Thursday, October 7, 2004

Today was awesome! We went to Starbucks before going to the Dallas Arboretum for a few workshops. One of them—an engagement photo shoot—was led by Will Thornton. It was incredibly well-done. I was very impressed with his (and the others') God-given talent. God has done such a work in all the instructors' lives!

The rest of the day was incredible, too, but this is all that I have time for.

—Prizewinning Photography Student Andrew Smith

 

Wow! What an awesome day!

It all started out with a stop at Starbucks on our way to the arboretum. Mmmm, a great way to top off breakfast!

At the gardens we divided into three groups. Our group got the chance to watch as Katie showed us how to take bridal portraits. We had a real live model who graciously donned a white dress and posed for us.

Next, our group found our way to the other corner of the acres of gardens to where Cassidy was taking children's portraits. They were so cute and very well-behaved. Excellent models!

Our set of workshops concluded with Will demonstrating for us his style for taking engagement pictures. Great way to see how it's done and not just hear about it.

After a group picture, we spent the next few hours walking around and taking breathtaking pictures…and some not-so-breathtaking. Aperture, shutter speed, composition, metering—wow! a lot to remember! But when we get it right, it sure looks good!

Do you want to learn how to take better pictures? IPS is the place for you!

—Prizewinning Photography Student Jason Sommers

 

Today was an excellent opportunity to apply all the knowledge we have gathered during the week. Building on the teaching, critiquing, and experience of the rest of the week, we set out for the Dallas Arboretum.

We learned about portraiture through three short sessions: couples, bridal, and children. There was not only an engaged couple and three children, but there was also a "bride" to pose for us.

The remainder of the time was spent wandering the arboretum striving to correctly expose, meter, focus, and compose our daily ration of 96 frames.

The beautiful flora and surroundings were a fabulous place to finish up shooting pictures for the week. I actually shot 130 images! And while I may have permanent squint lines, I was able to apply the new things I learned to create some images that I will always treasure.

—Prizewinning Photography Student Hunter Pittman