friday!

(07.15.10 @ 11:41 PM)
Allie says:

Bummer. I'm getting married that week. But I'm a big fan of these two.

(07.15.10 @ 08:25 PM)
Tracy Wallace says:

Good luck ladies. Look forward to seeing who gets the free spot:)

(07.15.10 @ 07:30 PM)
Kate Leverenz says:

My Entry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqA7kgq3pXk

(07.15.10 @ 05:08 PM)
Ashlee says:

Here's my video!! I'm so excited about this!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ytPQq7XlqM

(07.15.10 @ 03:45 PM)
Annie says:

Hi! My name is Annie and I am 21 years old from Brisbane Australia. I want to find my VOICE! :)

I am not very video-savvy but here is my attempt :) Good luck to everyone!

2010 VOICE workshop entry from Annie Kennedy on Vimeo.

(07.14.10 @ 09:10 PM)
Agi Magyar says:

WoW! Yesyesyes!!!! How did i not notice the Australia bit??? Finally something close to me!!! I'd lovelovelove to win it and if there's no one else to enter it's mine, right??? It's only a few hours drive from Sydney. Pls pick me!!!

(07.14.10 @ 06:13 PM)
Tina Jones says:

OMG, what a brilliant opportunity- why have I only just found this post? I would just be totally thrilled to go- better play the lottery Friday!

(07.14.10 @ 05:29 PM)
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