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past workshop: october 24, 2023

Capturing Connection, Crafting Depth

An Authentic Wedding Photography Workshop Series

mastering the art of story-led imagery

Come join us for a thoughtfully curated series of photography workshops which are designed to inspire you and foster connection and community. Our gatherings go beyond just a styled shoot, they are a cozy haven where creativity blooms and personal growth finds its path. 

We are excited to launch the series with a styled shoot in Old City blending iconic and modern elements. The day will encompass a portrait session at the Merchant's Exchange with a vintage car decked out with florals, followed by a styled shoot at Power Plant Productions including a second bridal look, ceremony backdrop, tablescape and flatlays. With their unique perspectives and years of experience in the wedding industry, Emily and Asya will teach you two distinct approaches to creating authentic and enduring imagery.

This workshop will be an experience which will ignite your creativity and provide you with an opportunity to connect with yourself and create iconic imagery to refine and grow your brand and style. With small groups and an intimate setting, you will have plenty of opportunity for both one on one time and guided creative direction. 


Old City styled shoot

mastering the art
of story-led imagery

Two experts, two approaches

From documenting the organic moments to posing your couple, developing your unique approach can take years of experience. That's why we are so excited to share our processes and philosophies with you.

Effortlessly Elevated Posing 

Beyond mastering posing techniques, Emily will guide you in discovering the art of embracing calm amidst the high-pressure environment of a wedding portrait session. Learn techniques that broaden your perceptiveness, enabling you to finesse delicate intricacies and command every aspect of your composition, while naturally relaxing your subjects into effortless poses.

Through this journey, Emily's mentorship will nurture your self-assurance, fostering a bond of trust with your couples, resulting in the creation of elevated and extraordinary images.

what you will learn

Capturing the in-between moments

As storytellers, we know there is a fine balance between knowing when to step in and when to allow a moment to unfold organically. In this lesson, Asya will teach her documentary-styled approach that allows her to capture not just how the moment looks, but how it feels

Each couple has their own love and it’s important to create space for their authenticity, allowing you to capture their story. It is often these unscripted moments that bring depth to the narrative. In her lesson, Asya will teach you how to guide your couples with movement based posing, providing margin for magical, in between moments.

meet emily

meet asya

with emily wren

with asya shirokova

+ A photoshoot at Merchant Exchange with a wedding couple and a vintage car
+ A styled shoot at Power Plant Productions including a tablescape, ceremony backdrop and flatlays
+ Instruction with two distinct approaches to portraiture
+ Dedicated one-on-one shooting with feedback and assistance upon request
+ Small, close-knit group (maximum 6 participants)
+ A fun-loving and effervescent couple
+ Top-tier hair and makeup  
+ Exquisite floral design
+ Showcasing couture bridal fashion in two unique looks
+ Behind-the-scenes and lifestyle shots
+ Professional headshot
+ A lunch a with an intimate Q&A with a high-end Philadelphia Planner
+ Further One-on-One mentorship will be offered at a discounted rate
+ Private Instagram Group for continued support and community

the details

what's incluced

merchant exchange  moodboard

Gallery from our Workshop

merchant's exchange

At Merchant Exchange we will explore two different approaches to photographing a couple and will have a vintage car with floral details, a small cake and champagne. Think chic urban vibes.

At Power Plant we will have several vignettes including a ceremony backdrop, a table scape and flatlays. Emily & Asya will lead a studio bridal portrait session, demonstrating how subtle adjustments can accentuate inherent beauty, how specific direction can create a mood and how rules of compositions can elevate an image into the realm of fine art photography and reveal inner beauty. There will be plenty of details throughout to

Once we've honed this polished approach, we'll open the door to creativity, delving into long exposure motion blur and whatever other inventive concepts emerge through our collaboration with the couple. Every participant will have dedicated one-on-one time with each vignette and the couple, supplemented by additional direction if desired.


Merchant Exchange & power plant styled shoot

the shoot

power plant moodboard

Gallery from our workshop

power plant gallery

tuesday, october 24

The itinerary

Meet & Greet

10 am

Let the day begin! We'll first meet up at Power Plant Studios for some coffee and small talk before diving into the day. 

Merchant's Exchange

10:30 am

We will walk over to the stunning Merchant’s Exchange for a timeless yet contemporary couples photoshoot. This neutral session will blend seamlessly into any portfolio.

Couples Shoot & Headshots

11am - 1pm

We'll split into small groups and take turns between capturing the models and getting some fresh headshots. And don't worry, each attendee will have 1:1 time with the models!

Lunch and Q&A with
Susan from The Styled Bride

1:30 pm

We'll enjoy a well-earned lunch with the incredible Susan from the Styled Bride. This is the perfect time to pick her brain about becoming a photographer that high-end vendors and clientele want to work with.

Power Plant

3 pm

Next up, we're diving into a full-blown styled shoot at Power Plant Productions. Get ready for high fashion, stunning florals, a chic neutral setting with elegant fall accents, and plenty of creative direction to bring your artistic vision to life.




Wrap Up & Wine

5 pm

Last but not least, we will wrap up the day with some wine before going our separate ways.

Asya shirokova

Asya is the owner of ASYA Photography, a boutique photo + cinema studio based in Philadelphia. Over the past 15 years, her studio has grown to include 8 associate photographers and an amazing cinema team. 

meet the hosts

about

visit website →

Emily Wren

Emily Wren, the talented lead shooter and owner of Emily Wren Photography, has been capturing some of Philadelphia’s most beautiful weddings since 2008. 

visit website →

Our goal is to inspire you and help you elevate your brand and build a warm, supportive community. We will provide you with insights into the intricacies of running a thriving wedding photography business committed to excellence while remaining motivated and dedicated to a mindset of creative growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are keeping our portraiture workshops small and intimate, limiting it to 6 attendee.

How many attendees will there be?

We will help with creative direction and posing techniques, but also give each attendee ample time to shoot on their own.

Will you help with posing and creative direction?

We do not offer refunds of any kind. However, if something comes up and you are unable to make the event, you can transfer your balance towards another future workshop. Cancellations must be communicated 48 hours prior to the workshop.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Yes! Feel free to bring your film cameras. We are happy to answer any of your film questions as well.

Is this workshop for both digital and film?

Fill out the contact form below and we will send you a contract and invoice.

How do I sign up?