I went into the weekend having only "shot" with one model on one instance with a couple of video guys for AutoCon, and left with a new appreciation and love for portrait work. I've been a photographer for about 5 years now, and the thought of shooting with people has always been pretty daunting. The occasional behind-the-scenes candid or group shot with a tripod and timer setup was about all I was comfortable with, but nevertheless the thought of getting into fashion and portraiture was always there in the back of my mind.

Ever since I shadowed Mike Lerner in LA one weekend (here and here) I've thought about how fun it'd be to meet new models and hang with old friends while making great content, and this meetup really cracked that all open. Now I'm not saying I'm dropping cars for headshots or claiming to be ready to get paid for my photos of models, but I am saying this may totally be the start of something new and exciting.

Below are some of my favorite shots I got after I stopped being awkward and learning from the outskirts of the meetup at the Tempe Beach Park shoreline, and boy am I hype on this jumping off point. The models IG accounts are linked below as well if you want to check out more of their work, and constructive criticism is always welcome! Either hit up the comments or the contact page. Thanks for looking!

Gina - @ginabmodeling
Booger Jones - @mr__booger
Rebecca - @rhnmodel
Caitlin - @caitlin_sass_
Kaycie - @kaycie.lyn
Sara - @saradollface