A Workshop, #2 – Wendi Riggens Photography

Yesterday I posted about the workshop.  Today, I talk about the models.  I didn’t shoot much in the morning session, instead leading the others and talking about lighting and posing. My wonderful clients Annie and Shane modeled for us, and they were so much fun!

I want to dedicate this post, however, to a woman who is more than just my client.  I consider her a friend, and one of the strongest women I know.  I met Heidi back in 2006, and her wedding was one of the first weddings I ever photographed on my own.  She was a beautiful bride, and has such an amazing spirit.  Heidi suffers from fibromyalgia, and is in pain almost constantly.  She has had a rough year physically, and had to close the doors on her fitness studio to take care of herself.  When I started thinking about models for the workshop, I knew I wanted someone that was more than just a pretty face.  I wanted someone that truly deserved something special.  Heidi and her family came to mind almost immediately.  Each photographer, as part of the workshop requirements, must provide 5 images of the models at the end of the weekend, and these images are then given to the models as a thank you for their time.

Here are a few of my images of Heidi and her family.  They had so much fun modeling for us, and we had such a great time “shooting” them!

This is an idea I borrowed from my friend, Bing, an amazing photographer from Memphis. I had them each write one word on their palm that they thought described their family. They were not allowed to look at each others hands until after I took this shot.

Moments like this make me cry!

These kids are so beautiful!

Playing with OCF

We couldn’t resist doing a group shot with them!
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