Blog Post 2 - Snapped : Hosting My First Photography Workshop..
Here is what happens when you bet on yourself and allow the idea to leave the Milanote.
The Foundation of Photography workshop was an opportunity for photographers not matter the skill level to learn in a collaborative and fun environment on how to enhance your skills and creative techniques from two industry professionals. The Foundation of Photography workshop allowed those who attended to grasp a better understanding of lighting, composition, and manual shooting.
August twenty-four was quite a hectic month in the most fulfilling way; full of fashion-forward events, work, and planning my birthday festivities I had the wonderful idea of facilitating and hosting a fashion photography workshop. Throughout the years I have been a part of organizations where I either took the photos, filmed, or helped plan the events as a collective. The Foundation of Photography workshop was unlike anything I’ve done before. This was my baby and I wanted to deliver this idea to the masses with the hopes that it would be perceived most beneficially. With the help of a few amazing individuals and one beautiful business the outcome proceeded my expectations. Of course there were lessons that were learned but overall this was the most fulfilling experience. Facilitating an opportunity for others to learn and grow from two people whose talent that I admire to the fullest.
Let me introduce you all to those who made this possible.
Please give the people below a follow and please support their talent and businesses.
Meet Donaven Doughty
Donaven is a self-taught photographer and filmmaker from Bridgeport, Connecticut and currently resides in Columbia, SC. Donaven is passionate about spotlighting individuals and organizations that play integral roles in their communities who other wise would be overlooked. Donaven has directed, produced or shot over four films since 2020 and is commited to continue to document powerful and unheard stories can amplify the impact of movements. Donaven has been featured in various publications such as ETV, Roadtrip Nation, FC Beat Magazine, Little Caesars, and more!
Meet Ariana Smoak
Ariana is an established photographer based out of Columbia, SC who studied media tech, video production, and journalism. She has achieved serveral great accolades, her first exhibition feature was for Indie Grits Southern Disposition. Ariana published her first book in 2020, became a merchandise photographer in 2022, and finished an internship with the education department in December. Ariana has worked with brands like local favorite Bluetile and the trendy Urban Outfitters.
Say Hello to The Lady
The Lady is ideally located in the Main Street District and is within walking distance of the Vista; centrally located between Gervais and Bull Streets, you can reach some of Columbia’s best destinations within minutes! While the city’s thriving downtown is just steps from your front door, you will still find yourself just minutes from the city’s premiere shopping, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.
“Our luxury apartments in Columbia allow you to reside in comfort and sophistication while exploring the unique and dynamic culture of the historic downtown.”
The Foundation of Photography was an absolutely beautiful experience, one that I am so proud of. I was allowed to do multiple things that I love that being sharing my passion for fashion as well as using that passion to help those in the community explore their passion and further their knowledge. I’m excited to host more community-forward workshops and events that bring together creative minds, especially those interested in fashion. I am still in the process of putting together the pieces of the next workshop, I am so excited to share more details as they come. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about photography or are looking to refine your skills in a supportive community, I encourage you to join us in the future. Thank you to all of you who supported by attending my first workshop and I want to thank Ariana, Donaven, and to those of you at The Lady for believing in my ability to facilitate all of this.
Stay tuned!
- Danielle
