I’m so excited to share this post featuring some lovely shots by my product class students at The Makerie retreat in Colorado.

I had so much fun teaching both of my classes at The Makerie, but in the product class I felt especially in my element, because the goal was to create beautiful images that also sell, which has everything to do with the commercial work I’ve been doing recently.

In this class I asked my students to bring in all the amazing things they make, as well as additional accents and props that we could use to style the shots. And let me tell you, we made a fabulous mess together! It was absolutely fabulous to see their creativity and the incredible things they make! There were pillows, cards, pouches, aprons, shoes, illustrations and much more.

photo by Anne Weil

In this class we focused on some principles of photography, lots styling, focus and depth of field (see above – yeah, baby!!), tips for shooting images that sell (of your products, your process and of yourself!), as well as natural and artificial lighting. We built a softbox to diffuse harsh and artificial light, played with softening and deepening shadows, experimented with reflectors, and finally shot in Manual mode, understanding how to adjust aperture, f-stops and ISO, to achieve perfect exposures.

photo by Kara Lundquist

Also, on my end something clicked when I realized that doing commercial work can be honorable. For long I’d struggled with thoughts that my role in the world would be more dignified if I shot for non-profits, instead of shooting things to sell (like Fashion). But this class opened my heart to how wonderful and important it is for a crafter and maker to be able to photograph their work and share it with the world in a way that shows their vision and complements the beauty of their offerings.  I am so happy to know that my lovely students now have some extra tools to improve their businesses and sales. Isn’t that the coolest thing ever?

photo by Elke Bergeron

And look at these images! Don’t you think they did a fabulous job? Their shops and blogs are totally going to rock! I am so impressed with how much they were able to learn in just ONE DAY! Can you imagine what we could do in a whole weekend together? Yes! I want to do a 2-day “picture your craft” extravaganza!

photo by Jess Chamberlain

So that is my next project:  a weekend long “Product Photography” workshop for crafters in the Bay Area. You will be able to attend 1 or 2 days, depending on your schedule, but 2 days will be highly encouraged :)

Are you local? Do you want to join me?

photo by Anne Weil- check out her sweet blog as she has updated it with lovely new photos since the class!

If you are interested, please sign up for my newsletter and I’ll keep you posted of the upcoming dates and locations.

Would you like to host my workshop at your studio? Please contact me at alessandracave@gmail.com and let’s talk!

photo by Heather Quinn

Believe it or not, I’m still feeling the glow post The Makerie retreat!

I know that some of you out there have been enjoying artsy getaways like Artfest and Squam for years, but for me this was a first, which is why I’m so grateful for the experience!

You know how it goes when it comes to retreats… It is so hard to justify the expenses, leave the kids, husband, push work deadlines, etc, just to go to Art Camp. At middle age…. God forbid! Not to mention having to show up alone, just as you are, with a suitcase full of art supplies, camera gear and old dreams. Not one bit easy, I know. Who has the luxury, right? But let me tell you… It is so worth it.

photo by Jody Dunham

The inspiration, creativity, sense of community, camaraderie… All the new friendships…

So so worth it.

Ali de John, our lovely hostess, did such an amazing job putting together an unforgettable and flawless event for all of us. The retreat was perfect in every way, from wonderful meals to cozy cabins, sweet little hope notes everywhere, a fantastic talk led by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a lunch panel with book author Joanna Johnson, movie night with popcorn, craft faire, closing note with the fabulous Jenny Doh…

Wait. Have I convinced you to sign up for next year yet? Because you should.  Every detail was so thought out, and Ali and her team were such a pleasure to work with.  Not to mention the Mountains… Ah… So much beauty in one place and event, my heart can barely take it! :)

photo by Lauren Mackey

Besides, Ali was especially wonderful to me, because she allowed my family to join me for the entire stay.  As a new mom (especially a photographer mom) this meant the world to me! It is so great when someone supports us and allows us to do our work despite the fact… Well… That we are moms! Most importantly, without Ali’s generosity I wouldn’t have had the chance to teach and rediscover how much I LOVE doing it. Thank you, Ali, from the center  of my heart. Because of the Makerie experience,  I’m now planning on developing my two class ideas a little further, and turning them into a ’1 or 2′ day workshop that I plan to teach all year long in San Francisco and maybe beyond! Fun! I’ll discuss this further on another post, but my goal is to continue to demystify some of the technical aspects of photography and just inspire women to shoot and have fun in the process.

photo by Tanya Staples

As you can see by the great images in this post (from my Friday class),  my students did an amazing job :) I’m so very proud of them! It was just really  special to realize that I have something concrete to offer, and it was incredibly gratifying to watch my students learn and progress so fast in only a day or two.  Totally awesome! Best feeling ever! I loved  hearing them talk about how much fun they had in the class, how much they got out of it, and how excited they are to shoot more from now on! If this was crack, friends, I would be in trouble… It is that good! I’m totally hooked and cannot wait to do more.

photo by Kate FitzGerrell – who is 17 years old!

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Coming up:  Good times in my Product Photography Class. Cannot wait to share some of my students’ work from that class as well!

And you? Have you been to a retreat or photo workshop that you loved? Please do share. Were you at The Makerie?  Share your links or thoughts, so I can read about your experience as well.