Clarity Project by Kelly Tunney & James Simmons

The Clarity Project is a collaboration between two of Australia's best and most awarded photographers, Kelly Tunney and James Simmons. A wedding season fire-starter, the workshops offer attendees “a non-cheesy, down to earth wedding photography conversation…Modest, and a little bit real.”

A few years back, Kelly and James became good mates at a Nikon event where they had the opportunity to hang out with a few drinks surrounded by their common interest. It’s safe to say they can’t really remember much of those nights, but that’s beside the point. That particular event provided a backdrop to network, get out of their comfort zone, and meet new peeps. The idea of providing that opportunity to others is freaking awesome to them! No one can operate in a vacuum. The whole project is about finding (on-going) clarity in your photography and in your business.

The two want to give back to the photography community in the way that it has helped them right from the beginning. 

Topics

1. Organic business approach

• Setting yourself up to succeed. (How to get clients to let you do what you are bloody good at.)
• Managing client expectations. (“No, the album never came with glossy pages.”)
• In-person meetings for the win. (Make friends, not sales.)
• How to take enquiries to clients. (The subtle art to hustle.)

2. Making peace with vulnerability

• Getting people to relax (or how to calm the fuck down).
• Your values matter. (Shitty ones versus good ones.)
• Turning weakness into strengths. (Find better ways to do the shit you hate.)

3. Finding your style

• Three word challenge. (Defining who you are.)
• Tag line. (Your motto and ethos.)
• Develop your taste to define your style and find consistency. (It’s OK not to eat everything.)
• Content creation. (Getting you out there.)

4. Workflow

• How to edit like a legend.
• How to print like a champ. (The Awards process).
• How to never lose a file like lord.
• The importance of albums and prints.

5. Live shoot

• Shooting techniques for couples.
• Lighting Techniques -natural and flash.
• Couple interaction methods - moment design and anticipation.

6. Bonus

• Print some of your images! (Woot!)

7. How not to die in the industry (Longevity)

• Decide what you're going to be awesome at.
• Trying hard to not follow the crowd.
• Feel the fear, and do it anyway.

8. Practical business (The fun stuff!)

• The life-changing magic of not giving a fuck.
• What's next after you've been in business for more than 5 years?
• Friends, collaboration, and a new company.

Details

Sydney – The Arthouse Hotel – 275 Pitt Street, Sydney.

Date: Tuesday, 19 September 2017
Event start time: 9:00am (8-9am meet and greet)
Event finish time: 6:00pm (6-late post workshop debrief drinks
Pricing
$395 Student
$495 Early-bird (by 14 September )
$595 Full-price

Perth – The Flour Factory – 16 Queen St, Perth

Date: Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Event start time: 9:00am (8-9am meet and greet)
Event finish time: 6:00pm (6-late post workshop debrief drinks)
Pricing
$395 Student
$495 Early-bird (by 21 September)
$595 Full-price

Speakers

Kelly Tunney

Born and raised in Canberra, a current hotbed of fine photography in Australia.

Kelly Tunney originally followed a traditional path, but a couple of years working as a public servant soon cured her of that. After deciding that the clarinet was not her way to fame and fortune (and no, that realisation didn’t come on Band Camp), Kelly decided that photography was her way to be awesome, and it’s been her life ever since.

Her images embody the way she relates to the world – they’re candid, honest, fearless, and warm; and they always manage to find the amazing in everyone. Kelly relishes in the agony and ecstasy of imagining and creating contrasts to play with in her images. She secretly enjoys the rush that comes with the fear of pushing boundaries as far as they can be moved.

Tunney is the current 2017 ACT AIPP Wedding Photographer of the Year and also the 2015 AIPP AustralianWedding Photographer of the Year (the first female to ever win the prestigious award in its 40+ year history). She was also recently awarded the NZIPP International Photographer of the Year.

James Simmons

Writing bios are James Simmons’ Kryptonite, because it’s usually where modesty takes a back seat while casually claiming prestige by name dropping sponsors and listing awards for shameless self-promotion in an attempt to convince you that he's qualified to be here. So instead, this is what makes him tick.

Simmons loves giving people the confidence to enjoy being photographed. He is all about capturing natural expression and real emotion. He loves to reveal the joy, romance, and adventure between couples. Getting couples to relax and be themselves in front of the camera is totally his jam.

His major influences have been studying photojournalism and he's inspired by the engagement that is required from each of his subjects. The need to tell a story is paramount, and capturing all the photographic elements is challenging.

Simmons is not too shabby in the winning awards department either. He has won the title of the AIPP Australian Wedding Photographer of the Year and the big one in 2014, winning the prestigious AIPP Australian Photographer of the Year award. He is also a current brand ambassador for Ilford representing as an Ilford Master.