Back in 2020, I started following Marina Williams on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her work. Her creativity, bold use of color, and the way she styles her shoots always stop me mid-scroll. She’s one of those photographers who just makes you feel inspired, so when the chance came to attend a Marina Williams photography workshop, I knew I had to go.
Fast forward to this summer, I was scrolling Instagram one night when I saw Marina post a story looking for a model in Columbus, Ohio this July. I thought… wait, WHAT?! She’s coming to Ohio?! I sent her a quick message and she told me she’d be here soon teaching a class, sponsored by Canon USA at The Sycamore Studio on July 26, 2025.
When Photog Friends Meet Up to Learn Together!
I immediately texted my friend Kristen to see if she wanted to go. Kristen and I met through a PUSH Conference Zoom call two years ago (photography conferences bring the best people into your life!), and even though we live a little over an hour apart, our busy schedules keep us from getting together often. She said yes, and even brought her daughter along, so it turned into a fun little photography road trip. We ended the night with some seriously yummy Mexican food before heading our separate ways.
Trying New Gear at the Marina Williams Photography Workshop
Seeing Marina in person after following her for so long was surreal. She’s every bit as warm, fun, and inspiring as you’d hope. Since the event was a sponsored Canon event, I also got to try a new camera body and the 24–105mm lens, and wow, I was blown away!
During the Marina Williams photography workshop, we rotated in small groups to photograph four different models, it was so fun getting to work with them!
Marina walked us through how she dreams up her styled shoots from the color palette and wardrobe to the backdrops and final details. Watching her work explain her process at The Sycamore Studio in Columbus, Ohio was exactly the creative boost I didn’t know I needed.
How the Marina Williams Photography Workshop Inspired My Winter Studio Plans
I left the workshop so inspired to try more creative studio work, especially during my slower winter months. I’m already brainstorming bold backdrops, playful color combinations, and styling ideas to bring into my sessions.
If you’re a photographer wanting to push your creativity, I can’t recommend Marina enough. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram; you’ll walk away inspired and full of ideas.
Here are some of my favorite shots I edited from that day, proof that color and creativity can completely transform a session.
If you would like to see some of my JLP Senior Sessions, stop here!
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