When I had the idea for the Wild at Heart Workshop, I had no idea what kind of magic would come with it…
I shared my vision with my girl, Jessica Rae, and we came to the conclusion that we wanted to do this workshop together. Jessica and I think alike and we work our boudoir sessions with the same approach. Even though we are so similar in our approaches, our actual work is different. We have different styles and each of our images has a completely different feel. We are friends, not competitors, and together, we knew Wild at Heart had the potential to be something really special.
It’s magic when you meet someone that thinks the same way as you and approaches work from that same avenue. It’s even more spellbinding when you teach a workshop together in the most mystical of places-- Joshua Tree.
I truly felt like every person who was there, from each eager photographer looking to learn, to myself and Jessica, was really meant to be there at this time. Everything we hoped and dreamed was manifesting into reality.
The first day of the Wild and Heart Workshop we had a nice little ‘get to know you’ get together where we learned where we were all from, why we are passionate about photography and why we were all excited to be here. Breaking the ice led us into a session with Jessica who taught Dark & Moody images. Following Jessica’s session we went out to Joshua Tree where I got to teach Outdoor Boudoir. This session started with some teaching on harsh light that flowed into the rest of the session.
The first day was enchanting. Everyone was so happy and relaxed, ready to be there and willing to learn. Open, wild hearts ready to embrace what was happening around them.
On the second day we woke up early and had a magical sunrise session. Sunrise sessions don’t get enough credit for how breathtaking the light is. Yes, you get up early but it is always worth it. We all thought so!
We had three other models arrive to do some indoor shooting and we ended up rotating groups and models so every person who attended had the opportunity to shoot with instruction and apply what they were learning. No one went home feeling like they missed their shot to try something-- everyone put to practice the new skills they were acquiring during the workshops.
One of the best parts of the whole thing was the free shooting time. The attendees did whatever they wanted and got to let their creative juices flow to create the work they felt represented both where they were at with their skills and where they invisioned their work going as they continued to put their skills to practice.
Artist Jessica Rae
Boudoir By Katie Burnett Photography
Next, we all went out and got to step out from behind the camera to be the ones in front of the lens! It was amazing and I think it should be a requirement to get in front of the camera at each workshop and just let go and get out of our own heads. It was empowering and so much fun.
We ended the night with drinks that hit the spot and conversations that went deeper than photography which deepend the bonds and friendships that will now last a lifetime. Leaving the next morning was sad, like the spell had run out and we were heading back into our own realities, but I am still feeling the enchantment from The Wild at Heart Workshop and I know all those who attended are too!
Until next time, take chances with your work, try new things and remember to embrace your wild heart.
Of course all photos are edited with Embrace Presets!
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