F/Stop - Prizewinning Photography - January, 2009

It is the evening here at Prizewinning Photography in St. Petersburg, Florida. Day four brought us a wonderful opportunity to learn portraiture through observation and practice. During the morning we watched two of the instructors, Brent and Katie, do portrait sessions. Actually seeing them interact with the clients was very helpful. It showed me how to express what poses I wanted more accurately and how to get people looking more natural. This evening we got to see pictures from those sessions. That brought it full circle and let us see some of what was in their mind while taking the pictures. Observing was a good tool for learning.

During the afternoon, we got to practice on each other. We did this at an incredible garden. The Sunken Garden is an amazing example of the beauty and variety of God's creation. It is like a jungle and it is a fabulous place to take pictures. Getting first hand experience was very helpful for me. Interacting with people is not easy for me. You cannot take good portraits if you do not interact with people. That was stretching for me, but after watching Brent and Katie do it, I found it easier to get started. Once I got over the first hurdle it was not that challenging. This reminded me of how God asks me to step out in faith. Once I step out things start falling into place. So with my photography, once I start interacting and shooting, things came together. I have never been good at portraiture, but through the training and practice I have had, I feel more confident about my ability to shoot portraits. The portraiture classes have definitely made Prizewinning Photography more than worthwhile. This has been an incredible week!

—Prizewinning Photography Student Emma Kordik

Today was a great day, full of learning, fun, and fellowship with some truly wonderful and talented people! I couldn't have asked for better instructors. They all have a great gift in teaching well. They are energetic and fun! I don't think anyone in the group has had moment of boredom. :) It has been fun getting to know the other individuals within the group while going out and shooting as well as other activities throughout each day. In just the few days I've been here there have been so many instances where I've been challenged in the Word and encouraged! I'm looking forward to the next week and a half that I get to spend with this awesome group!

—Prizewinning Photography Student Maria Davey