Bob + Dawn Davis Love Story Workshop!

This past month has been a whirlwind for me. I am thankful to have so many photographers in this industry to call friends. Last month I flew down to Miami to lend a hand to Kenny Kim and Ray Santana with their Portfolio Plus Workshop (PPWIII workshop blog post here)and then I drove down to Washington, IL to help out Escalate LIVE with Dane Sanders and company (EscalateLIVE coverage blog post here). These leaders in the wedding photography industry have done so much to help me out, and it is completely my pleasure to give back and help in whatever way I can.

This past week, I spent two days helping out celebrity wedding photographers Bob and Dawn Davis. Everything I know about flash photography I learned from Bob. He is not only ridiculously talented, but a great teacher as well. Even something so complicated as flash photography, Bob is able to break it down for people to understand. Dawn is someone who can make you feel so welcome and loved within 5 minutes of talking with her, and she has and clear understanding of design and marketing within the wedding photography industry. It was truly my privilege to help out with any knowledge as well as lending out my three flashes and lightstands for attendees to use-

If you wanted to learn more about the Davis Love Story Workshops, head to their website to see when they will have their next one!

Bob started Day 1 with a presentation about flash and a whole bunch of other technical stuff-

And it is only fitting to have a photo of Bob Davis holding a strobe

Meanwhile, upstairs, the models were getting ready for an all afternoon/evening photoshoot! Makeup done by Jaycie – you can view her portfolio on her website!

After lunch, we headed outside to begin shooting! The Narnia Estate was generous in letting us have free reign on their property for this workshop! Located in Lemont, IL, it was a beautiful location!

Bob is getting hands on with the attendees with suggestions on how to see and use the light-

Dawn had so many great ideas for their photoshoot- including having a white horse come out! Not to mention great ideas from Ed, Michele and Jordana. (Bob and Dawn’s support team)

I just had to take a photo of this. Lightstands and strobes, that’s how you know you are at a Bob and Dawn Davis Love Story Workshop!

A photo of a wedding bouquet-

Details! details! details! Almost like a movie set!

In the background a Packard car came out to be photographed. I am telling you…white horse, classic automobile, bouquets, and a fairy! They went all out-

We had one of the models dressed as a fairy- after all, we were at the Narnia Estate! I loved these photos of her-

Dawn was having a great time watching and encouraging all the attendees during the photoshoot-

I absolutely loved these next two photos. She pulled it off perfectly. The dress, the balloons, the hairstyle, and the pose…it all worked together!

I didn’t get to use any off camera strobes as I had lent all my gear out to some attendees, but I think I did ‘ok’ with available light! =)

But of course, that wasn’t enough shooting! After dinner, we headed out for some night photography! Here Bob is again teaching how to do off camera flash photography-

I had to grab this photo of the attendees!

On Day 2, Dawn shared about workflow, client meetings, marketing and sooo many other things, including their story of how they came to be where they are today. It was an open and honest dialogue, and that’s why I love these guys, they are true to themselves and who they are…and they are willing to share that us.

Thanks so much for having me help out your Davis Love Story Workshop! I had a great time and I am thankful to have friends like you guys in this wedding industry!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

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