OK, I don’t know why the idea of brides being amongst the ruins that were once Eastern State Penitentiary appeal to me, but they do. I took so many images I like from the day I was with Cliff Mautner in his Lighting and Skillsets Bootcamp that I had to blog at least a few.
I also would like to just take a minute aside to tell you about my experience at Cliff’s Bootcamp. I really should put together a full review for those who may be interested in taking it themselves, but for lack of time, I’ll just say a few things here. If given the opportunity to learn anything from Cliff Mautner, I’d gladly accept a second (3rd, 4th, etc) invitation. He and I are about the same age, but he’s got about 700 weddings under his belt and a good 20 years more experience than I do. He’s got more relative information in his head than I could ever get into mine in 3 days. Although our personal styles couldn’t be more different, working with him made me identify what my own strengths were and applying his sense of light and dimension into my vision is only just beginning.
It took me over a week of sessions and several lighting scenarios to actually realize the true value of this workshop and how it would effect my own work. I went into each with more confidence to roll with whatever I might be faced with and adjust. A simple concept but I’m guessing it’ll be a lifetime of challenges that test me. I sure hope so, anyway.
In all the trials and tribulations of starting up a photography business and learning (and then learning more) of the technical aspects, Cliff’s advice to see with your eyes first rang true for me. It’s time for me to trust what I know and let it work more in the background now. Being a photographer is like being a lifetime student, but confidence is something that develops naturally (for me) as I start to like my own work more. I’m not where I want to be yet, but thanks to Cliff Mautner, I think I’m on the right path.
One last bit of 2 cents. This class isn’t cheap. It’s not a class for those not seriously interested in taking their skills up a few notches and building a bigger book of business because of it. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend it for the casual photographer or for those who are just going to shoot one or two weddings. It’s also not for someone who is just looking to get compliments from one of the greats. I quickly learned that accolades had to be earned and it brought more value to the workshop because of it. When you leave Cliff’s Bootcamp, you’ll get a lifetime invitation to call him when you have a question and you will likely never meet someone who has steadfastly remained so passionate about providing consistently great work for his clients. He’s truly a master when it comes to using available light. When he speaks, I find myself really listening. I almost never do that these days.
If you are seriously considering taking his bootcamp and have any questions about my experience, please ask me.
I tried to pick some different images than I’ve shared on facebook or flickr. I also picked images that I was channeling a bit of Cliff Mautner. 
Thank you so much for posting this, Shari. Even though I’ve already registered for the workshop, this really reaffirms that decision. I am relatively new but am extremely passionate about this.. I’m quitting my day job right before the workshop (this was already planned) and I have 16 weddings this year. It’s going to be a big year – rewarding and challenging – and I think this workshop will really help me before I kick off my crazy wedding season. So, thanks again. I’ll let you know how it goes!