for photographers: socal photog shootout ~ a breakdown

I’m not really a talker. I prefer to stay quiet, smile and look pretty (haha). In actuality, when I do talk, I get distracted and start rambling and before you know it I’ve led my listener down a rabbit trail and have no idea what I was saying to begin with.

Sometimes, I just assume people know what I’m talking about and as I am waxing poetic, a glazed look slowly overtakes them. So, I try not to talk too much.

I’ve been assuming that everyone who visits this blog, knows what I am talking about when I say “SoCal Photog Shootout,” and perhaps you do…if that is the case, then no need to keep reading, just scroll down and enjoy the photos. If you have no idea and want to know more, keep reading…

What is Photog Shootout?

• Photog Shootout is a nationwide group that connects photographers, from hobbyists to seasoned pros and everyone in between. We have numerous groups across the country that meet every month or two to shoot, learn and laugh.
• An opportunity to  PRACTICE all those things you wanted to try at an actual client session, but __________________ (insert reason here –were afraid, had no idea how, did not have time, clients didn’t want to, etc).
• A group where you can ask questions and learn –even ones you are embarrassed to ask like, “what is this button for?”
• A chance to work with some of the industries coolest vendors –from models, make-up artists, caterers, florists, etc
• A community of people who love to take pictures, network, commiserate, support each other, help each other. I am a firm believer that EVERYONE has something beneficial to offer someone else.

What Photog Shootout is not…

• A commercial — we’re not trying to sell you stuff. We’ll giveaway stuff that might be useful to you, but there won’t be DVD’s in the back for $19.95.
• A workshop — you’ll be getting hands on instruction from lead photographers and also your peers and you also might find a person or two asking YOU some questions as well. But you won’t have the $$$ price tag…
• A really good portfolio builder — you are in a small group of 5-10 other photographers, you’ll have to get creative to make your shot look very different from someone else’s and they might also be using their shot on their website.

Why should you pay to come to an event when you can just get a few models and friends and do it for free?

• Do you know a bunch of other photographers? (Do you want to meet new ones?)
• Do you have a makeup artist?
• Do you have access to awesome locations in and around Southern California?
• Do you know pretty models and/or have pretty couples to model?
• Do you have access to outfits that fit a theme?
• Do you have access to knowledgeable photographers that have been in the business for years and are willing to answer any question you have?

If you do, then we totally encourage you to get together with some of your friends and shoot. You’ll also need more practice than you have the ability to attend a workshop or shootout.

We charge a nominal fee (usually around $55) to cover costs such as your dinner, snacks, costume rentals, permits, etc, but tickets go really fast –last event sold out in 2 minutes. We have no interest in raising the price of admission (defeats out original purpose) so, make sure you’ve joined our Facebook group for emails with registration details and follow me on Twitter for ticket giveaways and stuff.

Each event has a different vibe and theme. We’ve done trash the dresses, high fashion, vintage, a mock wedding and more. The SoCal group hosts events every even month. Our next event will be April 30th in Temecula, CA. More details will be released soon!

Here is a video from our last event in February (he mock wedding) by Nick of CraftHouse Productions.

SoCal Photog Shootout 2010 from CraftHouse Productions on Vimeo.

And photos from the Shootout hosted last month by the San Diego Photog Shootout group. (I got to sit around, shoot and relax all day!)

My favorite of the day- with lots of drama!

We hit the streets of Little Italy and all it’s fun nooks and crannies!

Lead Photographer, Garrett Delph

Thanks to Janis Foley for allowing us to use her amazing studio!