Dear Mike Maez Photography Workshop Attendees:

We have been CLOSELY monitoring the weather reports and it looks like we have no choice but to POSTPONE SUNDAY'S WORKSHOP ON MARCH 18TH, 2012 to a later date.  

It was a difficult decision but ultimately since 50% or more of the course is spent out of the classroom at both ASU SkySong and behind the Tempe Center for the Arts with hands on live learning with our models, we did not want anyone to feel short changed by being forced to stay inside.

Current weather reports indicate a 90% chance of rain and high winds.  Both of these would put quite a damper on both our shooting sessions and our shootout.  I will be opening up later dates and canceling each person's Sunday registration in the hope that you understand the decision to wait it out for sunny skies.  

We have never been rained out before but in the goal of preventing damage to any of mine and most im portantly all of YOUR camera and lighting equipment, we hope everyone will understand.

Please note that the makeup date I hope you all can arrange is SUNDAY APRIL 1ST, 2012.

I have opened up registration for this date and for those of you who cannot make Sunday April 1st note that we do still have spots available on Saturday March 24th, 2012.

Here is a link to register for a new date:  http://mikemaez4.eventbrite.com/

WELCOME FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS and thank you so much for your support in 2011!  Our past workshops have been a tremendous success and we are building on that moving into 2012.  We are proud to announce our 2012 Photography Workshop series in Scottsdale, AZ!  

Once you have registered and input your Voucher number, you will NOT be required to pay.  This registration process is necessary to determine whether or not we need to add additional dates.  If you have any additional questions regarding the workshop, please refer to the information below, or contact us directly at anytime using the CONTACT link on this page.  Thanks again and I look forward to meeting everyone!

One of the things that people frequently ask me is how I learned photography.  For those of you who may have also read the About section of my website, you'll know that I have never taken a photography class, but have lectured previously at the Walter Kronkite School of Journalism at ASU on the subject.  The transition from hobbyist shooter to full-time professional was not an easy road, and I chose to get my degree in Business and Communication rather than take any photography courses in high school or college.  Now, that is not to say there were no classes or opportunities for me during this time, but the reason I chose not to take any formal classes was actually quite simple.  The reason was...digital.

I've never owned a film camera and I never really got into shooting film.  I started with digital photography in 2001, and by 2003 when the Canon EOS10D and Canon Digital Rebel were first announced I jumped right into DSLR technology and never looked back.  Through countless nights spent researching the fundamentals of photography on the internet, followed by endless amounts of "field testing" and bringing my camera everywhere with me at all times, it wasn't before long when I started to meet other photographers and began pushing the boundaries of creativity and light.  I truly believe that in today's world the best methods for learning photography are not in a formal classroom or even behind a computer screen.  The best way is to actually be out in the field shooting and enjoying the craft with other like-minded or up and coming photographers who are willing to help and inspire.

It is with this idea in mind, along with the evolution of some one-on-one mentoring sessions and more recent group sessions that I have done, that I introduce the Mike Maez Photography Workshop.

This is an awesome interactive workshop that is a 100% hands-on live shooting experience with real people and real cameras in real life.  Again, there is NO better way to learn photography than to actually be out doing everything hands-on, and of course I'll provide some instruction and direction along the way.  I am very excited to be in a position where I can really share as much as I can about a subject that I am so passionate about, so if you've ever even considered doing a photography workshop, I'll do my absolute best to make this worth your while!  That being said - here are the all important details:

LOCATION:
SkySong Center
1475 North Scottsdale Road (at the intersection of Scottsdale and McDowell Road)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
info AT mikemaezworkshops.com

DATES:
Saturday - March 10th, 2012
Sunday - March 11th, 2012
Sunday - March 18th, 2012
Saturday - March 24th, 2012

TIMES: WORKSHOP from Noon to 4pm // SHOOTOUT from 4 to 5pm

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CLASS:
Our class starts off with what most people would consider "Photography 101" where I teach the basics of camera usage and technique.  Once you know how to use your camera, we'll immediately jump into a live photoshoot for a demonstration of what the various modes and settings will do.  When the live demo is complete, I'd love for everyone in attendance to jump right in and start shooting!  We will have models on site at the venue for some additional live learning, and it is here that you can really start to understand the intricacies of your gear as well as photography.  We'll conduct these in coordinated sessions where I'll give on-site instruction for attendees on some of my unique tips and tricks for making beautiful images that you can apply directly on location!  We will go back and forth from the informal classroom setting to shooting - a process that will continue for several hours, when we'll do a mid-afternoon break for any one-on-one questions from attendees.

After the break we will work on what it takes for people to take their work to the next level with lighting, composition, and style.  We will dive right into the heart of creativity and light, two things that simply must be learned in order to further yourself as a photographer.  Live (tethered) shooting from yours truly will demonstrate our lighting and contrast control in much more detail, which are two of my signature elements for my personal shooting style.  Lighting both on and off the camera will be covered, as well as tips and tricks for wireless triggering, light control and manipulation, and creative usage.

We will wrap up the afternoon by proving the opportunity to spend some quality time shooting with the outstanding backdrops of SkySong and our amazing models during a half-hour Photo Shootout!  Here you will take all the techniques that I demonstrated throughout the afternoon and you'll apply some of your own inner creativity to start (or build) your own portfolio for the day.  This is your time to shine and we will be walking around giving as much advice as possible until we close out the day.  My goal is that you take away not only a wealth of knowledge and experience all jam-packed into an awesome day of learning and photographing, but that you have a blast doing it!  There will be a few surprises thrown in and we will also be giving away some great prizes from our sponsors, so make sure you're in til the very end - it will be worth it!

WHAT TO BRING TO THE CLASS:
Two things: yourself and your camera!  There is a heavy emphasis on DSLR usage and functionality, but any camera that has a full manual mode will do!  It would be greatly preferred that you familiarize yourself with the buttons and functions of your camera beforehand, and if you are still not sure what to make of it all please bring your camera's manual so that we can further assist you on the day of the workshop.  One other thing that I highly, highly encourage is a 50mm prime lens, whether it is a 50 1.2, 50 1.4, or 50 1.8 the control of aperture is best learned from this standard prime for many photographers.  Any lighting accessories, camera gear, or additional items are welcome and can likely be put to good use, especially during the shootout.  Feel free to bring your tablet, laptop, etc if you would like, but they are not required.

WHAT DOES IT COST:

• $550 covers the 4-hour hands-on Photography Workshop as well as the 1 hour Photography Shootout

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ): http://www.mikemaezworkshops.com/faq/