Develop your creative side & your business
Learn how to realise your vision in any situation, command the price your creations deserve and most importantly, enjoy the process along the way!
For the first time ever, CatsDog are bringing their workshop to the USA! They will be heading to Southern California this April to share their international experiences of photographing every kind of dog and working with 1000's of clients over their past 9 years in business. The experience is packaged into a jam-packed two days of learning and shooting with a maximum of ten other photographers.
When?
23rd-24th April 2022
We have just one training date and only 10 places available. We don’t yet know if we will be holding workshops in the USA again. Interested learning from CatsDog? We highly recommend you apply now to grab this opportunity!
Where?
Upland, just outside of LA.
Watch how Cat and Michael work with dogs, when they use artificial light and when they use natural light, then try it for yourself before a live editing session with Cat.
DAY 1
The theory behind dog photography and how to effectively sell your work followed by hands-on shooting with Cat and Michael.
What to expect?
DAY 2
Full workflow editing tutorial with Cat and how to make your brand stand out from the rest.
What to expect?
Meet the Instructors
Cat Race
Experience
Cat has over a decade and a half of experience in the photography industry, with time spent working alongside fashion photographer James Nader to working in an international family portrait studio, before setting up CatsDog in 2013.
Key Roles in CatsDog
Cat is usually the one behind the camera during a shoot and handles the post-production. She holds design appointments to finalise artwork for our clients and is in charge of our social media.
Awards
Cat has placed 1st twice and 2nd twice in the Dog Photographer of the Year awards and runner up in the British Photography Awards along with a highly Commended Photographer of the Year award from the British Institute of Photography.
Meet the Instructors
Michael Higginson
Experience
Michael has over 15 years experience in design and marketing. He’s worked in agencies, in house and freelance as a designer and developer. He also worked in a kennel for 6 years during his education before joining CatsDog in 2015
Key Roles in CatsDog
Michael – the dog whisperer – encourages the dogs to pose during shoots and controls any OCF. Michael spends most of his time working on programming, systems, design and marketing.
Awards
Despite not usually being the one behind the camera, Michael has still gained a first place in the Dog Photographer of the year awards from one of the occasions he was!
What else is included?
Transportation
From the workshop location to our shooting location
Lunch
Each afternoon (let us know any dietary requirements)
Notebook
A personal CatsDog notebook to jot down your new knowledge
Private facebook group
Where you can access follow on support from Cat & Mike
Improved confidence
During your next shoot
You will have the confidence to engage your clients in the session and turn them into an assistant for the day in a way that they will love. Whatever the weather comes up with you will be able to adjust your approach to handle it and get results that make your heart sing. You will be able to engage multiple numbers of dogs and include their people in the photos. Even the most simple of locations will be no problem using new found creative techniques!
During your next sales session
You will know how to make sales that give you the revenue you need and deserve. Armed with the tools to educate your client, you will be able to guide them towards artwork that they adore. In-person sales won’t feel icky, instead, it will be a positive experience for both you and your client. You will have the skills to guide your client to the best option and secure a sale in one session.
What our participants are saying
Behind the scenes of our first workshop
Questions & answers
As photographers based in the North West of England, we are well used to dealing with all kinds of weather conditions, come rain or shine. We intend to share with you exactly how we handle various weather conditions so you can feel confident shooting whatever the forecast predicts, including the weather we are given on the day. Of course, we have no control over what the weather decides to do, so if it misbehaves to a point that is impractical, we may shift our schedule for the day around to accommodate.
The lighting section of this workshop is mostly based around working with natural light and shaping it to get the best results possible, regardless of the weather and your environment and we will touch on and give a demonstration of working with artificial light such as strobe lights too.
Yes, absolutely!
The practical section will take place In two different locations in the LA area – one urban and one greenspace to give you maximum confidence in transferring your newfound skills in different environments. For further details about our locations please contact: photos@mariabivens.com
At this moment in time, we don’t know. To avoid missing out, the best bet is to book now.
T&C's
Each place on the workshop is $1200. We can’t wait to go on an adventure with you and take your dog photography to the next level!
The places on this workshop are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. You can secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $250 via Paypal or a cheque. Details will be provided following the receipt of your application. The full balance must be paid one week prior to the workshop’s start date.
You need to have a basic understanding of how your camera works to get the most out of this workshop. If you are buying a place on this workshop as a gift for someone else, please first confirm that they know how to use manual settings on their camera first.
The application
To apply for this workshop please fill in your details in the form below. Our host, Maria Bivens (photos@mariabivens.com) will then email payment information to you. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required to secure your place. Please note spots on this workshop are on a first-come-first-served basis.