overview
April 2-4, 2020 / Charlottesville, VA
a study in the art of intentionality
We believe the most memorable moments are created from the simple—the way a new wife grips her husband's hand, or the form a delicate curl takes as it cascades down a bride's neck. We also believe running a successful, impactful business shouldn't be complicated. So, we created Simplicity.
Simplicity is a personalized, high-end, three day photography experience designed to help you achieve the gorgeous imagery you've been craving while simplifying and taking the stress out of the process. Learn industry best practices and secrets from two seasoned photographers, including how to give your clients an amazing experience from inquiry to delivery, as well as craft elegant imagery to attract your ideal client.
Mackenzie is a wedding and portrait photographer based in the Lynchburg, Virginia area. She fell very naturally into her career in the wedding industry just out of high school, watching and capturing her friends getting engaged and married. Her love for film photography has only furthered her love for weddings and capturing all the sweet moments that unfold on a wedding day.
She loves a day home with her three cats, but you can often find her with her husband, Paul, hitting up all the local thrift shops.
Michela is a hybrid wedding and portrait photographer based in Lynchburg, Virginia. For the past eight years, Michela has refined her aesthetic taste and approach to working with clients. Her style leans toward a mix of romantic and modern elements, using film to highlight her subjects in a way that is both beautiful and authentic.
Her favorite free time activities include watching The Office with her husband, Joey, sipping on home made honey lattes, and snuggling with their golden retriever, Hank.
&
meet the hosts
the details
Day 1
On day one, we'll meet everyone at the cutest Airbnb in Charlottesville, VA and have time to hang out and get to know each other. Then, we will have our first lesson, followed by an ethereal pastel-inspired bridal editorial session. We will continue our time together with dinner and more learning after our session.
bridal editorial
*not our images
what you'll learn:
- finding your aesthetic voice
- editorial posing
- the power of brainstorming
- shooting for publication
Featured Vendors Include:
Wild Fleurette
Anna Breeding
Bella Belle Shoes
ReevBridal
Sugared Fig Paperie
Steelcut Flower Co.
Loria Letters
the details
Day 1
On day one, we'll meet everyone at the cutest Airbnb in Charlottesville, VA and have time to hang out and get to know each other. Then, we will have our first lesson, followed by an ethereal pastel-inspired bridal editorial session. We will continue our time together with dinner and more learning after our session.
bridal editorial
*not our images
what you'll learn:
- finding your aesthetic voice
- editorial posing
- the power of brainstorming
- shooting for publication
Featured Vendors Include:
Wild Fleurette
Anna Breeding
Bella Belle Shoes
ReevBridal
Sugared Fig Paperie
Steelcut Flower Co.
Loria Letters
the details
the details
Day 2
Day two consists of a full day of photographing the different elements of a wedding. In the morning, we will begin with details at the AirBnb, then travel to Pharsalia, a beautiful flower farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We will also share simple practices for achieving authentic images while working within the constraints of a wedding day.
wedding day
*not our images
what you'll learn:
- wedding day detail styling
- authentic couple posing
- client communication
- efficient shooting practices
- working within a color palette
Featured Vendors Include:
Wild Fleurette
Anna Breeding
Bella Belle Shoes
ReevBridal
Sugared Fig Paperie
Steelcut Flower Co.
Day 2
Day two consists of a full day of photographing the different elements of a wedding. In the morning, we will begin with details at the AirBnb, then travel to Pharsalia, a beautiful flower farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We will also share simple practices for achieving authentic images while working within the constraints of a wedding day.
wedding day
*not our images
what you'll learn:
- wedding day detail styling
- authentic couple posing
- client communication
- efficient shooting processes
- working within a color palette
Featured Vendors Include:
Wild Fleurette
Anna Breeding
Bella Belle Shoes
ReevBridal
Sugared Fig Paperie
Steelcut Flower Co.
the details
the details
Day 3
Following an early breakfast, we will photograph a real couple at the AirBnb on day three. We'll focus on how to make your clients feel comfortable and like themselves in front of your lens. Our time together will end with a final Q&A time.
in-home couple
*not our images
what you'll learn:
- how to craft a personal session
- giving gentle direction
- guiding client styling choices
- how to highlight elements true to a couple
- working within location restrictions
- documenting real life artistically
Featured Vendors Include:
Wild Fleurette
Anna Breeding
Bella Belle Shoes
ReevBridal
Sugared Fig Paperie
Steelcut Flower Co.
Day 3
Following an early breakfast, we will photograph a real couple at the AirBnb. We'll focus on how to make your clients feel comfortable and like themselves in front of your lens. Our time together will end with a final Q&A time.
in-home couple
*not our images
what you'll learn:
- how to craft a personal session
- giving gentle direction
- guiding client styling choices
- how to highlight elements true to a couple
- working within location restrictions
- documenting real life artistically
Featured Vendors Include:
Wild Fleurette
Anna Breeding
Bella Belle Shoes
ReevBridal
Sugared Fig Paperie
Steelcut Flower Co.
the details
frequently asked questions
No! Although Michela + Mackenzie are hybrid photographers, attendees are not required to shoot both film and digital formats. However, we will be explaining why we choose certain mediums in certain instances.
is simplicity only for hybrid photographers?
Although we would've loved to be able to host every one of you at our Airbnb, there is a lack of space to do so. However, Charlottesville has more than enough convenient Airbnbs and hotels to choose from.
Is housing included in the fee?
We will be providing dinner on Day One, as well as breakfast on Day Three. We kindly ask you bring a lunch on Day Two to enjoy in between our morning flat lay session and evening portrait session.
will you be providing meals?
Yes! As soon as you inquire to reserve your spot, we'll send you an invoice through PayPal. You can then apply for 6 months, 0% APR financing through PayPal credit upon checkout. Once the invoice is paid, your spot will officially be reserved!
do you offer a payment plan?
Will you be teaching how to shoot film?
At this time, we do not have any group sessions dedicated solely to shooting film. However, we will be mentoring one-on-one at different points throughout the weekend and would love to give advice and direction on using film then.
Of course! We want you to be able to gain valuable images for your portfolio no matter your style. Of course, keep in mind that the style of the designed shoots is geared toward film and lighter-toned photography.
My style is dark & Moody. Can I still attend?
While we value each stage of a photographer's journey, we believe Simplicity will best serve those knowledgeable of basic photography principles, such as composition. You should attend already knowing how to use the Manual mode on your camera.
Is this an introductory level workshop?
We will be offering small elements to help differentiate your images from the other attendees and provide you with a portfolio that is unique to your brand. For example, we'll have two different veils to choose from at our full-day wedding, wardrobe options for our in-home session, and an array of floral components at our bridal editorial.
what sets this workshop apart?
Yes! We will not be providing equipment for you to use. As a photographer, it is vital you learn your equipment inside and out, so we highly encourage you bring your specific gear. As far as film is concerned, we will have a limited number of Fuji 400h and Portra 400 rolls available for purchase.
Should I bring my own gear/film?
frequently asked questions
