jose villa mexico workshop 2012

Each year, I have the utmost pleasure of meeting and

sharing a week with some of our industry’s newest talent.

This year was no exception! I was blown away again by

not only the talent, but their passion to learn and to explore

new ideas all while enjoying the Mexican sun. I’m honored

to call each of them my lifelong friends.

I feel like God gave me a gift this year, in the form of Jose

and everyone that made up his amazing workshop. Not

only did I dive into film for the first time in 10 years, but I

fell head over heals in love with photography. Now I am

shooting what I love, with no regrets.

Nina and her husband, Wes, are wedding and portrait

photographers that have a passion for the world around

them. They love creating images that are soft and organic,

and show how beautiful each and every human being truly

is. They find inspiration in culture, poetry, God and light.

It’s impossible to sum up the amazing experience of this

workshop- it’s a lifelong-gift of new friends, rejuvenation,

challenges, and inspiration from the most amazingly

talented and wonderful people.

Taylor is a post-JVworkshop film-convert living in Austin,

Texas with her wonderful husband. She is inspired by

lovely natural light, the Southwest, and contemporary art,

to name a few, and loves serving her clients both in Texas

and abroad.

The workshop was an unforgettable experience,

one for which I am truly grateful.

My whole life I have been an artist - from the age of three,

I knew I was going to be a dancer…and then I found

photography, another way to express the beauty I sense

in the world, and I have never looked back.

This is so much more than a workshop - it’s almost spiritual

in the way that it moves you as well as beautifully cultural

and deeply inspiring.

Wedding photographer residing in Alaska. Inspired by

nature, love and adventure - anything that makes the

heart beat faster.

This workshop is the only one you need to go to! Definitely

a life changing experience, especially for my career.

Amazing staff, amazing talent, a truly incredible experience.

Daniella Melfi is a Melbourne-based photographer in

Australia. Having completed a diploma of the arts in

advanced photography in 2005, she strives to improve

her existing skills and enjoys the challenges photography

creates.

The week spent in Mexico was one of the most inspiring and

fulfilling times in my life. It wasn’t just about the learning,

and being inspired by others, but also about the sights,

the colors, the food, the fun, and making life long friends.

Carmen Santorelli is a NYC based fine art photographer

who strives to capture genuine moments with a classic

sensibility.

Beyond the incredible network of individuals we came to

know and skills we gathered, it was an incredible experience

of growing as a business as well as individually. We spent

those four days identifying what positive changes needed

to be made in both areas, while also being refreshed and

inspired in what we were already passionate about!!

Having both graduated with fine art degrees, Cara Dee,

along with her husband Jacob, have been photographing

weddings out of Kentucky for over six years. While

simultaneously producing fine art works individually, they

unite in their business and love for film to provide a truly

artistic documentation of weddings and events.

I had struggled to find words adequate enough to express

how the workshop has changed me as a person and a

photographer. The connections that I’ve made with other

creative minds that are as passionate as I am was nothing

short of stellar. The entire experience was priceless.

Everyone there was so willing to share their knowledge

and for that, I am beyond grateful.

I’m a photographer with a passion for weddings and

fashion. After graduating from Parsons: The New School

with my BFA, I will follow my heart and intuition to Paris

(with my daughter in tow), where I will continue doing

what I love. I live by the words “To Insprire, To Be Inspired.”

Being surrounded by the texture, color & flavor of Mexico

while having time to dedicate to my art igniting my

creativity + experiencing the ridiculous talent and generous

spirit of Jose and his fellow artists was beyond invaluable!

Walked away full and inspired!

Surrounding myself with fresh air, inspiring light & good

people. With camera in hand, life is sweet. Based in

Napa Valley and traveling the globe; photographing

those moments that give life to our days.

Jose’s inspiring workshop is all you can ever dream of - spoil

yourself with four unforgettable days under the Mexican sun

filled with passion, photography, adventures, a magical and

rich culture, amazing people, relaxation and lots of bright

colors. I feel very blessed to having experienced all the

above and to call some wonderful, talented and incredibly

dear people my friends now - which is priceless.

Stefanie was born and raised in Germany where she

discovered her passion for photography as well as for

traveling. She loves to relax over a good espresso with

her friends, gets exited about a great flea market find, is

inspired by travel, cultures and people, and is extremely

happy when she gets to take her dogs for their daily walk

on the beach. When photographing weddings she finds the

most joy in capturing sincere emotions, true joy and pas-

sionate love - not to forget about all the beautiful little de-

tails. Her wedding photography allows her to explore many

beautiful and exciting places year after year - from Con-

necticut and NY thru the Carolinas and the Caribbean all the

way to Europe and back - which she is very grateful for.

One word to describe Jose’s workshop... magical. From

the location to the people, the entire experience is truly

magical. I learned so much about my business and grew

so much as an individual.. I cannot thank Jose and his

amazing team enough.

Jessica Burke is a wedding photographer based in

Northern California. Traveling worldwide with her camera

in tow, she documents the stories of her couples in a fresh,

airy and romantic style.

It was an unforgettable week of intense and immense

learning, while feeling like you are the most pampered

person in the world.

I am a photographer and a physician in Southern California.

I love seeing new neighborhoods through the lens of my

camera and capturing the little details, movements, and

interactions between people. In this respect, I have learned

to be more perceptive through photography, which in term

has made me a better problem solver in medicine.

The workshop was the most inspiring event I’ve ever been

a part of. Jose and everyone involved was so open and

sharing, boosting my confidence and knowledge. It’s such a

rare event where you can intimately network and learn from

the best in the industry all while making life-long friends.

A film wedding photographer based in Washington DC,

who loves dogs and traveling. With her natural and airy

style, Vicki captures beautiful and sincere moments for

her clients around the globe.

What a joyous week I had in Mexico! It was perfect in every

way, and literally overnight it transformed my business.

Beautiful location, amazing people, a little tequila… and a

brilliant teacher. Thank you Jose!

Sophie Lindsay is a fine art portrait and wedding

photographer based in London, capturing love, light

and life across the globe.

Jose Villa’s workshop helped me identify myself as

an artist not just a wedding photographer.

I believe in providing a visual family legacy. On

your wedding day, I become part of your family,

one of your friends.

We all arrived on the same road with hope and anticipation,

we all left on different roads with fulfillment, companionship

and zeal.

I live for adventure and challenges, photography provides

me both in ample sums. My name is Alexander James, my

life consists of three things. My Contax, my morning coffee

and climbing. I have Jose to thank for at least one of those.

vI wouldn’t be where I am now without him.

I came to the workshop to learn about photography and

the business side of it and I left changed with a better

understanding of who I am, friends for life and confidence.

Karine is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in

Paris, France. After a career in the field of international

criminal justice for close to ten years, she has decided to

move back to Paris and photograph people to tell their

stories and show their soul. She likes to travel in France

and all over the world.

Being able to experience Jose’s romance with film, light,

and beauty was incredibly inspiring and informational.

The workshop delivered on a level far beyond expectation!

Brandon Chesbro is based out of Franklin, Tennessee. His

passion is shooting romantic, refined outdoor weddings.

The inspiration, support, and creative collaboration that

make up this workshop are beyond amazing. I was so

moved by how open, kind, and fun-loving Jose and his

team are. It’s the perfect backdrop to learn, make lifelong

friendships, and fall in love with photography, (and life!),

shot after shot.

Through photographs I seek to share the incredible beauty

I see in every aspect of the world, even in the most hidden

places. Photographs give me a deep sense of gratitude for

the immense beauty that surrounds us. To share and learn

from that, makes my heart sing.

Months later and I’m still learning ways that this workshop

has helped me grow in my photography, increased my

passion, torn down barriers, and expanded my network

of both professionals and friends.

I love photographing fun people and beautiful weddings

in Colorado and enjoy any excuse to travel.

SPONSORS

LOCATION

Hacienda El Carmen

http://www.haciendaelcarmen.com.mx/ingles/inicio.php

JOSE VILLA WORKSHOPS

http://josevillaworkshops.com

ABBY LARSON OF STYLE ME PRETTY

http://www.stylemepretty.com

LISA VORCE EVENT DESIGN & PRODUCTION

http://www.lisavorce.com

MINDY RICE FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN

http://www.mindyrice.com

JOEL SERRATO FILMS

http://joelserratofilms.com

BRIAN GREENBERG OF RICHARD PHOTO LAB

http://www.richardphotolab.com

JIM CAGEL Accountant

MAR OF TEAM HAIR AND MAKEUP

http://www.teamhairandmakeupservice.com

SHIRA SIVADA

http://www.marthastewart.com

PAPER GOODS DESIGN ~ Amber Moon

http://www.pitbullsandposies.com

CALLIGRAPHY ~ Mara, Neither Snow

http://www.neithersnow.com

CAKE ~ Erica O’brien

http://www.ericaobrien.com/index.php

WEDDING GOWNS ~ Claire Pettibone

http://www.clairepettibone.com

HAIR PIECES ~ Mignonne

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mignonnehandmade

ENGAGEMENT SESSION GOWNS ~ Everly

http://everlyclothing.com

LOCATION

Hacienda El Carmen

http://www.haciendaelcarmen.com.mx/ingles/inicio.php

JOSE VILLA WORKSHOPS

http://josevillaworkshops.com

ABBY LARSON OF STYLE ME PRETTY

http://www.stylemepretty.com

LISA VORCE EVENT DESIGN & PRODUCTION

http://www.lisavorce.com

MINDY RICE FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN

http://www.mindyrice.com

JOEL SERRATO FILMS

http://joelserratofilms.com

BRIAN GREENBERG OF RICHARD PHOTO LAB

http://www.richardphotolab.com

JIM CAGEL Accountant

MAR OF TEAM HAIR AND MAKEUP

http://www.teamhairandmakeupservice.com

SHIRA SIVADA

http://www.marthastewart.com

PAPER GOODS DESIGN ~ Amber Moon

http://www.pitbullsandposies.com

CALLIGRAPHY ~ Mara, Neither Snow

http://www.neithersnow.com

CAKE ~ Erica O’brien

http://www.ericaobrien.com/index.php

WEDDING GOWNS ~ Claire Pettibone

http://www.clairepettibone.com

HAIR PIECES ~ Mignonne

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mignonnehandmade

ENGAGEMENT SESSION GOWNS ~ Everly

http://everlyclothing.com