Secrets of a Stylist Workshop with Summer Watkins in Los Olivos, CA

Oh man, I have been wanting to blog this FOREVER. No seriously, I attended this workshop with Summer Watkins of Grey Likes Weddings in July of 2014. Yes, two thousand fourteen, as in almost two years ago. Where was I with my business back then you ask? Well, my blogging was definitely lacking back then – ha! But really, I had just shot my fourth wedding for Love & Light Photographs, I was second shooting like a maniac, and very much in love with my new career. I was determined to learn as much as I could and spent my time drooling over every California wedding out there. The golden light and perfect landscapes were calling my name and I needed to be a part of it. So when I found the opportunity to learn from Summer at the Secrets of a Stylist workshop, I decided to give it a shot.

The workshop took place at The Crossroads Estate at Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos, CA. The first part of the day, Summer chatted with us and provided us a ton of tips from her perspective and what editors are looking for. I found it very helpful to see how she browses submissions from photographers for her blog and how quickly she can decide if she will accept or decline. I learned to shoot editorially and with purpose, with your client in mind of course, but for the planner and editorial team as well.

Later that day during golden hour, we were able to put our new knowledge to use shooting at different setups and styling them accordingly. This was when Summer showed me her new venture, The Mrs. Box, which you can see below. It was incredible to see Summer put together a styled shoot bursting with so much inspiration for brides and I had so much fun pushing myself to capture it beautifully and editorially. Oh, and I have never received so many emails over the striped bridesmaid dresses! They really did steal the show. Looking back at this experience, I am very thankful for what I gained from it. This is when my shooting style really started to develop into what it is now, and it goes to show you that you should never stop learning and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.