10 Mar 2023
It was well worth the trip to take part in JP Stones' lighting workshop.
I booked my spot at relatively short notice, but JP was able to secure a model and find space in his schedule quickly. Communication was clear and comprehensive by email before I arrived in Mexico and JP even recommended a driver to ferry me both ways from my resort in Puerto Vallarta. The first couple of hours were spent going over the basics of lighting so I understood the concepts.
After lunch, we headed down to the jungle with the Mexica model, Juan who had spent the lunch hour transforming himself into a Mexica/Azteca Shaman with full face and body make-up and stunning regalia.
JP had thought-out three-to-four separate locations and scenarios in the jungle and on the beach and directed me to not only follow his direction but also use my own imagination and cue the model to strike different poses. The whole afternoon was easy-going and you could sense JP's enthusiasm for the whole process, especially when he saw the images evolving in my camera.
We finished the shoot on the beach with Juan delighting us all with his fire dancing on the shoreline. I was excited to see my captured images the next day on my computer and I was thrilled with the results. I am even thinking of booking another workshop with JP to shoot the Charros or the Folklore Dancers!
What an amazing experience!