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I Hosted a Bathurst Photography Workshop! (And the universe literally aligned?!)
- Maddi Lee’s Photography
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Shoutout to the elite vendor team who made this session look like an absolute dream:
Workshop Host: Me heheh, Maddi Lee's Photography
Let’s be real—running a photography business full-time can be a massive whirlwind of culling, editing, and boring computer work. So getting out from behind the desk to gather a powerhouse crew of absolute legends and create magic? Literally the best feeling ever.
Last week, I hosted my latest Come Shoot With Me Workshop & Content Day right here around Bathurst, and holy shit, the energy was next-level.
I had 8 incredible female photographers join me for a massive day of chasing light, breaking down the fear of "stiff posing," and shooting three entirely unique sessions. It ended up being an all-girl group, and let me tell you—the vibes were so empowering. We didn't just take photos; we built a serious community. The girls are all still in touch, hyping each other up, and experimenting!
Ditching Auto Mode & Posing Rules 🚀
A lot of the photographers who came along hadn't shot in my signature style before. If you know me, you know my business is built on high-energy, silly, goofy, connection-focused sessions. I want people to have a good time and make memories, not just stand still and smile until their cheeks hurt!
The whole day was collaborative, fun, and all about experimenting. My absolute favorite highlight? I got three photographers to completely stop shooting on auto mode, step out of their comfort zones, and go full manual.And they absolutely smashed it! Watching that lightbulb moment happen behind the lens is exactly why I love mentoring.
Session 1: The Sunrise Elopement at Sunny Corner (Tyler & Jess) 🌲🌅
We kicked things off in the freezing, crisp morning air out at Sunny Corner for a sunrise elopement session. And guys, the story behind this one is INSANE.
Tyler and Jess wanted to be married so damn bad that they couldn't wait. Due to logistics and budget, they decided to elope two weeks prior without a photographer, planning to do a big wedding celebration down the track. They actually tried to book me for their real date, but I was completely booked out!
Fast forward to two weeks before their date: they saw my model call for the workshop and jumped on it. Talk about the universe aligning.
Watching them get to experience those breathtaking sunrise elopement images in the pines, wearing their wedding gear, and finally getting the absolute dream shots they missed out on? Ehhh, how good is that?! It was everything.
Models - Jess & Tyler
Session 2: The Intimate Couples Session (Brianna, Liam & Their Pup) 🐕
Next up, we transitioned into a lifestyle couples session with Brianna, Liam, and their absolute legend of a dog.
During this session, I got to show the workshop crew exactly how I get couples to forget the camera is even there. No rigid smiling, no awkward placements. Just real movement, deep connection, and letting them run around and play with their pup while the light hit just right. The good energy was absolutely infectious!!
Models: Brianna & Liam
Session 3: Beautiful Family Chaos & Lifestyle (Tia, Lain, Eva & Elliot) 🤍🌾
To wrap up the shooting tracks, we hosted a lifestyle family session for Tia, Lain, and their beautiful kids, Eva and Elliot.
Family photography shouldn't look like a corporate boardroom photo. I told the photographers: “Bring the chaos. Let the kids run wild.” We played games, chased the kids through the grass, captured the real tantrums, the real hugs, and the pure, unfiltered love of their current chapter.
If you’ve ever wondered how I get these kinds of real, messy, joyful smiles… it’s because making memories during the session is just as important to me as the final photos! We don’t do stiff, awkward posing around here. Instead, we played:
* A chaotic game of Chinese whispers (the main topic was cheese, obviously )
* Intense rounds of tag & hide-and-seek
* “Photo booth style” (3 seconds to strike 3 poses!)
* Red light, green light
* A full-on “tackle mum and dad” moment
* ...and clearly, throwing the kids into the stratosphere!
...and honestly, so much more
We even snuck in a few gorgeous, quiet couples photos of just Tia and Lain at the very end to capture their connection away from the parental chaos!! Their Blue hour couples photos pulll on my heart strings!! so gretaful to have these legends model for me!!
Models: Tia, Lain Eva Elliot
The Wind-Down: Drinks at The Church Bar 🥂🍕
After a massive day of teaching, directing, and creating, we wrapped up the only way I know how—with a few well-deserved drinks at The Church Bar in Bathurst. Only two of the girls plus myself could back up for the post-shoot drinks, but it was the perfect, intimate wind-down. We had the best time just chatting all things creative, business, and big ideas over a glass of wine.
Don’t Just Take My Word For It... 🤍✨
Seeing the girls walking away with new skills was incredible, but reading the feedback afterward completely blew me away. Look at what a couple of the legends dropped in their Google reviews:
"Spending the day at one of Maddi’s photography workshops was such an inspiring experience. From the moment I arrived, her warmth and genuine kindness made everyone feel welcome and at ease. She has such a beautiful way of connecting with people that makes being in front of the camera feel completely natural. Watching Maddi work with two couples and a young family was incredible. She is so patient, encouraging, and effortlessly adapts to every situation, especially when little ones are involved. Her calm nature, creativity, and ability to make every session fun truly set her apart. Not only is Maddi an incredibly talented photographer, but she’s also one of the most helpful and generous people I’ve met. She happily shares her knowledge, supports those around her, and genuinely wants to see others succeed. Her passion for photography shines through in everything she does, and it’s clear how much she cares about every client who steps in front of her camera. Thank you, Maddi, for sharing your time, your knowledge, and your heart. You’re an amazing person, and anyone lucky enough to learn from or be photographed by you is in the very best hands. 🤍" — Ash (Captured with Ash)
"I attended one of Maddi's photography workshops. She has a magnetic energy & instantly makes you feel comfortable. Maddi is extremely passionate about creating a positive experience for her clients. I was able to witness her in action with 2 different couples & a young family. She made the sessions so fun for all involved & was super adaptable with young kids. Thanks Maddi- you are a gem!!" — Clare (clarecurtisphotography)
What's Next? 🚀
To the 8 epic women who trusted me with their time and creative growth: thank you. You all absolutely smashed it, and seeing everyone still raving about the day and supporting each other is the ultimate reward.
I’m already planning my next workshop and content day experience! If you’re a photographer wanting to step up your composition, master manual mode, and learn how to capture raw connection without the stiff poses, keep your eyes on my socials.
👉🏼 Planning a Central West NSW wedding, elopement, or family session of your own? My regular calendar is closing out fast. [Click here to check my availability] and let’s ditch the awkward posing to bottle up your real, beautiful story.
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