Creative Experimentation with Hi and Hello Photography Review

This summer I took Maryam’s Creative Experimentation class at Hi and Hello Photography studios. As a family photographer who leans toward timeless and classic images, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Maryam’s class but I walked away completely inspired. This workshop was the perfect push outside my comfort zone in all the best ways.

Maryam introduced us to so many fun and approachable creative techniques, like slow shutter motion, double exposures, prisms and shooting through unconventional objects like straws and cellophane. What made it especially valuable was that she didn’t just show us cool tricks and then send us on our way, she made the time to talk through how we could actually apply these ideas to our own style of photography. It wasn’t just for editorial or fine art folks. Even as a traditional family photographer I saw exactly how some of these tools could enhance the stories I already love telling.

One of the best parts was that we had a real family to photograph. That gave us the freedom to experiment in real time with techniques we might actually use in a client session. It was playful, low pressure and so energizing. Maryam’s teaching style helped set that tone, too. She was laid back, open, and generous with her knowledge. She answered every question, offered feedback when we needed it and encouraged us to just try things without worrying too much about perfect results.

The class was full of reminders to let go a little and trust the process. For family photographers who feel like they are stuck in the same rhythm over and over this kind of creative shakeup is so worth it. Seeing the world through Maryam’s lens, both literally and creatively, reminded me how much beauty there is in the unexpected. Sometimes the blur is the point.

Since the class I’ve already started playing with some of the techniques in my own photography (and even bought a prism set!) and it’s brought a totally new spark to my work. If you are a family photographer looking to try something fresh this class is a gem. I cannot recommend it enough.