The following was written by photographer Ryan Boyd in response to his experience after the Mega Muscle Photography Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ryan Boyd, is an internationally acclaimed hair stylist to Hollywood stars and is also a ‘photo workshop junkie’ by his own admission. After attending a workshop conducted recently by Mega Muscle Productions, Ryan shared his experiences.
Matt Walch, photo by Ryan Boyd at the Mega Muscle Photography Expo in Hollywood
These are the memoirs of a photo workshop junkie. I have had a keen interest in male figure photography for many years and am always on the search for ways to expand my knowledge and to experience new ideas, hence my hunt for the great photo workshop.
A number of years ago I was fortunate enough to have some of my work featured in magazines, on greeting cards and calendars, thus created a smoldering fire inside. Three years ago I decided to reinsert myself back into the world of male figure photography, so I started to seek out workshops where I could learn more, network with other photographers and meet some great models. I attended numerous events and was usually disappointed in the quality of the venues. They were not very organized and usually offered very little support or technical information. I would often show up for a specific model that was advertised only to be informed that he was either not available or that I would have to pay for another day to shoot him as he was there only on the last day. Very frustrating to say the least. The main purpose seemed to be a forum for meeting models and the technical part, unfortunately, seemed to be left for me to figure out on my own.
Then a little miracle occurred, well at least to me, a workshop that was held in Las Vegas my MegaMuscle. This was everything and more that I had been searching for, for the past few years.
The first big difference I observed was when one of the key models canceled and a notice was sent to everyone letting them know that a substitute had been arranged, but that if he was not acceptable, then you could cancel and a refund would be issued. Consideration for the photographer, now that is good customer service, what a novel idea. I had a very good feeling already.
Upon arrival to the event I was greeted by the host, Brian Rusch, his assistant Eryn and three photographers, all of whom were there to help facilitate and offer their support. Support and help, again a novel concept. I was taken around the facility so that I could be familiar with everything, including a ‘wardrobe’ room, literally a room full of clothing and props that could be used by the photographers in any way they needed. A cocktail party was arranged on the first night so that all the models, photographers and staff could come together and meet. An ice breaker. The tone was being set for an incredible weekend.
Two things were taken care of that seem simple, but make a huge difference. Transportation to the locations from the hotel, which was really a nice bonus and the other was FOOD. This will sound odd to say but one of the key things that seemed to make the camaraderie of the weekend work so well was the food service. Meals were provided so that the models, photographers and staff had the opportunity to both relax, catch up and connect a bit more. People do function more easily and are happier when they are fed. No rushing out to find something and trying to reconnect later, it was all there. By the end of the last day the entire group was still hanging out together to have the last meal and share our last ideas and to laugh. I personally have only experienced this type of synergy on a few occasions. I believe that Brian has raised the bar for male photography workshops and will keep it high. I thank him for that.
This was, as I mentioned, the workshop that I had been lusting after for such a long time and am so grateful for.
The next Mega Muscle Photography Expo is scheduled for this Fall in Palm Springs, California. For the latest details on all of the Mega Muscle events, visit http://www.mega-muscle.net/events.php.
Ryan Jaeger, photo by Richard Kuntze at the Mega Muscle photography Expo in Las Vegas
Justin Seitz, photo by Ryan Boyd at the Mega Muscle Photo Expo in New York.
Julian Fantechi, photo by Rodney Washington at the Mega Muscle Photo Expo in Los Angeles
