May 5, 2012: Knoxville Workshop Wrap Up

Last weekend I had the pleasure of teaching and working beside 12 beautiful photographers at my Knoxville workshop. The photographers ranged in specialties from portrait, wedding, children, senior, fine art and pets. I was lucky to be hosted by Expressions Photography, the studio of Knoxville photographer Steve Chastain. I met him in Australia while speaking at the August Exposure conference last year. Of all places! It was great to see him again and he did a wonderful job helping me arrange locations and details from a far.

With our two models, Caitlin and Helen, we spent the day split between the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Expressions Studio. It was like a scene from The Secret Garden, each location as beautiful as the next. Luckily Knoxville was only a 1/2 day drive from us, so I was able to pack every vintage piece of clothing I had into the car. I love creating these magical setups for the participants and then letting them loose to create.

From styling, fashion, portraits, storytelling and underwater, we packed it all in. I demonstrated a few "trick" composite shots. I mean, why not take advantage of a large team, my butterfly wranglers I call them.

Below are my three favorite images I shot from that day along with some behind the scenes. I really enjoy teaching and experiencing camaraderie with other photographers. More workshops are in the works. Stay tuned to my facebook page for details. If you are interested in hosting one of my workshops in your city, please email heather@heatherevanssmith.com for more information.

Models: Helen Garren / Caitlin Campbell
Makeup / Hair: Buffi Dickenson
Assistants: Steve Chastain / Kortney Jarman

March 22, 2012: The Voyager

Revisiting the hair styles of the Victorian period, particularly one called à la Belle Poule, is something I had been planning to do for about a year now. As with most of my images, timing is everything. Finding just the right ship, or in this case ships, was a challenge. The à la Belle Poule was a hair style to symbolize victory. I wanted to take this idea and give it a different emotion altogether. The model becomes one with the sea.

Behind the scenes of this hair raising adventure here.

March 19, 2012: Art of the Auction

I am thrilled that my image Flight will be up for auction at the NC Museum of Art on April 14th. There is a free preview of the items up for auction coming up on March 30th, starting at 5:30. You can learn more about the event here.

February 10, 2012: Knoxville Creativity Workshop

I am very excited to be conducting a creativity workshop in Knoxville on April 27-28th. The workshop is hosted by Expressions Photography.

During the workshop I will be discussing my progression into conceptual photography and how shooting for yourself can benefit shooting for others. I will also discuss idea boosters to overcome creative blocks, concepting with clients and making time for you. A full-day hands on shoot experience will conclude the workshop. Limited space is available for this intimate engagement.

Look forward to seeing you there!

You can register here.

December 20, 2011: The Heart & The Heavy

This was a image I had to make. It burned in my mind for months and I could not get it out until it had been created. The night before the sunrise shoot I could barely sleep. In the field during winter with frost bitten toes, I raced against the sun. The backdrop of home is where I am most inspired; where the country lies within me. Holding my home tightly to me with great love and heavy burden.

When all was said and done, after the shutter had opened and closed and the last click of the mouse during post processing was finished, I could rest at last. It is images like this that keep me going. It reaffirms that I was born to do this and I cannot live without creating.

December 12, 2011: Scattered Leaves

Sometimes it is more of a feeling I want to convey in my photography instead of a storyline or concept. I knew going into my shoot with Tyler that I wanted a melancholy scene and was inspired by the song Scattered Leaves by the Be Good Tanyas. Tyler prepared himself with a little Gillian Welch. No elaborate props or sets were used, just a feeling that shows through and can be interpreted by others in many ways. I love to hear the stories from viewers on how they interpret my work. It gives new insight into my pieces and makes me look at them in different ways.

December 1, 2011: Swarm

Every image is a new journey for me. I don't believe I have a consistent style and after years of struggling with feeling like I should I have decided that I am OK with it. I love exploring and trying new things. While editing my latest client shoot, I played around with the idea of rorschach patterns to create my image swarm.