The Gentry's Journey: Savvy Photographer Workshop

I'm backtracking a bit in the blog, but I needed to document my awesome time in Alys Beach for the Savvy Photographer workshop!

All of us after dinner on Wednesday night (a little wet and cold)

The trip started on a very interesting note as there was record flooding on the panhandle, and we weren't sure that we would even be able to get from the airport to Alys Beach. Our flight was on time (thank goodness), and we were able to get there safely, but we had to take the long way around due to flooding. Other photographers' flights were canceled or delayed, so our initial meet and greet was cancelled for the night. All of my house mates made it there by late afternoon, and they were so much fun to talk with. It was refreshing to be around other professional photographers! Most everyone ended up making it there by dinner, so we all got to know each other while we ate. Everyone was SO nice, and I already miss them all! The speakers introduced themselves, we all socialized for a while before heading to our houses for bed.

My room for the three days

breakfast spread

Chef 30A (Christopher)

Thursday morning began early with breakfast by our chef at the speaker's villa, followed by Laura Winslow's talk, lunch, then Kara May's posing seminar in the media room. We had a small break before meeting our sweet models and putting what we learned for the day into practice with them. The rain had finally stopped in time for these shoots, and it ended up being a beautiful evening with the most gorgeous sunset.

Party bags from Laura Winslow

Laura's talk

Goodie bag from Kara May

Laura showing us how to put together fun outfits for the 4 surfer kid models

Friday morning began early as well with breakfast, a newborn shoot led by Kimmy Howard, lunch, then an editing seminar with Tamara Burross of From the Treetop Photography. Similar to Thursday, we had a small break before our evening and beach shoots. There was the most beautiful sunset again, and we were so lucky to have had a newborn on the beach as well! That was definitely a highlight of the trip for me!

beach shoots

Our chefs for dinner

Bananas foster dessert time

Saturday morning began with breakfast in the media room as we all had to, sadly, check out of our villas early. Kimmy Howard did her talk in the media room after breakfast, and it was so much fun learning all things newborn from her. After the talk, we all made our way to Caliza pool for the Q&A section. It was so nice to get to ask the speakers all about the business, and they gave awesome tips, tricks, and advice, not to mention the amazing setting. Caliza pool is absolutely gorgeous, and it was awesome to relax a bit by the pool before catching my flight back to Houston. Amber, who was the first person that I met as we were on the same flight to Panama City, was on my flight to Houston as well, so it was hard to say goodbye. I cherish the friendships made that weekend, and I was so blessed to have been able to attend and meet all of these talented photographers!