how it all started
Finding Nicole Hill Through Tone It Up
Back in 2013, I found Tone It Up on YouTube, when I was looking up workout inspiration, which naturally led me to their website. I probably spent hours admiring the photos on every blog post, because I loved the way the photographer captured not only the colors but the TIU women's personalities so well. These gorgeous, goofy women were rocking every bikini or workout outfit they were in; letting their true selves shine through in their photos and workout videos!
Announcing her upcoming course
Katrina Scott Interviewing Nicole Hill on Instagram May 2020
I went into the Live not knowing who the guest was going to be. To say that I was excited when the photographer of the beautiful images I've been admiring for years popped up on my screen would be an understatement! I grabbed my wine, ran to the bedroom, and locked the door, so that I could listen to every word without my husband interrupting. I still remember him knocking on the door asking, "babe, are you okay?" and me replying, "GO AWAY! THIS IS IMPORTANT! I love you" haha
In the video, she announced that she was working on a course that teaches women what they need in order to become a successful photographer in an industry that can be very cut-throat and intimidating. Once the video was over, I immediately looked for her on Instagram to read more information about the course!
Meeting My Photography Idol
What I wasn't expecting was that my all-time favorite photographer followed me back on Instagram and began answering every question I had asked her through dms; she even asked what else I was struggling with. I was seriously fangirling over all the likes she was giving my photos! I remember taking a bunch of screenshots and sending them to my husband freaking out that someone as talented as Nicole Hill was even talking to me. I told her as much, and she thought I was being adorable.
She informed me that her class wasn't going to be up and running until the Fall. While I waited for the course to finish being created, we continued to message back and forth over the summer in regards to everything photography related. What I struggled with the most (spoiler: it was lighting in photos), how my camera settings worked, etc. She was so helpful even though I could offer nothing in return. I can't tell you how many photographers over the years I have reached out to asking them simple questions and either getting no reply or a "figure it out on your own like I did" kind of message in return. I felt so defeated, until I met Nicole! I am so grateful for the kindness she showed me as a newbie.
The Photographers Path
Signing Up
The second she announced the course was available, I signed up! The wait was well worth it, because the course has SO MUCH to offer! I was so excited to start; it's a good thing she doesn't give you the option of thumbing through the modules freely, because I would have done more than peaking at the material. I probably would have started right away and got overwhelmed.
Nicole was so excited to start teaching us all, she made a poster with all of her first students on it!
an inviting atmosphere
Starting the Course
From day one, the course was amazing. We started with a fun Facebook Live, where everyone got to introduce themselves and hang out.
Spoiler Alert: During almost every FB Live, you'll be online for far longer than the scheduled hour and not even realize it, because you're having such an amazing time with all of the Photographer's Path ladies!
What the Course has to Offer:
-Modules 1 & 2: Camera Settings, lenses, and shooting in camera RAW
-Module 3: Shooting in every lighting condition you can think of as well as how to balance uneven lighting (indoor & outdoor)
-Module 4: How to plan your photoshoot
-Module 5: How to pose your subject
-Module 6: Editing Basics (including Photoshop) & Workflow
-Module 7: Finding your path as a photographer & attracting your ideal clients
Taking the Course
Each module was easy to follow. Nicole does a great job explaining everything! For most lessons, you'll have either "homework" or information to print out and keep with you for future reference (i.e. learning camera settings takes a bit of trial and error before mastering it).
Anything you find yourself struggling with you can always ask for help during the weekly FB Lives or email Horizon Found, where Nicole Hill's husband, Dustin, will troubleshoot the problem with you.
Photography Meet Ups!
One of the best parts of this class
There are so many amazing women in the course that are so supportive of each other! Everyone is constantly reaching out in the Facebook group to meet up in person, hang out, and discuss all things photography. Meeting with Aleisa and Cassie in Saint Pete, Florida really helped me feel less awkward about using the camera in public, because I wasn't doing it alone. We talked about the things that made us uncomfortable about using the camera, things we were struggling to understand in class, etc.
photos from the meet up
We even asked a chick roller blading if we could photograph her for fun!
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Before & After taking the course
