A couple of weeks ago I spent 3 jam packed days at the PawPrint Divas Dog Photography workshop.   It was by far the best photography class I've ever taken.   The award winning instructors, Barbara Breitsmeter, Kim Hartz and Jenny Froh, really know how to put on a workshop!   The class was in beautiful Lake Tahoe Nevada/California.  

Shooting on locationShooting on location

The Class

The class covered;

• shooting techniques
• composition - what sells
• dog handling
• photo sessions with a client
• photography business topics
• post processing
• AND lots of shooting

Shooting Techniques

We focused on 3 lighting techniques; natural (only available light), with a reflector and with an off camera flash (in studio and on location).   With only 9 students to 3 instructors we got lots of hands on shooting and feedback.  We had 5 extremely well trained dogs with us throughout the workshop; Ada, Taya, Agador, Ruby & Karma.  In addition for most sessions we had special guest models to give us practice with many dog temperaments and training levels.  Saturday Jenny was able to bring in 2 special dogs from a local animal rescue group.   Getting to work with a variety of dogs and training levels is one of the things I was most looking forward to.   I wasn't disappointed.

Natural Light   

KarmaKarma smiling for the camera YorkieGuest Model

With Reflector

Karma waiting on the stairs AgadorWaiting for Dad

Off Camera Flash

Taya to the rescue Relaxing after a long day as a model

In Action

I'm coming Mom!

Lake Tahoe

There was a big fire that started in Yosemite shortly before the class started.   Before long the smoke from the fire rolled in.   It made for very interesting lighting conditions.... but that didn't slow us down one bit.

The lake Sun through the trees

All said it was a successful 3 days thanks to our amazing instructors, Barbara, Kim & Jenny!   I had a great time, learned a lot and made some new friends.   Now I get to practice the things I learned....

Sunset on Lake Tahoe