I’m giddy! Seriously! This is a long blog post… but I have a lot to say! So fellow photographers – listen up! Because you’ll WANT to participate!

I’ve been waiting for months to finally “officially” announce the first ever Images for a Cure workshop this spring (in a month, actually!) We have been working like gangbusters to finish up our planning, and if it weren’t for the amazing support of my friends, vendors and hard-working IFAC team here in Orlando – we may never have gotten this done! (aaaand end Emmy speech, cue music, cut to commercial)

So if you’re unfamiliar with Images for a Cure or the workshop, let me shed some light!

I started Images for a Cure (IFAC) back in the fall of 2009. I worked really hard to make something out of nothing, and together with some incredible photographers, we raised slightly over $13,000 to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation! Our efforts were put to the test in the fall of 2010 when we launched in to our second year with new branding, new tier-based participation system and a brand new (fancy-schmancy) website! But I’m so proud to announce that 250 photographers joined us, raising over $15,000 – making our lifetime grand total over $28,000!

I’m seriously amazed, thankful and so appreciative of everyone’s hard work to make the event so successful!

Which is why we decided to host our first ever Spring Workshop! Just a little thank you, from the team here in Orlando to everyone across the world who helped see us through such a challenging year!

The Workshop!

Our workshop is a 2-day intensive workshop that will have one day of speaking and one day of shooting under some of the most talented, funny and business-savvy photographers in the country! Lucky for me, they’re all based relatively locally and I can abuse my friend-powers to get them to come share their secrets!

These aren’t career motivational speakers. These are true-life, successful photography studio owners who make their living by booking clients – not selling things or writing books. They won’t try to get you to buy anything, or tell you that you can’t be successful without a crazy 60 lb. camera bag and boom stand that they developed. They’re real. And they’re really entertaining!

The Speakers!

Our workshop is being headlined by the esteemed Brooke Thomas, editor of Weddings Unveiled Magazine! It’s honestly my FAVORITE industry magazine. She’ll be speaking on getting published and what editors are looking for.

And listen to this lineup:

Melanie and Brad Watson from La Dolce Vita Studio will be discussing “Finding Your Sweet Spot”.

This is what Melanie (or Brad… who can keep track?) had to say about their topic: “Our topic will focus on the keys to success and balance as a photographer and creative spirit. This often elusive place of balance is what we call the “sweet spot.” Finding your authentic voice, running a thriving business and maintaining balance in your personal and professional life is what every photographer strives for. We will be talking about how you can be true to who you are as an artist; how this will help garner the right clients for you; how to keep them and attract more clients like them all while maintaining your sanity. There are many paths to success, we intend to help you figure out which road is best for you.”

Becka and Nate Robinson from Studio 222 Photography

Abby Liga from Liga Photography – “Shooting to Get Published”

Amy Smith from Amy Smith Photography – “Confessions of a Child Photographer”

Joey Wright from Joey Wright Photography – “Lighting for Fashion Photography”

Jennifer Frances, retouch artist

Melanie Pace, personal stylist – “Directing Client Wardrobe for Shoots”

Luisa Valdes, Hair and Makeup from Lunatic Fringe Salon – “Makeup for Photography Lighting Conditions”

The Shoots!

Then we have a half day of shooting with our photographers and their models! Some of our shooters will also be hosting a critique following their shoot so that you can get some feedback on the images you took!

Kristen Weaver – Fashion Bridal

Melanie and Brad Watson – Bride and Groom

Becka and Nate Robinson – Engagement

Abby Liga – Shooting to Get Published

Melissa Diep - Trash the Dress

Amy Smith – Actions of a Child Photographer

Joey Wright – Lighting for Fashion Photography

Now let’s talk about this GALA!

Seriously, you can’t get a bunch of wedding people together without throwing a huge party! So we’re celebrating our 2010 IFAC success with a grand party full of food, drinks, an amazing DJ, a super talented singer/songwriter, amazing decor, venue and showstopping florals! No pressure, right?

Forget the learning – we’re rocking from 8pm until midnight and everyone is invited to attend! You don’t need to go to the workshop – in fact, round up family and friends (must be 21 or older, sorry kids) and join us! We have a guest list working and tickets are $50 per person. So if you want to attend, make sure to email gala@imagesforacure.com to get on the guest list and pay for your tickets!

Special thanks to our venue, The MEZZ, and these amazing vendors:

Kristen Johnson from An Affair to Remember
Josh Bales, Singer/Songwriter
Al Dee Productions, DJ and Entertainment
Lee Forrest Design, Floral Designer

How you can help!

I am super excited at how quickly the workshop is selling – so make sure you register if you want to come! If you can’t attend, please help us by spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter! We have a strong community of colleagues and I hope we can fill the room with like-minded pros ready to share with each other!

Help us Spread the word by Tweeting: Are you attending the first @imagesforacure workshop?! I’ll be there! You can register here: http://ow.ly/3Ke9p

Reposting this blog post

Sending some love to our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/imagesforacure

Register here: http://app.shootq.com/public/images_for_a_cure/pricing/current

For photographers and sponsors – we have an FAQ page where you can download the latest logos, buttons and marketing materials, as well as find our style guide and other little goodies

For our clients, we have a fully integrated photographer seach under the Find a Photographer (FAP) link!

We’ll be blogging about all of our amazing sponsors and encourage you to work with them to help support us! It’s thrilling that we are being joined by many of them for the second year in a row!

Also, there’s a big photographer workshop we’re hosting in March, and I’d love to invite all of our photographers to attend. Just visit the Workshop link on the website to get more information!

Thanks so much, and good luck!

Hi! My name is Kristen Weaver, and I’m an Orlando photographer. I thought about all the ways to put together this website, and explain what I’m trying to accomplish – but I’m horrible with formalities. So I thought I’d blog about my vision, my passion and the amazing help and support I’ve received along the way.

First of all, I could not have put this event together without the tireless support of my fiance, Anthony. He is amazingly encouraging – and as I write this on our 3-year dateversary (it’s like an anniversary, but since we’re not married yet, it’s celebrating our first date) I know we’ll be spending our evening working on the details of the event and finishing up the website, as opposed to out to dinner. Such is love and commitment, and he is truly fantastic.

I also want to thank Melanie, from La Dolce Vita Studios in Jacksonville, FL – and Sarah, from Sarah Sandel Photography in Sebring, FL. Melanie, for her finesse with logic and approach, and Sarah, for her stunning way with words… when I first developed this idea, they were the first two people to jump in and help me out. They are also my first 2 participating photographers, and without their help I would never have been able to put this event together.

Every participating photographer shares in my same passion for making a difference. These photographers have devoted one day to unite their talents and raise donations for the BCRF. Their willingness to participate is absolutely touching, and overwhelming, and I hope that I’m able to offer that forum for their help.

Every participating photographer will be donating 100% of all session fees from October 11, 2009 to the BCRF. Many of the photographers are giving discounted rates and opening up more session times for this one day. So it’s important to find a photographer who is participating, and contact them directly to find out what they are offering. Every participating photographer will be listed on this website, and your donation will be going directly to the BCRF through a Donate button (via PayPal) on our website (coming soon).

Logistically, I’m still working out some kinks – so I appreciate everyone’s patience with the website.  Please consider participating and joining us in our efforts – whether it’s by booking a session with a photographer in the program, becoming a participating photographer, sponsoring the site – or simply spreading the word about what we’re trying to do.

It’s because of you that this event is successful, and I want everyone to share in our success. We’re here to make a difference – and it’s within our reach.

Thank you for your support.