In October 2010, I had the great pleasure of meeting a wonderful Mexican wedding photographer named Fer Juaristi at one of my Speedlite Workshops in Dallas. He attended the Workshop with two other photographer friends, Anahi Navarro and Rafa Ibanez, who by the way, are both stellar wedding photographers.

Little did I know, I’d be making a lifelong friend that day.

During that Workshop, Fer referred me to Vinicíus Matos, one of Brazil’s leading wedding photographers. Vinicíus invited me to present and teach a Workshop at Wedding Brasil 2011. Guess what? Fer was also going to be presenting at WB in Sáo Paulo.

Less than a month after meeting Fer, our paths crossed again while presenting at the Foundation Conference in Kansas City, MO. This was the first time that I’d seen Fer speak (alongside with the Wed Rockers) and I was instantly impressed by his body of work. He’s incredibly humble, kind and passionate about his family and photography.

It’s rare to see a photographer speak with such passion and humility.

A couple months later while presenting at a seminar in Connecticuit, I once again found myself in the presence of Fer. At the same seminar, I met the Canadian dynamic duo Davina + Daniel. Along with my lovely wife Anne, we spent a wonderful evening at The Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub with our new friends Davina + Daniel and of course, who can forget the Wedrockers!

Fast forward to April 2011. Fer and I spend almost a week together at Wedding Brasil. Enjoying exquisite meals together, great conversations and street shooting around Sáo Paulo. I realized after those few short days in Brazil, that Fer is open book, ready to share and 100% real.

Just before the holidays, I found out that Fer was going to be teaching one of his Fershops in Rockville, MD at Washington Talent Agency so I quickly offered up our condo as his crash pad. His sold-out Workshop was a huge success and one thing that really stuck with me was this quote:

“There’s always an excuse to not work hard.” – Fer Juaristi

Fer is a photographer that speaks the truth, shoots from his heart and the result is incredible imagery that can’t help but inspire you.

I had a wonderful time attending his Fershop and the above images are my take from the day.

Thanks for a great week friend!

JVS

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Tech data: All images were captured on a Hasselblad H4D-40, lit with a Canon Speedlite, tripped with RadioPopper JrX’s, on a Nasty Clamp and converted in Lightroom with VSCO film.

“Thanks to the JVS Off Camera Flash workshop and some practice, flash is not such a scary thing. In fact, it’s fun.” – Catie Ronquillo

“One little Canon 580EXII Speedlite with, so many possibilities.” -Binita Patel

“I go to one workshop every year and this year I really wanted to challenge myself and become better with my Speedlights (aka flash).” -Mom*tog

“JVS Speedlites Workshop slowed the head-spinning and allowed me to work on fine-tuning my skills and knowledge.” -Laurie Bracewell

“I came away from the workshop filled with flash knowledge, new friends, and a car full of new flash equipment.” -Lynn in Love Photo

“If you’re even considering buying a ticket to the workshop, do it. Don’t even hesitate. I guarantee you’ll walk away with so much information that your head will want to explode.” -Ashley Photographer

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I’ll be kicking off 2012 with my 1 Day Speedlites Workshop in Washington, DC on Wednesday, January 11th! The Workshop was announced 48 hours ago, six photographer’s have registered and I’m hoping to start the new year off with a sold-out Workshop!

From basic one Speedlite setups to sexy beauty shots, the Workshop will challenge you to think beyond natural light. Gift yourself this holiday season with a seat to my Lighting Workshop. For more information and to register, please click here.

In 18 short days, I’ll be teaching my 1 Day Speedlites Workshop in the beautiful city of New Orleans. You’ll learn to shape your Speedlites with a boatload of modifiers designed specifically for Speedlites! Both Canon and Nikon shooters are welcome! In addition, I’ll even teach you how to light your next wedding / event reception. For more info and to register, please click here.

“It will change your life and how you shoot after a JVS seminar. Flashes are my new best friend.” -Jessica Johnston

Tech data:
Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 28/1.8
2-Canon 580EX II’s
RadioPopper JrX’s
2-Cheetah Booms

The Team:
Model: Izabela Ribas
Assisting: Felipe Temponi
Hair & Makup: Silvio Nogueira
Producer: Adriane Xavier
Dress: Fredson Santos
Location: Secretaria da Viacao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Please join me next month in the wonderful city of New Orleans for an intimate Speedlites Workshop on Sunday November 6th! For more information and to register, please click here.

Tech data:
Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 85/1.2
Canon 580EX II
RadioPopper JrX
Cheetah Boom

The Team:
Model: Izabela Ribas
Assisting: Felipe Temponi
Hair & Makup: Silvio Nogueira
Producer: Adriane Xavier
Dress: Fredson Santos
Location: Secretaria da Viacao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

I’ll be hosting my final Dallas Workshop is less than 72 hours and yes, there’s still time to register!

Two photographer’s can register for $675- by clicking here.
Solo photographer’s can register for $450- by clicking here.
Alumni dating back to 2004, can register for only $225- by clicking here

If you’ve thought about attending a Dallas Speedlites Workshop in the past but haven’t, now is your last chance!
There’s a handful of spots left and all you need to bring is you and your camera…I will provide everything else!

Since July 13th will be my final Dallas Workshop and I’d really love a full studio, I’m offering a wicked registration special! Tuition is normally $450- per photographer, but from now until midnight Tuesday, two photographer’s can register for $675-!

New registration? Please click here and be sure to include the name, address and email of the second photographer when completing your PayPal transaction. If you’re JVS Workshops alumni (anyone dating back to 2004 is eligible) please click here to register for half price!

This offer is good until midnight July 12th and I hope to see ya’ Wednesday! JVS

Sometimes less is more. If you’ve visited this site before, you already know that I shoot exclusively with Speedlites. I don’t like cords and love the portability that Speedlites give me. While I own over a dozen of them, sometimes one light is all that is needed.

Tech data:

Hasselblad H4D-40
Hasselblad 100/2.2 HC
Canon 580EX II
RadioPopper JrX triggers
JVS Convertible Boom
Speed Pro Bracket II
Enhanced with Totally Rad! actions and textures.
One beautiful family!

In 13 short days, I’ll be teaching my 1 Day Speedlites Workshop on July 13th at my Dallas studio. If you’re a portrait or wedding photographer, the Workshop is a great place to learn practical applications of off-camera flash. Several spots remain and I’d love to see you there! For more information and to register, please click here.

Have a great weekend! JVS

I’m going back to my roots, some would call this the basics.

The hardest part is starting with a razor sharp and well exposed image. My eyes are tired of viewing blogs that think f1.2 is the new “out focus, backlit, poorly exposed” trend. It’s not and it’s sloppy.

Do I believe in technology, Photoshop actions and textures, absolutely! Since their inception, I’ve been using the entire arsenal of what I like to call “enhancement tools” from Totally Rad! Like everything in life, moderation is the key.

Back on track, I captured this beauty against Drop It Modern’s Peacock backdrop with an H4D-40 and lighting was courtesy of three Canon 580EX II Speedlites. I’ve been photographing this young lady since birth and each year I have to come up with a completely new look and presentation since her parent’s are masterminds in the creative world. My work has graced the walls of their home for the past 11 years and 2011 will be no different.

I’ve slowed down my shooting speed considerably, I’m carefully planning my compositions and most importantly, I’m giving every ounce of me so my client’s have a visual history for years to come.

I’m not old, tired or grumpy. I’m simply going back to where I started in hopes of becoming a better photographer.

Wish me luck.