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A little while ago I blogged about our Featured Supplier Jonny Draper Photography’s amazing professional photography training Masterclasses. Now Jonny and his Class of 2013 are back to share some stunning results… I can’t wait to join Jonny and the team for something special later this year. Watch out for more news soon!
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Jonny says: When I first considered offering wedding photography training, there were a number of things that I was determined to get right. I really didn’t want it to be all about me. I didn’t want to spend hours talking attendees through images I’d taken in the past and bore them with technical jargon. I wanted them to feel that they could get stuck in right from minute one, shoot some amazing images that would inspire them to try new things and develop their style going forward and I wanted to spend a day of genuine inspiration where business is concerned. Because for me, getting the business side of things right is the only way you can then go on to make a career out of being a wedding photographer…
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Behind the scenes images by Jonny Draper Photography
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Finally, I was always aware of the importance of having a great team involved in the day. An amazing venue that would allow us to really push ourselves from the photographic point of view as well as being able to host us in a wonderfully comfortable, technology laden environment on the business day. Two great models, who wouldn’t be intimidated by more than one photographer pointing a camera at them. Amazing dresses and accessories for us to shoot. And a brilliant make-up artist who would be able to create a number of looks throughout the day, giving us a wider range of images than any of us though possible. And I was lucky to be able to nail all those people down. A massive thank you to all the team, who’s details can be found below.
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What was involved in the two days?
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Day One was all about how I shoot a wedding. Not just from a photography perspective, but how I interact with other suppliers, guests, friends and family. I walked the Masterclass attendees through a full day from bridal prep through until the first dance and gave them my full approach to the day. There was of course, plenty of opportunity for all the attendees to shoot some amazing images of their own too!
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Day Two was all about the business of wedding photography. Generating enquiries, dealing with brides and grooms, establishing and building relationships with other wedding suppliers. We also looked at editing images, workflow and streamlining workflow so that you’re not constantly tied to your computer! Social media was a big part of the day and we were also lucky enough to have two guest speakers!
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Sarah Heath (Marketing and Business Development coordinator at Heaton House Farm) spoke on the business day about working with photographers from a venue’s perspective. Emma Draper (LOVE Bridal Boutique) spoke on the business day about relationships with photographers from other wedding suppliers points of view.
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The overall ethos of the two days was that we wanted it to be ‘conversational’. I didn’t want to spend two solid days talking at people, I wanted them to ask questions, talking points to build into conversations and everyone to have the opportunity to have all of their questions answered. At the end of each day, we retired to the bar for a cheeky beer and a more relaxed chat about what we’d been doing that particular day.
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Post Masterclass, the attendees have been invited to join a private group on Facebook where we continue to talk about the Masterclass, techniques we’ve learned, equipment questions and thoughts and generally be part of a network of like-minded, enthusiastic and knowledgeable photographers – and it’s busy in that group let me tell you!
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After the Masterclasses, it’s been amazing to hear from the guys who attended and it’s really given me great confidence that we’re doing things the right way. Here’s some of the things they’ve had to say, as we share some of their work from the two days:
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Images by Danielle Boxall
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Kate Scott: I have honestly never learnt so much in 48 hours – it was the best course I’ve ever attended and such incredibly good value. I particularly enjoyed using off-camera flash and can’t wait to try out some new tricks/techniques. I was so inspired by Jonny’s approach both creatively and personally – he was open and honest and couldn’t do enough for us not only on the course itself but ever since. I’ve made a stack of new friends who also happen to be incredibly talented photographers and an amazing support network. When’s the next one?!
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The business day in particular was amazing. I couldn’t believe it but it was just as good as the shooting day, which I certainly did not expect it to be. Revelation after revelation. We were introduced to tools and techniques that will save hours of time. It was also useful to hear Emma and Sarah’s perspectives – and the social media/networking tips. Great stuff.
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Images by Kate Scott
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Deborah Stott: It was brilliant to have Emma’s and Sarah’s point of view. I picked up loads of ideas and excellent points form both of them. But the best for me was the editing side of things! That has changed my life! Totally excellent value for money, in fact I think you could charge double that and it would still be value for money.
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Images by Deborah Stott
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Ffion Hughes: Boy am I glad that I managed to secure one of the few remaining spots for the Jonny Draper Wedding Photography Masterclass! I’ve come away feeling very clever indeed and the creative juices are flowing! I must admit, I did feel a tad nervous on the day … after all I was going to be learning from the wedding photography maestro himself and I’d seen photos from the first masterclass, which set my expectations high – on myself as much as anything!
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Jonny made the day an absolute breeze and amazing fun – covering the bridal preparation, ceremony, first dance, editing of pics and the business side! He shared much more than I could have dreamt of, and I’ve regained weeks of my life through improved workflow! I now also have the confidence to use off camera flash and have generally been chomping at the bit to re-create what I learnt on the day!
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I truly can not tell you how great an experience this was! It was one of the most well thought out photography courses I have been on, both in terms of structure, delivery and associated partners which made it top quality (yet very down to earth) throughout – Heaton House Farm, Love Bridal Boutique, Didsbury Flower Lounge, Gemma Hallowell Make-Up Artist, Jen Brook and James Taylor (our fabulous bride and groom models!) I really can not emphasise enough how much fun this was. I absolutely forgot, most of the time, that I was on a training course – I got completely sucked into the world of wedding photography and it left me wanting more! Can’t wait until the next Masterclass!
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Images by Ffion Hughes
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Hayley Baxter: Amazing! I have nothing but praise for this Masterclass… everything from the superb organisation, fantastic venue, amazing models, outstanding styling and probably most importantly Jonny’s infectious enthusiasm and skill of explaining everything in such a simple and understandable way.
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Only those who have been on the course so far will believe me when I say that the amount of knowledge I have picked up is unbelievable. There was a real mix of experience & knowledge in the room and on Day 1 I was nervous and scared I would be out of my depth. That lasted about 15 minutes then I was off!
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The final commendation I would say on the course is that once the two days are finished – its far from over. You will build up a whole support network of like minded people to call on for advice & support and that really is priceless.
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Images by Hayley Baxter
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Ayesha Rahman: Having recently attended Jonny’s two day masterclass, I have nothing but positive things to say about it. Day 1 included practical shooting tips in a non-techy or scary way, giving me the confidence to go and put these techniques into practice. Day 2 was informative, inspirational and has already made a huge impact in how I work! Jonny’s style is real, practical and non-jargony which is refreshing. He is also very open which I valued immensely. If you’re thinking about stepping up your game and want to attend a masterclass, then Jonny Draper is the man for you.
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Images by Ayesha Rahman
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Amanda Balmain: I had the pleasure of attending Jonny’s first masterclass at Heaton House Farm and I’m so happy that I made that investment. Jonny is a great teacher who managed to demystify off camera flash and give me confidence in loads of different lighting situations. The business day was full of practical down to earth advice gained by experience in the wedding industry not just by Jonny but by other industry suppliers as well.
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I learnt some valuable lessons that will help me develop my business. I loved that Jonny and the team were flexible and that it became a discussion rather than a lecture. Thanks Jonny.
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Images by Amanda Balmain
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Gary Skerratt: It was both inspiring and informative-and above all great fun! The days incorporated a live mock wedding shoot with professional models, editing and lighting techniques and marketing discussions which I found invaluable for my business. I highly recommend this Masterclass – it’s a must for wedding photographers.
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Images by Gary Skerratt
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Martin Cahill: This course restored my faith that there are people out there pushing themselves to work hard for their clients, go beyond expectation and do the little things that make all the difference. The Masterclass was outstanding. There was so many pieces of advice that I will take with me that will save me 100s of hours and £1000s of pounds. For that, I will be eternally grateful. This is not an expenditure. This is the best business decision will you make all year.
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Images by Martin Cahill
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James Jebson: The business day was awesome! Even down to the location and the technology used was brilliant, with Sarah & Emma allowing an awesome insight that just is very rare to be given.
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Images by James Jebson
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And a final word from Jonny? I loved hosting the Masterclasses and I can’t wait to do them again! We’ll be releasing dates later this year for more Masterclasses in 2014 – but keep your eye on Brides Up North as there will be one, very special, final training experience a little bit later this year which isn’t to be missed!
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And what could that be? Watch this space people!
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Images by Claire Hartshorn
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Images by Kyle Hassall of Gold Standard Photography
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Little Black Book
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Dresses, shoes and accessories – Emma Draper from LOVE Bridal Boutique
Flowers – Didsbury Flower Lounge
Make-up – Gemma Hallowell MUA
Model – Jen Brook
Model – James Taylor
Venue – Heaton House Farm
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 as credited/ tagged
Jonny Draper Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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