For anyone who has had the opportunity to shoot with any of these guys, you know why. Not only are they are all committed to the craft of photography, they have also helped a great deal of photographers along in their careers. What I liked most about the concept of this shoot is that the participants would see the different approaches they take and get their own chance to direct the shoot for a while. Mike has a more lifestyle approach to his photography, while the Edmonsons were brought on because of how well they utilize non-ambient light sources. It was a total win/win for the participants and Thirst Relief.
In addition, even though I am primarily a Minneapolis wedding photographer, I always look for opportunities to shoot outside of home. I find it very inspiring to work in new places, different light, and with other people. It is so easy to become stuck in your approach and way of doing things that sometimes you just need to shake things up. I always learn something new and come back more inspired!
I would like to thank everyone involved for their participation. A lot of people gave of their time, skills, and money in an effort to save lives. Despite the economic climate, I encourage anyone reading this to find a way to help others in need. Even if you don't have available money, we all have some sort of skill that can be used to help others!
In closing, here are a few of the images I particularly enjoyed from the day!
3 comments so far
I will save all the details of our trip for a later post, but wanted to follow up Jason's post with an image of my own. Our good friend and local photographer Laura Ivanova set up a fun shoot just outside of Vegas and I was more than game to go! It was in a little town called Nelson. While Jason's image demonstrated the drama of the scene, I opted for mine to showcase a little more signature Staja! I hope you enjoy and look forward to showing some more images and details of the trip in the upcoming days.
3 comments so far
It was great meeting you two! I can't wait to see how everyone's pictures turned out.
(03.14.10 @ 03:00 PM)Beautiful shot Stacey!! It was so fun shooting with everyone! :-) Can't wait to see the rest.
(03.15.10 @ 12:17 AM)Is there ANY way I can find out where that dress is from??? Pretty please? :)
(04.02.10 @ 06:00 PM)The first shoot was a benefit for Thirst Relief that I helped organize and came along to hopefully help with the flow and be of assistance. I had the great opportunity to help out a couple of my mentors and people who I respect immensely in this business. Mike Colon along with the father/son team of David and Luke Edmonson were the instructors for this shoot and came with different teaching styles and ways they see things. It was so great on many levels because it allowed all of the students to see things in two different lights (no pun attended). With that said, here is one of the shots I envisioned as the day was coming to the end. I wanted the couple to stay nicely lit while keeping the drama of the background. I love how the use of off camera light resulted in aiding the scene in the background. I hope you enjoy. Stay tuned tomorrow for a shot of Stacey's!
1 comments so far
Jason it was great attending some classes with you at WPPI!!! So much information! BTW, love this shot and am excited to see more.
(03.11.10 @ 09:27 PM)
0 comments so far
Get mentored by Jason
in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction!
Grow as a photographer while saving lives!
I'm participating in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction. Our mission is to save lives by tapping into the incredible talent and generosity of the photo industry.
Did you know that every 15 seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness? That's 5,760 people every day! You can help. Bid on a mentoring session with your favorite photographer!
100% of the proceeds directly benefit Thirst Relief. Add to that the incredible wisdom and talent that is being shared in the one-on-one mentor sessions and you have better and more successful photographers! It's truly a win win for everyone involved!
About me and my mentor auction
'm
Jason Thon, also known as the Ja in Staja Studios. Together with my
wife, Stacey, we have built a wedding photography studio in
Minneapolis, MN. Our focus is on providing a high quality experience
for our clients. In addition, I have recently been inspired to begin
helping educate and motivate others within the photography community
and wedding industry. To date, the most memorable moment of my career
was being invited to participate in the Grace Ormonde Thirst Relief
Benefit Shoot in Tanzania, Africa. Although I don't have any new
workshop, action set, or DVD to offer with this mentor session, what I
do have is my experience and the valuable information I have learned
and been taught along the way. I don't have any pre-determined agenda,
but am available to talk about photography itself: technical skills,
finding photography influences, and developing a style. More
importantly I am open to the photography business: my thoughts on
marketing, the "branding" process and working to develop an identity,
and particularly the quirks and advantages/potential pitfalls of
working with a business partner and/or spouse. I will be available at
WPPI, in Minneapolis, or via telephone to hold this mentor session. I
look forward to meeting and helping make your time as valuable as
possible.
My mentor session can take place at WPPI 2010 (Las Vegas), in my hometown of Minneapolis, MN, USA OR on the phone.
For more information, please visit thirstrelief.shootq.com!
To bid on me, please go HERE!
The auction is only live Feb 16th and 17th, so please bid early and bid often! To bid on me, please go HERE!
4 comments so far
Very cool. It will be money well spend for the highest bidder!
(02.16.10 @ 10:54 AM)Very cool. It will be money well spend for the highest bidder!
(02.16.10 @ 10:54 AM)Following my own analysis, thousands of people all over the world receive the loans at good creditors. Hence, there's a good possibility to find a student loan in all countries.
(06.06.10 @ 02:41 PM)People deserve very good life and business loans or short term loan can make it better. Just because people's freedom is based on money.
(08.26.10 @ 05:56 AM)
Awesome stuff!!! (That's me and my husband with the dark hair!) haha- So cool to actually see some shots from that day! It was so much fun!! And if you're planning on putting these on facebook- definitely tag me! I'd love to use one as my profile picture!! I really love the second from the bottom too! Super romantic! :)
(03.15.10 @ 01:25 PM)these are lovely Jason! The colors of the hills are amazing. And I love the images with the Chihuly glass, so vibrant =)
(03.15.10 @ 03:02 PM)loved seeing this pics of aric and casey!! love them! such great images!
(03.22.10 @ 02:39 PM)