November 01, 2010

Photography Workshop: Peek into a Fantastical World

Who’s that playing in the meadow? Two beautiful owls!

I took a rare break from the hustle and bustle of senior and family portraits to attend a one-day workshop given by visiting, Seattle-based photographer Shannon Sewell. Shannon is known for stunning conceptual shoots using sets and props — many of which are her own creations. Child models play various characters in her photo-stories. This approach to child portraiture is very different from how I enjoy working, yet I find it fascinating. I wondered how Shannon executed her many different concepts. And I was curious about how she worked with models to get the moods she was after.

Now, normally I wouldn’t choose to attend a workshop during my busy season, but talented photographers from across the country don’t come to Michigan every day. And let’s face it, fall is gorgeous here. But what really clinched the deal for me was when I learned that Shannon was planning a Halloween-themed concept for our workshop. I couldn’t resist such an enticing opportunity to learn and play.

Shannon brought a stylist, Marjolaine Richards-Deviq, whose main role was to transform two young models into fantastical owls. In the weeks prior to the workshop, Marjolaine started designing and sewing the owl costumes you see featured in the images. And in little more than an hour, she did their hair and make-up. I learned later that Marjolaine is also a talented photographer, who, like Shannon, enjoys executing her own elaborately-styled and conceptual shoots.

Thanks to Shannon for including the Detroit area in her workshop tour, to Laurel Hogge for hosting, and to Jean Smith for making sure that I and so many others knew about the workshop. One unexpected bonus of the day was I got to connect and reconnect with other professional child photographers in the Metro Detroit area!

Photography Workshop: Peek into a Fantastical World | Spread those glorious wings! The scene was teeming with stunning connections of shape, color, and texture.

Spread those glorious wings! The scene was teeming with stunning connections of shape, color, and texture.

Photography Workshop: Peek into a Fantastical World | Let’s get a gander of the fabulous hair and make-up. She said the “eyelashes” (my guess is that they are made from thin black paper) itched her at first, but that she quickly got used to them.

Let’s get a gander of the fabulous hair and make-up. She said the “eyelashes” (my guess is that they are made from thin black paper) itched her at first, but that she quickly got used to them.

Photography Workshop: Peek into a Fantastical World | I absolutely adored this scene of this owl (who happens to be Majolaine’s beautiful daughter) on the tree branch. The detailing of her costume was exquisite.

I absolutely adored this scene of this owl (who happens to be Majolaine’s beautiful daughter) on the tree branch. The detailing of her costume was exquisite.

Photography Workshop: Peek into a Fantastical World | The workshop was very well attended, so thankfully the sons of workshop hostess and photographer Laurel Hogge were happy to model for us, too. Shannon shoots for Knucklehead Clothing (available at Elephant Ears) and was able to bring along some of those outfits. Again, I enjoyed finding textural connections between the clothes and the foliage. My only regret is that I didn’t get any shots of his also adorable younger brother that did the little guy justice.

The workshop was very well attended, so thankfully the sons of workshop hostess and photographer Laurel Hogge were happy to model for us, too. Shannon shoots for Knucklehead Clothing (available at Elephant Ears) and was able to bring along some of those outfits. Again, I enjoyed finding textural connections between the clothes and the foliage. My only regret is that I didn’t get any shots of his also adorable younger brother that did the little guy justice.

Photography Workshop: Peek into a Fantastical World | I was beyond impressed with his patience and eagerness to connect with all the photographers.

I was beyond impressed with his patience and eagerness to connect with all the photographers.

A glorious perch from which to take it all in.

Tags:

fashion shoot, workshop

Comments

Myra, the owls are beautiful and the boy looks awesome!! Great work!!

#1 Jennifer Geer

Beautiful images Myra! It was a pleasure to meet you!

#2 Kelli Taylor

I LOVE them Myra… you are a master! Especially love the ones of A :) . It was so good to catch up with you. We definitely need to do another photographer get-together soon.

#3 laurel

Beautiful shots Myra. I’ve really enjoyed looking at various shots from all of the photographers that day. Each and every one of us have our own unique technique and vision. As a newbie, I so enjoyed this experience and also meeting you and all of the other so talented professionals.

#4 Dana Pulver

i love all of them but that first one is breathtaking!!! amazing capture :) thank you so much for making the time to come. so glad i got to hang out with you!!
~S

#5 shannon sewell

wow, you blogged. it’s a bit of a miracle! myra, you never disappoint…your images combined with your words are fantastical!!! love them all!

#6 jean smith

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