For more information about this opportunity and to take an inside peek at the experience from the student perspective, please visit our workshop website. We’ll be waiting for your calls tomorrow at 207.272.2285.

See you on the Cape!

And so… without further ado, and in no particular order, here are our three teams for this July!!

———

TEAM 1:
leaders: Jennifer Domenick (‘08, ‘09) and Arnold Miller (‘08)

I go way back with these two. Jenn and I met while working at the Washington Post in 2001, and Arnold was my boss at the Cape Cod Times where I interned for two summers during college (and hence why Roots is hosted on the Cape!) in 1998 and 1999. Jenn is co-owner of Love Life Images in Columbia, Maryland, and Arnold lives on Long Island where he is the multimedia editor at technology powerhouse Newsday.

students:
Erica Pelaccia
Emily Sterne
Jennifer Badalamenti
Robin Shetler

———

TEAM 2:
leaders: Rachel LaCour Niesen (‘09) and Mark Dolan

Smart and savvy Rachel, co-owner of LaCour and online studio management software company ShootQ, is paired with Roots first-timer Mark Dolan, a bbq-loving bearded teddy bear who also happens to be my very favorite photojournalism professor from when I was a student at Syracuse University. He now teaches photography at the Southern Illinois Carbondale campus and is a fantastic addition to our staff.

students:
Amanda Herzberger
Audra Bayette (‘09)
Ian Riley
Amie Otto

———

TEAM 3:
leaders: Tyler Wirken (‘08, ‘09) and Mark Adams (‘09)

I first met both Tyler and Mark while teaching at the Foundation Workshop in Texas in 2007. Both have big personalities, extensive backgrounds in photojournalism and are currently running successful wedding photography studios in Kansas City and Atlanta respectively. Tyler co-owns Wirken Photography and Mark co-owns both LaCour and ShootQ, one of our generous supporters.

students:
Neysa Ruhl (‘08)
Whitney Fox
Elisha Tablada
Alison Britton

———

Also returning as workshop staff photographer is wedding photographer and Roots ‘08 alum, the always fun and insightful Eric Laurits, and my husband, photographer, Roots ‘08 alum and liveBooks rock star J Sandifer as cook.

So, yippee! I’ll be sending you more information as to what you should pack and such within the next few weeks. And look forward to seeing y’all real soon! Get ready to work hard!

Yes, this is a joke trophy, but its 2009 recipient takes her win very seriously. Earlier today, I presented photographer Audra Bayette with this handsome trophy (kindly made by Ray Messier at Creative Awards in Scarborough) from our goofy Chubby Bunny contest at Roots Workshop last July. It started as a spontaneous game in 2008 on the last night of our workshop with leftover marshmallows from s’mores (workshop staffer Jenn Domenick’s husband Ethan took the crown then) and, well, I guess with the implementation of a trophy you could say it’s now a tradition. Audra hopes to defend her own title when she returns for her second summer at Roots this July. I hear she’s been practicing.

Who wouldn’t want a trophy with a camera on it, anyway?

Think you’re up for the challenge? We are sold out for 2010 with a waiting list, and have already started a list for when we open Roots 2011 registration next fall as well!!

ps- Congrats on your recent engagement, Audra! So happy for you and Matt! I know a really cool place you could get married on Cape Cod this summer…

1. Emily Sterne Emily Sterne Photography Cambridge, MA

2. Amanda Herzberger Orchard Cove Photography Windsor, CT

3. Erica Pelaccia Erica Leighton Pelaccia Marblehead, MA

4. Audra Bayette** Audra Bayette, Photographer Scarborough, ME

5. Amie Otto Amie Otto Photography Ashburn, VA

6. Allison Britton A Britton Photography Woodbridge, VA

7. Robin Shetler Robin Shetler Photography Decatur, GA

8. Whitney J Fox emilie inc. associates Portland, ME

9. Neysa Ruhl* Neysa Ruhl Photography Cincinnati, OH

10. Ian Riley Ian Riley Photography Arden, NC

11. Elisha Tablada Love Life Images Columbia, MD

12. Jennifer Badalamenti Jen Lynne Photography Grand Rapids, MI

* denotes Roots 2008 alum

** denotes Roots 2009 alum

Well folks, with just three days of open registration, Roots Workshop 2010 is sold out!! How exciting is that!?!? I am absolutely thrilled to spend the winter cooking up some excellent assignments and not stressing about enrollment. Weehoo!

I realize there were some photographers who were on the fence about signing up and have thus missed out. If that’s you, please be sure to email me as we will have a waiting list in the event extra seats be added.

1. Registration officially opens at 9a (EST).

2. Email info@rootsworkshop.com to let us know that you want in!

3. I will send you a confirmation email, acknowledging that you are one of the 12 students who made the cut. Attached will be a simple registration form.

4. Return the registration form with a deposit of $1500 to PO Box 2703, South Portland, ME 04116.

5. Registration will close just as soon as the seats are filled tomorrow or by Monday, September 21st. Should there be any remaining seats, we will announce a second registration round before the end of the year.

Flexible payment options available. Please inquire for details.

It’s during this time that most wedding photographers have the opportunity to reflect on the past season and look forward to the next, identifying what areas of their business need improvement. Many focus their efforts on marketing or purchasing updated equipment, overlooking the basis of successful photography: skill. It is for this reason that I started the Roots Workshop last summer, and look forward to another fulfilling week of creative growth this July on Cape Cod.

Many thanks to instructor Arnold Miller of Newsday and emilie inc. videographer Morgan for putting together this recap of our experience. It’s a much-needed reminder of why we do what we do, and how important it is to push away the clutter of running a business and perfecting the craft first.

Need a brush-up on your skills? We still have a few seats open for this summer’s workshop, and welcome all inquiries to info@rootsworkshop.com. Not a wedding photographer? No worries. We don’t spend any time talking about weddings, it’s all about shooting. We’d love to have you join us!

The details:
12 students. 9 staff. 3 teams. 6 life-changing days.

If you are planning to attend PartnerCon next week, I’ll be there to present with J and would love the chance to talk to you about the most beneficial shooting workshop you can’t afford to miss! In the meantime, be sure to check out the picture stories from the ‘08 students by visiting www.rootsworkshop.com.

From Sam: “It’s just a really meaningful gift and an exciting opportunity and I am just so grateful to everyone for supporting me in this and you for helping Kyle coordinate!”

Hooray! SO excited to have you on board, Sam, as well as the others who have signed up, too.

There are still a few seats left, so don’t delay in submitting your registration form. The total cost is $2500 and includes 5 days of instructional fee with several of the nation’s top photographers and photo editors, 5 nights lodging and linen service, the welcome bbq, the final night’s sunset cruise and clambake, as well as some other meals! Wow!

And, as a special New Year’s bonus, if you refer a friend you’ll receive $250 off your tuition!