Saturday the 21st of September
As a photographer I often wonder how can I improve my process, what am I doing that works, and what’s my next move? These questions can often be frustrating and hard to truly gauge.
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop, in my hometown of Sydney. I’ve come close to doing workshops before, with local talent and also abroad, and hit speed bumps along the way. I’d wanted to travel to Miami earlier in the year, but unfortunately was hit by a freak wave when on a photoshoot. I was completely wiped out by this wave, more like I had jumped into the ocean, so was forced to buy new camera body as a result…
Enter Sydney creative, Bonnie Cee. I knew she had run workshops previously and seen the results of other photographers on Instagram and other media. I thought to myself if an opportunity like this presented itself again I would defiantly make the most of it…
I was not completely sure what to expect from this day, I just know I was super excited to be there.
Saturday lunchtime I arrived at the address.. insert a Pink Moroccan Mansion Tucked away in the exclusive suburb of Rose Bay… I walk in, with a large duffel bag and my camera bag, I knew I’d over packed but was leaving nothing to chance. In-fact it would be fair to say that my entire life was in those bags, two camera bodies, laptop, three lenses, Speedlight/ flash.. you get the picture I was completely nerding out!!
Walking through the door I was greeted by Bonnie, she recognised me, and we exchanged a brief hello, “the other student are already here, outside go down and say hi” she said.
Walking out onto one of the lawn areas I was completely blown away, I had found paradise, and it was 15 minutes from city central, today was going to be epic… and let me tell you it was!!
As we sat down I saw the models we’d be working with, immediately I recognised them both, I actually had to pinch myself it was surreal. The models Dominique Elissa and Beth Hurrell sat relaxedly getting their hair and make up done, and Bonnie took us through the day.
What followed was for me an intensely rich experience. Throughout the day I met other photographers that had travelled from different parts of Australia to take part in this workshop. Each person at different levels and walk of life but all there for the same reason, to gain experience from Bonnie. To understand how to make successful images, how to do it on a small scale upward to a full fashion campaign. It's rare to be in a “creative environment” and to be able to ask questions of one of your photographic hero’s. I really can’t speak highly enough of this workshop. All people equals on the day regardless of their personal development, there to learn and enjoy the experience that was provided.
My Favourite part of the day, was photographing the styled Model Dominique, in the lower region the house poolside. This was like an amazing adventure. The light could not have been better with the natural contrast of her skin shimmering against the water in the pool. The feeling of all the photographers there, was this was something special. Just when I thought nothing could top this, the sun poked through to create a gold cast and with Bonnie’s lead we were able to get a beautiful variation with the model a few meters from where we started. Its is safe to say that anyone who had been there would say we’d just experienced magic.
A day like this took many facets to execute, and it was really after talking to friends of Bonnies and co-workers on the day that the full scale of what had been done sunk in with me.
Bonnie’s whole team were awesome, each of them happy to answer questions on the fly and contribute to the vibe on the day, no-one had to say “good-vibes only”but really it was.
I’d like to thank the videographers, the models, stylist, hair and make up and Bonnie’s friend Rachel who all gave their years of experience to the students on the day.
I’d also especially like to thank Bonnie, who’s friendly disposition, fun can-do attitude made the day a sublime experience. I’ve often thought to myself in life its important to “stick with the winners”, that’s was this day represented. A reflection of people who have and continue to work hard in the fashion industry and make it work.
I spoke at the start about my expectation… whatever that expectation was it was well and truly exceeded on the day, and if I had an opportunity in the future to be apart of this, I would again in a heart beat.
In short Bonnie Cee’s “ULTIMATE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP" was Next Level Amazing!!
Please see below for some shots from the day,
Many thanks Alex
Check the links for insight on the day:
Bonnie’s Website: https://www.bonniecee.com
Model Dominique: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquelissa/?hl=en
Model Beth: https://www.instagram.com/bethellenhurrell/?hl=en
Stylist Parisa: https://www.instagram.com/parisaj23/?hl=en
Assistant Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/thefourthcreative/?hl=en
In Frame: Dominique Elissa
Shot by Alex West
In Frame Beth Hurrell
Shot By Alex West
Bonnie Cee Talks to students after a long days shooting.