As photographers, we are always learning, always pushing our knowledge and understanding to new levels. And when Herd members learn from other Herd members, it’s something special!
Nikki McLeod Photography from Scotland travelled to Bristol recently for a newborn photography workshop run by babyME and Melanie East Photography. Here is a review of this workshop;
“I have known Melanie for many years now, and have always loved her portrait work, to a point that I travelled to Bristol many years ago with my own son for portraits of him. When I heard that Melanie was finally going to be teaching newborn photography (a genre I am not too familiar with), I knew I would be learning from the best.
I flew down to Melanie’s brand spanking new studio in the Chew Valley and was blown away by the simplicity and freshness of the studio. It fits Melanie’s calm personality and any client wouldn’t fail to be impressed by this master photographer’s studio and work.
Along with a handful of other photographers from around the country, we listened in earnest to Melanie sharing her marketing and selling pointers, before learning about a newborn shoot, the props required and just how patience you need too! Although I have photographed several newborns, mainly from my own brides, I have never known the best way to get the gorgeous sleepy newborn shots that Melanie excels at. Her advice was free-flowing and she was open to any question thrown at her.
After lunch, we had a visitor from adorable Finlay and his mum and dad. Finlay was our ‘model’ for the afternoon, and we saw first-hand the techniques required for a newborn shoot to be successful. Melanie worked her baby whisperer magic and soon we were all photographing Finlay who was sound asleep and looking ultra cute.
The different sets around the studio were used and all too soon, it was time to wrap up and ask any further questions.
I was so enthusiastic about carrying on with newborn photography with renewed vigour, my bank balance also took a knock with all the new props to buy for my studio but it was well worth it!
Any professional photographer looking to learn from the best would learn lots from Melanie.”