I had the pleasure of learning the Art Of Directing from one of the most talented photographers that I know, Tanja Lippert. I have always admired Tanja’s work and as soon as I found out she was opening up her home to teach photographers what she knows, I couldn’t resist the opportunity! Tanja is so much more than just a talented photographer, she has the most amazingly fun and outgoing personality ever. When I opened the door and walked in to her place, she greeted me with a chicken costume on…no joke! I knew I was in for an exciting day! When I was still in college, years ago, pre art-school, I remember noticing a photograph on the wall at my local starbucks. It was a photograph of a bride and groom holding hands in front of an old rundown barn. The barn doors had such beautiful texture and it was the most out-of-the-box wedding portrait I had ever seen, the juxtaposition of the elegant bridal gown and the old rundown barn was something I hadn’t seen back then, but I knew I loved it. I quickly went and asked the barista who’s work that was on the wall and I kept Tanja’s name in the back of my mind. I’ve always had a passion for photography, art, and images that speak volumes so when I saw that picture I knew that this girl, whoever she was, was someone I just had to meet. Long story short and almost 5 years later, Tanja Lippert inspired me to pursue photography, to be a woman who loves her craft and dares to take the images that live in my brain and bring them to life! It was an honor to shoot next to her during this workshop, to learn from her and to have my photography work be affirmed by her. Everyone out there has someone who has inspired them to some degree and Tanja is someone who continues to do that for me. These are the images that I captured throughout our day. The makeup and styling was done by the amazing Tia…isn’t it gorgeous?!