Happy Monday, friends! Sorry I was a little MIA on the blog last week. I left on Friday to roadtrip to Kentucky to attend a friend’s wedding – which is always a fun change – and had a lot of things to wrap up before leaving, which left me less time to get to the blog. But, things will be back to normal this week, and I have much to share! Starting with today’s post (obviously)!

So, last Wednesday the super awesome Justin & Mary came to Richmond for the second stop of their Lighting Intensive workshop tour. It was pretty much PERFECT timing because 1) at the beginning of the year I had decided 2012 was the year that I’d finally attack and get comfortable with off-camera flash and 2) they came right to my city! It doesn’t get more convenient than that. Plus, I knew they were the perfect people to learn about lighting from, because I love the subtle, fresh, natural way they incorporate it into their work. And to top off all of the perfection, I knew several of my friends were going to be at this workshop, too. So, it was definitely 7 hours of ridiculous fun, that just happened to be incredibly informative and helpful and massively expanded my photography world. So, a HUGE thank you to Justin & Mary for sharing your knowledge, answering our questions, equipping and encouraging all of us to take this step! (Be sure to check out their official blog post here!)

We started off by just mixing and mingling and getting to know each other. Justin & Mary got this shot of me talking – obviously with much animation – with one of my favorites, Rebekah Hoyt. Haha.

And of course they had a little photobooth set up! I was trying to be taller like Mary… ;)

Then we got into some learning….

And then, naturally, some trying-it-out-for-ourselves!

I had SO much fun with these two. Laura & Rebekah make the world a happier place! :)

Laura working the new lighting set ups!

And another favorite, Ashley – who happened to be the one to coordinate and help set up the entire workshop. So, thanks a million, friend!

It was then time to get practice with two beautiful models to learn the different lighting techniques.

This is Jessica….isn’t her smile just stunning??

And this is Carly – I love her eyes! And how great is that hat?

Our whole fabulous crew!

It was SUCH a great evening, and I’m so, so glad I went and am now so excited to test out my knowledge and play with my lighting set up. No longer do I have to be scared of the situations that may need some additional lighting. It may still take practice to get it where I want it to be, but it’s a fun challenge, now, not something I’m dreading. So, I’d HIGHLY encourage you to sign up for one of their workshops if you could use a little (or a lot) of help and encouragement when it comes to lighting.