We all get to a point where our portfolio looks a little outdated and we know we really should do some new shoots to freshen it up – but that can be quite a hassle!
Finding locations, finding reliable models, hair and makeup accessories, wardrobe and of course organizing equipment is a lot of work to do on your own and often takes more time and effort than what we enjoy – taking photos!
This is where Creativity Hub Events come in. I recently became aware of Creativity Hub when I wrote an article about an upcoming event titled: floraa two-day photography workshop sponsored by Fujifilm, Elinchrom and London Camera Exchange.
For those who attended the Photography and Video Show, the Creativity Hub team is responsible for some of the sets and models scattered around the exhibition floor that allow visitors to take photographs.
In order to update some of my work, I was able to take a look at the last day of flora and I’m so glad I did because it was even more helpful than I could have imagined.
flora was set in a stately manor house in the Northamptonshire countryside, an exquisite venue with a ballroom and gardens that could easily have served as the setting for Bridgerton.
After a very warm welcome from the Creativity Hub team, guests then had the opportunity to borrow some of Fujifilm’s latest cameras and lenses. To my delight, this included the incredible Fujifilm GFX 100 II (more on my experience with this camera in a separate article!).
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The use of the latest Fujifilm cameras and GF lenses was included in the ticket price at no additional cost, so guests were equipped with the best medium format cameras right from the start.
Having only used this camera briefly before, the lovely folks at Fujifilm were extremely helpful and gave me some tips on how to use the camera and lighting, and were on hand throughout the day to help me out if I messed anything up!
On the subject of lighting: flora was also sponsored by Elinchrom who provided the best photography lighting kits that allowed for shooting inside and outside the venue. The Elinchrom team were also on hand to help set up the lighting, all you had to do was explain what lighting you wanted and they created it for you – what a service!
So once we had the professional location, lighting and cameras, all we needed was the subjects and then it all came together. 4 models expertly cast, in exquisite clothing, with professionally styled hair and makeup. This made it extraordinarily difficult to get a bad picture.
I then spent the day shooting in a small group, experimenting with lighting settings and locations, and learning a lot along the way. Not to mention, I got some great shots for my portfolio update.
It was really easy: just turn up and everything is provided for you. What’s more, the event team also taught you how to create the image so you could recreate it yourself afterwards – a really valuable lesson.
The collaboration between Fujifilm (with the cameras and lenses), Elinchrom (with the lighting), London Camera Exchange who offered incredible discounts on photography equipment, and of course the Creativity Hub location and staff made building a portfolio a breeze and I encourage you to give it a go if you’re able.
Creativity Hub has a long schedule of similar events with sponsors such as Fujifilm, Canon and Elinchrom, all with different themes so no two events are the same.
The next event entitled The Woman of Destiny takes place on September 21st and 22nd, a highly stylised shoot with an Old Hollywood theme. Tickets are on sale now and you can get a special £25 discount when you use the code ‘DCW25’ when booking!
