Getting Reps In
This past weekend’s In-Studio with Daniel J Vasquez workshop felt different in the best way.
Everyone in the room already had some level of studio experience. That shifted the energy immediately. Instead of starting from square one, we were able to focus on familiarity, sharpening what people already knew, and simply putting time into the craft.
As I mentioned during the session, “Confidence in the studio doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from repetition.” That idea guided the entire day.
We moved with intention. Lights went up, questions came quickly, and cameras stayed in people’s hands. There was no rush to perfect anything. The goal was to slow down, get reps in, and trust the process.
"Confidence in the studio is built through repetition, not perfection."
One of the highlights was working with our model for the day, Elijah. His mom, Mahasin Iman, reached out to me ahead of the workshop to share that her son was stepping into this new creative journey and asked if I’d be open to offering any guidance or support. Mahasin and I have worked together in the past on a few shoots, so the connection already felt genuine and rooted in trust.
Moments like that are a big reason why I started the Frame of Mind Project in the first place. I remember what it felt like trying to find my footing in photography as a career. I was learning in real time, asking questions, and benefiting from the generosity and wisdom of photographers who were further along than I was.
Being on the other end of that spectrum now, in a position where I can give back advice, perspective, and encouragement, doesn’t get lost on me. It’s something I take seriously and carry with intention into these spaces.
The conversations throughout the workshop mattered just as much as the shooting. People shared what they were working on, where they felt stuck, and what they wanted to sharpen next. That openness is what makes these sessions feel less like a class and more like a shared space.
I’ve also put together a short recap video from the workshop, now live on YouTube. As I continue to grow the channel, YouTube will be the home for workshop recaps, behind-the-scenes moments, some gear notes, and upcoming interviews. If you watch the video, I’d really appreciate you taking a moment to comment. That engagement helps more than people realize as the channel grows.
These workshops aren’t about chasing perfection. They’re about showing up, putting the time in, and building confidence through repetition. I’m grateful to everyone who came through and contributed to the energy of the day.