I thought I would start off the week with a quick re-cap of how and why I got myself to Austria in the first place. (Accompanied by several behind-the-scenes photos taken by my friend and camera man, Erwin S. Pictured below, next to Britta, the other half of my awesome camera crew!)
The training company Video2Brain hired me to record two photography “how-to” courses. Specifically, how-to shoot photos of handmade crafts for the purpose of blogging, and selling online. I toiled for weeks writing out lessons and anecdotes, polling my closest crafter friends on what they would want to learn, and then writing outlines for both of my 2+ hour courses; chapter-by-chapter. Finally, I packed up 4 brimming boxes of my handmade goods, and skipped town. Once I got to Austria, I was in for an eye-opening experience. Thank goodness for all of the prep work I had done. (Including weekly work-outs!) Days started at 5am- when I would begin prepping for the day’s shoot which picked up between 7-8am. I would pile into the car with my producer, and all of my crafts and notes. The 2-person camera crew followed behind us in a second car. For 4 days (which seemed a LOT LONGER at the time) we would drive to various locations around the Austrian countryside, choose our locations for the video backdrop, set up the cameras and crafts, shoot stills, and then run through the video. On good days, I would get through a lesson in 2 takes. On more jet-lagged and sleep-deprived days, the shoots took a bit longer. I took my teaching responsibilities very seriously. I wanted to be sure I shared my insights and techniques in an easy to understand way… but it sure was hard for me to not think about how I looked on screen, or whether my videos would be poorly received. Most of the time, I stomped down the distracting and negative thoughts, and just did my best, to bring you my best…
The crew, and my producer, Tom, who is now a dear friend of mine, could not have been nicer, or more supportive. Our days were long; usually stopping filming between 6-9pm, then Tom and I would review notes over dinner, and plan the following day until 11pm or so. I would stay up much later to shower, and do more prep work until 1 or 2am- then set my alarm for 5am.
Even with the grueling and exhausting days of shooting, I still really miss my camera crew, and Tom, the producer, who I spent oodles of time with, and even went on a small vacation with when my husband arrived in Austria (after the 4 days of live shooting, and 5 days of computer-based video capture was complete). Tom is patient, kind, creative, and funny. (And single in case you were wondering. I will be screening any womenfolk who may be interested in him. I love him like a brother, so if you think you are awesome enough for Tom, email me, and we’ll talk.)
But anyway- despite the crazy schedule and massive amounts of work, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Such nice people, and such a gorgeous setting. I really enjoyed my experience with V2B. And even if you already know everything under the sun about photography, you should still watch my videos for the background scenery! Austria is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
I’ll certainly keep you all posted about when the course is done! And NEXT week, I’ll begin sharing crafts and recipes inspired by my travels.
Big thanks again to all of my guest bloggers- and huge thanks to video2brain for making my summer an unforgettable experience!
Geeze Meg, I really enjoyed reading that. What an experience! Congrats
I can’t wait to see your videos! I’m so glad your hubby actually did get to be with you for part of your trip. Also, I love that face you are making in that last photo! 😉
xoxo
Janee
Thanks so much Janee! Haha yea, that last pic was taken on one of the last (very tiring days) Thank goodness for great people tho huh? More vacay pix to come!
xoxo
megan
hey megan! welcome back to the states! it looks like you had such a fun (but exhausting) trip! i had a quick, random question – are you still selling those PMS cupcakes? i’d love some for a friend of mine
What an amazing opportunity! It looks like you had a blast!
xoxo Maria
How FUN!! Is this the video that I received an ad for in my email? if so I was really interested! Wanted to know if I get a copy to some how reference later on in my work if need be?