This is a general question so I hope it is in the right forum as I hoped to hear from photographers and models both. I watch the events for shoots in Detroit and in Michigan and other than the DEAC I never see any events posted. Why is this? I see Ohio, Indiana, and every major and city and state around us but never anything here. It's not like we are lacking in quality models, maybe we don't have the abundance the warmer climate states have but damn. I just don't get it.
So to other photographers and models of Michigan and even states close enough to travel to Michigan. Is there really that much of a lack of interest in organizing fun shooting events? If you are interested what type of events would you be up for? Maybe we can organize a new group to have them.
Most successful photographers in the area are simply busy with other projects or not on MM. Midwest Photography Workshops has several a month but is not on MM:
I am definitely down to organize some shoots in michigan. I've been wondering the same thing, i feel like michigan just isn't into this type of photography. Most photographers i know around my area are wedding photographers.
How about ANY type? Why limit the types of shoots? If would could get enough involved we could choose and plan different types of shoots at different locations. I know one photographer who plans a lake Michigan shoot every summer and has a pretty good turn out. I have not been able to make it due to the fact it has never fallen when I could make it. But I've heard it's a lot of fun.
I don't think we lack, I just think no one ever gets around to do such things. Michigan I find seems to be a bit of a lazy state after the economy crashed. But I think it would rock if such events were available.
Lilith Crimson wrote: I don't think we lack, I just think no one ever gets around to do such things. Michigan I find seems to be a bit of a lazy state after the economy crashed. But I think it would rock if such events were available.
Lazy? Really? The opposite has been my experience. Everyone I know is busting their ass to make things happen for them. Some friends of mine have started 2 companies in the last 12 months. A lot of people have really come together and push their Michigan pride. But then that's just what I've seen and my experiences.
Your in a great area to get some events organized, college town full of a lot of models/wanna be's
Lazy? Really? The opposite has been my experience. Everyone I know is busting their ass to make things happen for them. Some friends of mine have started 2 companies in the last 12 months. A lot of people have really come together and push their Michigan pride. But then that's just what I've seen and my experiences.
Your in a great area to get some events organized, college town full of a lot of models/wanna be's
Lol I'm in the boondocks out here!
It is true. Perhaps when I go in for some local shoots I could talk to the photographers aboit this and get their two cents!
How about ANY type? Why limit the types of shoots? If would could get enough involved we could choose and plan different types of shoots at different locations. I know one photographer who plans a lake Michigan shoot every summer and has a pretty good turn out. I have not been able to make it due to the fact it has never fallen when I could make it. But I've heard it's a lot of fun.
Kinda depends on what one thinks is pretty good.
DEAC is the only thing I've seen of continuing decent consequence.
The rest I've seen over the years are cesspools IMO.
Jay2G Photography wrote: maybe we don't have the abundance the warmer climate other states have but damn. I just don't get it.
Now you get it. We have very comfortable weather here thru-out most the year and an abundance of events every month. Models are usually alittle thinner than your average female with alittle less insulation. They get cold rather easily and HATE freezing their booties off during a photoshoot...
I have often wondered the same thing. I am mystified that with a town the size of Grand Rapids that there isn't more activity like workshops or group shoots. I know a lot of people don't think highly of group shoots, but at least it would be something.
I have made a number of trips around the lake to Racine and Milwaukee for various events and have had a quite a good time. I just wish that I didn't have to drive through Chicago..
I'd love to see an outdoor group shoot within 100 miles of Detroit, perhaps on a farm or similar location where permission to use the property can be obtained and it is off the beaten path enough to shoot nudes comfortably. Would be awesome if there were older buildings and various decrepit equipment scattered around to use as well. Of course this would have to be in the "warmer" months between May and September or the models would complain.
Yeah thanks again Jerry, we chatted a couple years back about the Az shoots. They have a TON out there. My wife still talks about moving out there once in awhile.
Lilith Crimson wrote: I don't think we lack, I just think no one ever gets around to do such things. Michigan I find seems to be a bit of a lazy state after the economy crashed. But I think it would rock if such events were available.
Now you get it. We have very comfortable weather here thru-out most the year and an abundance of events every month. Models are usually alittle thinner than your average female with alittle less insulation. They get cold rather easily and HATE freezing their booties off during a photoshoot...
Faith EnFire
Posts: 13,514
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
Jay2G Photography wrote:
How about ANY type? Why limit the types of shoots? If would could get enough involved we could choose and plan different types of shoots at different locations. I know one photographer who plans a lake Michigan shoot every summer and has a pretty good turn out. I have not been able to make it due to the fact it has never fallen when I could make it. But I've heard it's a lot of fun.
Faith EnFire
Posts: 13,514
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
StromePhoto wrote: I have often wondered the same thing. I am mystified that with a town the size of Grand Rapids that there isn't more activity like workshops or group shoots. I know a lot of people don't think highly of group shoots, but at least it would be something.
I have made a number of trips around the lake to Racine and Milwaukee for various events and have had a quite a good time. I just wish that I didn't have to drive through Chicago..
I have given some thought to that, but a round trip with a vehicle is about $300. I would have to drive about an hour and a half in the opposite direction of Chicago in order to get to the ferry dock.
Yes, David deserves a shout out for his workshops. They are the only ones in Michigan that I can think of that are done on a regular basis. David is located on the east side of the state, but there is nothing really going on over here on the west side.
Yes, David deserves a shout out for his workshops. They are the only ones in Michigan that I can think of that are done on a regular basis. David is located on the east side of the state, but there is nothing really going on over here on the west side.
I am aware of and have met David, in fact his daughters used to babysit for us and we still deal with one for our phones. But I'm not all that interested in work shop's. I'd prefer to see more group shoots throughout the state kind of like the ones Robert at RN2B does at Lake Michigan every summer. Props to Dave though, he does awesome work.
I get quite a few people from Michigan who drive to my workshops here in Peoria, Illinois, so I know there's people around you with interest.
Just as importantly as having people to market to though is to have a product that they will buy. If you don't then they will drive right by your event to get to mine and some others that are out of your area.
So come up with a good plan and implement it correctly, and you'll be fine.
I posted an event at my studio this past spring, out of 5 models, 2 hairdressers, 1 makeup artist and two photographers, only two photographers showed up so we ended up shooting with my wife and shop talked a couple hours. I just purchased 2 homes and 5 barns on 19 acres and would love to set up some group shoots but after the last one I have a sour taste in my mouth!
It is frustrating to check the events page and come up empty all the time for Michigan. As the OP said other than DEAC - nada!! I'd be interested if something was available.
RnR photography wrote: I posted an event at my studio this past spring, out of 5 models, 2 hairdressers, 1 makeup artist and two photographers, only two photographers showed up so we ended up shooting with my wife and shop talked a couple hours. I just purchased 2 homes and 5 barns on 19 acres and would love to set up some group shoots but after the last one I have a sour taste in my mouth!
I don't get that. If I say I'm doing something you best believe I'll be there prepared and on time!! Maybe it comes with maturity. Where is Hopkins?
I just moved here (to Detroit) from East TN. When I was there I co-managed a few meet and greets (with mini shoots if people wanted to) in 2010. It's not that difficult if you can find a decent venue. The one we used there was a little community center. No nudity allowed at these though, not sure if that's an issue for you or not.
That being said, DEAC is pretty awesome. I posed for and helped with the last one and I think it's great. But of course I can see wanting more options too, or to shoot at different times or more times of the year, etc.
I would be interested to learn from you all. Please let me know if there is an event planned in MI. I know that Mary Dupui in Pontiac holds several events through her meet up group. However, they are in the evening / night and Pontiac is too far from ann Arbor for a late night event.
Faith EnFire
Posts: 13,514
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
StromePhoto wrote:
Yes, David deserves a shout out for his workshops. They are the only ones in Michigan that I can think of that are done on a regular basis. David is located on the east side of the state, but there is nothing really going on over here on the west side.
there was another guy. photo name began with a b, but I don't remember his name.
(and yeah the ferry is expensive for regular trips...but I still want to go one day)
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