Just when we needed it most, Erica of SoCal Standard came along with The Light + Melanin Workshop. She describes it as “an online photo and editing workshop dedicated to the education of diversification in the photography industry”. As made very clear by the recent photos of Simone Biles by Annie Leibovitz, dark skin is frequently done a disservice by photographers. I think Annie herself would benefit from this course. It was an incredible experience and I’m so grateful to Erica for sharing her infectious joy, energy and wisdom!

Light is everything in photography. To achieve correct skin color and texture is so important when working in portraits and lighting properly is key. While the initial focus of this workshop would be to learn more about properly handling melanated skin in a variety of lighting situations, we also got to spend a day discussing diversity and racism in the photo and wedding industries. 

From her website:

The class is covering five major topics of Light & Melanin:

Why diversity is important and how to attract it

Marketing, Portfolios, and how to avoid Tokensim

Camera settings and gear

Photographing diverse clients in: harsh light, golden hour and off camera flash

what to do when you have mixed melanin couples and families  

How to properly edit melanin skin

while also working through popular presets to maintain consistency in your work

While we got to take photos with two amazing couples, an insanely talented team of vendors and Erica herself, the discussion was truly the best part of the course. Erica is both kind and encouraging and created an amazing space for discussion and education. She answered so many of my questions, shared SO much valuable knowledge and I highly recommend her Online Course if you missed this one!

Big thanks to all the amazing folks who put on this event and a huge CONGRATS to Erica on an amazing course and shoot!!

Magic Makers:

Venue @florathevenue
Backdrop @wild_heart_events
Velvet goodness @adorefolklore
Flowers @ahrflorals

Dresses: @ruedesinebridal 

Babes: j_vvill @anisett | @crownexo__ @kris.ofalltrades