So How was Photocon?
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Photocon Kentucky. In truth, I didn’t need to go. I had previously attended one of Jason Lanier’s photowalks here in New Orleans and one of his workshops in Helen, Georgia.
Ultimately, I decided to go for a few reasons. My friends John and Mona Armstrong, whom I had met at the Helen, GA workshop, were planning to be there. (Go check out their work.) It would be a great chance to do some fun shoots for an extended period of time. The cost of the trip would be very low. I had never been to Kentucky. And lastly… why not?
Honestly? I had a great time.
Rachel Tyra - lit w/ the Rotolight Titan X1 on the left & my Aputure MC on the right.
The convention was 2 days. It consisted of 3 things: lectures, demonstrations and shoots. The lectures were about 3 hours each day. I realize that sounds like a lot from one guy.
Jason Lanier
Something Jason is quite adept at is talking about life in a way that is also about photography. I realize that sounds more pretentious than I intend, but it makes sense. There is an element to photography that goes beyond lighting, posing an shooting. It is about how we approach the work. And that comes from how we choose to live.
I’ll never be a great street photographer as long as I choose to live in fear. Which of course makes me wonder if that is why I’m drawn to it. …anyway, sorry.
Ingrid Brinegar - lit with the Titan X1.
We had a few models each day. One or two at each of the three stations. One was set up for natural light, one for flash and one with continuous light. The constant light was set up with several Rotolights. A couple of the Titan X1s and the lower tier Aeos’. I have an Aeos. Fantastic light. But I was excited to play with the Titan X1. It’s a nearly $4000 light, packed with features. There’s very little chance I will ever own one, but I wanted to play with it. Don’t get me wrong, I would buy it if I could and I had a studio.
Ashley - natural light, but with a modifier above her.
After the end of the first day, there was a photowalk. The great thing about this is that you get to see Jason work. I’ve found that I learn more from watching Jason shoot than when I’m actually shooting.
Rachel Tyra and Leah Smiley at the photowalk. Jason set up the shot and I helped pose them here. This is definitely a “Jason” shoot.
There was a guy there who showed up wearing a homemade tshirt that said “I’m a Jason Lanier Wannabe”. I assume it was a joke. As much as I love Jason’s work and as much as I credit him for helping me become the photographer I want to be, I don’t want to be him. As I grow, I am trying to incorporate his philosophy of photography into how I shoot without emulating his style.
Ashley- lit from the front with the Titan and behind with an Aeos.
Part of the first day’s lecture was about branding. Jason is big on branding and it is part of what makes him successful.
He asked us to describe ourselves in 3 words and to describe who we want to be in 3 words.
I am embarrassed to say I couldn’t answer the questions.
And in a way, this is the value of attending one of his workshops. Look, I could just become an incredibly proficient picture-taker. I could make a lot of money shooting the same shots at weddings for the rest of my life. Nothing wrong with that. I want to make money.
But that isn’t what makes a great photographer. Every great photographer has a sense of style that comes from knowing who they are. That’s something I need to figure out.
I asked Leah Smiley to do this Metal pose for my friend, Wayne.
Beyond all that, Photocon Kentucky was great. I had a great time hanging out with John and Mona. Made a new friend, Megan. Met a lot of cool people. Frankfort, Kentucky is a lovely city. It’s a small town, but full of character. And the food was good everywhere we went.
It really doesn’t make sense to do any other workshops. You really don’t need more than one, if the person teaching is good. That said, if something inexpensive like this popped up, I would do it again. This was the best time I had this year.
