I’m still buzzing from the energy of this weekend’s event. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and gave me the honor of listening and participating while I stood on my lighting soapbox for a bit. Teaching is always a gift, and it was a true pleasure to share the beauty of purposeful lighting—the kind that can seperate boring images from ones that people want to look at twice before resuming their non-stop scrolling. 

We explored the power of strobes, the subtlety and precision of Ice Lights, and the creativity that comes from knowing how to control light instead of being at the mercy of it. But just as meaningful as the demos and gear talk was watching you—the attendees—get inspired, step up, try new techniques, and shoot with intention.

One of the most underrated aspects of workshops like this is the time in between the shutter clicks: watching others shoot while waiting your turn can be just as valuable as pressing the shutter yourself. Observing how someone frames a shot, chooses their angle, works with a model, or modifies light on the fly offers a real-time masterclass in creativity. If you’re paying attention, there’s inspiration (and education) in every corner of the room.

We also talked about the importance of previsualization—knowing what you want your shot to look and feel like before you even raise the camera. When you only have a few moments to shoot, that clarity becomes your razorsharp creative edge as you try to slice through the noise that is all of our modern lives. Light placement, camera settings, posing… they all become faster, more fluid, and more effective when you're shooting with a mental image already in place. If you know me, you know I value failing forward—but I also learn from others’ missteps to avoid the same pitfalls.

Of course, I couldn’t resist sharing why the Westcott Difference matters to me and so many others. It’s not just about the flashy specs or cool features—it’s about reliability, value, and support. Whether you’re using the precision of the FJ400 II, the compact punch of the FJ200, or the versatility monster that is the FJ800, you're using tools designed to work with you—not against you. And when the shoot doesn’t go as planned (because let’s be real, it happens), knowing you have your own private support crew back in Ohio is something you can not put a price on.

To everyone who asked questions, stepped out of their comfort zone, and truly engaged in the experience: thank you. Keep lighting boldly. Keep watching, learning, and visualizing. And most of all—keep shooting with purpose.

I don’t usually shoot much when I’m teaching—sometimes not at all. But during a weekend full of incredible instructors, there were a few moments where I looked around, saw that everyone had their turn, and grabbed the chance to shoot. The shots of MiMi are actually from Thursday night before the event—grateful for a few quiet moments to create something of my own.

Thank you to the models, subjects, and the other instructors that kept the place jumping - big shout out to one of my partners in crime Dani Mack for being an absolute G during the weekend and killing it both teaching and during those Ferrari test shots as a model.... Thanks to @sofar_ahead and his quads, to @wondrous.gin for this break dance moves, to @technicole.difficulties for bouncing on that trampoline with style and grace... to @tannermarkley and @offaxisacrobatics for being non-stop energy.... to Tanner and @lightswitchturnedmeon for killing it on the scooters... to @di.closethedoor for being on point even when others were running late and of course to MiMi Fulton for bringing style and education to the people that were photographing her...