Riz Crescini » workshops

Scott Robert Lim Workshop – New York City (Part II)

Riz Crescini — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:48:29 +0000

Sometime after the workshop in New York City, I went to a service at a church that Anne and I used to attend when we lived in the States. I had to use the men’s room and as I entered, something struck me by its very absence. The huge bathroom mirror was entirely gone! I don’t know if it was damaged or if it was being replaced but it felt strange looking at a bare wall.

At the workshop, Scott invited three of his former students to share with us. All three challenged us to look at things in a whole new way that, if not practiced, will seem strange by its absence (similar to the mirror). Junshien Lau challenged us to dream big and to work towards our dream. Marie Lyssa Dormeus challenged us to consider our dream as not a destination but as one to be lived out moment by moment. And finally, Tauran Woo challenged us to be proactive, to think thoughtfully on how to compose our images. Dream, journey, composition…all three, in my opinion, have an essential element: thoughtful and careful reflection. These require some serious “soul-searching” if we are to excel in both photography and life. A missing mirror is not a big deal but a missing “self” is a big deal when we don’t find the time to examine our lives. Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

WPPI 2010: Something to Think About

Riz Crescini — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:25:04 +0000

“Next week there can’t be any crisis. My schedule is already full.” -Henry Kissinger

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s quote encapsulates what I will be doing in the upcoming week in Las Vegas. The Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) will be holding its 30th annual Convention and Trade Show from March 4 – 11. It will be my second WPPI and I am looking forward to the teaching, meeting old friends, and making new ones. Photographers who are attending WPPI for the first time have bombarded Facebook, Twitter, and forums with variations of this same question: How can I make the most of my WPPI experience?

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” -Stephen Covey

I would like to challenge and encourage you to not be overwhelmed by the amount of classes and information that you will inevitably encounter. Make a mental exercise of the immediate needs of your business (do this without looking at the list of classes; it will only sidetrack you) and ask yourself fundamental questions about the state of your business. Reason with yourself (perhaps seek input from those you trust) and evaluate the path that led you to this point. Where are you lacking? Where are you struggling? Where are you stuck? Struggle with these types of questions, attempt to answer them, and in doing so, you will begin to see areas in your business that are more important than others. In other words, what are the priorities of your business at this very moment? When you can get a little bit of a handle on this, then you can look at the list of classes/vendors and choose the ones that will help you with your priorities. You will no longer be tempted to attend a platform class because it’s the popular one nor be tempted by classes that look interesting. Don’t focus on what looks interesting. Focus on the classes/vendors/people that will address your priorities.

I realize this is not an easy exercise! You’re like, “Riz, that’s too much of a headache. I’ll just go with the flow once I get there.” You most certainly can do that but imagine just how much more you will be able to maximize your experience and more importantly push your company in the direction it needs to go in order for you to be successful if you took the time to identify your priorities. Isn’t success what you want for your business after all? I’m all about having a great time (you’ll see me at parties too) but let me end with this quote from Jack Canfield which emphasizes the the need for thoughtful reflection:

“If you are not moving closer to what you want in sales (or in life), you probably aren’t doing enough asking.”

WPPI is going to be awesome. May WPPI 2010 be a great, fun time for all but more importantly, a truly meaningful experience. See you real soon!

Hong Kong Portraits – Scott Robert Next Level Workshop.

Riz Crescini — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:10:42 +0000

My blog is long overdue for a post and what better way to break out of that slump by sharing with you images from a recent workshop I went to a couple weeks ago. I attended the Scott Robert Next Level Workshop and IT…WAS…INCREDIBLE! Okay, sorry for the superlatives but Scott Robert Lim is an amazing photographer, mentor and friend. Scott not only helps you improve your craft but his style of teaching is holistic so you learn so much more than just the technical aspects of photography. He really will take you to the next level. What made the workshop unforgettable were the new friends made and the location…China!! It was an unforgettable experience learning and shooting in a totally different culture. And let me just say that, training and friendships aside, I could go back to China just for the food alone!! Special thanks to the Hong Kong models (Juju Chan, Angelica Hung, Carmen Chan and Amisa Meow) and Hong Kong photographers Kelvin Lau and Mina Yuen. This post is the first of a 2-part series. The images below are from our time in Hong Kong. Let me know what you think. Beijing images coming soon…

This image was my first lesson in off-camera lighting. The vision for this image was created and inspired by Scott Robert Lim.

This image was also created and inspired by Scott Robert Lim. It was a photoshoot on a double decker bus of all places!

The master at work.

This vintage Hong Kong diner was great! So many shooting possibilities but the owner was a bit of a grump. LOL!

The background for our last shooting session. To my Japanese friends, notice the Yoshinoya; it’s taking over the world! Ha ha ha!

This image was actually a test shot but I kinda like its moodiness and how it turned out. What do you think?

And the best shot of the night goes to my roommate: The amazing and situational vegetarian….drumroll please…Anwar Torres!!!

Texture Tomfoolery

Riz Crescini — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:19:59 +0000

Okay, it’s not exactly tomfoolery but I have been experimenting with some textures I purchased from Scott Robert Lim. I warn you, though. You’re gonna need a small towel because you will be drooling after looking through his images. I’m attending his China Next Level Workshop in October. Wanna come with me? Click here if you are interested.

These sweet ladies are former students of mine. Some of you will remember my photo session with them last fall. Here are some more from that shoot. I don’t want to give it all away so there will be another post with these awesome models. And this summer I will have another photo session with them. It’ll be off the hook! Good times!