As usual, After Dark was an overwhelming experience! Three full days (and late nights) of photographing and learning about photography. It is not your traditional convention or workshop. There were over 400 students, over 35 mentors and tons of photography equipment and lighting.  It was more than any photographer could imagine at their fingertips.  Add to that a boatload of models with professional hair and makeup and a sea of backdrops and locations.

It was wall to wall photographers at this year’s event in St. Louis, with a sell out crowd. Because of the large amount of attendees this time, I took a different route, photographing less and watching instructors in their photography process more. With the recent opening of the new photography studio in North Lima, I sat in on a lot of classes about lighting and posing. With so many lighting options out there, I wanted to continue to strengthen my studio lighting work. Oh and all of the toys I could have purchased while there. But I held strong and at least waited until I was back in Boardman before I ordered more equipment.

Below are just a few of the images I created while at After Dark with the guidance and instruction from the many mentors there. Some of these images are not my usual style of photography, but when you have the option to work with amazing makeup artists and stunning models, you cannot pass up a unique photography opportunity!