Inspiration + Ideas: Stillmotion’s Y Experience

Sam: “So Alvi, you’re back (thank goodness!).  What was the single most meaningful take-away from your Stillmotion workshop?”

Alvi: “You’re asking me this at 11:30 at night?!  Sam, I’m bagged.  Go to sleep.”

Sam  ”Nuh-uh.  If we don’t do this now it won’t happen!  You have a wedding tomorrow and a pile of editing to do.  So spill!!!!  And be grateful I’m typing.  You know what you say, ‘you gots good english.’”

****moment of silence****followed by “the look”****submission and then caving!!!****

Alvi:  ”Wow.  So much, really.  It was reinforced that shooting a wedding is more than just taking images and setting up the shots.  It is actually about WHY am I shooting things this way and not that way; what does this picture mean and represent to the couple when they’ll see it?  Why do I think this image will matter? Will it trigger the memories authentically?”

Sam:  “Whoa.  That’s deep.  Ok let’s get back to the regular format cuz it’s hard to be succinct with you!”

Alvi:  “Don’t use big words on me, Sam!”

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************

It’s been a whirlwind 10 days… with just 7 hours spent back on TBay soil, in between our Rockies trip and an event I had been anticipating since the spring:  Stillmotion’s “Y” Experience.  

This week was all about professional development and growth.  Nine of us photographers from as far south as Miami and as far west as Calgary humbly assembled in the presence of renowned international photographers, Amina Moreau and Justin Demers (Stillmotion) at their Mississauga studio.  The emphasis was not so much about mechanics or cool new technology; it was more as about delving deep into why we do what we do as photographers.

This question of *why* became the central theme for all of us — a psychological quest for the deeper meaning behind our craft and the images we shoot.  It is true that anyone can click a button on a camera.  But to connect the dots and build a storyline takes time, effort and care. The entire concept of *why* will continue to stay with us at Bliss, as it’s virtually impossible to slide in a direction of complacency or humdrum after cracking open the box, staring ourselves in the mirror and asking *why* do we do what we do.  Not possible to go backwards.  

Having said that, this is why we will be making an even greater effort to understand our clients.  How did you meet?  Why did you fall in love?  What was that moment like?  What are your values?  In the end, if we can connect to the deeper stuff it will transcend into your photographs.  After all, our job is to document a pivotal piece of history for you.  Something to show your children and grandchildren. Photos that evoke the raw emotion of your day.  This is not a responsibility we take lightly.  

So we’re in full-on growth mode at Bliss.  If you are on this journey with us we are so blessed and want to tell you to fasten your seatbelts, cuz it’s gonna be quite the ride!

Below are a smattering of shots taken throughout the day.  There is nothing overtly artistic here… just a handful of photogs honing their craft and muttering under their breath WHY.