Hello there. How are you? I’m writing from a very overcast Sydney, but the cool breeze is a welcome change from all the crazy heat we’ve been having lately. And it’s not even summer yet. Eek.
You might remember that this time last year, I took an online photography course with blogger, maker, photographer and all-round lovely lady Emily Quinton.
I found that course so inspiring. As well as all the technical know-how Emily passed on, I just loved her whole outlook on life, particularly the importance she places on creativity and making something everyday – just because.
Anyway, we were back in the UK this spring and the stars aligned (thanks Mum for babysitting) and I was able to go down to London for the day for an in-person workshop with Emily, at her beautiful Makelight studio.
If you follow Emily on Instagram you will know she has a very distinctive, often floral, and always cheerful style. Well, walking into the studio was like being in Emily’s Instagram stream. Beautiful light, beautiful things, buckets of flowers, tea, cake and tons and tons of inspiration.
I’ve shared a few photos from that day below, if you’d like to see. I’m just kicking myself for not taking more photos of the actual studio as it’s just so lovely.
Styling photographs is not my strong point, but it was such fun to play with Emily’s props – including this beautiful vintage cake tin which pops up on her feed from time to time.
Emily is so generous with her knowledge and it was great to be able to quiz her on lots of different things – we all wanted to know how she manages to do all she does as well as being a mum of four.
I would love to do another of Emily’s courses. There is always more to learn and whether it’s the online course or this latest workshop, I’ve met some really lovely people through Makelight.
Taking pretty pictures is a little hobby for me – one my other half and the rest of my family don’t really get! It’s not something I will ever make a living from so it’s hard to justify spending the time and resources doing it, but I really enjoy it. I came away from having that day to myself – just for me – feeling so refreshed and full of ideas.
So thanks again Emily, and your beautiful assistant, Ruth Garner (of a Gathered Cheer), for a lovely day. It was just fab.
I’m so jealous, Bex! I would love to spend a day in Emily’s studio!
Your photographs are just wonderful. Styling is nog my strong part either, I think you did really well. Did you edit the photographs in Lightroom? I just started editing in Lightroom and really love it. Still so much too learn!
Pauline recently posted…The arboretum: where every leaf is a flower
Oh thank you so much for reading, Pauline. I wrote this post for you and my Makelight Online friends! Maybe one day we can all take a class together.
I did organise these pictures in Lightroom – it makes it so easy to select photos. And then I upped the exposure slightly on them all and did a bit of straightening. I have bought some presets but haven’t found any I really love yet. I quite like the effects I can get with just a few tweaks. Let me know how you get on with Lightroom. I am trying to organise all my photos with categories and keywords. It’s going to take a long time!
Bex recently posted…Makelight with Emily Quinton
It’s taking me a long time to get organised too. I like to see it as an investment 😉 One day we shall be organised!
I haven’t bought any presets, I think I can make my own presets. There are some very helpful tutorials on Adobe TV, they should be useful to Silke too.
Pauline recently posted…The arboretum: where every leaf is a flower
I’ve gone through those Adobe tutorials – they were great. I should go back to them now I feel a bit more confident with what I am doing. Yeah, I think you right with the presets. If you make your own adjustments they are really yours too – it’s not somebody else’s style x (Hope you feel better soon, by the way x)
Bex recently posted…Makelight with Emily Quinton
Hello Bex, so glad you blog again! And also jealous ;0))…
I would really love to take an inspiring course in person. And so totally get it that the others don´t get that thing with styling and take pretty pictures haha. I always enjoy reading your posts! It would be so nice to chat with you both about Lightroom and photographing, I started also with LR and like how easy photos can be adjusted. But I struggle a lot with the keyword and category thing.
Wish you a happy week!
xx Silke
Thank you so much for reading, Silke, and taking the time to leave a comment.
I’m sorry for not replying sooner!
The styling thing does not come very easily to be at all. I am taking another online class with Kim Klassen to try to learn a little bit more. I think it takes a lot of practice!
The course I did to learn more about keywords with LightRoom was with Life:Captured Inc. They have a promotion on at the moment, I think. It was a six -week course. I might see if I can do a little write-up about it to.
How nice it would be to get together and chat about photos! Maybe one day!
Take care
Bex xxx
Bex recently posted…Makelight with Emily Quinton
That should be been too not to! Oops
Bex recently posted…Makelight with Emily Quinton
Such lovely photos Bex! I agree with everything you say, It seems like a great community at Make Light. I didn’t get quite as much time to contribute to the conversations as I would have liked but I have loads of new ides to pour over for later! Thanks for the recommendation! I might even do another one when I have more time. How does she do it all with 4?
Aleasha recently posted…10 Tips for travelling with a toddler
I’m so glad you enjoyed the course, Aleasha. Maybe we can do another one together next year?! I love your photographs. Can’t wait to see some Christmas flat lays 😉 x