To book a place, or for any queries not covered on this website, email contact@fashionshootexperience.com
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FAQ
Is this is a workshop?
The Fashion Shoot Experience is a bridge between a conventional 'workshop' and a real fashion shoot. It is important to note that it is not a 'workshop' where we hold your hand and tell you what to do. Rather, we push you forward whilst standing behind you. There is no teaching structure to the event. We lay on everything you need to make great images: the location, models, styling, lighting, props, and a timed schedule that allows you to shoot each and every model, and every part of the venue.
You need to be confident shooting with your own initiative, but you are not on your own. It's a friendly, creative atmosphere with guidance and assistance on using the lighting, tips and hints where you need them, and support from the hands-on team.
Because every event truly is a new 'experience' with new models and new costumes, we have a high number of repeat 'customers' that come back to shoot again with us.
Who runs it?
The Fashion Shoot Experience is run by Miss Aniela Photography: myself (Natalie Dybisz/Miss Aniela) and my partner Matthew Lennard who is also a photographer. The events are run regularly in London, with international events taking place increasingly: our first stateside event took place in March 2012 in Brooklyn. We are planning a second US event for autumn/fall 2012.
In London we have a familiar network that includes stylists, MUAs, hairstylists which we hire regularly from, and we aim to use new models every time. The event is sponsored by lighting company Photoflex.
What kind of lighting do you provide? And can I bring my own?
On our London events we have a range of lighting: 2 Photoflex TritonFlash kits, 2 further flash heads, radio triggers and back-up sync leads, and a full range of modifiers which includes softboxes, shoot-through umbrellas, beauty dishes (one white, one silver), small reflectors, and grids. We have two constant (tungsten) 1000W Photoflex StarLite QL lights with softboxes and grids, one 575W HMI spotlight (constant daylight-balanced, the kind used for movies) with filters, Photoflex LitePanels (large reflectors/diffusers), and handheld gold/silver/white circular reflectors.
On our US events, our equipment set-ups are generally all flash-based, with natural light set-ups also (where workable).
We divide up the equipment so that each pair of photographers work with a particular lighting set-up (flash/constant/HMI/natural light).
You are free to bring along any extra bits and pieces: for example your own flash equipment or speedlights. We do not teach you 'how to use lighting' per say, but we are on hand to help with anything you need to know. All the equipment is set up before you arrive. Tips and hints are always on hand and assistants ready to help you move lighting or to point a reflector.
Is it just about fashion?
The models are styled and dressed in beautiful and avant-garde costumes, so the event certainly lends itself well to fashion. But you can make anything you want from it. I myself (Miss Aniela) am not strictly a 'fashion photographer' but a photographer who enjoys creating artistic images as well as fashion. Shooting on these events myself, I have done both: shooting straight 'fashion' shots as well as more conceptual or artistic images. With so many props around in the locations we use, there is potential for many things. We've also had some fantastic beauty-based images from photographers on the events.
I've been to zillions of workshops. This one doesn't sound cheap. Why should I attend?
Numerous people who attend our event have been to many other workshops, and have enjoyed our event in a way they have not previously experienced. The Fashion Shoot Experience is a chance for you to test and develop your skills with models and shooting portraiture and fashion. You can gain confidence, experience – and have lots of fun – working with models and also networking with other creatives. You may find it to be the most fun and rewarding event you’ll attend – by the end of the day, you’ll be artistically spent! We try to steer away from 'paparazzi' style shooting and facilitate an environment for independent thinking.
We want you to feel you get your real money's worth, and our events are priced very reasonably for what you get in return. Our prices are worked out to cover the expenses for each particular location. You can walk away with a portfolio of shots for half the cost of hiring just the venue itself. You get quality time with each of the 5 models, all professionally styled and dressed, the use of the equipment, and the assistance and guidance on hand. You also get full, commercial release to all your images, with the photographers and models signing a release on the day.
I've never even attended a workshop. Should I go to this?
Because the Shoot Experience is not a workshop, you need a certain level of confidence to look after yourself on the day. However, working in pairs, you are not alone, left wondering how to fill every moment with the sound of a shutter going. You get chance to help the other person, think and compose your next shot. You might just find however, that in the style of ‘on the job training’, you ‘learn’ more than at a workshop! Also, it’s normal to feel a little nervous! We’ve had attendees who start off jittery and who soon get into the swing of it.
How is the day organised?
A typical Shoot Experience runs as follows: arrive 9am for breakfast and tea, mingling and location browse, followed by a brief introductory talk from the hosts Natalie & Matthew. We split you into your designated pairs, divide into the first location points and start shooting at roughly 9.40am with the first model. There are three sessions between morning and lunch, an hour with each of 3 models. Then we have a lunch break (lunch spread provided) and the models get touch-ups.
After lunch we shoot 2 further set-ups, each an hour, followed by a group shot at the end. We then pack away to leave the venue. There is also a chance to purchase a signed Miss Aniela book. We provide a more in-depth itinerary in your info PDF. Before the event we also send you a preview of everyone involved including pictures of the models and costumes. Afterwards, you get editing movies from Miss Aniela, and a full credits list with contact details of everyone on the shoot.
How do I book and pay? What is the cancellation policy?
As a general rule, places are secured by full payment of the event price. Once you email to state your interest, and we confirm there is a place available, we send you an invoice along with a PDF of payment terms. You can pay by bank transfer or by Paypal. There is a small charge for Paypal to cover the fee, or for international bank transfer.
You will receive the info PDF about 1-2 weeks beforehand. A preview of the team list follows, a few days before the event.
The PDF of payment terms, that we send along with the invoice, details the cancellation policy. On our London events, we give you chance to cancel no later than 7 days before the event, which allows you to move your place to another event for free. Cancellations less than 7 days, or no-shows, are in principle non-refundable. For our US events, our terms differ, which will be detailed in your PDF of terms sent with your invoice (e.g. we need 30 days' notice for cancellations). Please be sure to read fully.
If you have any doubts about payment procedure or the policy, please enquire.
What do I need to bring?
Your camera, tripod, plenty of memory cards, laptop if you want to offload your cards through the day.
Do you have a mailing list?
Yes, sign up here. The newsletter is sent out every month maximum, and we will never spam you or pass on your details onto third parties.
You can also join the Fashion Shoot Experience Facebook group.
