I love running my Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshop at my home in Ballito as it just feels so lovely and personal. And that’s just it, my workshops are personal.

I enjoy getting to know my students and when the workshop is done we stay in touch via a private Facebook group, which means that there is continued support. Friendships have been formed as a result of my workshop and I’ve  so enjoyed seeing students images get better and better and their businesses thrive. This isn’t one of those workshops where there are 20 people all vying for a position to photograph a styled shoot. Nope I keep the numbers down to give everyone personalized attention.

At the end of June 2019 I hosted 8 wonderful photographers at my home, which I call the “Mouse House”, for my seventh Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography workshop in South Africa. We had a real mixed bunch, some of the photographers who attended have been in business for close to a decade and others are just starting out.

Despite their varying levels of experience we had so much fun and they all wanted to learn

HOW TO
·         Develop your own visual language and style
·         Find the clients that resonate with you
·         Turn tricky shooting situations into creative possibilities
·         Take your images from drab to fab
·         Make friends with your flash
·         See the light and make the light
·         Stay inspired and think out of the box
·         Create emotive imagery
·         Compose better
·         Put your prices up
·         Use mindfulness to reduce creative anxiety
·         Take better care of yourself for optimum performance
·         Put YOU into your work

Running the workshop over two days instead of one is the best decision I have made as it really gives attendees the chance to totally immerse into the creative process. We spent two full days working on the worksheets I have designed to get people thinking about their own creativity, life and business.

I gave lectures about all my secrets and stories and everything I have learnt over the last ten years of working as a professional photographer.

I gave lots of practical demonstrations about shooting in the mid-day sun.

I gave students a bunch of tips and techniques abou how to make amazing images in messy, ugly spaces, boring spaces or just a plain white wall.

I showed them my simple approach to flash photography and the joys of using lighting modifyers and then everyone got to play with me on hand to ask questions.

We ate absolutely incredible lunches by Bleu Berri Concept Catering, drank loads of tea and coffee and finished it all off with a cheese and wine and a special G&T by West Coast Distillers for those who are into a spot of gin!

A huge thanks to Carolyn from Adore weddings and Events who made us the most beautifully decorated table with gorgeous splashes of coral tulips and foraged botanical delights. I particularly loved the blue delft plates which she hired from the Delish Sisters!

Thanks also to House of Hudson for the chairs and Two Fold Interiors for the lovely linen.

Here’s what some of these attendees had to say along with a few of the pics I took of them to demonstrate practical techniques.

Dawn Oosterberg: Attending Jacki’s Unstuck Yourself workshop was real food for my creative soul. I was rather bored and a little stuck in my photography and Jacqui managed to really draw me out of myself. Her natural, easy teaching style is not intimidating at all, but is rather raw, honest and real. This helps you feel comfortable to be yourself, to make mistakes and, most importantly, to grow. I walked away from this workshop feeling inspired, refreshed (can anyone say “Mama’s day out?”) and ready to take on new challenges. Thank you, Jacki, for really massaging in the new information, for being patient and for inspiring us all with your journey.

Lucy Gemmill: I left Joburg so super excited to attend Jacki’s ” Unstuck yourself” course in June. From the moment I walked through the door and was given a massive hug by both Jax and Charne. I was made to feel welcome and included throughout the two full on days.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, where I was I met by a wealth of camera knowledge, from a team of amazing individuals. I found the soul searching fascinating. We were asked through several diverse modules to figure out what made us “tic”. I have figured out a lot about myself as I dig deep to this day, several weeks later on. By doing this I will attempt to implement what I have searched for and found within myself. Plus continuing to do so.

I loved every second of this course. I am so glad that I was able to travel from Joburg to attend.

Shezaad Ally: The Unstuck Yourself workshop totally changed my way of thinking. I used to panic in wedding situations but Jacki not only gives you the tools to shoot in messy rooms she also teaches you how to calm down. My images also have more emotion since the workshop and my clients are so amazed at what I am able to create.

Anja Meyer: The Unstuck Yourself Workshop was an amazing experience, not just photographically, but all round! Yes it focused on photography, but it also focused on tapping into your creativity, looking after your health and being more mindful when shooting. I felt beyond inspired and so excited to try new things after the workshop.

Anneke Human: Attending Jacki’s workshop has been such a blessing at the right time, I came un-inspired and surely left inspired and unstuck. I’m excited about my photography again and I can’t wait to see and use light better. I loved the workshop!!

Sally Mackay: ‘Jacki – you are a legend! It was a privilege to attend your ‘Unstuck yourself’ workshop in Durban. Your honest and open approach to the workshop was refreshing and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the mindful practices and loved the opportunity to play and try different techniques.   Your approach to difficult situations was inspiring and I will always think ‘What would Jacki do?’ going forward!   It was lovely to experience this workshop with like-minded people, who shared their experience and expertise freely. I feel that I have gained an extended community.

Thank you again for sharing your valuable wisdom with us.

Thank you also to Charne who looked after us so beautifully – you really are a patient angel ‘behind the scenes’!!

If you would like to attend the next Unstuck Yourself Creative Photography Workshop click here for more details.

The next one will be happening at my home in Ballito on the 17th and 18th of March 2020.

Share this