THE FIELD TRIP, PART TWO: SANTA BARBARA, CA

A few weeks ago, I blogged Part One of my experience at the Field Trip. Today I bring you part two!! I'm super excited to share that ALL of the images below were shot on my new-to-me film camera (the Canon 1V). This was the first time I used film since my freshman year of college! Needless to say I was a ball of anxiousness waiting for my film scans from Indie Film Lab!!! When the zip file arrived via email I nearly jumped out of my seat...and then waited for them to download with agony while chanting "must get faster internet, must get faster internet." Considering this was my first time experimenting with film in years and it was terrible weather, I think I did pretty good! :)

This was our view for our walk through the camp every day!

This is my lovely roomie Karen Kristian! #adorbs

One of my classes was Artistic Vision with Jill Thomas. Jill was SO helpful in giving us practical ways to achieve our own personal artistic vision. She gave us so many helpful tips, but my two favorites were:

1. Stay true to your vision and don't get distracted!

She gave an example of how she really wanted to have a cohesive home design, and in order to achieve that, she only allows herself to purchase items that match that design. She may think something is super awesome, but she won't buy it for her home if it doesn't match her design. The same goes for her artistic vision! She may love a style or photo that another photographer is creating, but she won't allow that to steer her away from her own true artistic vision. I LOOOVED that tip! It's so easy to compare ourselves to others and think we should change to be more like them and less like us.

2. Give your couples actions, not poses, to help you create your vision.

Although I feel like I already do this, it was so nice to hear it again! She showed us some of the actions she gives her couples to create fresh images that are truly reflective of the couple and not just a stuffy pose! Amen, sister, amen!

Oh yeah, and then Jill gave us all ONE minute with a couple to put into action what we just learned...with the whole class watching...all eyes and ears on me...but no pressure! Thanks to the incredible Ben Christensen and his lovely bride for modeling for us!! They were AMAZING! :)