This past Saturday I was one of the fortunate photographers who got to spend the day with Chris Becker…ahem…I mean [b]ecker…as he visited CanadaLand Calgary for the first time with his aptly named workshop “Crash Course in Kickin’ A$$”. Becker is a very well known and very successful wedding photographer from Orange County down in beautiful sunny southern California. His passion for wedding photography and his willingness to share everything he has learned during his 20 year career in the industry is what made this workshop such a fantastic learning experience for me.

The workshop wasn’t focused around shooting but instead everything else that happens before and after the shoot that make up the business of wedding photography.  Everything from meeting and working with clients to shaping a brand to workflow and pricing. He put everything on the table and left nothing but a challenge for everyone who attended to find ways to make our businesses better and our clients happier. Of course the entire day wasn’t all business and he did take things outside for about 45 minutes or so of shooting to show everyone how he works with couples to capture “relaxed portraits” and “real moments”. There was a model couple on hand and as Becker went to work we got a chance to witness his natural ability and fantastic people skills in action while those who brought camera gear along got to take a few shots as well.

The following photos were all captured in pure paparazzo style as I mingled amongst the crowd of close to 100 other workshop participants. I took whatever composition I could manage while Becker directed the couple in his lightning fast style. I even found myself shooting through the trees on one or two occasions just to get a clear shot of the couple. Everything was captured with an 85mm Zeiss f/1.4 mounted to a Sony a900 full frame body (my default portrait combination). We came outside for this shoot late in the afternoon and although it was a bit chilly the light was fantastic and the couple looked stunning. I’m more than happy with the shots that I was able to get and loved getting the chance to see just how Becker worked with the couple keeping them moving and smiling almost non-stop.

…and BOOM. Becker working his magic…

A special thanks to Patrick Kornak and the Calgary Institute for Photography for making this workshop not only possible, but also affordable for so many people.

For more information on Becker be sure to check out [b]ecker’s blog, follow TheBecker on Twitter, or sign up over at the [b] school where Becker is continuing to build an awesome online community for photographers.

Are you looking for a contemporary wedding photojournalist or modern engagement photographer in Calgary or elsewhere? Like the images that you see here? If so I would love to hear from you! Please head over to my Contact page and get in touch.

Images Copyright © 2009 Tomlinson Photography. All Rights Reserved.