PhotoFest 2022 - by Virak Studio (Photography Event for Beginners)

PhotoFest is an event that started in 2016 to act as a resource for aspiring photographers.

We combine an atmosphere of learning and practice with hired professionals to answer your questions and guide you through the process of creating great images to enhance your photography.

If you've only just picked up your first proper camera or shopping for one, PhotoFest is a great place to start! At minimum you will need a cell phone camera to benefit from this event.

If you're a seasoned photographer you're welcome to join to add to your portfolio, network and reinforce elementary concepts.

Note: Tickets will be limited to 100 participants and we expect to sell out quickly. We will try to raise that number in future PhotoFest events. Thank you for your understanding.

Merrifield Building:

3 Rooms!

Room #1: Virak Studio is a warehouse photo studio in Fairfax, VA offering 900 sq feet of shooting space, 24-foot ceilings, multiple back drops and studio lighting. It includes a modest hair/makeup/changing area.

Room #2: Bay #2 is an auxiliary overflow room for use as an additional shooting space with backdrop and model.

Room #3: Crown Dance Studio is an affiliate of Virak Studio offering 3,000 sq ft of space. We are using this space as the learning center and shooting area where the classes and seminars will take place.

Note: Each seminar is scheduled for 45 minutes to allow 15 minutes for both Q&A and transition time.

1:00 - 1:50: Doors Open. Registration Begins. Meet & Greet. Network with fellow photographers, models and speakers. Light refreshments served.

2:00 - 2:45: "KEYNOTE: S.E.A.T.S. - The 5 Elements of a Great Photo." By Virak Chhang.

Virak Chhang of Virak Studio discusses the 5 Elements of a Great Photo. It's more common to find information on the latest and greatest equipment, but Virak will uncover other elements to creating magic that won't cost any money.

3:00 - 3:45: "How to Shoot an Event Effectively." Photographer, Rassi Borneo of TimeLine Media.

Rassi is a renowned professional event photographer whom has shot many area dance events. In a fast-paced environment with hundreds of people asking to purchase their photos immediately, Rassi has created a systematic workflow to make it easy and profitable for him and his company. Join him as he shares his secrets to effective event workflow.

4:00 - 4:45 - "Composition and Color" by (Guest Speaker to be confirmed).

Explore beyond "The Rule of Thirds!" as[Guest Speaker] discusses how she uses composition and color to make her subjects stand out.

5:00 - 5:45: "Working with Humans." By Virak Chhang. Most photographers start out taking photos of colorful flowers and beautiful landscapes because they're beautiful and they don't move! In this seminar, Virak will teach you how to communicate effectively to your models/subjects. This includes teaching them how to pose and how to create genuine looks and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera.

6:00 - 7:30: INTERACTIVE: "Studio Lighting." By Virak Chhang, Corey Johnson and Wilson Roa. This is where guests will have a chance to take photos of the provided models. Participants will have a chance to interact, pose and take photos of the models. There will be 3 shooting locations, each with a different model. Photographers are free to go between rooms and take turns using a provided Pocket Wizard III trigger to activate the studio lights. Additional Refreshments served at 6:00.

7:45 - 8:00: Closing Remarks." By Virak Chhang

8:00 - Event ends.

We ask that anyone not vaccinated wear a mask. Our vaccinated models and crew members will be checked and unmasked during the duration of the event. You are otherwise welcome to attend masked or unmasked upon your discretion.

We ask that you respect each other, their property and equipment. In settings like this it may be common for a photographer to set their camera or other expensive equipment down unattended. We intend to create and maintain a safe and professional atmosphere.

We have a strict "no-touch" policy. Participants are forbidden to make physical contact with any of the models (attempting to pose or fix hair for instance). Models have full authority to ask participants to leave without a refund if for any reason the participant is making them uncomfortable in any way. Please be respectful to the models.

Plain-clothed security will be present during the event and the area is heavily monitored and recorded (audio and video).

Have fun and enjoy the event! ASK QUESTIONS for things you don't know because the person sitting next to you is wondering the same thing but too afraid to ask in a public environment!

Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1125744604916822

Like: www.facebook.com/VirakStudio

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The photos below are from our past events

Host or Publisher Virak Studio