
There’s an awful lot to consider when a photographer prepares to capture an image that thousands of potential readers and future sources may see. For a truly striking image to occur, the photographer must set the tone with lighting, wardrobe, and be able to suggest different poses for different subjects. This is exactly what Fort Worth Magazine’s very own director of photography, Crystal Wise, will be showcasing at Nickel City on May 16 for one of the over thirty events schedule to take place at the upcoming Fort Worth Foto Fest.
Fort Worth Magazine partnered with Fort Worth Camera to present a workshop that will allow participants to go from the photo assignment phase to a print publication. Class attendees will be thrust into the fascinating world of magazine photography as they get one-on-one instruction and tips from Wise, one of Fort Worth’s most prolific image professionals. Wise, who boasts almost a decade of real-world portrait and image photography experience, will assign a magazine shoot to be completed in real-time to eager pupils.
“The key to being a magazine photographer is to learn the voice of the publication you are shooting for,” Wise says. “Study it and try your best to immolate its style … you got to do your homework.”
Accolades aside, Wise says no matter how much skill a photographer has acquired over time, there is always something new to learn.
“You always have to keep learning,” Wise verified. “I am always looking at other photographers who inspire me or artists who inspire me. Once you stop learning I think you can get left behind. You always have to keep pushing.”
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But image education isn’t the only reason to attend this course.
Fort Worth Camera general manager MacKenzie Hughes, who has been putting this style of fest together for eight years, says he just wants participants to enjoy using their cameras.
“This isn’t a trade show, or a convention, this is just an event that we put together to try and get people excited about photography and enjoy themselves doing it,” he says. “Although this is an educational event, it’s really an entertaining way of teaching photographers new techniques.”
According to Hughes, this type of offering is a fun way for photographers to level up and find a new set of techniques they can use to have fun with whatever their skill level.
“This kind of event always gets people thinking about something else photo-wise, like lighting, color, and textures,” Hughes says. “There is always another discipline to think about or to try out, it’s never-ending.”
The backdrop for this workshop will take place inside Nickel City Fort Worth, located at 202 South Main Street Suite 100. Attendees will have the opportunity to take portraits of a subject using the pub’s distinct backdrop. All the lighting and models for this event will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. All Models will be styled in vintage clothing by Tiffany Ortez Parish of Honeysuckle Rose Vintage. Participants will also have the opportunity to have their images appear in an issue of Fort Worth Magazine.