A Fund to Foster Creativity and Connection

The Aftershoot Create Together Fund is designed to support a variety of photography events, including:

• Workshops: Hands-on learning experiences to enhance skills.
• Photowalks: Group outings to explore and capture stunning images.
• Model Shoots: Practical sessions with professional models.
• Meetups: Networking events to build and strengthen community ties.

With this initiative, Aftershoot aims to cover essential costs such as venue rentals, equipment, models, props, and more, ensuring that photographers can focus on what they do best – creating amazing work.

The Vision Behind the Fund

Harshit Dwivedi, Founder of Aftershoot, said, “We’re super excited to launch this initiative. Working closely with photographers, we understand the power of community and the kind of impact it has on their growth. We want to support photographers who inspire and learn from each other, and this fund is a step towards empowering them to grow together.”

Justin Benson, Co-Founder, added, “The Create Together Fund is our way of giving back to the photography community. We want to help photographers hone their craft, build networks, and share their passion with others. This initiative is about fostering growth, creativity, and connection within the photography world.”

Who Can Apply?

The fund is open to a wide range of applicants:

• Active Professional Photographers: Established photographers looking to contribute to the community.
• Emerging Photography Community Leaders: Aspiring leaders passionate about organizing and leading photography events.
• Photography Educators: Experienced professionals dedicated to teaching and mentoring new photographers.

How to Apply

Interested photographers can apply for the grant by visiting the Aftershoot Create Together Fund website and filling out the registration form. The application period for the first cohort is from July 23, 2024, to August 23, 2024. Future cohort dates will be announced later.

About Aftershoot

Founded in 2020, Aftershoot is revolutionizing the photography industry with AI Culling and AI Editing features. These tools streamline photographers’ workflows, allowing them to focus more on their creative work. Aftershoot’s AI technology can cull thousands of images in minutes and accelerate the editing process with customizable AI Styles, matching photographers’ unique editing preferences.

For more information, visit the Aftershoot Create Together Fund or contact Liliia Onkhonova, PR Manager at Aftershoot, via email at liliia.o@aftershoot.com.

Join the movement and be part of a thriving community that grows, learns, and creates together. The Aftershoot Create Together Fund is your chance to impact the photography world significantly, meet like-minded professionals, and take your craft to new heights. Apply now, and let’s create something unique together!

The post Aftershoot Commits $1 Million to Support Photography Communities with Create Together Fund appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

The Importance of Health During Wedding Season

Before we get into the specific tips, let’s discuss why maintaining your health during the wedding season is crucial. As a wedding photographer, you are responsible for capturing precious moments, managing your time effectively, and maintaining a positive demeanor with clients. The physical demands of carrying heavy equipment, standing for long hours, and the mental strain of staying alert and creative can be overwhelming. Prioritizing your health ensures you have the stamina and mental clarity needed to perform at your best. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle boosts your overall well-being, enabling you to enjoy the season and create memorable client experiences.

Physical Demands

Wedding photography is physically demanding. Carrying heavy equipment, constantly being on your feet, and working long hours require a high level of physical fitness and stamina. Without proper care, this can lead to fatigue, muscle strain, and even injuries. Incorporating regular exercise, proper posture, and ergonomic practices into your routine is essential to mitigate these physical challenges. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can support your physical endurance, ensuring you remain energetic and capable throughout long shoots.

Mental Strain

The pressure to capture perfect moments, manage time efficiently, and handle unexpected challenges can be mentally exhausting. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are common issues wedding photographers face during the busy season. To maintain mental health, practicing stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness is crucial. Allocating time for hobbies, socializing with friends and family, and seeking professional support can also help manage mental strain. You can stay focused, creative, and resilient under pressure by taking proactive steps to nurture your mental well-being.

Overall Well-Being

A healthy body and mind ensure you remain focused, energetic, and enthusiastic. This translates to better client interactions, higher quality work, and an overall more enjoyable experience. Investing in your well-being by establishing healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, can significantly improve your performance and job satisfaction. Moreover, a holistic approach to health, including physical fitness, mental wellness, and emotional resilience, can enhance your overall quality of life, making the wedding season a professional success and a personally fulfilling journey.

Nutrition: Fuel Your Body

Eating well is the foundation of staying healthy. Here’s how to maintain a balanced diet during the busy wedding season. Proper nutrition fuels your body, providing the energy to tackle long hours and demanding tasks. It also supports cognitive function, helping you stay focused and alert. You can enhance your physical and mental performance by planning your meals, choosing nutrient-dense foods, and staying hydrated. Avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar can prevent energy crashes and mood swings, ensuring you remain steady and vibrant throughout the day.

Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals can prevent unhealthy eating habits. Prepare nutritious meals and snacks that you can quickly grab between shoots. Meal prepping is an effective strategy to ensure you have healthy options readily available, even on the busiest days. By dedicating a few hours each week to cooking and organizing meals, you can avoid the temptation of fast food and make better dietary choices. Additionally, carrying portable snacks like nuts, fruits, and protein bars can stabilize your energy levels and prevent hunger-induced irritability.

Meal Prep Tips

• Batch Cooking: Prepare large batches of healthy meals that can be stored in the fridge or freezer. This saves time and ensures you have nutritious food ready to go, even on hectic days. Consider cooking various dishes, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and quinoa, to keep your meals interesting and balanced.
• Portable Snacks: Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and protein bars in your bag. These snacks are convenient, nutrient-dense, and can provide a quick energy boost during long shoots. Opt for snacks low in added sugars and high in protein to sustain your energy levels.
• Hydration: Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and decreased concentration, so drinking water is essential. Herbal teas and coconut water can also be hydrating options. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and more if you’re active or working in hot conditions.

Balanced Diet

Ensure your meals are balanced with the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. Proteins are crucial for muscle repair and growth, carbohydrates provide energy, and fats support brain function and hormone production. Incorporating various foods ensures you get a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, which can boost your immune system and enhance your energy levels.

Healthy Meal Ideas

• Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, berries, and protein powder. This nutrient-packed smoothie is quick to prepare and provides a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and protein to kickstart your day.
• Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, quinoa, and avocado. This meal is rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, ensuring sustained energy and satiety.
• Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health, while sweet potatoes offer complex carbs, and broccoli adds fiber and essential nutrients.

Avoiding Unhealthy Choices

Steer clear of fast food and sugary snacks, which can lead to energy crashes. Opt for healthier alternatives and keep your energy levels stable. Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, sugars, and empty calories, negatively impacting your health and performance. Instead, choose whole foods that provide sustained energy and support your overall well-being. Making mindful food choices can improve your mood, enhance physical performance, and keep you feeling your best throughout the wedding season.

Exercise: Stay Active

Staying active is crucial for maintaining physical health and managing stress. Here’s how you can incorporate exercise into your busy schedule. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances flexibility. It also releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress. Finding time for exercise may seem challenging during the busy wedding season, but even short, consistent workouts can significantly affect your overall health and well-being.

Quick Workouts

You can fit in short, effective workouts even with a packed schedule. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Quick workouts, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can be incredibly efficient and effective. These workouts can be done at home or in a small space, requiring minimal equipment. Consistency is key, so find a routine that fits into your schedule and stick with it. Remember, even a little exercise is better than none, and it can have a cumulative positive effect on your health.

Exercise Ideas

• Morning Yoga: Start your day with a quick yoga session to stretch and relax. Yoga improves flexibility and strength and promotes mental clarity and relaxation. Incorporating yoga into your morning routine can set a positive tone for the day and help you manage stress more effectively.
• Bodyweight Exercises: Push-ups, squats, and lunges can be done anywhere. These exercises strengthen major muscle groups and can be modified to match your fitness level. Bodyweight exercises are versatile and can be performed in short bursts throughout the day.
• Cardio: A brisk walk, jog, or cycle can boost cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular exercise increases heart rate, improves circulation, and enhances lung capacity. It also helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week, which can be broken down into shorter sessions.

Stretching and Mobility

Long hours of carrying equipment can lead to muscle stiffness. To prevent injuries, incorporate stretching and mobility exercises into your routine. Regular stretching can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance blood flow to your muscles. Mobility exercises like dynamic stretches and foam rolling can help maintain joint health and prevent injuries. Consider incorporating stretching and mobility work into your warm-up and cool-down routines to keep your body in optimal condition.

Stretching Routine

• Neck Stretches: Gently tilt your head side to side to release tension. This stretch targets the muscles in your neck and shoulders, which can become tight from prolonged periods of looking through a camera viewfinder.
• Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backward to loosen up. Shoulder rolls help relieve tension in the upper back and shoulders, areas that often bear the brunt of carrying heavy equipment.
• Hamstring Stretch: Touch your toes to stretch the back of your legs. Tight hamstrings can lead to lower back pain, so keeping these muscles flexible is important. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times for maximum benefit.

Incorporate Movement

Find ways to stay active throughout the day. Take the stairs, walk between shoots, and do quick stretches during breaks. Small changes in your daily routine can add up to significant health benefits. For example, parking farther away from your destination, taking a short walk during lunch breaks, and standing up to stretch every hour can all contribute to a more active lifestyle. Moving a regular part of your day can counteract the sedentary nature of photo editing and maintain your overall health.

Mental Well-Being: Stay Balanced

Mental health is equally important as physical health. Here’s how you can maintain mental well-being during the wedding season. The mental demands of wedding photography can be intense, with the need to stay creative, organized, and responsive. Balancing these demands with personal well-being is crucial for sustained success. Developing mental resilience, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a positive outlook can help you navigate the challenges of the wedding season with grace and confidence.

Stress Management

Weddings can be stressful, but managing stress is crucial for your health. High-stress levels can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and negative health outcomes. Implementing stress management techniques can help you maintain a calm and focused mind, even during the busiest times. Identify your stress triggers and develop strategies to address them effectively. Remember, a proactive approach to stress management can improve your overall well-being and enhance your professional performance.

Stress-Relief Techniques

• Deep Breathing: To calm your mind, practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and induces relaxation. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.
• Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day meditating to reduce stress. Meditation helps clear your mind, improve focus, and promote inner peace. Guided meditations, mindfulness apps, and quiet reflection can incorporate meditation into your routine.
• Mindfulness: Stay present and focused on the task to prevent overwhelm. Mindfulness involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Mindfulness can help you manage stress, improve concentration, and enhance your well-being.

Time Management

Effective time management can reduce stress and improve productivity. Managing your time efficiently allows you to balance work and personal life, reducing the likelihood of burnout. Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and set realistic goals to stay on track. By creating a structured schedule, you can ensure you have time for work and self-care, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Time Management Tips

• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on the most important tasks first. Use a task management system to identify high-priority activities and tackle them early in the day when you’re most productive.
• Set Boundaries: Define your working hours and stick to them. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time to prevent work from encroaching on your personal life. Communicate these boundaries to clients and colleagues to manage expectations.
• Use Tools: Utilize calendars, planners, and apps to organize your schedule. Digital tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and Asana can help you keep track of appointments, deadlines, and tasks. Regularly review and update your schedule to stay organized and avoid last-minute stress.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a professional. Talking about your stress can be incredibly relieving. A support system can provide emotional comfort, practical advice, and a sense of belonging. Whether sharing your experiences with a trusted friend, seeking guidance from a mentor, or consulting a mental health professional, reaching out for support can help you navigate challenging times more effectively.

How to Stay Healthy Through the Wedding Season

Self-Care: Prioritize Yourself

Self-care is essential for maintaining health and well-being. Here’s how you can incorporate self-care into your routine. Prioritizing self-care ensures you take deliberate steps to nurture your body, mind, and soul. It involves recognizing and addressing your needs, even amid a busy schedule. Incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine can enhance your overall quality of life and maintain a positive and resilient outlook.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for recovery and energy. Quality sleep supports physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. It also enhances your ability to handle stress and stay focused. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day’s challenges.

Sleep Tips

• Consistent Schedule: Go to bed and wake up simultaneously every day. Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
• Create a Routine: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to unwind. Activities such as reading, a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretches can signal your body that it’s time to wind down.
• Comfortable Environment: Ensure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows, and consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to create an optimal sleep environment.

Relaxation

Find time to relax and recharge, even during the busiest times. Taking breaks to relax can prevent burnout and improve your overall well-being. Schedule regular downtime in your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable. Engage in activities you find enjoyable and rejuvenating, whether it’s leisure time in nature, practicing a hobby, or simply doing nothing.

Relaxation Techniques

• Bath: Take a warm bath with Epsom salts to relax your muscles. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which can help soothe muscle tension and promote relaxation. Adding essential oils like lavender or chamomile can enhance the calming effect.
• Reading: Spend some time reading a book or magazine. Reading can be a great way to escape daily stressors and immerse yourself in a different world. Choose materials that you find enjoyable and relaxing.
• Hobbies: Engage in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or cooking, spending time on activities you love can boost your mood and provide a sense of fulfillment.

Professional Help

Consider professional help like massages, acupuncture, or therapy to address any physical or mental health issues. Professional services can provide targeted relief and support for specific concerns. Regular massages can alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation, acupuncture can help balance your body’s energy and reduce stress, and therapy can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for managing mental health challenges.

Staying Healthy on the Go

As a wedding photographer, you’re often on the go. Here are some tips to stay healthy while traveling and working on location. Traveling and working in different environments can present unique challenges to maintaining your health. However, with some planning and mindful choices, you can stay healthy and energized no matter where your work takes you.

Pack Healthy Snacks

Carry healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and protein bars to stabilize your energy levels. Having nutritious snacks can prevent hunger and provide a quick energy boost. Choose snacks that are easy to transport, don’t require refrigeration, and provide a good balance of macronutrients. Examples include trail mix, whole grain crackers with nut butter, and dried fruit.

Stay Hydrated

Carry a water bottle and drink regularly to stay hydrated, especially if you’re shooting outdoors. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and decreased concentration. Make a habit of sipping water throughout the day and refill your bottle whenever possible. If you’re working in hot or humid conditions, consider adding electrolyte tablets to your water to replenish lost minerals.

Portable Exercise Equipment

Bring along portable exercise equipment like resistance bands to stay active. Resistance bands are lightweight, compact, and versatile, perfect for on-the-go workouts. Use them to perform various strength training exercises, such as bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg extensions. You can also use a jump rope for quick cardio sessions or a travel yoga mat for stretching and mobility work.

Mindful Eating

When eating out, choose healthier options and watch your portion sizes. Dining out can often lead to overeating or consuming less nutritious meals. Look for menu items that are grilled, baked, or steamed rather than fried. Opt for dishes with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If portions are large, consider sharing a meal or taking leftovers home. Attention to your hunger and fullness cues can also help you avoid overeating.

Building a Healthy Routine

A healthy routine is key to maintaining your well-being throughout the wedding season. Establishing a routine helps you stay organized, reduces stress, and gives you time for self-care. While flexibility is important, having a structured plan can keep you on track and make healthy habits easier to maintain.

Consistency

Consistency is crucial for building healthy habits. Stick to your routine as much as possible. Regularity helps reinforce positive behaviors and makes them second nature over time. Consistent sleep schedules, meal times, and exercise routines can improve overall health. Find what works best for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily life.

Flexibility

Be flexible and adapt your routine to accommodate unexpected changes or challenges. Life is unpredictable, and it’s important to remain adaptable. If you miss a workout or have to skip a meal prep session, don’t stress—just get back on track as soon as possible. Flexibility allows you to maintain balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism.

Accountability

Hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress and setting achievable goals. Use journals, apps, or accountability partners to monitor your habits and stay motivated. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can help you stay focused and track your achievements. Celebrate your successes and learn from setbacks to improve your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Staying healthy through the wedding season is essential for delivering your best work and enjoying the process. You can maintain your energy, focus, and enthusiasm by prioritizing nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and self-care. Remember to plan your meals, stay active, manage stress, and take time for yourself. With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the wedding season’s demands and thrive personally and professionally. Happy shooting!

Article written by Wedding Photographer Björn Schreiber

The post How to Stay Healthy Through the Wedding Season appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

And The Winners Are….

Mari Trancoso

Image by Mari Trancoso

Mari Trancoso, esteemed as one of the top wedding photographers of 2024, captures weddings with an enchanting blend of storytelling and cinematic flair. Known for her striking and emotive imagery, Mari crafts photos that are visually breathtaking and rich in the moments they encapsulate. Her ability to weave the unique atmosphere of each wedding into her photographs makes her a sought-after photographer for couples worldwide. Discover Mari’s captivating wedding gallery here.

Lukas Korynta

Image by Lukas Korynta

Lukas Korynta, recognized among the top wedding photographers of 2024, brings a unique aesthetic of naturalism and simplicity to wedding photography. His talent lies in his ability to capture candid, unposed moments that reveal the true essence and emotion of the wedding day. Based in Portland, Oregon, Lukas’s approach appeals to couples who value genuine, raw emotions portrayed in their most natural form. His work is celebrated for its artistic integrity and timeless appeal. Explore Lukas’s captivating portfolio.

The Hendrys

Image by The Hendrys

The Hendrys, included among the top wedding photographers of 2024, are renowned for their ability to capture the unique essence of each couple’s love story through their lenses. This husband-and-wife team specializes in creating images that are not just photographs but narratives filled with emotion and personality. Their distinctive style blends modern aesthetics with spontaneous moments to create timeless wedding photos that speak volumes. Their commitment to authentic storytelling makes them a standout choice for couples worldwide. See The Hendrys’ story-rich photography.

Nirav Patel

Image by Nirav Patel

Nirav Patel, who is distinguished as one of the top wedding photographers of 2024, is celebrated for his profound and introspective approach to wedding photography. Based in California, Nirav excels in using subtle nuances of light and shadow to create deeply evocative images that convey the tranquility and raw emotion of the moments he captures. His work is perfect for those seeking a reflective and soul-stirring record of their special day, with each photo as a piece of art. Explore Nirav’s introspective wedding gallery.

Jose Villa

Image by Jose Villa

Jose Villa is a master craftsman whose name is synonymous with fine art wedding photography and who stands proudly among the top wedding photographers of 2024. His approach combines a love for soft, natural light with a palette that evokes classic film aesthetics, creating timelessly elegant images. Based in California, Jose’s work is sought after by couples around the globe who desire their wedding day captured with a sublime, artistic touch that feels grand and intimate. Discover Jose’s fine art wedding portfolio.

Heather K Purdy

Image by Heather K Purdy

Heather K Purdy, recognized among the top wedding photographers of 2024, offers a photographic style that is both romantic and timeless. Based in New York, her expertise lies in capturing the subtle, tender moments between couples against beautifully composed backdrops that feel like scenes from a classic movie. Her ability to meld emotion with environmental beauty results in wedding photographs that are not only memorable but also strikingly poetic. View Heather’s romantic wedding collections.

Jean Laurent Gaudy

Image by Jean Laurent Gaudy

Jean Laurent Gaudy, celebrated as one of the top wedding photographers of 2024, is based in New York and brings a distinctly European sensibility to his photography. His approach is deeply personal, capturing the essence of each couple’s story through intimate, candid shots that reflect their unique personalities and the joy of their special day. Jean Laurent’s photography is perfect for those who seek a blend of contemporary style and emotional depth in their wedding photos. Explore Jean Laurent’s intimate portfolio.

John Dolan

Image by John Dolan

John Dolan has carved a niche for himself as a pivotal figure among the top wedding photographers of 2024. His work transcends traditional wedding photography, infusing it with a fine art sensibility that captures the grandeur and subtlety of each moment. Based in New York, John’s iconic style weaves together the personal narratives of the couples with the timeless elegance of his compositions, making each photograph a cherished piece of history. Discover John’s artful wedding narratives.

Adonye Jaja

Image by Adonye Jaja

Adonye Jaja is listed among the top wedding photographers of 2024 for his vibrant and expressive style that captures the profound and jubilant moments of wedding celebrations. Based in Colorado, Adonye’s photographs are a visual feast, emphasizing color, emotion, and the unguarded moments that make each wedding unique. His work appeals to those who appreciate the beauty of candid photography combined with a flair for dramatic compositions. View Adonye’s expressive wedding gallery.

Henry Thieu

Image by Henry Thieu

Henry Thieu, recognized as one of the top wedding photographers of 2024, brings a cinematic quality to his photography, creating stunning visual tales that capture the essence of each couple’s love story. His meticulous attention to detail and the ability to use light creatively allow him to produce photos that are not just images but evocative stories. Based in Los Angeles, Henry’s work is ideal for those who desire a dramatic, visually compelling record of their wedding day. Explore Henry’s cinematic wedding portfolio.

Elizabeth Messina

Elizabeth Messina is revered among the top wedding photographers of 2024 for her ethereal and romantic approach to wedding photography. Her work is characterized by a soft, luminous style that beautifully captures the delicate, intimate moments of a wedding. Elizabeth’s signature use of natural light and dreamy compositions make her photographs sought after by couples who want their wedding day portrayed like a timeless, fairy-tale narrative. Discover Elizabeth’s dreamy wedding visuals.

Samm Blake

Samm Blake, among the top wedding photographers of 2024, combines documentary photography’s candidness with fine art aesthetics to create rich, narrative-driven images. Based in New York, her ability to capture authentic moments, from fleeting glances to exuberant celebrations, ensures that each photograph reflects the emotional depth and personal story of the wedding day. Her work is perfect for couples who value the truth and beauty of spontaneity. View Samm’s narrative-rich wedding collection.

Heartfelt Congratulations

To the photographers who have been recognized: congratulations! This honor reflects your passion, creativity, and the unforgettable moments you capture. Your work inspires us all and represents the pinnacle of what it means to be a wedding photographer. You didn’t just make a list; you made an impact, reminding us all of the power of genuine artistry in capturing love’s most beautiful moments.

Looking Forward

This survey was just the beginning. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and support the incredible talent within our community in many more ways. Let’s keep inspiring each other, pushing the boundaries of creativity, and upholding the values that make our community so unique and strong.

Thank You

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who participated in this survey. Whether you nominated a peer, shared the survey with friends in the industry, or simply followed along, you played a crucial role in this project’s success. Stay Tuned and check your inbox for a special gift from LLF in the next days! Together, we’ve taken a stand for authenticity and merit in our industry, and we couldn’t be prouder of the outcome.

Stay tuned for more initiatives that celebrate our community’s talent and passion. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s just getting started.

The post The Best Wedding Photographers in The US – 2024 appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

Uncover the secret to breathtaking photography with DRIFT, the Motion Blur Lightroom Presets crafted by the renowned India Earl. Explore how these presets can infuse your images with a dynamic sense of movement and depth, transforming them into captivating works of art.

In the realm of photography, mastering the art of capturing movement can elevate your images from ordinary to extraordinary. This is precisely where motion blur Lightroom presets come into play, serving as a pivotal tool for photographers aiming to inject a sense of dynamism and fluidity into their work. Among these tools, DRIFT by India Earl stands out as a premier choice for those seeking to explore the beauty of motion through their lens.

The Inspiration Behind DRIFT Motion Blur Lightroom Presets

India Earl, the creative mind behind these motion blur Lightroom presets, designed DRIFT to simplify the complex process of capturing motion. Her presets allow photographers, regardless of their level of expertise, to effortlessly add motion blur to their images, thus enabling them to convey movement visually stunningly.

Why Choose DRIFT?

Unparalleled Ease of Use

DRIFT motion blur Lightroom presets are heralded for their user-friendliness. These presets make applying sophisticated motion blur effects as easy as pie, catering to photographers at any skill level.

Versatility

Whether you’re into landscape, street, portrait, or abstract photography, DRIFT’s motion blur Lightroom presets are versatile enough to enhance any photography style, adding that much-coveted dynamic element to your images.

A Creative Boost

Embracing motion in photography can unlock new realms of creativity. DRIFT encourages photographers to experiment with motion blur, opening new possibilities for unique and captivating images.

How to Make the Most of DRIFT

1. Experiment with Different Speeds: The essence of motion blur photography lies in capturing the right amount of movement. Play around with various shutter speeds using DRIFT to see how they affect the outcome of your image.
2. Embrace Movement in Your Subjects: Whether it’s a bustling street, a flowing dress, or leaves rustling in the wind, find elements that naturally move and use them to add an extra layer of depth to your photos.
3. Combine with Other Techniques: Don’t hesitate to combine DRIFT presets with other photographic techniques, such as panning or zooming, to create truly unique art pieces.

Bringing Your Vision to Life

Photography is about telling a story—your story. DRIFT Motion Blur Lightroom Presets by India Earl offers you a new language to narrate your tale—one that’s fluid, dynamic, and mesmerizing. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these presets can open up a world of creative possibilities, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.

Bringing Your Vision to Life with DRIFT

Photography is about storytelling and DRIFT motion blur Lightroom presets by India Earl provide a new, dynamic language for your narrative. These presets invite photographers to view the world through a different lens—where every image captures not just a moment but the essence of movement itself.

In Conclusion

DRIFT by India Earl transcends the ordinary, offering photographers a unique set of motion blur Lightroom presets that enhance the visual appeal of their images and add a layer of depth and storytelling. As you explore the possibilities these presets offer, let your creative instincts guide you, and watch as your photos transform into mesmerizing stories of movement and life.

Searching for Inspiring Lightroom Presets?

Head over to www.meridianpresets.com, where you can find inspiring Lightroom Presets. Their new Release, “Essence Presets” by Marcos Sanchez, delivers a sleek, minimalist style that elevates every photograph’s inherent charm and feeling. Ideal for photographers seeking to attain a refined, sophisticated appearance, these presets articulate elegance in their simplicity. Amidst the clutter of daily information and visual overload, the purified aesthetic of Essence shines, providing a serene oasis. They enable your images to weave enduring and deeply resonant narratives.

So, we hope you liked our Motion Blur Lightroom Presets post. Are you a professional photographer?  Did you eventually hear about our new listing service? Sign up as an LLF Pro Member now and get listed immediately!

The post Transform Your Photos into Art with DRIFT Motion Blur Lightroom Presets by India Earl appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

Welcome, shutterbugs and wedding photography maestros! You’re about to embark on a journey into the heart of Lightroom’s editorial wedding presets. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the technical nitty-gritty of using these presets to add a dash of magic to your wedding shoots. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding photographer, these presets are the secret sauce to transforming good photos into breathtaking memories. So, grab your cameras, and let’s turn those ordinary shots into extraordinary storytelling tools!

Image by Marcos Sanchez edited with Essence Presets by meridianpresets.com

Why Editorial Lightroom Presets?

In the dynamic world of wedding photography, every click and edit counts. That’s where Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets step into the limelight. These presets aren’t just about speeding up the editing process; they’re about catapulting your creative expression to new heights. Imagine transforming your photos with just a few clicks, giving them an editorial, polished feel that speaks volumes.

Image by Marcos Sanchez edited with Essence Presets by meridianpresets.com

The Technical Backbone: Understanding Presets

Before diving deeper, let’s unravel what Lightroom presets are. Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets are more than just filters. They are customizable, saved settings that apply specific photo adjustments. These presets encompass various adjustments from exposure and contrast to color grading. For wedding photographers, presets offer a consistent aesthetic, crucial for maintaining a cohesive look across different shoots and lighting conditions.

Image by Marcos Sanchez edited with Essence Presets by meridianpresets.com

Customizing Presets: Beyond the Defaults

While Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets come ready to use, the real magic happens when you start tweaking them.  The real magic lies in customization. Each wedding is unique, and thus, adjustments in presets are essential to reflect this uniqueness. Whether tweaking the warmth to suit a sunset ceremony or adjusting the tint for a winter wedding, customization ensures that the presets align perfectly with the photographer’s vision and the day’s ambiance.

Workflow Efficiency: Streamlining Your Editing Process

In the fast-paced world of wedding photography, efficiency is vital. Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets are not just about artistic expression but also about efficiency. Presets significantly reduce editing time, allowing photographers to deliver stunning results promptly. This efficiency is particularly valuable when dealing with hundreds, if not thousands, of wedding photos.

The Preset Library: A Treasure Trove of Styles

A versatile preset library is a photographer’s treasure chest. Building a diverse collection of Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets is like curating an art gallery.  It’s also crucial to regularly update the library with new presets to stay abreast of evolving trends in wedding photography.

Real-World Applications: Stories from the Field

Hearing from those in the trenches adds invaluable perspective. Interviews with seasoned wedding photographers reveal how presets have streamlined their workflow, improved their artistry, and helped them develop a signature style. These stories inspire and offer practical tips on utilizing presets effectively.

Future-Proofing Your Skills: Adapting to Changing Trends

The world of wedding photography and Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets is evolving. Staying abreast of the latest presets and editing trends is crucial for any photographer looking to make their mark. Embracing these tools and learning to use them creatively will ensure your photography remains relevant and sought-after.

Image by Marcos Sanchez edited with Essence Presets by meridianpresets.com

Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets FAQs:

1. How do I balance using presets with maintaining a unique style?
   Balance is key. Use presets as a foundation and customize them to match your unique style. This ensures consistency while allowing room for creativity.
2. Can presets be effectively used for other types of photography?
   Absolutely! While we focus on wedding photography, presets are versatile and can be adapted for various photography styles.
3. How often should I update my preset library?
   Regularly. Keeping up with trends and experimenting with new styles keeps your work fresh and relevant.

Wrap-Up: Presets as Your Creative Partner

Remember, Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets are more than just a shortcut to beautiful images; they’re a crucial part of your creative toolkit. By embracing these presets, you’re not just editing photos; you’re crafting stories, capturing emotions, and preserving memories. So explore these presets’ endless possibilities and let your wedding photography soar to new artistic heights.

Searching for Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets?

Head over to www.meridianpresets.com, where you can find Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets. Their new Release, “Essence Presets” by Marcos Sanchez, delivers a sleek, minimalist style that elevates every photograph’s inherent charm and feeling. Ideal for photographers seeking to attain a refined, sophisticated appearance, these presets articulate elegance in their simplicity. Amidst the clutter of daily information and visual overload, the purified aesthetic of Essence shines, providing a serene oasis. They enable your images to weave enduring and deeply resonant narratives.

So, we hope you liked our Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets post. Are you a professional photographer?  Did you hear about our new listing service eventually? Sign up as an LLF Pro Member now and get listed immediately!

Therefore, LOOKSLIKEFILM is your most important daily inspiration for photography. Created by our amazing artists from all over the world! You should probably check out our Facebook group and our Instagram feed.  Besides that, you can give us a follow on Pinterest as well.

The post Unleash the Magic of Editorial Lightroom Wedding Presets appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

AI In Photography: Is It Here To Help You Or Replace You?

Introduction

With technology advancing faster than ever, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various industries has sparked both excitement and concern.

One industry that has witnessed the growing influence of AI is photography, where AI software is revolutionizing how photographers work.

The presence of AI in photography has become increasingly prominent, offering a range of tools and capabilities that streamline workflows, enhance creative expression, and save valuable time.

However, this progress has also raised questions about whether AI is here to help or replace photographers altogether.

In this article, we delve into the multifaceted relationship between photographers and AI software with insights from Lukas Piatek, a founding member of Lookslikefilm. We’ll share his thoughts on AI software’s benefits and future impact in photography.

We will also address the fears and hesitations that photographers may have, explore the different types of AI software used in photography, and provide insights into how AI software can ultimately benefit photographers in their artistic pursuits.

The Fear Factor: Addressing Concerns About AI in Photography

Despite the rapid progress of AI in photography, it is not uncommon for photographers to express concerns and reservations about its potential impact.

One prevailing fear is that AI tools may eventually replace photographers altogether.

However, addressing these concerns and shedding light on AI’s remarkable benefits while preserving the photographer’s creative vision is essential.

Within the photography community, opinions about AI software vary. Some embrace it wholeheartedly, recognizing its potential to enhance their skills and streamline their workflows.

LLF founder Lukas Piatek shares this sentiment: “These are just tools to me, tools that enhance my workflow and speed up everything… If something can save me valuable time and time I can spend with my family, I’m all for it.”

To alleviate fears and misconceptions surrounding AI in photography, you must understand its true nature and purpose.

AI software does not seek to replace photographers but instead acts as a powerful ally that amplifies their abilities. These tools are designed to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, enabling photographers to focus on their artistic vision and storytelling.

Moreover, AI tools possess inherent limitations that prevent them from capturing the essence of unique and irreplaceable moments.

Lukas reinforces this perspective from his experience in the wedding industry, emphasizing, “No AI can truly capture those one-of-a-kind moments that I get to witness at every wedding. Ultimately, people will always crave real, authentic images that depict their moments as they unfolded.”

Understanding these distinctions between AI tools and human creativity is vital.

AI cannot replicate the passion, intuition, and emotional connection photographers bring to their craft. The human element adds depth, emotion, and storytelling to each photograph – a quality that AI algorithms cannot replace.

By embracing AI in photography, you can harness its immense potential to enhance your skills and elevate your artistry.

The time-saving aspect of AI is a significant advantage that allows photographers to allocate more time to their creative pursuits and personal lives.

Rather than fearing displacement, photographers can view AI as a valuable assistant, offering them more freedom to explore, experiment, and push the boundaries of visual creativity.

The Two Types of AI Software in Photography

AI software in photography can be categorized into two main types: pattern recognition AI and generative AI.

Knowing the difference between these two categories will help understand the impacts on photographers and their creative processes.

Pattern Recognition vs. Generative AI

Pattern recognition AI enables photographers to automate tasks such as image culling, sorting, selection, and editing, providing efficient and time-saving solutions.

On the other hand, generative AI unlocks new frontiers of creative exploration, empowering photographers with tools that generate content and manipulate imagery, expanding their artistic possibilities.

The impact of pattern recognition AI and generative AI in photography is nothing short of transformative. Pattern recognition AI optimizes photographers’ workflow by reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks, and generative AI unleashes a world of creative possibilities.

Pattern recognition AI focuses on analyzing vast amounts of data to identify and recognize patterns, enabling it to automate specific tasks in photography.

By employing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, pattern recognition AI significantly speeds up the laborious process of manually reviewing and organizing images.

It acts as a valuable assistant, helping photographers streamline their workflow and devote more time to the creative aspects of their craft.

Generative AI ventures into the realm of content creation and manipulation. It leverages deep learning algorithms to generate new content, whether it be images, textures, or even entire scenes, based on patterns and examples provided.

Generative AI empowers photographers to experiment with novel ideas, explore alternative aesthetics, and push the boundaries of their creativity.

Tools such as Photoshop’s Generative Fill exemplify the capabilities of generative AI by allowing photographers to seamlessly extend and modify content within images, giving them greater control over composition, background elements, and visual storytelling.

By selecting a specific area and giving text input, photographers can leverage the power of AI to generate realistic textures, backgrounds, or even entirely new elements within their photographs.

However, it’s essential to be mindful of the copyright implications when working with generative AI tools like Generative Fill.

While AI algorithms can generate impressive content, knowing the source material and understanding the potential impact on copyright ownership is crucial.

Adobe’s Generative Fill, for instance, uses a vast dataset to train its models, which may include copyrighted images. Photographers should exercise caution and be informed about how AI tools handle their images, ensuring compliance with copyright laws and ethical considerations.

Despite the copyright considerations, generative AI in photography offers an exciting avenue for photographers to unleash their creativity.

Together, pattern recognition AI and generative AI revolutionize how photographers work, offering efficiency and creativity and expanding artistic horizons.

By incorporating these AI tools into their workflow, photographers can tap into the immense potential of AI, enhancing their skills, pushing their creative boundaries, and elevating their craft to new heights.

How AI Culling and Editing Transform Workflows

In the world of photography, one of the most time-consuming and often daunting tasks is the process of culling and editing images.

However, with the advent of AI in photography, you now have access to powerful tools that can revolutionize your workflow, making it more efficient and effective.

AI presets are one such tool that has gained significant popularity among photographers. These presets harness the capabilities of AI algorithms to provide consistent and stunning enhancements to photographs.

By applying intelligent adjustments to aspects such as exposure, color grading, and tonal balance, AI presets offer a quick and reliable way to enhance images, ensuring a cohesive look across a series of photographs.

Photographers can save valuable time by using AI presets, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and providing instant results that align with their desired aesthetic.

Aftershoot: Revolutionizing the Photography Workflow

One standout example of an AI tool that streamlines a photographer’s workflow is Aftershoot – a pattern recognition AI software that speeds up culling and editing in one app.

The AI-powered culling feature of Aftershoot revolutionizes the image selection process. By leveraging advanced algorithms, it quickly analyzes and categorizes images based on various criteria, such as composition, blur, duplicates, and emotion.

This automated culling process significantly reduces the time and effort traditionally required for manual image sorting. Photographers can now focus their attention on the best shots, ensuring the optimal images can be selected much faster for further editing and delivery to clients.

Aftershoot’s editing capabilities further enhance photographers’ workflow by providing reliable AI-powered editing tools within a single app.

From intelligent image enhancement to advanced retouching features, Aftershoot offers comprehensive and reliable AI editing that can replicate a photographer’s unique style with 90%+ accuracy.

By harnessing the power of Aftershoot’s intuitive AI, photographers can edit 1,000 images in less than a minute! Now, that’s a speed boost if we’ve ever seen one.

The editor is smart too. It keeps learning from your further adjustments to ensure it gets more accurate with time.

Aftershoot’s intuitive interface and seamless integration of AI technology empower photographers to save effort and time while still maintaining full control over the creative process.

AI culling and editing tools have revolutionized how photographers approach their workflow. Photographers can transform their image selection and editing processes by utilizing AI presets and cutting-edge software like Aftershoot, saving significant time and effort.

Embrace the Future: Leveraging the Power of AI in Photography

In conclusion, Lukas Piatek emphasizes the importance of not overlooking the AI revolution in photography.

He says, “Don’t shut down an idea simply because it’s AI or because it means change. We can’t escape the AI wave that’s coming in the next few years, so it’s wiser to be proactive. Engage with it and see how it can boost your business.”

The time-saving aspect of AI tools is their most significant advantage, providing photographers with more time to dedicate to their craft and personal lives.

AI tools save valuable time and augment photographers’ skills, preserving their creative vision and allowing them to focus on capturing authentic and unique moments that AI cannot replicate.

Rather than fearing displacement, photographers are encouraged to view AI software as a valuable assistant that enhances their abilities and allows them to remain at the forefront of visual creativity.

Lukas captures the essence of embracing AI software in photography with his final statement:

“Regardless of your skepticism, each AI tool can be used differently, and if you have moral concerns, then just use it to the extent you’re comfortable with. At the end of the day, we all stand to save time, and that’s pretty fantastic!”

To experience the benefits of AI in photography firsthand, start incorporating Aftershoot’s AI software into your workflow.

Utilizing this cutting-edge tool can expedite the culling and editing process, unleashing your creative potential and transforming your photography journey.

Embrace the power of AI and elevate your photography to new heights!

The post Navigating the Impact of AI in Photography: Friend or Foe? appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

Being an artist or photographer can be a challenging pursuit, especially when it comes to standing out in a crowded field. With the proliferation of social media, it has become easier for artists to share their work and reach a wider audience, but it has also become harder to stand out and be noticed.

On the one hand, social media can be a helpful tool for artists to showcase their work and connect with other creatives. It can also be a way to receive feedback and support from fans and followers. However, on the other hand, it can also be a stressful tool, as artists may feel pressure to produce new work and constantly engage with their audience. In addition, the constant stream of content on social media can also make it challenging to get noticed and be seen as a unique voice in a sea of voices.

Ultimately, standing out as an artist or photographer requires a combination of talent, hard work, and persistence. It’s important to keep honing your skills, seeking opportunities to showcase your work, and staying true to your vision and voice as an artist. You can make your mark in art and photography with dedication and perseverance.

We are proud of our diverse and open-minded photography community that has contributed many amazing images to our group throughout the year. The talent and creativity of our photographers never cease to amaze us, and we are grateful for their willingness to share their work with the rest of the community.

One thing that sets our community apart is the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere we have cultivated. Our photographers come from various backgrounds and bring multiple perspectives and styles to the table. We believe this diversity makes our community unique and allows us to learn from and inspire one another.

In addition to being talented photographers, our community members are incredibly engaged and active. They frequently participate in discussions and share their thoughts and experiences in our Facebook groups, making them a truly collaborative and supportive space. We are grateful for the time and energy that our photographers put into keeping our community vibrant and thriving.

We are proud of our photography community’s talent, diversity, and engagement. We look forward to seeing all the fantastic work they will continue producing.

Agnieszka Gofron

Ash Blythe

Becca Carroll

Ben Ingram

Boris Chernykov

Darla Winn

Erica Margan

Evynn LeValley

Ewelina Puk

Jodi Lynn Buckles

Johanna Grzonka

Kara Lee

Karin Lundin

Kate Whyte

Kewin Connin Jackson

Lina Lin

Lindsey Biza

Lorella Castillo

Lucy Ketchum

Mari Trancoso

Megan Loeks

Monet Nicole Moutrie

Patryk Brulinski

Sheryl Oobaloos

Sophie Gueiros Costa

Tim Demski

Traci Edwards

Honorable Mention

Kirsten Connors-Hunt

On the left, you see the original photo of Kirsten’s great-great-uncle Robert Henry, who fought for the US in WWI. Kirsten is specialized in photo restoration. She spent 4 hours editing this wonderful photo of her great-great-uncle on the right.

The post The Best LLF Images Of 2022 appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

by Tash Jones

This Winter 2022 LOOKSLIKEFILM turns eight years old!

What started late one October evening 2014 as purely an ‘inspiration space’ has grown into a community.
A space that was once where photographers could quickly source images that “looked like film” for their creative inspiration & appreciation of the artist behind the image has evolved into what we see today.

LOOKSLIKEFILM

LOOKSLIKEFILM is a website.

But, what else?

It’s multiple Facebook groups – 

LOOKSLIKEFILM
LOOKSLIKEFILM LEARN
LOOKSLIKEFILM WEDDINGS etc

It’s an Instagram community –

@LOOKSLIKEFILM
@LOOKSLIKEFILMWEDDINGS

It’s a Pinterest space

It’s the LOOKSLIKEFILM store that includes many assets to assist in streamlining your business, such as templates, contracts, guides and more.

It’s real-time education sharing spaces & problem-solving.

It’s local community groups.

It’s educational resources, interviews with much loved artists, elevation of artists, elevation of new and undiscovered artists.

It’s artist spotlights, conversations, movements… and this is just the beginning.

These mentioned alone culminate in over 250,000 creatives worldwide – creatives welcome from any country, with any belief system, with any background and from all demographics – to share in a common goal.
The goal of sharing their art, to enjoy the artistry of others, to communicate and network with other like-minded creatives, to share knowledge and to support each other to grow and evolve into the best possible creator they can be.

LOOKSLIKEFILM has birthed businesses, friendships, love stories & inevitably, fall-outs.

It has grown alongside the community to be what we believe to be the best version of LOOKSLIKEFILM thus far & we want to continue to serve the members, the industry and be here with you to grow as individual artists along the way too.

Meridian Presets

Meridian Presets. The LOOKSLIKEFILM stand-alone hub with various Lightroom Presets and Effects to enhance your photography from some of the world’s best photographers and artists.

AEON University

This month we launched our new stand-alone platform called AEON University. AEON is a community-based education hub with guidance direct from the professionals themselves.
From, “how-to” posing guides, all the way to building an associate empire, creative shooting techniques and everything in between.

A Love Letter To The LLF community

We felt this was the ideal time to introduce you to the hearts who work upfront & behind the scenes to assist in making this community what it is today.

This introduction to us is our love letter to you, the people who continue to participate, educate, speak up, hold space & grow right along side us.

We want to thank each & every one of our members for the love, friendship & lessons over the last eight years and cannot wait to share & enjoy all the new elements that will come with the future.

Sitting here, writing this, I cannot help but reflect on my own LOOKSLIKEFILM journey and can barely believe where it has taken me. 

But, more on that later – right now, I want to give the LOOKSLIKEFILM community an update and much overdue insight into the team, who we are as a collective and who we are as individuals.

Above all – we are a community – and we cannot wait to see what you have in store. To observe and appreciate, and ultimately celebrate your growth as we walk this choice of career path side by side.

LOOKSLIKEFILM: How it all began

The idea

LOOKSLIKEFILM was born with the premise of inspirational images that did exactly what it said on the tin, for the most part, they “looked like film” – now this is more than an idea or a name, it is the brand and it is the beginning.

No longer do images simply need to ‘look like film’, all imagery is included in the round-ups, the blogs, the highlights & the community.

All forms of photography are appreciated and like most things in life, personal taste will affect the responses to imagery. The community is vast, but rest assured, that someone will appreciate the concept, the image, or the creative artistry that is involved in an individuals work.

So, we all know the CHOO CHOO right?

What is the Choo Choo? (And why?)

The Choo Choo train that stops by in the main Facebook group once an image hits a certain number of likes by the community & its members – well, the Choo Choo got a reboot/refresh and I’m starting right here with this integral part of LOOKSLIKEFILM history to tell you how, what & why.

The great thing about this is and the ‘why’ behind the concept is that you can inspire people who subscribe to the website, people who may not partake in social media, you can inspire globally.

When you get a Choo Choo, you will receive a comment, usually from Matthias and very occasionally from myself, on the image comment section. The comment will let you know you have a Choo Choo and request a high-resolution version of the image along with information, for feature purposes.

Once live on the blog, you can also post the Choo Choo feature badge on your site to direct your website visitors to the feature and direct them there via link.

How has the Choo Choo evolved?

We have introduced Staff Picks. They are Instagram round-up from the #lookslikefilm and #lookslikefilmweddings tags via Instagram. This also means that members who no longer have or participate on Facebook can still be found & featured for their work.

The Choo Choo is no longer the only way to be featured on LOOKSLIKFILM.

With the ever-changing algorithms on each social media platform, making it a “hit and miss” set of requirements to sometimes even achieve visibility – we wanted to ensure that artists we loved were not missed. 

These Staff Pick stories took a brief hiatus whilst we navigated post 2020 work-loads as individual businesses & worked on AEON University & all the good-stuff we have upcoming for the community.

For the record, Staff Picks are back & posted at random, usually mid-week.
They are based on the following categories – Weddings, Lifestyle, Couples, Portraits, Kids/Family & Our Picks, which are often miscellaneous & whatever speaks to us at the time of choosing!

As long as you are using one or both hashtags, your chances of being picked by one of the three of us is the best it can be! This is also how we pick for the grid.

Please note, using the hashtags are the best way to be seen, we each check both hashtags within the scroll feature and regularly spend time picking from this & refreshing our choices. 

We do not currently check image tags within Instagram that come via direct message to the pages, as we have so many per day along with messages, questions, and general bot DM’s!

LOOKSLIKEFILM – Instagrams

Our General Manager, Matthias Jaworksi, curates the main LOOKSLIKEFILM Instagram. When he has (rare) time off, it’s then curated by Tash Jones, our Creative Content & Community Lead & LLF Weddings Manager. She also Team-leads the moderators who work so hard to keep the Facebook groups running smoothly.

Most Instagram stories are created and posted by Tash, similarly if away, Matthias takes the role.

Tash curates the LOOKSLIKEFILM Weddings Instagram page.

These pages do post some “Choo Choo” images, but we tend to also post images that didn’t get the likes due to algorithms or images we just love too!

LOOKSLIKE – IG Live Sessions

‘LOOKSLIKE’ will be a regular Instagram Live session ran by Tash, hosting a variety of creatives, artists, communities, educators, brands, and more.

Think of them as in-depth, no holds barred, intimate ‘catch-ups’ with our most talkative team member from the comfort of their homes or office/workspace.

The IG-lives will be available for viewing in the highlight section of Instagram for a period of time & may include exclusive updates, offers and give you an insight into creatives you may know of and also people who deserve the recognition that you may not. 

We are super excited to get started with these, and we will begin in early 2023 with an Aeon Artist who has already created their education video on our Aeon University platform.

AEON UNIVERSITY – Video Education

AEON University, as mentioned above, is a community-based education programme for photographers, we soft launched part of the courses in November and have lots to come in 2023 from your favourite artists and your soon to-be favourites, in the form of education and sharing.
Aeon is based on accessible knowledge and is already stocked with videos from the likes of Igor Demba, Naomi Van Der Kraan, Sean Flanigan, and more.

All other exciting news and updates will be shared with you in real-time, we will also create twice yearly round-up posts of anything you may have missed via the newsletters, social media or otherwise and giving you up-to-date news on the team.

For now, let’s get back to the re-introduction and introduction to the LOOKSLIKEFILM team, starting with the man, the myth, the legend, the LOOKSLIKEFILM founding Father: Lukas.

LOOSKLIKEFILM: Meet The Team

Lukas Piatek

Lukas {he/him} – Founder & Owner
Website
Instagram

LLF: Concept, Creation, Present Day

LOOKSLIKEFILM was born out of my personal need to have a place where I could go to find inspiration to grow as an artist and evolve my style as a beginner back in the early days.

This was all pre-Instagram and Pinterest in their current forms. It all started with a small Facebook group that quickly grew.
It became bigger and bigger again, on its own.
We didn’t do any marketing or planning for it at all, and initially, it was just me.
Many people joined because they heard about it in passing, so it was all natural and organic growth.
Over the years it evolved into the blog, community, listing page, preset company, and now a place for online education.

LLF: Team – Staff 

The LLF team is constantly evolving, but at the moment, we have Matthias Jaworski, who runs the website in terms of blog posts and taking care of customer support. Matthias also covers the LLF Insta grid.

The wonderful Tash Jones is responsible for our new online education site project called AEON and she is the direct line to the community & is always considering the needs of the people first, with idea after idea – she also runs the social media stories & LLF Weddings.

Tanisha Clay and Seila Stone are our moderators of the Facebook groups, they are busy taking care of everything that might come up in there. 

Laura Beck is currently taking a break due to her health, but she is our LLF Bare Queen and leads the boudoir group.

Our LLF Kids group is currently on hiatus but will be back in 2023 with a slight re-brand.

Goals – Growth – Photography – Business

I don’t have a particular vision or plan, just a passion for what I created and where it can go, I know that the immediate future involves growing AEON into one of the main supportive spaces for creatives to find online education and also evolving LLF into a bigger & more engaged community with other projects that are coming up. 

As far as my own photography business goes, I just want to take care of my bucket list in terms of destination wedding countries.
I totally want to go to Japan, which I cannot wait until 2023 to shoot a wedding!
Other countries on my bucket list are Greenland and South Africa.

At this point in my career, I have a specific target audience so my ideal clients always find me, it’s a true joy to work with them no matter where in the world their wedding is, the people make it great.
I do also offer mentoring options covering a range of available subjects, SEO is my most popular mentoring choice, but I also do posing and some other stuff in between. You can find information on my website.

Introvert – Impact

Of course, when you are running a community, speaking and other roles are offered to you. I am totally an introvert and sometimes feel pressured to speak at events. I’ve definitely gotten better over the years, but I’ll never say it’s fun! I’m sure people can relate – I know Tash does!

People often ask when they can next hear or see me speak, any events like that would be shared via LOOKSLIKEFILM and my personal social media.

Sometimes, in the midst of the weddings and balancing work and home I temporarily forget the sheer size of this community across all platforms.
While I’ve had some incredible excitement, fun, and life-changing opportunities from creating LLF, with it is also a heavy burden because with so many individual human beings coming together in any capacity, things don’t always go the way you hope.

People aren’t always what they seem and I am someone who takes people on who and how they are in real-time. I care about it like you wouldn’t believe and that can feel like any issue or negative event is my responsibility.

Me – Family – Home – Life

My wife Lena and I had our baby daughter Rubi last year in May and she just turned 19 months.
Besides us, there are also Milla our Bernese mountain dog and Alma a mixed breed that we rescued from a shelter in Romania.
We also have three bunnies named Dunphy, Klops, and Motte!

Image by Pablo Beglez

With such a young child, our entire focus is on her at the moment as we try to give her the best possible life that we can.
I take a lot of photos at home now, looking back I wish I had known sooner how to really handle my camera when I was much younger.
The way I can capture light and emotions now is very different to when I started, I wish I could have learned whilst my grandparents were with us.

That’s why I always say I don’t have a favorite location to shoot, I have favorite things to shoot and that’s real emotion and light. Anywhere is beautiful when you can capture light.

Outside of work, I either play soccer in a local club, which I’ve played now for over 20 years, or I play video games! Another new hobby that I just added last year is collecting old and new comics.

My main goal for 2023 is to relax and spend time with my family. My daughter is at that age where I do not want to miss a thing because I notice how quickly she’s changing whenever I am on the road for a couple of days and come back. Spending time together and just enjoying life is THE big win for me.

The Future

I don’t know what the future holds, of course, nobody does. But I do know I’m excited about it. I’m excited for new memories with my family, to travel, for the growth and building of LLF and Aeon, and to do a lot more gaming too!

PS my favourite snack is crisps or in the US ‘chips’!

My Favourite Photographs 

This shot is special to me because it basically started my career as a destination wedding photographer. It all started with this wedding in Iceland. It is 3 am in the morning during the summer so there is no real night time and we could travel to all locations without the trouble of the tourists. This shot however could have been taken anywhere in the world but I simply loved the expression and this shot was used as the main header on my website for over 3 years.

New York, 2019, 18 hours of shooting this amazing wedding. My longest wedding to date but I loved every second of it. It is not perfect but its special to me as I love the expression as it describes perfectly what I and all the guests felt at that moment.

This was the first wedding of the year in Germany.
It was the moment the bride walked into the room of her grandma who had some serious health issues the week before the wedding and no one knew if she would make it.
I never cried so much behind the camera as this was such an intense and emotional moment for everyone involved.

August of 2022, my longest journey ever to French Polynesia and I got to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. The way the light lit up the sky and the glow was magical. It was also a very intimate and beautiful moment that made me realise once more why I love doing what I do.

Matthias Jaworski

Matthias {he/him} – General Manager
Website
Instagram

The Backstory

Lukas and I have been friends for more than 15 years now. We lived and still live in two different cities, which are only a few kilometers apart. Outside of LLF, Lukas and I regularly see each other and share activities with our families and friends.

I never intended or thought I’d be a photographer. In my youth, my creative side went into making music with my friends, I played in a Rock band, and we had incredible times playing on stages all over Germany. Each of the band members, in the end, has followed their own path of career, so, unfortunately, we have stopped making music.

Start at LLF

My initial career path was in banking, and I got a degree in economics. Although I do enjoy the economical topics, the bank job overall wasn’t making me happy – one day in January 2017, myself and my wife spent the day in the Netherlands with Lukas and Lena. We discussed our worries and joys of life, as friends do. 

Lukas mentioned that LLF was growing rapidly, and what started as a small Facebook group had grown substantially. He had a great group of friends from across the world to support him when it got going initially. However, like with my music group back then – everyone follows their intended path and journey in their career. The friendships are ongoing, but the work with LLF came to a natural end.

Together though, they set the foundations that are the core identity of the brand today.

That day in January, Lukas asked me to become a full-time staff member, and I joined in February 2017, almost 6 years ago!

My Role

I know that I used to describe my role as an executive assistant, but as it’s evolved, it’s more of a General Manager.

Lukas and I work together in our office, which has meant I’ve been able to learn the processes and administrative tasks around LLF and our preset brand Meridian. This in turn has enabled me to manage the brand when Lukas is abroad shooting or out of the office. We are based in Germany, but our wonderful LLF community unites photographers worldwide.

I don’t offer mentoring or anything such as teaching as I don’t see myself currently in the position to teach other established photographers about photography. However, I once shared my knowledge about photography when a school kid asked for advice!

I think LLF is a great starting point for “new to the industry” photographers and also for seasoned professionals who want a safe space to hang out.

In my opinion,  the reason LLF works is because it’s got a specific value. The “why” has always been really clear and consistent.

There goes my hero

Lukas taught me everything in regard to photography – I wouldn’t be here if Lukas hadn’t believed in me and the talent I have. So, yeah – my personal photography hero is Lukas, who introduced me to this beautiful part of my world.

Besides that, to add a little more cheese – I admire the photographers from our LLF community. 

I scroll daily through our groups for the content, and over the years, I’ve learned so much from simply observing and admiring images from different fields of photography and through the comments and discussions that then take place about them. The positives but also the struggles people openly discuss in our groups are huge learning opportunities and opened my eyes to the potential hurdles running a business could present.

Challenges

My biggest challenge with LLF is time – it would be great to have more than 24 hours in a day! 

The LLF community life is a huge gift we have the honor to manage. But, with all the tasks besides the Facebook group, it’s sometimes hard to find the time to get into passing conversations or to share images of your own.

LLF is not just a Facebook group, as it once was in 2015. There are so many elements, from legal to invoicing, queries and customer support, and product management – keeping everything on track alongside a family and shooting weddings can be a juggling act at times.

I know my persona is perceived to be quite quiet, which is funny because I don’t have a problem being on stage and speaking in front of a crowd! I guess my reserved nature around LLF results in the fact that I’m not a native English speaker. My first language is German, my second language is Polish, and then my third language is English! Sometimes it feels overwhelming and/or intimidating that I cannot express myself or my point of view precisely when I’m unprepared, especially when the topic is sensitive.

As I mentioned above, LLF unites people from across the globe, so sometimes, the differing time zones make things hard to manage. Especially if something happens during our night-time within the groups, we have two amazing moderators, Seila & Tanisha to help with that now.

Nevertheless, I take my responsibilities seriously and always endeavor to promote open dialogue and participate when possible.

Leading by example is imperative.

Having a good team dynamic is crucial to keep things running efficiently. Thankfully we currently have an amazing team!

LLF + Meridian – Business Goals

I hope that LLF will be in a good position within the photographer’s world in the next 5 years and continue to grow. I also hope that we, as a brand and, more importantly, as a community, still provide value and positive delivery of relevant education and inspiration for those creatives looking for a space.

The best part of LLF is the education and knowledge sharing, that and the community spirit.

Three specific goals that come to mind, though? Helping LLF to the next level, maintaining running my own photography business effectively, and I’d love to shoot a wedding in North America.

Another goal I have as a personal one is to share more work and thoughts within our community and find time to engage. I run the Meridian Instagram and do many administrative tasks behind that brand. It’s exciting to see new artists emerge with varying styles and each bringing something new to the art.
I currently edit with Cascade 02 by Benj Haisch, and I love the LLFx effects that spice up some of my images in addition to the edit!

My biggest milestone in business so far was this – 

“Hey Matthias, we love your work! Are you cool with flying 2000 kilometers to photograph our wedding?”

That is SO crazy and so cool – sometimes I catch myself in a moment on the couch and cannot believe the journey photography has taken me on so far.

Family – Life  – Me

I live in a small house in the West of Germany, an hour’s drive from Düsseldorf/Cologne, close to the Netherlands border. My wonderful wife Sabrina and I said “I do“ in Las Vegas in 2015. We have two cute daughters, born in 2017 and 2020, and I couldn’t be happier to spend my life with them. We love dogs, so our french bulldog called Penny completes the list of family members.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends, watching football (for the US folks: soccer) in the stadium, and loudly supporting my favorite club FC Schalke 04. If there’s some free time left, you’d probably catch me playing on PS5 or watching NFL & NBA on TV.

I really enjoy good food and travel like most people – my favorites being traditional Polish or Asian food, but I do have a soft spot for a good burger!

I’ve been lucky enough to see some amazing places in my life so far.  As Poland is deeply connected in my heart Zakopane, Krakow and Gdansk are definitely some gems to visit. But Corsica, Iceland, and New York City were also impressive.

To close, I’m looking forward to the exciting projects we have in store and to seeing where this wild journey takes me!

My Favourite Photographs 

When I began my photography journey, I never thought I’d ever be taking photographs at a funeral. Even though it was emotionally challenging, I found comfort that the family who could not attend the funeral*, could still have the closure and say goodbye through my imagery. *Due to pandemic restrictions)

This image is a favourite of mine as it marks the official start of my photography career. Lukas and Jacob (pictured) taught me the free-lensing technique during our LLF World Meet-Up in Barcelona 2017. I gave it a go and felt lucky to get this shot of Jacob.

Whilst this isn’t my work, it is shot by Lukas at my own wedding and is extremely important to me. This image depicts my Grandpa who passed away in August 2021. He had Parkinson’s Disease for many years which affected him physically and mentally. I love this photograph because it looks like the illness vanished and he’s simply enjoying our wedding day.

I know wedding day shared images are usually romantic and intimate moments, but this is one of my favorites because it reminds me of the fun element. I hate being in front of the camera and I know that many of my clients feel the same.

I aim to make it fun and relaxed on each and every wedding day. Being silly and simply having the best time of our lives is what I aim for when I work and this image is the perfect example of it.

Tash Jones 

Tash {she/her/they/them} – Creative Content Lead, Community Manager & Wedding Manager
Website
Instagram

Backstory – The Shortish Version – Hiya

I find this super discombobulating, as I’m writing up this blog and writing up the words of my two colleagues then adding my own – it’s truly taken me 6 weeks, if not more to complete (thank you ADHD freeze!) I can talk about the team and LOOKSLIKEFILM forever, I mean I can talk full stop. But, when it comes to myself, I find it, just, yeah!

I am the newest admin team member and in all honesty, I struggle to say it, write it or believe it. I joined the LOOKSLIKEFILM Facebook group on 10th May 2016, my memory is terrible, I literally just checked in the group on my phone to clarify! I came across the group when it was repeatedly mentioned in my Facebook newsfeed in conversations and curiosity got the better of me.

I naturally don’t recall the first few months of being in the group, but I do remember the overwhelm of being exposed to SO.MANY.EPIC.ARTISTS and experiencing what I now know and can identify as imposter syndrome.

I was a Customer Service representative for 6 years in a steady job role with progression opportunities before starting my own business, having flitted from job to job prior to that in the most incoherent way – From selling motorbikes (!) to working at a fish and chip shop to teacher training for early years primary education to packing plant food at a factory.

You name it, I probably did it!

One thing that has remained consistent for me, is the customer service side of my personality that’s keen to make things honest, clear, and fair.

LLF World Meet Up – 2017 

I started my business, Love Luella in 2013 as a hobby and by 2016 I was very much a “weekend warrior” and part time shooting weddings.
I wasn’t well travelled, I still consider that to be true and I certainly wasn’t very confident in my ability as a human or in my photography!

I had, at age 31 never been abroad.
That was until March 2017 when I acted on impulse and booked to attend one of the LOOKSLIKEFILM meet up’s… in Barcelona! It was an experience and a half.
I think there were at least 12 other photographers from the UK on the flight across and I’d never been exposed to so many people who had similar interests with very different approaches.

Most of us on that flight stayed in a hostel in a shared room and I just about made it through the trip without any huge mishaps, if you don’t count rapping ‘Gangster’s Paradise’ wearing a pink feather boa in the karaoke bar as huge.

(Disclaimer – I didn’t get out much and that’s the first and last time I will ever take part in karaoke..)

2017 LLF World Meet Up Barcelona – Image by Tim Dunk

Overall, the trip boosted my enthusiasm for LLF and what it was.
I witnessed people who whilst I didn’t know of initially – I could just tell they were good.. right?!

There they were teaching and sharing their business approach, art and heart, all for free in a room of strangers who are considered ‘competitors’.
I loved the ethos, I loved the delivery and detail of knowledge shared so eagerly and I truly loved my lanyard!!
(I still have it in my bedroom hanging on my curtain rail!)

I never officially met Lukas, I think I waved once, but we do have a group selfie where we are in the same frame, just about and a roof top image taken where there are a few of us attempting an MTV cribs casual dancing on the top of a building in Barcelona moment.
Regretfully I never met Matthias in person, although he was there, and we never spoke to each other until 2020.

I’m super introverted unless it’s work related or in the company of people I’ve crossed many internal barriers with, so the experience was quite intense for me.
It was also the first time I had ever left my children for a number of days.
One of my sisters, who is not a photographer, came with me. How many 31 year old parents do you know that require a chaperone who is also their younger sibling / not a photographer, to attend a photography event in Spain!

Skipping parts, I continued ploughing away into my work and learning via trial and error and raising my sons.

By 2018 LLF, for me and I’m sure like for many of you at some point or another – was muted.

There were no hard feelings, or issues, I just couldn’t focus with the distraction of beautiful work and then came the comparison feelings and we all know that comparison steals joy.

I endeavoured to go “full time” in 2018 – that’s the official thing I’ve said somewhere and in comparison to previous years, 2018 was busier.
However, 2019 was my first year as a full-time photographer.

As a single parent to then, younger children, my time was needed elsewhere and of course we all know what happened with weddings the next year. (2020)

At some point in the space between Gangsters Paradise and 2020 I started unofficially helping out with the LLF sub-group for Wales. (I don’t recall exactly how and I didn’t do much to warrant help anyways) – it’s pretty much inactive now. My point being, I had no real ties to the community, rarely posted anywhere (i’m even worse for posting now) and didn’t “know” Lukas or Matthias other than their names and pleasantries via inbox with Lukas.

I feel the story of my joining the LLF team deserves a stand alone effort. Each time I try to condense it, it does the time & true impact a disservice and I will, once my new website is launched early 2023, write a post about the entire experience of 2020 to present day and what occurred, for anyone who has a remote interest. Mostly though, for myself.
Writing this has been cathartic & also reminded me of so many elements to express gratitude for.

Matthias has waited a long time for this draft so I think doing it that way is more logical (I hope!)

2020 – Present Day – Growth

The last couple of years haven’t been easy for anyone, us no different, as a family we are navigating some incredibly challenging situations, some of which are unfortunately ongoing.

For now, I just want to state that Lukas was one of the first of many people to ask for my insight in 2020.
The difference was, after asking he gave me the space to contribute organically and honestly, in the only way I know how.

There were no rules or restrictions – just the ability to share my lived in experiences. His efforts and work in making the LLF community, not just a safer space for everyone overall but a proactively safer space, are sincere and consistent.

It’s fair to say that he has changed my life.
The knowledge, opportunities, the harshest of lessons and ultimately, the friendships I have gained from this time..are priceless to me.

I confidently support the ‘brand’ with my whole heart because I know the two people who invited me into their world and shown me that all is not lost, at a time where I very much felt like they were.

Business Goals – Hopes

In regards to LLF, my core passions alongside equality within this industry are it’s community members.

Their experiences and the educational value we can add to their time spent within the groups and platforms whilst maintaining the integrity they started with and still have today is key.
During lockdowns, I spent a lot of time chatting to the community in the what felt like a “worldwide” time of Clubhouse.
Sharing and listening to so many artists I would have never got to know. That time helped me to clearly see what could serve the community better and what I could do to assist in that.

A few of the projects in motion currently and pending are my impulsive ideas (there are many) this naturally makes me nervous as my overarching drive is fuelled by anxiety and the desire to serve and serve well.

But, I do know that any idea I’ve had that is rooted in giving and not taking, on sharing and not keeping and with the motive of making things easier and / or better for others has always served me right in the end.

From the Staff Picks, to the additional Choo Choo’s or my soon coming, Artist Highlight feature, I don’t know how to exist without doing what I can, with what I know and learn on the way, to help make people feel seen and accepted.

As with anyone, I am always growing as a person.
I have grown within my parenting role, photography and every other element of life.
I hope to continue to grow as a team member and community admin and to better support the friends I have grown to appreciate and value beyond words.

Tripod –  Trigger Warning – Mental Health

I live in North East Wales, not far from the Cheshire border. At home, it’s me, my sons and our four cats!

Life this last couple of years and especially this year in particular has not been smooth sailing – I am so lucky and count my blessings every day. Myself and my children (the tripod) have a wonderful relationship and I consider myself blessed to the highest degree every day I wake up to them.

Gratitude in place, I have a tonne of work to catch up on over Winter and right after finishing this I’ll be packaging up what feels like thousands of gift parcels to send out to my ever patient clients.
I don’t envy the person behind me in the Post Office queue!!

I assume by now I’m known by those who have worked with me or know me in general that I hold myself to an inhumane standard of customer service and it’s no secret that this year I have struggled outwardly more than I ever before.

As someone who prioritises everyone and anyone, it’s only very recently I’ve truly acknowledged that in order to work effectively, serve to the best of my ability and to parent these two epic people I get to call my children, I have to listen to my body.

Mental health is wealth, and whilst I will default into feeling varying degrees of anxiety and shame because I’ve been so behind with deadlines – I know I’ve tried my very best to navigate the challenges that have presented.

I firmly believe that Lukas, Matthias, my children, cats & the treasured people who have supported me and my clients, have kept me alive this year.

That and keeping a fairly dark and dry humour…

It’s a hefty statement, that I may possibly regret sharing, but honesty is the core of my personality and when you continuously ask people to do better, or be better.
I think it should start with doing better yourself.

And, on that note, I look forward to learning, growth, sharing, laughter, sunshine, being by the sea & the next year of this incredibly humbling career path this life has taken me on.

My Favourite Photographs 

This is Holly, my original muse.
We don’t see each other often as I’m based in North Wales and she’s based in Bristol, England. But, when we do it’s like no time has passed.
When we catch up, even if it’s just literally two minutes, we try and take a picture or two.

Initially, when starting out, not many people around me were comfortable with me taking their photos.
But, Holly was always patient and willing and I’m still so grateful for that.
I feel that having her to photograph during different lighting situations, under time constraints, with our kids around us running wild, sometimes only for seconds/ probably helped me to grow as an artist.

This is just one quick snap from a pathway in the middle of the night in 2016 on a random street in Bristol where we met for 15 minutes. I remember thinking I’d finally nailed low light (I had not!)

This image isn’t necessarily a “favourite” but it’s important to me, it was my first protest in 2020 with my sister & our friends at the time in Manchester.

I had so many emotions running through me in this moment – the crowd below me was chanting in unity. I felt so small and simultaneously powerful that it’s hard to explain. I was devastated, grieving, scared, nervous, anxious, worried, and hopeful.

I still haven’t looked at many images from that day, but perhaps one day I will. But of the four I did edit, this one stood out as it’s an unusual editing choice for me. It possibly reflects my mood at the time.

This image is one of my favourites because it captures exactly why I do this job.

I was shooting a lovely couples portraits in their family garden and they suddenly seemed to get shyer than in the previous moments. I looked behind me and saw that the bride’s grandparents were watching together and just glowing with pride and emotion at seeing their granddaughter, celebrating love, having just got married.

It was a unique moment because more often than not, nobody else is present for couples photos – it was a moment in time I feel will be remembered for them & for me for my lifetime.

Images last longer than any human life, but love is forever and this image just contains so much love.

This was taken in 2020 during one of the eased lockdowns, I hadn’t picked up my camera in what felt like forever and by pure chance, a fellow Black woman who then lived in the same small North Wales town as I did was introduced to me.

We were both incredibly tired in a way that words couldn’t describe.We met up on a freezing cold day with no plan and a vintage wedding dress in the bot of the car. We ended up by a lake, and Casey got fully into the water, I stood over her, around thigh high and we talked about our feelings, the current social climate, the impact and just created together.

I free-lensed a lot of the shoot, which was hard as my hands were ice cold.

But it was worth it.

The water looked black, and I called the shoot, “Dŵr Du” – “Black Water” in the Welsh language. The shoot went on to be exhibited in the U.K. Black Female Photography exhibition, “We Are Here” and went on to be published in various publications, like the Guardian.

It’s just one of my many favorites from that day and a rare time when I photographed for myself and not for work in the last few years.

Here’s to the future!

From all of us, to you and your loved ones – we wish you a peaceful transition into 2023 and a Happy New Year.
We cannot wait to learn and grow with you as a collective and to see what you will create in the next year.

Thanks for sticking with us.

LOOKSLIKEFILM

Meet our Moderators

Click here for an introduction to our amazing LLF moderator team.

The post Meet The Team appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

Meet The Moderators

The LOOKSLIKEFILM moderators consist of two incredible people who, alongside running successful businesses and having families of their own, take the time to moderate the LOOKSLIKEFILM Facebook groups. 

As with all social spaces, groups are made up of a collective of unique individuals from across the world. This can sometimes mean a lot of time spent de-escalating or resolving any issues.

We are eternally grateful to these two humans and want to give you a little introduction to our wonderful moderators.

Seila Stone {she/her} – Moderator 

Seila, pronounced ‘Say-lah’ is a Texas-based Mexican-American photographer and makes up one-half of the Stones Photo + Film.

The other half of the business is her husband, and together they are raising two beautiful children and have four dogs and a ball python in Odessa.

In 2009 her then boyfriend, now husband, and business partner gifted Seila her first DSLR and she hasn’t put it down since. She began shooting professionally part-time in 2015 and went full-time in 2016 after the birth of her first child.

After convincing her husband to take on videography, in 2020 they rebranded to the Stones Photo + Film and together shoot primarily weddings and real estate. Their style is timeless, warm, and emotive, and it’s easy to see why they are consistently booked!

Seila is very passionate about civil rights and a huge advocate and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. She describes herself as, “very outspoken” when it comes to speaking up for what she believes, and this can at times impact her emotions. As a Mexican-born immigrant herself, DACA rights are extremely important to her.

In her own words:

I came across LOOKSLIKEFILM in 2016 when a friend invited me to the group. The community means so much to me because it exposed me to all the photographers who really inspire me to grow. Seeing everyone’s creativity encouraged me to push myself in my photography, and that’s honestly when my business took off. That’s what makes LLF my favorite photography group.

Random Facts 

Favorite color – Black
Star sign – Pisces
Favorite food – Mexican
Three things you can’t live without – My family, my phone, and my knee pillow!
Greatest achievement – Living the life that I want when everyone expected me to get a “9-5” job
Words to live by – “I’d rather be weird than boring”
Favorite drink – Water
If you could visit any place next, where would it be? – Iceland
What favorite place have you visited so far? – Seattle
Favorite song – Anything by Harry Styles
Pineapple on pizza? – Nope
If you could communicate with just one animal sound for the rest of your life, what would it be? – Bird chirps
Age – 31
Years in business (part + full-time) – 7 years
What was for lunch today? – Mexican food

Tanisha Clay {she/her} – Moderator

Tanisha Clay is a mixed-race wedding + portrait photographer based in St. Louis, Missouri.

She specializes in weddings + couples and describes her style as warm, natural, and romantic. She got married in 2021, and they welcomed their baby this year, so it’s been a busy and joyful two years! Together with their little one, they also have two dogs and a cat that only partially tolerates Tanisha.

Tanisha has taken a step back from photography to focus on her “world’s cutest baby”! But of course, she’s never far away from the photography scene and is always present in her moderating role. She loves her job and misses the elements that come with it, from fluffing dresses to the rush she gets from beating the sunset!

In her own words:

I came across LOOKSLIKEFILM when I joined multiple groups early in my photography journey. I was looking for inspiration and community, and that’s exactly what I found in LLF.

This community is uplifting, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see the outstanding work shared by people across the globe.

Random Facts

Favorite color – Emerald 
Star Sign – Taurus
Pineapple on pizza? – No, I will die on this hill
Age? 26
Favorite TV show? – The Office
What was for lunch today? – Iced coffee and cookie dough (Mom life!)

Follow them 

Seila

• Website 
• Instagram
• Facebook

Tanisha

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

In case you missed it: Check out the blog post about the rest of the LLF team here.

The post Meet The Moderators appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.

Classes are provided by industry-leading photographers and cover a variety of topics ranging from better posing and family shoots to intentional branding and managing an associate team. Our aim is to provide you with all the educational tools needed to start and run a successful photography & videography business.

Photography and videography are just the start, with music, design, and classes on other creative industries in the pipeline.

But AEON is more than just a platform for online courses. In the future, we plan on launching online and offline conferences, collections of articles and podcasts on various topics, and local community chapters worldwide – localized by spoken language, regions, and stages in life and career.

The creative industry is fast-paced and quickly evolving, with a strong focus on the individual. At times this can be unnerving and make us feel isolated. AEON’s goal is to support, empower, and enable creatives to succeed – together. You can be part of that too. Creatives are the backbone of the platform – anyone can apply to hold courses, share their craft and knowledge, and pass on their experience to others.

And if you’re not at the stage of your career where you feel like you can teach others, you may be happy to know that you’re making a positive impact on others by simply purchasing an AEON course. Giving back to those in need is a core principle of ours, with 5% of all sales going to charitable causes. 

This is AEON. A platform to enable creatives around the world to learn, teach and help – together.

The post The Start Of AEON University appeared first on LOOKSLIKEFILM.