Looking back, it seems like decades ago. I was younger, not as wise and not a fabulous as I am today. The memories have faded, but the mind remembers the highlights, the important moments. You look back at the photos and smile, reminiscing of days gone by and feelings of nostalgia waft through your subconscious, urging you to recall the little details.
It’s been 10 WHOLE months since our first Photog Shootout and wow, in retrospect, as I look at the old photographs, I never imagined what the shootout has become. I’m humbled and awed at the response that we have gotten from the entire photographic community.
Our mission remains the same as the very first shootout in January – learn, network, build our portfolios and each other. We started with 10 and as of today, we have over 500 members in the SoCal Photog Shootout group on Facebook. Our last three events have sold out in a matter of hours. If you have no idea what I am talking about, head over HERE to check us out! Also, go check out the new national website: www.photogshootout.com
We meet every EVEN numbered month and October’s event was so epic, I felt like I planned an entire wedding! Except with 6 wedding dresses, 6 brides, 2 grooms, 80 dinner guests and a limited budget. Wait till you see what we think up next!
Of course, I could not have pulled this off without the help of:
~ Jay’s Catering and Mary Lallande: Mary found us the venue and got permission for us to use it. She knows all the great wedding and event venues in SoCal. Jay’s was just voted #1 Caterer for the OC and provided the fabulous dinner.
~ Bella Collina: This venue is remodeling their grounds and building an ampitheater for weddings and events. They generously allowed us the use of their grounds and ballroom.
~ Kacee Geoffroy Makeup Designs: Kacee is no stranger to our shootouts because she is AMAZING and she makes our models’ hair and make-up look fabulous. She also helped style the event.
~Kim Bragalone: Kim helped us with makeup and was awesome.
~ Bows-n-Berries Hairbands: The gorgeous hairpieces that the models are wearing are custom designed by Heather, She is branching out her business to include couture hairclips and headbands for women and brides. They were so cute, I’m NOT GIVING THEM BACK AND YOU CAN’T MAKE ME.
~ Florist: Jay Jensen Floral Design: At the last minute, Jay came through and provided the exquisite bouquets our girl’s are carrying
~ Avery J Productions: wait till you see the fantastic shootout video Shannon is making for us this time. It will be posted here soon.
~ The Models: Lindsey Addie, Stevie, Joe, Tiffany, Micah, Chelsea, Shannon, and Megan
It’s bittersweet to plan a large event, as you get to be the one in charge and not really get to shoot, but as I was running around, I made sure I ran around to each group and fired off a few shots. Not my best work, but if you want to see some awesomeness, go over to the Facebook Photo Album and see what the other 79 photogs got!
This is just one of the 6 groups:
Before we destroyed over $6,000 worth of dresses and clothing, I figured we should photograph them in all their glory.
The weather was amazing- no rain and beautiful clouds!
Let the trashing begin:
Cake, anyone?
Water.
The pond water was green and it was 65 degrees by the way. Chelsea was a great sport.
Don’t be offended. It wasn’t my idea. You can thank Chris Diset for his morbid-ness.
Dirrrrrrty.
Painting:
Special Thanks to Joe Photo for speaking to us (pictured here with rockstars Sara France and DotMan):
P.S. You should trash your wedding dress too. Come on, are you gonna wear it again? Contact me for details!
