A Workshop by Jonathan Canlas - Film is Not Dead

FIND Review from Ashley Stelzer - FIND Boston (SHE HAS NOT ATTENDED YET!!!)

2012-01-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

Six months ago I wrote Jonathan Canlas asking for more information for the Film is Not Dead workshop. I don't know what the email equivalent to choking on your tongue is, but that's what it kind of felt like. I had heard that the FIND workshop was amazing- life changing. And I really wanted to learn. So much. After receiving his first information packed response, I wrote again, and asked what I was afraid to ask in my first email. I danced around the question- "How well seasoned are those who attend". In code that meant: "I don't know what I'm doing. Will I look like an idiot in front of all these incredible photographers." At this point I was waiting for that dismissal email, something akin to "Well maybe you should wait until you've....." But that didn't happen. Jon assured me that egos weren't tolerated. So with my husband's blessing I sent in my deposit.

Film does not intimidate me. It's familiar. My mom was a photographer and I grew up shooting film- though maybe not understanding it. So before I write more regarding the awesomeness that was to come next, I'd like to delve further into why I wanted to do this workshop. I imagine that many sign up for FIND because they love film, and want to shoot film. For me it was more... I want to create. I want to find my voice. I want to slow down, be more observant. I want make art. And from everything I've seen from previous workshop attendees, I felt confident that if there was one thing I could do to help me develop as an artist, FIND was it. I'm have no problem in admitting I'm intimidated by all these terrific photographers, not because the medium they use, but because their art is so strong.

I want to be better.

Perhaps you yourself are looking at signing up for a FIND workshop. Maybe you are wondering "How much could I learn in 3 days". Well I have been doing the "workshop" for six months. I've been part of the FIND community. When you hear that the workshop begins the second you sign up- IT'S NO LIE. From the moment you sign up you become part of this amazing private community. No description can really touch on how incredible all these people are. You'll have to brace yourself for all the information you'll learn. Everyone is so open. It's unreal. I know that the gains I've made as an artist these past few months has come from what I have learned from this generous community. The opportunity to learn is everyday with this group. The support from fellow members is unreal.

It will be another few months before I do the workshop. I'm beyond excited. My poor husband hears me chat on incessantly about FIND daily and appeases my by stopping off on his way home to buy film for me. I've already integrated film into my workflow. It's changing how I think about making photos. I can't wait to learn more.

_________
AE Stelzer Photography
www.aestelzer.com

FIND Review from Elaine Palladino - FIND Miami

2012-01-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

It should be noted that I’m a teacher. Yes, I’m a photographer and an ever-evolving one at that, but denying that I’m a teacher is like denying that I’m a Cuban or prone to emotional decisions. It’s just who I am. As a teacher, I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that has spilled over into my photography career. Put simply, I love to learn. And I love to learn from the best. Though I’m usually the one to seek new experiences out, I’m always wary of how I’m going to be taught. Not everyone can teach. Some people are just not capable of helping others discover their own knowledge. They don’t show, they tell and their students struggle accordingly.

So it’s with some authority that I say Jonathan Canlas is a teacher. Sure, he’s a photographer—an amazingly talented, you-would-be-lucky-to-have-an-ounce-of-his-vision photographer—but he’s a teacher in every sense of the word.

Film has always been the final frontier for me. It’s ironic, given that people normally learn how to shoot film first then abandon that to go to digital. To me, film was a mythical being, a far off land that this self-taught photographer would never reach. I wasn’t a photographer, at least not in my eyes, until I learned how to shoot film. When I read that the Film Is Not Dead workshop would be heading to Miami, my hometown, I jumped at the opportunity not because it was a film workshop, but it was Jonathan’s workshop. If I was going to learn film, I was going to learn it from the best.

What I discovered in three days in that beautiful mansion by the water went beyond anything that I could have ever imagined. Yes, I learned all the technical aspects of film and more efficient ways to run my business. Yes, we shot some of the best families and couples I’ve had the pleasure of photographing all the while learning from Jon, Joe, Catherine and our fellow attendees. All of this is important, yet it was what I was expecting out of this workshop. What I didn’t expect were all the non-tangible things that I would learn. I didn’t expect the friendships that I made or the FINDers community I’m so fortunate to be a part of now—an open, supportive community that only a person like Jon could create. Least of all, I didn’t expect Jonathan the teacher.

It’s rare in a business that is so incredibly competitive, to find someone as open with his knowledge as Jon. His humor, his confidence and his innate ability to show, not tell make him a true teacher. There is no denying his incredible talent as a photographer, but I believe that his true calling is helping other photographers find their voice and giving them the tools they will need to become better. It is just who he is. I was not afraid to ask Jon questions I’m sure he has heard a hundred times or fearful when he gave me his opinion on my photography. With the help of Jon I’m no longer afraid of film. He taught me to be brave and that has made all the difference.

Elaine Palladino

FIND Review from Heather Perera - FIND Orem 2011

2012-01-21T00:01:00.003-07:00

I had been searching for a workshop for quite some time, it seems like everyone out there is doing one these days. I came really close to signing up for one in Atlanta with some photographers I really admire. For some reason I never did, I dragged my feet and couldn't figure out why. This was the opportunity I had asked for? One night while stalking some of my favorite photographers, I came across FIND and knew this was the workshop I was meant to do. It was crazy, really. I hadn't ever shot film, and many of the photographers I admire most had done the workshop in the past. That meant the caliber of attendees would be high. I am a self-taught, stay at home mom who is making a go at my passion. What was I thinking? It didn't matter, I signed up before I had time to let fear talk me out of it. Instead I let the fear motivate me. I didn't want a workshop where I was the norm, how would I grow? When I was cycling a lot and preparing for an event, I would ride with people much faster than me. It was hard and I got my butt kicked, but I improved much more rapidly.

When I walked in, I was so intimidated. The studio is ridiculous and you know right away that you're not at a little league game. Jon asked me what I wanted to get out of the workshop and about my experience. When I told him I hadn't ever shot a film camera and I had had my business up and running for approximately 2 weeks, I could tell he was thinking, "this girl is crazy". But the first thing you learn about Jon is that he's the most open, nurturing and egoless man you'll ever meet.

Half of the days were spent in the studio furiously trying to take in all that Jon has learned in his career. The second half of the day was spent shooting bridal, engagement and family sessions. The first day we went out to shoot I was so nervous having my peers watch me pose the couples that I couldn't eat lunch. But, the next thing you learn about Jon is he is encouraging, non-assuming and instantly puts people at ease. The other attendees were also so lovely, talented, open, encouraging and there really was a sense of community between us. There were photographers with well established businesses and photographers just starting, but the one bond between us all is we were all there to grow and learn. Jon created the perfect environment for this to happen. Among the other things I've talked about, Jon is honest, wickedly talented, goofy, insanely passionate, driven and the ultimate family guy.

When I left, Jon gave me a huge hug and I cried. I cried the whole drive back. In looking back, I think it gave me the opportunity to focus on myself and my passion. I wasn't a wife, friend or mom; there were no clothes to clean, no lunches to make, no noses to wipe. Just an artist trying to find a voice and grow. I also learned that everyone is insecure and that it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there for the world to critique. That is a gift few people can give to another, and Jon gave it to me. For that I will always be grateful.

Taking my personal journey aside, the workshop is amazing! Jon will answer any question you have, the food is off the hook, the models are gorgeous and you will leave with this uber talented, supportive, tight community. You'll learn everything from how to work a light meter or even load film, to why most photographers fail, how to get blogs to showcase your work, how to price your sessions and how to sell prints.

Thank you Jon and all of the other photographers who attended and created such a safe, nurturing environment where I could be vulnerable and grow.

Heather Perera

FIND Review from Gert Huygearts - FIND Ibiza (um, he has not even attended yet)

2012-01-19T15:25:00.007-07:00

The following review is from an attendee who has YET to attend the workshop. How the hell is that even possible you ask? Well, a lot of it, no, all of it is because the workshop begins the second you sign up. There is an online community you gain access to on FB and a private forum as well. And this allows the workshop also to go much further than the last 3rd day. So, without any adieu...

Where do I begin? Well, about 12 years ago, I had took photography-school to get my "official" degree in photography… wow, that sounded good! I started out my first year of this school with my good old Nikon F4 film-camera. During the next 2 years, digital photography entered the lessons and my world in a high speed. We were told the digital offered way much more possibilities, higher quality, less costs…to get it short: nothing but advantages.

Digital had entered my photography life and I got used to it… it seemed to work for me and my clients. Up until a few months ago, when I started thinking about what I had been doing the past years with my great passion, photography. That was the moment that I realized that the great moments of taking time for a photo and the fantastic darkroom adventures had disappeared out of my life. They had been replaced by high-paced digital work and a lot of time behind a screen. Was that my great passion? Don't think so…

I started browsing the net to find my way back into film photography and darkroom stuff. One beautiful day, a great catch-phrase blew my mind: Film Is Not Dead!

The man behind this phrase, Jonathan Canlas, seemed to be quite a hell of a photographer who worked 100% film. 100% film???? I couldn't even imagine myself working 1% film again for my clients! I started reading about the FIND and Jonathan and I came across loads of great testimonials about his workshops, which was very intriguing to me. To be honest, the photographers who were these great testimonials, they had all stunning portfolios themselves! It was just like they all had seen the same awesome light to get the images they love. That's when I decided to dig into FIND. I bought the Find-guide and read it 2 to 3 times the same evening I bought it. It was all so plain and simple… almost everything on film photography was in it, but it was all explained in a passionate and fun way! No boring theories… just BAM…spot on!

After reading the find guide, getting into more reviews, portfolios of FIND-attendees, etc… the next step was there very soon: I wanted to join a FIND workshop! Oops… Jon was located in the States… that would cost me an arm AND a leg to get there…
Not this time! This year Jon would be coming to Ibiza with his FIND crew and a bunch of great film-devoted photographers, so my decision was made pretty quick! Booked my seat in the classroom, booked my seat on the plane and now i between shooting new rolls of film, I'm counting days until september!

The counting of the days will be a lot more bearable thanks to Jon, as he provides a great way to interact with all the FIND-members. And believe me, a whole new world opened up to me! Even before I even attended the real workshop! The people of FIND really amazed me with their work and the way of sharing knowledge and experiences… something what is very hard to find these days! In the short while that I got to know Jon and Find, I already met some of the FIND-ers in real life and it really is great to see the passion of these people for their job… it gives you the energy and inspiration to keep on going for your own goals! Something I really missed the last few years.

So was FIND an eye-opener to me? Yes! And I am quite sure that it will even bring me more in the future. I can't wait to get on the plane to Ibiza in september!

Gert Huygaerts

FIND Review from Wendy Laurel - FIND Maui

2012-01-18T00:01:00.001-07:00

What do I love more than film? The people who shoot film. Haven’t met one I didn’t like, no love. I learned to shoot film at Jonathan Canlas’s workshop “Film is Not Dead” and have not looked back. And if you think Im nuts.. let me let you know that its a hybrid workflow so yes I get digital images and I can facebook them and give clients discs and print albums and do all the things a digital shooter can do. Its just shot on film first. Which I think makes it look like mine.

He had the brilliant idea of starting a workshop called Film Is Not Dead which has grown into its own revolution.

I can tell you all about Film Is Not Dead (FIND) because I have attended not once but twice. It’s an intensive three day workshop that covers everything from how to expose and shoot film correctly technically to how to shoot a wedding to how to market for shooting weddings and how to get your work seen. Plus a million other topics and anything you want to ask Jon. The guy is an open book.

The workshop runs during the day from 9-5 with the mornings being Jon talking and the afternoon being a model shoot. But don’t be fooled. There are before workshop get togethers and the whole group hangs out and shoots most nights and the day after. In Maui FIND 2011, the whole workshop got up at 3 a.m. to shoot the Haleakala Sunrise (hello night exposures and tripod work) and made it back in time for a full day of learning about getting your work seen, selling prints, and a whole afternoon wedding shoot that included 4 couples, a cake, bouquets, sunset on the beach, and sparklers. Then dinner. And in Miami FIND 2011 and also in North Shore FIND 2012 the whole group stays together in one big luxury house and the workshop effectively runs 24/7.

The first time I attended I needed to learn how to use a light meter and my medium format camera. Pretty new to film. After that workshop, I ended up switching to 100% film, watched my business take off, got featured on many wedding blogs (thank you Style Me Pretty, Brooklyn Bride, weddings.com, Rock n Roll Bride — just to name drop a few), as well as 2 books, and found my “voice”. I also meet some super cool people and made some friends for life. FIND is where I met Tory and together we had the inspired idea to start Let the Kids. Life changer for sure.
The second time, just about 15 months later, I hosted FIND Maui and attended. Again, I learned a ton, concentrating more on a deeper level of understanding my exposures, night exposures, compositions, posing and a hundred other questions I asked Jon. He will answer any question you ask. There are no secrets, no off limit questions, and only his ridiculously large generous spirit.

Of course there are no free lunches in this life. Jon does have his own agenda. He wants to keep using film. He wants film to stay alive. FIND has become a community of 300+ film lovers. There is a facebook FIND group and FIND forum where former and future FINDERS talk constantly about their images, their businesses, the cameras, the films, the exposures, their families. A network of friends who all love film. And all who share their knowledge and experience openly and generously. I have never seen anything like it. A workshop that never ends.
And guess what, film sales are soaring. Kodak’s film division is growing rapidly (yes yes other divisions have the company in chapter 11 but the film division is doing well). Film camera prices are jumping high on ebay and KEH. Urban outfitters and all the cool kids want to shoot film. It’s timeless.
Mahalo to Jon.

Wendy Laurel

FIND Review from Jamie Robinson - FIND Orem 2011

2012-01-17T15:23:00.005-07:00

"Not wind, not rain, not even a case of crazy-awful-knock-me-flat-on-my-back food poisoning kept me from enjoying my FIND experience. Even with everything that went wrong with me during the week…I came away from the FIND workshop with a renewed passion for this art form we call photography.

Why do pictures speak to us? Why are we photographers? One of my favorite quotes is by a fellow photographer, Ansel Adams. Mr. Adams said “Life is your art. An open, aware heart is your camera. A oneness with your world is your film. Your bright eyes and easy smile is your museum.” We all see the world a certain way…and we as photographers, we are lucky and blessed enough to be able to share what we see with others. Jon’s passion for how he sees the world is infectious and inspiring. He breathes life into his work. I hope someday I can be that kind of photographer too."

Jamie Robinson

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Karen Carter-Schwedler - FIND Seattle

2012-01-16T15:20:00.005-07:00

Attending FIND was a big deal for me. It was a significant investment to make, especially because I’m not a working photographer. The punch line of what I’m going to say is that the experience – not just the workshop itself, but the ongoing support and camaraderie of fellow FINDers – has made FIND a really incredible experience. I went hoping to learn more about shooting film, and especially about how to get more consistent exposure results. I assumed that what I’d takeaway would be applicable to my film shooting specifically. What I got from FIND was much more than that. Not only did I build my confidence around shooting film, but Jon’s approach to doing photo sessions, interacting with clients, and his strategies around getting great shots, are things that are equally applicable to film and digital shooters. FIND isn’t about shooting film. It’s about photography – regardless of whether it’s analog or digital. It’s about ‘FINDing’ your own individual voice. My biggest surprise has been the ongoing support. The FIND didn’t end after the workshop was over. Jon has been, and continues to be, a completely ‘open book’ to the community that he has created, and I love the frank/honest feedback and information that he and the entire FIND community provides.

Karen Carter-Schwedler

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Natalie Grummer - FIND Seattle

2012-01-15T08:24:00.003-07:00

Words words words words. They just don’t come. It seems far too cliche to just gush on and on about how amazing this workshop is, and even I would want to call complete BS to hear myself rave about how life changing it is. But that is the only stuff coming to mind. And not that it’s not true, because it is true. But I am just rambling, and there are hundreds of such reviews out there about any and all workshops are so great using the words ‘amazing’, ‘awesome’, ‘life-changing’, ‘transformative’, ‘epic’. Bleh. Phooey. None of that would really come close to doing this workshop any justice. I’ve had a month to mull over and process the three days of FIND Seattle 1.0, yet it is still hard to describe and explain it’s amazing amazingness. I think I have to come to terms with the fact there are no real adjectives that could possibly touch upon the full effects of FIND. Simply stated, it is something you have to experience, not just hear about. Photog and Non-photog friends alike ask me how that workshop thingie went. Good! No, more than good. Great! Amazing! Wonderful! Epic! I ate SPAM Musabi! We Karaoked. TWICE! It was freaking AMAZING!!….and I just get nothing but blank stares.

I can’t remember exactly how I first found Jon & his Workshop. My husband and I debate over this. He remembers seeing something about it in College when we were a few of the remaining die-hard analog lovers. Back when the Canon 10D was the hot new toy. For me, I think the term ‘Jonathan Canlas’ was an inspirational name I kept stumbling upon on other blogs for quite some time, then became more into the forefront of my awareness when I got so fed up with trying to shoot digitally and started researching other professional photographers who were still using film. Jon, among a few others, were one of the nails in the coffin for me to ditch shooting any sort of Digital Photography after trying and trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. My heart has always been with analog. It took me nearly three years into building my current business to realize Digital was not for me and finally make the tough decision to start back at square one as an all-Film shooter once again. I remember the month I bought my Contax & sold off all my digital gear, I vowed I would one day take a Film is not Dead workshop. Fast forward to last summer & Jon announces on Twitter he is coming to Seattle in 2011. To my town. On a whim I email him. He (in person) responds back within, like, a whopping 60 seconds, all exuberant and excited. Then I proceeded to drag my feet for about another month, until he emails me again letting me know there is only one, maybe two spots left. Thankfully his persistence paid off, and I think I very likely did snag the very last seat in Seattle 1.0.

Jon’s work resonates with me not just because he can pop out some sweet eye-candy or has honed the technical and artistic sides of photography into an amazing craftsmanship - because the guy absolutely is a master at his art. Jon is one of the few in the vast sea of Wedding/Portrait photographers who actually evokes so much more meaning and humanity in how he makes portraits. In all of his work- be it wedding, families, travel, personal- that is what is so strongly communicated through his photographs. His artistic vision and visual communication is about the people and relationships he shoots. Pure, honest and real, without fluff or pretense. Of course, that is compiled with an amazing amount of dedication, practice, business sense, passion, experience, consistency and respect for his medium. I wanted to learn from Jon not just for the ‘how to’ of Film photography, but the ‘why’ and the ‘who for’ that makes him as a photographer tick and continually strive for betterment. Anyone can take a picture. Any of us can simply be camera operators. Anybody given a bit of know how can even expose film properly. It’s not rocket science here, people. Jon says he’s an open book, and that is absolutely true. There is no holding back, nothing off-limits or proprietary or secret. His goal for the workshop is to help his attendees FIND their own vision. He is accessible, honest, genuine, humble and completely transparent in everything about the what, how and why he does things.

In sitting down to write this, I realize more and more this workshop isn’t so much about Film. Or Jonathan Canlas. Or Photography, for that matter. It was about people. Sure, this workshop provides every resource & opportunity you need to successfully shoot film. But no, it’s the friendships that I walked away from this workshop that I will forever treasure and value my time with them more than any other aspect of those 3 days. Maybe it is just Jon & the honesty, down to earth-y-ness and the check-your-egos-at-the-door mantra he exudes in both talk & action that attracts a culture of people interested in their own personal refinement as artists. From Canada to Mexico, West Coast to East Coast, the amazing photographers of every genre, skill level, experience, personality– it was all a level playing field. We were there and given a very rare opportunity to learn together, help one another, to learn from one another. No one, even Jon, is above anyone. I NEVER expected to walk into that workshop and feel the amount of camaraderie, trust and genuine care from these dozen or so other photographers. I walked away with amazing friends, colleagues, fellow photographers who continue to build friendships, care for one another and genuinely desire to help and support others. And there are some amazing big-name, crazy talented people that my introverted self would normally be too intimidated to interact much with. But within a few hours, this group was so open and comfortable. Likely the epic Karaoke sessions the first & last nights helped. Now even more than a month later I MISS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE GUYS & GALS.

At the very core of this group is Jon. And he has built more than just an group of attendees who went to a workshop, because there are a hundred of those. This is special. Jon has built not just an educational course, he has poured himself into building a movement. The heart and soul of this movement is FINDing your voice. YOUR voice. Not someone else’s; Not what you think you should/could/might/possibly do; Not what the latest trendy idiom happens to be; Not what anyone tells you it should be. YOUR VOICE. A voice you can only discern the more you practice your craft and the more you stop listening to all the junk that vies for your attention. I went into this Workshop stuck in a big lull, both creatively & professionally. Within a week of the workshop, I had completely re-worked my portfolio from scratch after being on the fence about what the heck I should do for almost a year, solidified the direction I was taking my business after wrestling through much uncertainty, and mapped out a much more solid plan for getting there. After nearly hitting burnout and getting so tired treading water, not knowing what I should be doing, FIND was the motivation & empowerment I so needed. Sometimes you need a swift kick in the pants, someone to give you a huge doobs hug, a totally new perspective, and a heap of encouragement poured on you all at once. FIND lit that fire under me. And I needed that.

Natalie Grummer

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Kia Gregory - FIND Seattle

2012-01-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Every time I read about someone getting ready for their FIND workshop I get jealous. I want to go back to my FIND workshop. It's like a bad episode of my favorite television series Lost. But in a good way. And Jonathan Canlas was the black smoke monster. When Lost ended I cried a lot. And I'll admit I didn't cry as much when my FIND workshop experience was over at but I did feel empty inside. Like there was this whole parallel part of my life I lived in another universe. I keep wanting to wake up and show up with my FIND group and yell, "Let's do this thing." But in reality I wake up next to my husband and my kids asking me to make some oatmeal. That's what FIND will do to you. Oh, and it will totally make you appreciate the art of shooting film.

Kia Gregory

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Clarissa Keonig - FIND Maui

2012-01-12T08:17:00.001-07:00

Attending FIND Maui was one of the best things that happened to me in a very long time.
Jon is the most generous, fun and knowledgeable person to be with. His workshop and teaching style is outstanding. His generosity of heart shines through every thing that he has to offer, no questions remain unanswered, he is like an open book and shares all his photography wisdom with you. All you have to do is ASK! The inspiration and information I took home from the workshop are priceless. The locations he chooses are beautiful, the food during the workshop is delicious, the workshop participants are a fun and friendly bunch to hang out with and the community that Jon created around the FIND group is truly amazing. Words can't fully describe how wonderful the 3 days were. I wish I could go back asap o do another one. Yes, is is that awesome! Mahalo Jon, for being who you are and sharing your fabulousness (sp?) with each of us. You rock!

Clarissa Keonig

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Amanda McKinley - FIND Columbus

2012-01-11T08:12:00.002-07:00

Late last year, I found out about an amazing film photographer, named Jonathan Canlas. I was so enamored by his work. I kept coming back to his site, in awe of the way he captured his subjects. I loved that about him instantly!

Prior to knowing anything about Jon, I had been feeling pretty down about my photography. I had lost my passion and my drive, and was about ready to take a long break from digital photography, until I found out Jon offers workshops. I started toying with the idea of attending a FIND (film is not dead) workshop, especially since I wanted to try shooting film photography again. It had been many years since I shot any film, so I was a bit apprehensive. But the more I saw, the more I knew that film was the challenge I was needing.

So, within a month of making the decision to try film, I contacted Jon. Silly me thought it might be fun to host a FIND workshop here in Ohio. So I asked him if he would come here. He responded, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN FEBRUARY!!! Are you freaking kidding me???? This guy had no idea about me, Ohio, or the weather here, but he graciously began the planning process and before I knew it, February was here and so was Jon (as well as his trusty side-kick Tavis).

What an exciting few days for me. Not only had Jon agreed to come to Columbus, but so did so many other wonderful people who were feeling the itch to learn about film. People from, Indiana, Michigan, St. Louis, and Chicago, made the trek to join the one day workshop. Awesome!!!

I was soooo nervous about meeting Jon. Would he find me worthy of taking up his time, would he think our location was a disaster (it was!), would the food be satisfactory, am I making a good impression, will he ever come back (still not sure on that one!!!)? Nerves abounded!!!
I was able to have a good laugh over the phone with Jon and Tavis as they got lost in C-bus. And once we finally met up, I knew that this was a guy who was true inside and out. What you see online, is exactly what you get in real life. A man who is passionate about film!!! He is also passionate about his family. As a mom of 3 kids, I really appreciate that.

Our day started right away and we dove right into learning about film, exposure and equipment. Jon shared a lot of information and was an open book on business, work ethics and anything else we wanted to know. The man knows his stuff!!! My head was spinning!!!
After lunch we met up with our models and braved the c-c-c-cold 23 degrees to get some shots. Everyone was a great sport, especially Jon and Tavis, who were freezing their Utah butts off. Weird, Jon fact... he never wears pants, just shorts (loco!!!)
What a treat it was to see Jon in action, hear his thought process and shoot in different lighting locations. That alone was worth the price of admission!!!

I honestly had the time of my life. I met the coolest people, got to talk about photography all day, and participate in an amazing workshop. My only regret is not asking him to stay longer!

You want to know the coolest thing ever??? I still have dialogue with Jon even with the workshop done and over with. If I have a question, he answers it. He still has vested interest in not only me, but all FIND attendees! How fabulous is that??? I can't tell you how disheartening it is to save up your money, attend a workshop with an amazing (or seemingly so) photographer, only to never ever have a relationship or communication beyond the workshop walls. Jon goes above and beyond all his life chaos to continue to give back to the FIND community. Priceless people, priceless!!!

If you are looking, soul searching, looking to be recharged, wanting to leave digital photography behind, this is the workshop for you! However, if you are still unsure this is your calling, then I highly suggest checking out this amazing book... FILM IS NOT DEAD: A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE TO SHOOTING FILM

I have read this book cover to cover several times. There is so much good information, SO MUCH good information!!!

Thank you Ohio FIND peeps and especially to Jon and Tavis!

Amanda McKinley

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Shipra Panosian - FIND Miami

2012-01-10T08:10:00.002-07:00

Shipra just posted her review on her blog. You can read her review HERE.

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FIND Review from Noelle Reynolds - FIND Orem 2011

2012-01-09T08:05:00.002-07:00

Jon's workshop, Film Is Not Dead, was a game changer. Funny thing is that the minute I signed up, is the minute when things started to change. A whole year before the actual workshop! I came in touch with all the past and and future attendees like myself and with it, all the knowledge that everyone has to offer. Fast forward to the workshop and not knowing anybody when I first signed up, I was able to walk in the first day and personally know a handful. I was still really intimidated going in, feeling like I probably knew the least about film but we all soon realized, it didn't matter. Ego's were checked at the door and we were all just people excited about film. Jon was beyond amazing! He was real, down to earth, and knows his stuff. And that, is an understatement. I would go to his workshop again in a heartbeat. I can see the difference in my work and in my business tactics. I hate to say it, but even my husband who was super sketch about me spending the money to go, has become a believer. He's seen the change in me and my work. Another plus about this workshop? It doesn't end! I'm still in contact with all the FINDers all over the world and we still make a point to get together, support and challenge one another. This workshop she be sub-named - Film Is Not Dead: The workshop that never ends.

Noelle Reynolds

Interested in attending FIND in 2012? Drop me a line.

FILM IS NOT DEAD 2012 Updated

2011-12-23T22:44:00.010-07:00

[Image by Marci Mortensen, tattoo sticker by Wendy Laurel]

I've received several inquiries lately about FILM IS NOT DEAD in 2012. I know, I know, where is the damn website you ask. It's coming, it's coming :).

But until then, here is the update for cities/dates and AVAILABILITY for FIND 2012. All workshops are limited to 14 attendees. Here are the cities/dates/availability as of TODAY:

Canberra AUSTRALIA : Jan 23rd-25th (SOLD OUT)
Atlanta GA : Mar 19th-21st @ Zack Arias' studio (SOLD OUT)
OREM UT @ Canle' International (my studio): April 23rd-25th (SOLD OUT)
Brisbane AUSTRALIA : May 7th-9th (9 spots left)
Surrey UK : May 28th-30th (4 spots left)
Boston MA : June 11th-13th (1 spots left)
Chicago IL : July 16th-18th (SOLD OUT)
Vancouver CANADA : Aug 13th-15th (2 spots left)
Ibiza SPAIN : Sept 24th-26th (SOLD OUT)
Charleston SC : Oct 15th-17th (6 spots left)
San Miguel MEXICO : Nov 12th-14th (9 spots left)
North Shore of Oahu : Dec 3rd-5th (12 spots left)

If you are interested in attending, DROP ME A LINE. I'll send over all the info you need.

See you in 2012...

Testimonial from Angela Higgins - Melbourne Attendee

2011-09-21T01:37:00.000-06:00

{image by Angela Higgins}

To be honest, I began the FIND Melbourne workshop worrying that I would be too green to understand anything Jonathan was going to share with us as I came from a digital background and had only been shooting for a short time. I was quite honestly scared of film and felt that you had to have magic fingers to work successfully with it. Without discounting Jonathan’s innate talent; I was so wrong. Jonathan and the other ‘workshopers’ were incredibly open and honest about working with film, sharing and breaking down concepts and at the end of the 3 day workshop I felt that I could confidently shoot film without fear of stuffing the whole thing up. There were many times when my logical side of my brain told me “No, No, NO!” but Jonathan was there telling me “Yes, Yes, YES!”. The rules I thought I knew about film were completely shattered and I am now a confident film shooter.

Almost 9 months after taking part in Jonanthan’s Melbourne FIND Workshop, film is well and truly part of my life. I am experimenting with different cameras, different film and I’ve found that being a film shooter has helped me immensely as a digital photographer too. Its made me think differently and made me approach different lighting situations with a kind of bravery. It makes me want to shoot more. The wisdom and encouragement that I have found from Jonathan and the other friends I have made at the FIND workshop is invaluable and all of this has extended to my professional work. If ever there was a workshop that has been life changing – it is this one. My life is richer and so much more enjoyable because of it and I can’t thank Jonathan and Tavis enough for everything they have done.

Angela Higgins

FILM IS NOT DEAD 2012

2011-08-02T11:04:00.000-06:00

Ok, this is it, the lineup for 2012 for the FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop. I am working as hard and as much as humanly possible to get the new website up and done. Until then, refer to this blog for details.

2012

Canberra AUSTRALIA : Jan 23rd-25th
Atlanta GA : Mar 19th-21st @ Zack Arias' studio
OREM UT @ Canle' International (my studio): April 23rd-25th
Boston MA : June 11th-13th
Chicago IL : July 16th-18th
Vancouver CANADA : Aug 13th-15th
Ibiza SPAIN : Sept 24th-26th
Charleston SC : Oct 15th-17th
MEXICO : Nov 12th-14th location TBD

What does the FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop entail? A LOT. Obviously, we cover film, but it is a lot more than that. I lay it all out there for 3 days covering anything from posing, business, advertising, how to deal with "sticky" situations, getting published, the power of a blog, loving family formals (also known as loving your family formally, AKA touching strangers), off and on camera flash with FILM, story telling through details, and most importantly, FINDing your voice.

I could go on and on, but the past attendees seem to say it better than I do. You can read what past attendees have said HERE.

If you are interested in attending, just email me for details.

Testimonial from Michelle Huesgen - Memphis 1 day FIND

2011-08-02T10:50:00.003-06:00

Hi. My name is Michelle Huesgen and I am addicted to FIND.

I fell in love with film years ago, but as a photographer who's entire career and brand has been built through digital photography, it just wasn't a tangible move for me. I struggled with the fear of the unknown. I feel as though my work is filled with movement, and emotion, and light. How in the world do I translate that into the world of film? A world where I have 30 chances to get it right...not 300.

FIND and Jon in particular gave me the courage to take the bull by the horns. To tackle my fears with knowledge, and intensity. I CAN translate my personal vision into film. What I CAN'T do is fear it.

In all honesty, Jon is the most "real" rock-star photographer out there. An open book with an approachable personality.

On top of all this, all of the men from the FIND lab are equally as awesome. They are photograpers who know how important your work is to you and they treat it as if it were their own.

You will not in any way regret your choice to go to a FIND workshop. Just do it already.
-Michelle Huesgen

Interested in attending FILM IS NOT DEAD in 2012 (sorry, all 2011 dates are completely sold out)? Here are the confirmed dates for 2012. And take note, Australia, Atlanta, Charleston, and MEXICO are new :).

Canberra AUSTRALIA : Jan 23rd-25th
Atlanta GA : Mar 19th-21st @ Zack Arias' studio
OREM UT @ Canle' International (my studio): April 23rd-25th
Boston MA : June 11th-13th
Chicago IL : July 16th-18th
Vancouver CANADA : Aug 13th-15th
Ibiza SPAIN : Sept 24th-26th
Charleston SC : Oct 15th-17th
MEXICO : Nov 12th-14th location TBD

EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS!!!.

Testimonial from Kat Braman - Memphis 1 day workshop

2011-08-02T10:45:00.005-06:00

{image of Jonathan Frey by Kat Braman}

Kat Braman just posted her review of the FILM IS NOT DEAD 1 day workshop she attended in Memphis earlier this year in April.

You can read about it HERE.

Interested in attending FILM IS NOT DEAD in 2012 (sorry, all 2011 dates are completely sold out)? Here are the confirmed dates for 2012. And take note, Australia, Atlanta, Charleston, and MEXICO are new :).

Canberra AUSTRALIA : Jan 23rd-25th
Atlanta GA : Mar 19th-21st @ Zack Arias' studio
OREM UT @ Canle' International (my studio): April 23rd-25th
Boston MA : June 11th-13th
Chicago IL : July 16th-18th
Vancouver CANADA : Aug 13th-15th
Ibiza SPAIN : Sept 24th-26th
Charleston SC : Oct 15th-17th
MEXICO : Nov 12th-14th location TBD

EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS!!!.

Testimonial from Jennifer Tai - Seattle 1.0 attendee

2011-08-02T10:40:00.002-06:00

{photo of Ryan Wilcox by Jennifer Tai}

Jennifer Tai just posted a review of the FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop that she attended in Seattle (1st week July 18th-20th).

You can read about it HERE.

Interested in attending FILM IS NOT DEAD in 2012 (sorry, all 2011 dates are completely sold out)? Here are the confirmed dates for 2012. And take note, Australia, Atlanta, Charleston, and MEXICO are new :).

Canberra AUSTRALIA : Jan 23rd-25th
Atlanta GA : Mar 19th-21st @ Zack Arias' studio
OREM UT @ Canle' International (my studio): April 23rd-25th
Boston MA : June 11th-13th
Chicago IL : July 16th-18th
Vancouver CANADA : Aug 13th-15th
Ibiza SPAIN : Sept 24th-26th
Charleston SC : Oct 15th-17th
MEXICO : Nov 12th-14th location TBD

EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS!!!.

FILM IS NOT DEAD - Maui - Nov 14th-16th 2011 - Registration now open!

2011-04-18T00:12:00.002-06:00

Registration has begun for the masses for FILM IS NOT DEAD Maui, this Nov 14th-16th, 2011.

Here is 411 on the workshop:

Who: limited to 12 attendees (WE ARE HALFWAY FULL!!!)
When: Nov 14th-16th 2011.
Where: Lahaina, Maui at a private residence.
What: 3 days of hands-on-shoots (engagements, families, wedding couple) coupled with lectures each day. Each attendee will receive a 40 page workbook from FINAO with an accompanying DVD, which contains all topics covered during the workshop. Film will be provided by Kodak. Breakfast and lunch is provided all 3 days.
Cost: $1500 (yeah, you read right, $1500)
Topics to include: Film - who/what/when/where/why/how, Getting Published, Story-telling through Details, Loving Family Formals, Instaproofs - How it will change your life!, Making Every Event Publishable, Hands-on Flash Demo, Posing, The Power of a Blog, How to Define Your Vision and more...

All attendees receive some goodies from the fine folks over @ Richard Photo Lab (50% off your first order!) & Instaproofs as well (waived fees on your first event!).

Along with the workshop, all attendees will receive access to the FILM IS NOT DEAD forum and FB page (both completely and utterly private) which contains all past, present and future attendees. All attendees will also receive the recently released FILM IS NOT DEAD Guide.

If you are interested in attending, drop me a line HERE.

Aloha, mahalo and hopefully, I'll see some of you in Maui!

PS. If Maui does not work for you and you are wanting to attend FILM IS NOT DEAD, go here to see other dates and locations. CLICK HERE.

FIND Maui Winners...and a consolation prize.

2011-04-13T13:35:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Albert Collell (all the way from SPAIN!) and Alexis Petree for winning the 2 spots to FILM IS NOT DEAD Maui in Nov! And a big thank you for everyone who entered the contest.

And if you did not win, well, don't fret, there is a promo going on today (AND TODAY ONLY) for the FILM IS NOT DEAD guide on sale for $99 (normally $149).

Use the coupon code "ALOHA".

Get yours HERE.

A FIND Guide Review - Lori Paladino

2011-04-06T23:16:00.001-06:00

This just landed in my inbox :

"Okay, I just have to say that you/the FIND guide may have singlehandedly saved me from the brink of photographer burnout. I truly admire your work and work ethic and I'm not writing this to end up in a quote on your website. I don't mean any dis on that, and I will happily write you a plug and recommend the FIND guide 100 times over. But I really just want to take a quick moment to thank you for being accessible, and reasonable and making the FIND guide approachable in a way that made me want to revisit my film days. It made it fun, like a project. And easy to digest. And I haven't even gotten any rolls back yet, but I'm seriously smitten. I feel like I suddenly expanded again as a photographer, in a way that funnily enough, I haven't since I made the leap from film to digital, and could suddenly experiment in ways I never could before. It feels pretty full circle-ish right now. But most importantly, there is a fire in my belly again, if that makes any sense? :) I feel challenged again. I feel the anticipation and excitement of not knowing, but trusting or at least trying to trust my inner photog instinct. And I'm pretty sure the images I shot will suck actually. :) But what is funny, is that I think it has already helped me in many ways. I'm not sure that made any sense at all, but in a nutshell, I'm sending you big waves of gratitude and huge smiles. I'm excited to continue to experiment, and humbled by all that I still don't know.

All the best to you Jonathan & thank you, so much.
Lori"

You can FIND out about the FIND Guide HERE.

FILM IS NOT DEAD - Lahaina, Maui - Nov 14th-16th - 2 spots giveaway

2011-04-04T17:53:00.002-06:00

So, FILM IS NOT DEAD is making one last stop in 2011. It is headed back to the rock where it all began 3 years ago. It is coming to Lahaina, Maui in November. It will be held at a private residence in Lahaina. Registration has not begun yet, because, well...

I AM GIVING AWAY TWO FREE SPOTS.

Yeah, you read right, I'm giving away 2 free spots FIRST.

How you ask?

Well, first, go HERE.

Then in 15 words or less, state why you should win one of the 2 spots up for grabs.

Contest ends on Monday 11:59PM MST.

After that, registration begins (next week Monday). This workshop is limited to only 10 people after the 2 spots are won.

So basically, 15 little words could quit possibly win you a spot worth $2000. Contest is for tuition only and winners are responsible for their own travel/accommodations.

Here is 411 on the workshop:

When: Nov 14th-16th 2011
Where: Lahaina, Maui at a private residence
WHAT : 3 days of hands-on-shoots (engagements, families, wedding couple) coupled with lectures each day. Each attendee will receive a 40 page workbook from FINAO with an accompanying DVD, which contains all topics covered during the workshop. Film provided by Kodak. Breakfast and lunch is provided all 3 days.
Cost: $1500
Topics to include: Film - who/what/when/where/why/how, Getting Published, Story-telling through Details, Loving Family Formals, Instaproofs - How it will change your life!, Making Every Event Publishable, Hands-on Flash Demo, Posing, The Power of a Blog, How to Define Your Vision and more...

All attendees receive some goodies from the fine folks over @ Richard Photo Lab & Instaproofs as well.

And if you are curious as to what past attendees have said, you can read up all about it HERE.

Alright, you got 1 whole week, choose your words wisely! Good luck everyone, aloha, mahalo, and I'll see 2 of you in Maui in Nov.

Again, you can enter the contest HERE.

Emma Starr's Testimonial of Melbourne...and some announcements.

2011-03-29T23:42:00.000-06:00

Emma Starr, who attended FIND in Melbourne this last January, just posted her testimonial to her blog which you can read HERE.

Also, if you are interested in attending FILM IS NOT DEAD in 2011, everything is sold out except for Miami which is Dec 5th-7th. There are 3 spots left for this workshop.

The 2012 dates have been announced as well. The schedule is as follows:

OREM UT @ Canle' International (my studio): April 23rd-25th
Boston MA : June 11th-13th
Chicago IL : July 16th-18th
Vancouver CANADA : Aug 13th-15th
Ibiza SPAIN : Sept 24th-26th

If you are interested in attending, just drop me a line!

Noelle Gilbert - FIND UT 2010 - Testimonial

2011-02-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

"Jon tells all of his FIND attendees to arrive to the workshops hungry. He thinks he
is referring to his wife’s amazing cooking. And, yes, she puts on a spread not to
be rivaled. Jon is right. You should arrive hungry. But you should arrive hungry
to learn, hungry to bond with your peers, and hungry for an experience that will
change your life. I attended the Park City FIND workshop in the fall of 2010. I am a
fine art/documentary photographer and had through the years begun to lose my
passion for photography. The few days I spent with Jon and the FINDERS was like a
master course in medium format shooting, getting my groove back, and getting back
on track. Although I’m not a wedding photographer, this was just the workshop for
me. I felt alive, inspired and excited to work again. This is not just a “how to shoot
film” workshop. It’s so much more than that. Jon is a master in inspiring you to be
the best you can be at what you do. For that and for the experience I had with my
FIND friends, I will always be grateful."

- Noelle Gilbert

D'Arcy Benincosa - FIND UT 2010 - Testimonial

2011-02-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

"I used to shoot film all the time and never doubted myself. I trusted my gut and created photos I was proud of. As the digital age grew, I become more and more dependent on the immediacy of the digital camera screen to show me the shot, instead of relying on making my talent deeper and my knowledge of the camera more firm. The digital images, never satisfied me, always lacking the character of the film images I had taken. After attending the FIND workshop, I delved into film again. I feel like I've been transformed as a photographer and an artist. I'm learning about how different films can get different effects, I don't need to do a lot to the image after I take it, when I've taken it properly--using film, light, camera, and lens as they should be used--my images have not only pleased my clients, but made me proud to be behind the camera. It has truly set me apart in my competitive field. My business has more than doubled after using the techniques and information I found through Mr. Jon Canlas and the FIND workshop. I can not praise it highly enough. Film rocks!"

D'Arcy Benincosa

If you are interested in attending the workshop for 2011, Miami is now your only option as everything else is completely sold out. And space is limited in Miami as well! Email me for info!

FILM IS NOT DEAD - a digital photographer's guide to shooting film

2011-02-16T13:26:00.002-07:00

As crazy as this sounds, I just released a book. A book you ask? Yeah, a book. It is called :

FILM IS NOT DEAD - A Digital Photographer's Guide to Shooting Film

It is not even March and there are 7 FILM IS NOT DEAD workshops sold out for 2011 with 3 spots left for the 1 day workshop in April in Memphis, and 6 spots left for the 3 day workshop in Miami in Dec.

I have my Formspring, I have my emails, and every once in a while a phone call will come in. All of them being questions about shooting film, and how to get into it, where to start, what to buy, the list goes on and on.

Now, let me preface this, I am in no way claiming in ANY WAY that I know everything. I don't. But I will say this, I know my craft. I know what the exposure is at a low lit reception within a 1/3 stop and without a light meter. I know how my film is going to react to certain lighting situations. I know all kinds of super geeky info about cameras, where to get them, how to get them on the cheap, how to make your viewfinder brighter than a leprechaun riding a unicorn over a rainbow (no joke). I know my stuff.

That being said, I also have a family, who I love, and they deserve as much time as the effort and time I put into answering questions. I cannot do 9 FILM IS NOT DEAD workshops a year. I just can't.

However, I am an open book, and I don't believe in secrets in any shape or form. I am not a rocket scientist and what I'm doing is not some kind of industry secret. It is a camera in my hand, me pushing the shutter. Simple.

So, I've created this book. There are so many people coming back to film for so many reasons. And this book is here to help and demystify what many seem a daunting task: shooting film. I want to help you shoot film.

Why? Is it because film is rad? Is it because it looks beautiful? Yes, yes, and yes. But mostly, I want to help you find your vision. Film makes you slow down. There is no spray and pray in film, unless you are Daddy Warbucks (each click costs money people). But once you do slow down, and start to hone your vision, not only will your work improve, but you will find direction in your work, more importantly, your voice. There is nothing more important to you as a photographer than your voice.

You know what is amazing about film? The thing that I'm loving the most during the last 2 months of my life? The EASE of it. Shoot, develop, have it scanned, and you are NEARLY done. There is no sitting behind a computer for days on end staring as your vision makes you see triple. Since Dec 28th, I've been to :

Dallas
Melbourne
Seattle
Portland
San Francisco
Orlando
Columbus
and Vegas next week

This is ALL while shooting a TON. I've been able to send my film to RICHARD PHOTO LAB and not worry about having to spend 10x the amount of time I took to shoot to get the images ready.

FILM IS AWESOME. Again, let me repeat, FILM IS AWESOME.

So, you can get this book (96 pages of design perfection, and I'm NOT kidding), by going:

HERE.

PS, this PDF is on sale for $89 until Feb 23rd when it goes to the normal price of $149. Plan accordingly :)

And for the super curious, here are a couple sample pages of the 96 pages of awesomeness...

Thanks for reading, peeps. And I hope this helps you on your way, wherever it is you are headed.

Again, get your book HERE.

Jayson Edwards - 2.0 Attendee - Innovator

2011-02-07T16:06:00.002-07:00

Man alive, I'm proud of this dude...just had to share.

Testimonials from Melbourne FIND peeps.

2011-02-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

They started popping up all over the internets. So here are some to take a gander at:

Jonas Peterson
Fiona Andersen
Janine Kaye
Nicole Spears

And Liz Arcus just sent over this one:

"I was originally going to the workshop just to model with my children after Paul Gero introduced me to you. But it really wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to explore the option of shooting film again for my clients. My true love is film not digital.

So I booked I believe the last spot at your workshop whilst chatting on facebook to you one evening. I am soooooo glad I did. I was drowning in digital workload and missing my family time. You told me if I do anything for my family, come to the workshop and learn how to shoot film again.

Jonathan, I am not sure I can put into words quite what the F.I.N.D workshop meant to me, but I can say that what you packed into 3 days of teaching was amazing, I have no idea how you managed to cover everything that you did.

I am so grateful for everything you shared and taught us. I have not shot film for years, but for me digital never felt right. To spend 3 days relearning (and learning how to shoot film properly full stop) was like going on a retreat.

To pick up a film camera again, to SLOW down and shoot was a soul experience for me. I am tingling just thinking about it. It was like coming home.

The very next day after the workshop ended I bought a Contax 645 kit and have been shooting a little film at each of my jobs and personally to build my film portfolio to begin to offer film to my clients.

I would also like to thank you for photographing my family as part of the workshop. Jamile, Jaiman (J-dog) and I loved it and cannot wait to see the images. The whole experience was very relaxing and special for us. My children are #1 to me.

I also love and value the fact that the workshop wasn’t the end of this. Having the forum and facebook group to share and stay in touch is something I truly love. I love the family, friends and the community that you have connected me with.

Thank you for sharing from the bottom of your heart so much of your knowledge and your heart and soul. You are a beautiful and giving man Jonathan. Thank you for being my friend.

Ps. I cannot wait to get my rolls of film back from Richard Photo Lab – that will be a super exciting package to open."

What's in my bag!

2011-01-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

So, if you frequent my other blog, you'll notice something very different just to the left of this text.

There is now a header called "FIND OUT WHAT'S IN MY BAG". Beneath that, if you enter your email address, you'll be able to download a FREE (yeah, you read that right, FREE) pdf of exactly what is in my bag and why it's in my bag.

If you follow my formspring, you know that I've been asked MANY times what equipment I use and why.

Well, now all that info is yours by entering your email and downloading the pdf. No more scouring the internet for hours or trying to search through FORMSPRING trying to figure out if the Contax is the right camera for you or what I think about the new Kodak Portra 400.

It is all there, designed IMPECCABLY, and easy to read/understand/follow.

Thanks for reading and I hope that pdf helps :).

1on3 half day FILM IS NOT DEAD - Hawaii - Testimonial - Alisa Greig

2010-12-20T09:28:00.004-07:00

{photo by Alisa Greig of her super cute keiki's}

As soon as I found out Jon would be traveling to the islands this year, I KNEW I had to make an attempt to meet up with him, if not for a session, at least for a hug and maybe a musubi J I’ve adored his imagery with film for about a year now when I was first introduced to his beautiful gift of photography. He’d already had a couple of FIND workshops on Oahu, which meant the likelihood of another one coming soon was slim.

I talked it over with another huge fan of his and good friend of mine to see if she’d be interested in contacting him for a 2on1 session and there it all began.

A few months later our big day was here, and it was amazing! I could’ve just hung out with him all week if he’d been down for it, super fun and funny too! To start off, he showed up early and then stayed late smiling—we did a half day workshop with a shoot included and it couldn’t have gone any better, other than to have lasted longer. He came with gifts of plenty and all his knowledge galore. Jon is enthusiastic about everything, real, genuine, generous and passionate about helping others discover their journey, answering questions all along the way with non-stop instruction coming from the guy next door. With JC, nothing is hidden, rather it’s found.

Mahalo Jon for your generosity—come back soon!!

-Alisa Greig

1on3 half day FILM IS NOT DEAD - Hawaii - Testimonial - Carrie Hasson

2010-12-09T13:22:00.002-07:00

I was flying home to Hawaii from Florida. I had just shot my first wedding. I was completely exhausted from an emotional week and ready to come home. I was killing time in the airport and saw on facebook that Jonathan was doing a 2 on 1 here in Hawaii a few days out. I didn't hesitate. I had no idea how much, or even what it would entail, I just knew Jonathan was someone I needed to learn from. Within the hour I had completely booked my spot on my iphone, with very little details in mind. A complete testament to Jonathan.

I love film. It started in the 3rd grade as a photographer for my school; playing with the chemicals, having an honor bestowed on me at such a young age. And then in high school as a way out of typing class, to hang in the darkroom or wander around campus with a camera in hand... and then again completely obsessed when my first child was born. I ingested film, rolls and rolls of film. Then digital came along and I put my film camera away, had no regard for it whatsoever. I let my daughter play with it, gave it to her to have something to take photos with.

And then I truly found photography, the art of photography. And then I wanted to go back to film, I wanted my film camera back, drug it out of the closet and introduced myself to it all over again.

When I think of film photographers, less than a handful of names come to mind. And the name at the forefront is Jonathan Canlas.

Jonathan is like the professor you never had. As a self-taught artist/photographer I would be happy to attend a few years of college under Jonathan. Not only does he know his stuff, he is so passionate. Not in the, "hey look what I can do" way, but in an infectious way that has you thinking, "maybe I can do that too".

In our half day together, I walked away with a NEED to work and play more with my film camera. I walked away with a lot of questions and answers to questions I didn't even know I had. I wished I had more time. I may just move to Park City and attend college classes from Jonathan. He is a wonderful teacher. That is rare. To be gifted in his craft, and to be able to teach it- RARE. I am really encouraged and see a lot of possibilities with what I've learned from Jonathan. I feel like I have this deep appreciation for my craft that only can come from film. And I see, through Jonathan, that that passion and craftmanship can be honed into a profitable and rewarding business.

I can't say enough about the small slice of time I got to spend with and learn from Jonathan Canlas. He is as genuine and real as they come. Add that to his insane talent and gift of instruction and this has all left me-- wanting more!

-Carrie Hasson

V.6.0 (PARK CITY 2010) - Testimonial - Aileen Reilly

2010-12-07T07:07:00.003-07:00

{photo by Aileen Reilly}

Aileen just posted to her blog her feedback/testimonial of the FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop she attended just this past Oct.

You can read about it HERE.

There are still some spot left for 2011 if you are interested in attending FILM IS NOT DEAD. The info (UPDATED) can be found HERE.

FILM IS NOT DEAD 2011

2010-11-30T21:36:00.021-07:00

Ok, there have been some new developments and new dates/cities (Columbus OH, London UK, and Miami FL) have been added for the FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop for 2011. This is the schedule/openings:

Jan 17th-19th - Melbourne AU (SOLD OUT)
Feb 9th (one day) - Columbus OH (SOLD OUT)
April 27th (one day) - Memphis TN (4 spots left)
July 18th-20th - Seattle WA (SOLD OUT)
July 25th-27th - Seattle WA (SOLD OUT)
Aug 8th-10th - London UK (SOLD OUT)
Sept 28th (one day) - NY (Manhattan), NY (SOLD OUT)
Oct 3rd-5th - UTAH (1 spot left!!!)
Dec 5th-7th - Miami/South Beach FL (8 spots left).

As it goes from city to city, nothing has changed content wise for the workshop besides the fact that I'll be raving about the new Kodak Portra 400. The details of what is covered at the workshop can be found on the workshop website (specifically page 5) HERE. I know, the website needs a rehaul and needs to be updated but know this, it is all in the works for a new website/content very soon.

The workshop is $2000 per attendee (limited to 14-16 attendees) and the 1 day workshop (Columbus) is $750 (limited to 10 attendees). To reserve your spot requires a $500 retainer with the balance due 1 month before the start date of your workshop.

The cost includes 3 days of lecture, shooting, breakfast, lunch, film provided by Kodak (ONE LOVE!), a FILM IS NOT DEAD Workbook which is a 40 page FINAO Elements album containing all topics covered in the workshop, an accompanying DVD (40 pages is so limiting!!!), some goodies from Richard Photo Lab, and goodies from Instaproofs as well. Each attendee also receives a FILM IS NOT DEAD t-shirt as well :).

Also included in the cost of tuition is access to the FILM IS NOT DEAD forum which consists of past, current and future attendees of the workshop. And it has been mentioned in a couple testimonials before but, it is worth it's weight in gold for sure :).

Speaking of testimonials, if you want to read what other folks have said about the 3 day workshop, or what others have said about a 1 day workshop, or if you are a digital shooter and want to know what other digital shooters have said about this FILM workshop, all of it can be found by clicking HERE.

If you are interested in attending, please drop me a line.

Thanks for reading, and hopefully, I'll see you in 2011.

Testimonial from Ozzy Garcia

2010-11-23T10:27:00.002-07:00

To keep it short, honest, and simple this workshop was a wealth of knowledge and a very eye opening experience for me in many ways. To begin, I was blown away with Jonathan's honesty in reference to how he runs his business. There really were no secrets with him as he will openly answer questions and willingly share his personal experiences. In addition to that, he has amazing knowledge of film and exposing (common', the man has his own lab)! Each day was jam packed with information and shooting.

I gained so much more knowledge about exposure, family formals(which are looking solid post worship) composition, business, and film. I was most impressed with Jon's honesty and passion. The fact that he didn't hold back and wasn't afraid to give away his "formula", or walk you though his process, says a lot about his character. He is a true teacher and mentor that is willing to share his gift and talent with others. A teacher and mentor, who, even with all his years of experience, still has the passion of a man who just picked up a camera for the first time.

It goes without saying that Jonathan Canlas is obviously an amazing photographer. To be able to learn from him was not only an honor but a true inspiration. He has the rare ability to find light and beauty in everyone. In an industry that's sometimes driven by labels, good looking people, fancy dresses, and tight pants Jonathan sees past all that and gets down to the heart and soul of what photography truly is.

Ozzy Garcia

I traveled earlier this month to Miami to do a 1on1 workshop with Ozzy. His work is phenomenal, and give yourself an hour or 2 to dive deep into his work. It was great to talk shop and help him down the path he's already advancing on.

If you are interested in doing a 1on1 workshop, drop me a line.

V. 6.0 (PARK CITY 2010) - Testimonial - Elvee at Mai Tai Photography

2010-11-15T15:57:00.003-07:00

Many superlatives have already been used to describe Jonathan Canlas' Film Is Not Dead workshop, and I can vouch that every superlative is well-deserved. For three days of this workshop, you learn, learn and learn some more and then put what you learned into practice at a photo shoot each day. If you don't know anything about film, you get an exhaustive introduction from Jonathan, who doesn't care if you're shooting with a $200 setup or gear worth ten times that. He stresses fundamentals and finding your own vision, whatever it may be. Even if you're not a 100% film shooter (which I am not), beyond the intro to film, the topics covered from posing and shooting techniques as well as business topics such as getting published were all deftly covered by Jon, along with the many questions posed by attendees throughout the workshop. He shares his knowledge, not as if everything is a trade secret but with the genuine desire to help everyone at the workshop with their goals. To describe Jon as an open book would be an understatement.

Shooting my first event three days after FIND Park City, I already saw the difference the workshop had made in my approach. What I learned there has made me more deliberate, more thoughtful in my shooting. I appreciate the value of shooting personal work more, too. My hard-earned money and I don't part easily, and I have to say, FIND is worth every single penny. Every. Single. One. If you're a photographer looking for a spark to motivate and inspire you, look no further. FIND attracts some of the most talented people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, and Jonathan Canlas is not just an extraordinary photographer, he's an extraordinary human being.

The photo attached is one of the first I saw after getting my FIND film back. My heart feels light just looking at it. It's so different from anything I've ever shot before, and part of me is still in disbelief that came from my camera. :) Long live film.

Elvee at Mai Tai Photography

There are still a couple spots for Seattle July 26th-28th 2011 and Oct 3rd-5th 2011 in UT. Email me for details.

V. 6.0 (PARK CITY 2010) - Testimonial - Bo Kim

2010-11-07T07:58:00.002-07:00

I can't begin to express what an amazing time I had at FIND. Even after reading all of the raves, the workshop went above and beyond my expectations. Jon is not only an amazing photographer and teacher, but also a very decent human being. I appreciated his honesty, his breadth and depth of knowledge and his open heart about photography and warmth towards us. I thought a fellow attendee said it well, that Jon genuinely wants each of us to succeed. I came away with very helpful technical knowledge about film, exposure, workflow and posing. It's been said so many times, but it's true that Jon is an open book. He doesn't hold back information and willingly answers questions, as narrow or as broad as they are. Along with the technical, I left with inspiration and motivation to work hard and strive for excellence. Also, I loved meeting my fellow attendees, Callie, some of Jon's family, Bill from RPL and the models, who were all such fun, sincere and awesome people. It's such a gift to get to spend time with fellow photographers. Thank you for an awesome time. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

-Bo Kim

And you can read a handful of other testimonials on these guy's blogs:

Christopher Wilocki
Ryan Johnson

There are still some spots left for FILM IS NOT DEAD 2011 in Seattle July 25th-27th and Park City Oct 3rd-5th. Drop me a line if you are interested!

Des Moines FIND 1 day - Joey Early Testimonial

2010-10-30T08:58:00.003-06:00

What is there is say about Jon and this whole FIND thing? He is AHHHMAZING! (read: Champion). done end of story and not much else needs to be said, but I guess I should probably elaborate a little bit.

When I met Jonathan a year ago at WPPI I really had no idea who he was or just what I was in store for in the near future. He instantly impacted me with his excitement and enthusiasm for what he was doing, he just seems so darn excited about everything from meeting new people to just talking about shooting personal work and becoming a better photographer. He inspires me and has had such a huge impact on me both directly and indirectly through the past year and has been one of my biggest inspirations for forcing myself to work hard and truly refine the things I do and some day want to do (I am still such a LONG way off from anything substantial). I mean the man is just as happy as can be with a camera in his hand, what more do you want?

Fast forward a year and it turns out he is coming to my town Des Moines, Iowa for just a single day but probably one of the best more influential days of my photographic career. Not only did he show up with that same enthusiasm and just down right amazing attitude towards anything and everything he is passionate about but he truly is an open book about everything. When it came to any subject a wedding photographer might possibly deal with Jon knows his stuff, he has worked and worked himself to the bone to get where he is and loves every single minute of it. Even though I am just a lowly student I knew I needed to attend this workshop (and believe me I am not one for workshops), I knew if I didn't I would be kicking myself for years to come for missing it. I can't say enough good things about Jon and his workshops beyond the fact that if you get a chance to take one DO IT you will not regret it and it will open your eyes to the simplicity that is wedding and portrait photography.

Disclaimer: I was also guaranteed success with this workshop, so if I am not famous in two years Im coming back for Jonathan. Mark my words. :)

P.S. I would like to add for all of you out there; this man came to my house met my mother and made just as big of an impact on her as he did the first time I met him and she is not even a photographer. This man seriously loves what he does and exudes good feelings from every part of his body. By going to this workshop I not only learned a tremendous amount in a single day but I was inspired, enthralled, and maybe even a little overwhelmed all in such a short time. I had a blast just talking to him and I even made some friends along the way.

-Joey Early "PB&J No Crust"

Des Moines FIND 1 day - Jake Moreland Testimonial

2010-10-30T08:47:00.000-06:00

When I signed up for the one day Film is Not Dead workshop in Des Moines, IA I was not quite sure what to expect as it was such a short time frame and I felt like there was so much to learn. I was blown away. I am still digesting everything that Jonathan Canlas talked about. His energy was contagious and he would spend the time to answer any and every question thrown at him. When we arrived the night before there was a little casual get together and Jonathan walked up to us, took some polaroid portraits, and then talked about everything we wanted to know. The workshop hadn't even begun yet! The next day we even had time to get in an engagement session where he gave us posing and metering tips.

Jonathan is just a down to earth guy who is a freak about photography (in a good way!) and wants your business to succeed just as if it were his own. By far my favorite moment of the workshop was driving down a gravel road and into a random cornfield for some impromptu portraits! I guess the point I am trying to make is that the one day FIND event was completely amazing, worth every penny, and more...

-Jake Moreland, Two Birds Photography

Des Moines FIND 1 day - Ryan Timm Testimonial

2010-10-30T08:06:00.003-06:00

So I am going to preface this by saying, words can not do this workshop justice! I always said, "I would never attend a workshop unless it was the Film Is Not Dead Workshop." I didn't know how much that actually meant until I was able to attend the FIND One Day Des Moines workshop. I can not imagine there being a better workshop out there and I attribute that to Jon. He is the most down to earth and generous person I have ever met. He not only loves photography, but Jon loves people. Because of this he is a natural born teacher. During the lecture session, there was not a dull moment. Jon can teach anything and make it fun, exciting, and interesting. But best of all he was an open book. He talked about what ever we wanted him to talk about and he doesn't keep secrets about his business. Seriously when he says he is an open book, he is not lying. He showed us parts of his business that I would never have expected him to show us. But again, this workshop wouldn't be the same if Jon wasn't the person that he is. Jon wants to help photographers succeed, not hide what he has learned. Jon is inspiring, generous. and his love of film and photography is so contagious. I found myself leaving the workshop wanting to sell off my digital bodies and shoot nothing but film.

As a wedding and portrait photographer switching to film, attending was one of the best things I have done this year for my vision and my business. Going into it, I knew it would only be a one day workshop and thought that we would cover a few things and it would be benefical. WRONG!! We covered so much information and topics that I felt like we had three days of information jammed packed into one day and it was seriously the best thing I have been to. He covered everything from business topics to how he approaches weddings. Jon also takes you on an mock engagement shoot. What an invaluable experience! When you attend the workshop and start shooting, get in there. He wants you to shoot with him. DO NOT BE SCARED! Jon will show you what he sees and helps you with your vision. It was amazing to be shooting along side Jon and to get instant critique. And he doesn't just tell you what you did wrong, he really cares and wants you to understand why he does what he does. It was really inspiring to see how he interacts with clients and how he gets what he wants. I walked away from this portion of the workshop inspired to work on my own vision and my interaction with the subjects.

I left fully comfortable in my ability to shoot film and ditch my digital cameras. Before this workshop I was getting burnt out on hours of editing digital photographs, now I love that I get the images I want straight out of camera. It is so simple: Shoot, Develop, Scan, Edit, and Upload. That is all film is. No gimmicky actions that will date your images before the milk in your fridge is expired! But I think one of the coolest aspects of this workshop is just being able to hang out with Jon and Bill and Angela from Richards Photo Lab. They keep it real. It is funny because Jon really is a normal person, not just a famous photographer who is unapproachable. He wants to just hang out with everyone and just get to know who you are. He doesn't host these things to sell products and make loads of money. You can really tell that he cares about the students and what he is teaching. Jon, Bill, and Angela are all such down to earth people. I know if I ever need anything they would all be there to help. I think it is important to remember this workshop is also about forging relationships with other film shooters as much as it is learning film. It is crazy because when you become a part of the FIND family you get access to the forum and you instantly feel like you are a part of the family. Everyone who wants to shoot film, wants everyone to experience the joy that you get from shooting film, freeing up your life, and getting consistent results every time you press the shutter.

If you do one thing that is good for not only your business, but your personal vision, go to the Film Is Not Dead workshop. After attending FIND Des Moines I learned this. Meet Jon, shoot film, get consistent results, sell everything related to digital, get your life back, have personal vision = happiness.

-Ryan Timm

Fan page - whoddathunk...

2010-10-29T13:42:00.004-06:00

Well, it's official. There is a FILM IS NOT DEAD fan page on FB.

You'll NEVER, get emails from me asking you to LIKE it. EVER. EVER. EVER. Those are words I'll never eat.

But if you feel so inclined, check it out HERE.

I'll be putting updates here and there. And to spice it up, random giveaway's on the fan page.

Actually, let's start this out right.

A FILM IS NOT DEAD t-shirt shipped to the 100th like. Ready, GO.

V. 6.0 (PARK CITY 2010) - Testimonial - Jackie Norris

2010-10-25T20:01:00.004-06:00

There are SO many positive points I could discuss when it comes to the Film is Not Dead Workshop: the amazingly diverse group of people, the great food, the awesome discussions, all the awesome product we went home with...but when it comes down to it the best part of the workshop was the message. The workshop was not about how to become the next Jon Canlas, it was about finding your own personal vision. Jon graciously shared what worked for him without any expectation that we should or could do it ourselves. I walked away refreshed and re-energized to go out and shoot what I want to shoot, how I want to shoot it. I'm finding a satisfaction behind the lens that wasn't there before. Thank you for wiping that fog from my eyes and helping me see a little clearer.

Seriously, I feel so grateful that I was able to attend your workshop. I hope my quiet demeanor wasn't interpreted as disinterest or boredom, I just keep my thoughts to myself. This was my first photography workshop and honestly, probably my last. Not sure how another one could top it.

Thanks again Jon,

Jackie Norris

Again, there are 2 spots left for FILM IS NOT DEAD Melbourne Jan 17th-19th, 6 spots left for Seattle 2.0 July 25th-27th, and 5 spots left for Park City 2011 Oct 3rd-5th.

All sessions for 2011 will surely sell out, and probably sooner than later. If you are interested in attending, DROP ME A LINE!

V. 6.0 (PARK CITY 2010) - Testimonial - Bonnie Berry

2010-10-22T00:19:00.002-06:00

"Jon's FIND workshop is nothing short of amazing. It is worth every single penny and more. I went into it exhausted and came out exhilarated. I learned so many things from arranging wedding formals to posing engagements as well as info on film stocks, cameras, processing, albums, proofing etc. No question was off limits and Jon was constantly informative, patient and gracious. Any person who is interested in learning more about the craft of photography should seriously consider the FIND workshop. You will not regret it.

No testimonial of FIND would be complete without talking about the food. Jon's wife Callie is a very talented chef. Every morning I woke up excited to learn more about photography, but even more excited about breakfast and lunch. When I couldn't decide whether to go to San Diego or Park City, it was a no brainer once I heard that Callie would be cooking at Park City. I had heard how amazing her food was, had read her blog, but nothing compared to the real thing. One day I am going to show up at their house with a suitcase in hand and refuse to leave.

Last of all, my fellow FINDers were AMAZING. I can't remember the last time I was so won over by such a large and diverse group. I was so happy to spend several days with these talented, fun photographers. I am already wanting a reunion. Think I can convince Callie to cook?"

Bonnie Berry

The said food above can only be found @ the Park City FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop where my insanely talented wife cooks both breakfast and lunch for all attendees. Stretchy pants are encouraged.

There are still spots left for FILM IS NOT DEAD 2011 Park City Oct 3-5th. Email me for details.

5.0.1 Testimonial - Leah Zawadzki

2010-10-14T09:29:00.004-06:00

i have procrastinated writing this testimonial because i just don't feel like i can do it justice. i am so grateful for jon and the days spent with him at the FIND workshop. his passion for photography and his vision are so inspiring. his heart is HUGE and his willingness to give of himself and all he knows is like no other. i would recommend it to anyone with the slightest desire to learn about film. i not only wanted to learn film, but become a stronger digital photographer. since the FIND workshop i have cut my digital shooting in 1/2--meaning i shoot less shots but yield the same amount of photographs from any given session. learning and shooting film has been very meditative and my love for it grows every time i shoot with it. jon is an amazing person with amazing gifts and i feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet and learn from him. thank you jon--for being such an inspiration, giving so much of yourself and sharing your passion with us. xo

Leah Zawadzki

There are still some spots left for FILM IS NOT DEAD 2011 if you are interested (AU, Seattle 2.0, and Park City). Drop me a line for more info.

Seattle 2.0 July 25th-27th 2011

2010-09-30T19:22:00.002-06:00

The first session of Seattle sold out rather quickly leaving a handful of peeps/northwestern-ers, and everywhere for that matter, without a spot for the Seattle workshop July 18th-20th 2011.

So, a second session has now been opened. Here are the details:

When: July 25th-27th
Where : At the LightBankStudio
What : FILM : who, what, when, where, why and how! Loving family formals. Story telling through details. Instaproofs and how it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. The power of a blog. Getting published. Off camera flash with film. Finding your own voice/vision and making it your own. Please visit http://jonathancanlasphotography.com/workshop/ (SEE PAGE 5) for more details.
Cost : $2000 (various payment plans have been created)
Who : 14 attendees

If you are interested in attending the workshop in Seattle on the 25th-27th, drop me a line HERE.

FILM IS NOT DEAD - MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA Jan 17th-19th 2011

2010-09-13T08:47:00.005-06:00

Yep, that is right, some peeps from down under are making it happen! FILM IS NOT DEAD is headed to AUSTRALIA, and SOON!

Here is the 411 on the workshop:

When: Jan 17th-19th 2011
Where: Melbourne AU at a private studio
WHAT : 3 days of hands-on-shoots (engagements, families, wedding couple) in Melbourne coupled with lectures each day. Each attendee will receive a 40 page workbook from FINAO with an accompanying DVD, which contains all topics covered during the workshop. Film provided by FujiFilm and Kodak (ONE LOVE!). Breakfast and lunch is provided all 3 days.
Cost: $2000
Topics to include: Film - who/what/when/where/why/how, Getting Published, Story-telling through Details, Loving Family Formals, Instaproofs - How it will change your life!, Making Every Event Publishable, Hands-on Flash Demo, Posing, The Power of a Blog, How to Define Your Vision and more...
Limited to 16 attendees

More details can be found on the FILM IS NOT DEAD website (specifically page 5).

To reserve a spot for the workshop, a $1000 retainer is due (PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE AS WELL!!!). To register and reserve your spot, please send an email to:

jonathan (at) jonathancanlasphotography (dot) com

Once your email is received you will be sent an invoice for your Retainer. Please include your name and phone number and website.

Hopefully, we'll see you in what I would like to call the Thunder Down Under (RATED G) :)!

V. 5.0.1 Testimonial - Kjrsten Madsen (BEST.TESTIMONIAL.EVER.)

2010-08-25T23:15:00.005-06:00

Reasons you should attend FIND:
A. Because you are a photographer (film or not film) (if you said yes, continue to B.)
B. You are interested in learning, growing, pushing yourself and improving your art or business. (if you said yes to B. then continue to C)
C. Because film is everything that is good, pure and beautiful in the world of photography, and you want to learn more about it. (or just fine tune your rad film skills)

Now I will elaborate on the gloriousness that is FIND. There is no other workshop out there like it. NONE. It all starts with Jon. Yes, he is talented, skilled, knowledgeable, inspirational but on top of all of that he is also an incredible teacher. He gives and gives, and then gives some more. And here is the most incredible part, Jon spends 3 days teaching what he knows, and what he does, but all along the way he is turning everything back around onto YOU. And there you are 3 days later and you are hungrier than you have ever been for your art. How does he do it? Well you will just have to sign up to see for yourself.

There is NO WAY IN THE WORLD that you will regret it.

And you know what else, before and after the workshop there is this little GEM of a thing called the FIND Forum. It's private and only for FINDers. There is a wealth of knowledge on there. Anything you want to know, it's answered on the forum by Jon and the rest of your peers (but really your friends). And I say friends genuinely. These people that attend FIND with you, before you, after you, they are your people! It's a special community and there is a real bond there between the attendees. I know it sounds silly but I don't give a damn, it's true, we love each other. LIKE LOVE! And if my love for the FIND workshop were a country I WOULD BE MOTHER freaking RUSSIA!

Wow, you might be thinking right now that I am exaggerating a little. IMPOSSIBLE! Putting all of my feelings for FIND in this here testimonial is actually not even scratching the surface at how I really feel. Words can not even properly convey all that FIND really is. It is actually more than a workshop. It's damn near close to life changing.

-Kjrsten Madsen

FILM IS NOT DEAD 2010 is completely sold out but registration has begun for Seattle July 18th-20th and Park City Oct 3rd-5th 2011.

Email me for details.

V. 5.0.1 Testimonial - Anna Rassumessen

2010-08-11T08:57:00.003-06:00

The Film is Not Dead workshop was an amazing experience. I have been wanting to blog it, instaproofs it and shout it from the roof tops ever since going.

The workshop was such a refreshing and enlightening experience. I am so grateful to Jon for not only sharing his talents, but also for creating a workspace that is so open and inviting for us all. I did not realize how much I have missed just being around other photographers. I was lucky enough to go to school for Photography and loved the experience of sharing my art with all the artists around me and learning from them. I have not been in that environment in like 6 years and it was much needed. I learned so much from Jon as well, one of the biggest things I learned was that really he is just like me. I put photographers up on these pedestals and think they are so untouchable, but really he has had the same insecurities and problems I have had. I am working on my personal vision. I want to be who I am. I have a unique vision to share through my photography and other artistic ventures. Thank you thank you thank you to FIND for these realizations!

I started out in photography many moons ago shooting film. I had one bad experience with a wedding about 5 years ago (everything I absolutely needed was there, but some stuff got lost and it scared me to death) and I switched to digital. I have told myself that I was more willing to take risks with digital and therefore that I was getting better results. I went into the workshop thinking I would shoot all digital even while attending a workshop called Film is Not Dead. But when I realized film was included in the price and I knew I still had all my film cameras sitting in my closet collecting dust I knew I should just pull em out and try it. IT WAS AMAZING!

Not only am I IN LOVE with my images (that are all straight from the camera, scanned at Richard’s Photo Lab, all I did was resize them and put them up!) *You read that right – NO COMPUTER TIME* But I feel more real again. I feel free! I feel like I am creating. I cannot really put into words why it is different for me. Why when I am looking through the basic same lens I feel different, all I know is that I do. I am free from checking the back, I am free to trust my own technical abilities (which have always been hidden in my brain) and I am free to spend time with my three young very active sons. I think that my time on the computer editing is what had killed my love of photography, I would sit here and feel guilty that I was not with them, capturing them, playing with them. No more my friends.

The digital world has made us all believe we can and should capture every moment, but how much of real life are we missing out on? Even with my own personal family images I am going to cut back. Film makes and allows you to zero in on one moment, frame it perfectly and then have it forever. It also makes it easier to end up with an actual photograph. That is right I am talking about a piece of paper you can hold and generations can look at, not 100 images in a folder entitled Disneyland on your computer somewhere. I am on fire with the simplicity of it all. Thank you to Jon and Film is Not Dead for it all!

Anna Rasmussen

FILM IS NOT DEAD 2011 - Seattle & Park City

2010-08-10T12:41:00.005-06:00

I am conducting 2 sessions of Film is Not Dead in 2011.

The first session is July 18th-20th 2011 in Seattle. SOLD OUT!!!

The second session is Oct 3rd-5th 2011 in Park City.

You can read about the details of the workshop on the workshop website HERE (yes, this is still the San Diego/Park City sites for 2010, but nothing has changed, just the location and dates so see page #5).

Registration has begun for both sessions. Drop me a line to secure your spot!

V. 5.0 Testimonial - Deb Schwedhelm

2010-07-23T21:57:00.005-06:00

{all images by Deb Schwedhelmwww.debsphotographs.com}

I just got back from the FIND workshop, in San Diego, and cannot say enough about how amazing it was. At the start of the workshop, Jon said that he was going to be an open book and he absolutely was -- sharing everything from posing, shooting, film processing to pricing, vision and much, much more. No topics were off-limits and no questions go unanswered.

Jon is not only an amazing photographer, but an equally amazing person. He gave his all at the workshop -- inspiring and encouraging on so many levels.

As a digital photographer, who longed to learn more about film, I can't wait to see where this all (the things I learned at the workshop) takes me. I can honestly say that I walked away from the workshop as a stronger photographer -- and it's because of Jon's encouragement and the things he was willing to openly and honestly share.

If you're on the fence about attending Jon's workshop, I hope that my testimonial helps push you to go for it. You won't be sorry!!

Deb Schwedhelm
www.debsphotographs.com

FILM IS NOT DEAD T-SHIRT - Christopher Wilocki

2010-07-19T19:21:00.002-06:00

Christopher Wilocki

Get yours HERE.

5.0.1 - Attendee Chelsea Elizabeth

2010-07-13T22:31:00.003-06:00

Where are you from: I'm from Thousand Oaks, CA. I've lived in California my whole life.

Website: http://www.chelseaelizabeth.com

What type of photographer do you do? I'm 70% weddings, 20% portraits, and 10% commercial work. Weddings are my passion. One of these days I hope to grow my portrait business and own a studio!

What made you attend the workshop? I was really inspired leaving vegas. I love the fine art printed albums. I loved the importance you put on family formals. I wish I was a film shooter, but I've pretty much grown up digital. I hope to learn how to simply my shooting and production. I love the look of film.

What do you hope to learn from the experience? To find some thing that works for me and stick with it. I'm always attracted to clean, classic and simple. When I work I tend to over complicate things. I'd love for film to look less intimidating to me.

Where are you staying? The quality inn via priceline. Thanks for the tip. It's a little far but super cheap :)

FILM IS NOT DEAD T-SHIRT - Ryan Muirhead

2010-07-08T10:12:00.001-06:00

Ryan Muirhead - Orem UT

FILM IS NOT DEAD T-SHIRT - Brandon Sweet

2010-07-07T10:09:00.001-06:00

Brandon Sweet - Minneapolis MN

V. 5.0.1 - Attendee Paige Elizabeth

2010-07-06T09:54:00.000-06:00

Where you are from? Denver. And London. And wherever I'm fortunate enough to have someone want me to come... Part of my heart is always with my husband, dog, and cat... the loves of my life. And the other part is already packed with passport in hand for the next adventure.

Website/blog? http://www.paigeelizabeth.net

What type of photography you do or hope to do? My heart is in photographing dogs (which is what I started with) and weddings (thanks to Jenna Walker and her wonderful encouragement several years ago). But my eyes wander and I get all excited about photographing kids and romping around. And then it's commercial work for restaurants. And then I'll be off shooting a little boudoir for a bride. I may have a little camera attention deficit?

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? I'm self taught with film when there was only film. But I don't know that I ever learned the right way? And my suspicion is that digital has made me l-a-z-y. I think I have it in me to be stronger? And the more I read what Jonathan writes the more I thought that FIND would be a wonderful way to set aside what I need to do for my clients and explore what my heart wants. I have loved other photographers' medium format film work for what seems like forever, but was always intimidated by it. Planning to go to FIND has me shooting it at last and I loooooove it! I'm so excited to kibbutz with other people who are doing the same.

What you hope to learn from this experience? To push myself more? A little technique, some tools, some ideas. That whole touching strangers/group photos are fun thing. More than anything I'm excited about the time and space to explore film in the company of like minded souls. And with someone who is dedicated to actually teaching. Jonathan's perspective on teaching is such a lure!

Where you are staying in San Diego? With Wendy! We just don't know where yet... :)

FILM IS NOT DEAD T-SHIRT - Neal Carpenter

2010-07-05T14:29:00.000-06:00

Neal Carpenter - Macon, GA

Don't have a shirt of your own? Get one HERE.

FILM IS NOT DEAD T-SHIRT - Mitch Issel

2010-07-04T14:23:00.004-06:00

MITCH ISSEL - LEHI UT.

I'm going to start posting shots of people who've taken photos of themselves in their FILM IS NOT DEAD t-shirt. If you have one, and have taken a photo of you in it, EMAIL ME and it will get blogged with a link back to your site!

If you are looking for one, you can get one HERE.

V. 5.0.2 - Attendee Denise Birdsong

2010-06-28T10:19:00.002-06:00

Where you are from? The Bay Area

Website/blog? www.sweetcheeksboudoir.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? The Awesome type :) & Wedding / Boudoir

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? I met Jonathan at a workshop I attended in the Bay Area, and he made
a GREAT impression. As a fellow attendee he was super polite, very
helpful and such a gentleman. We got to chatting about continued
education and he told me about his workshop. there were several past
attendees of his workshop at this particular class and they ALL had
nothing but fantastic things to say about their experience with
Johnathan and his workshop. I am super duper excited!

What you hope to learn from this experience? Everything I can. More specifically, exposure composition,
establishing relationships with clients, and best business
practices....

Where you are staying in San Diego? With a girlfriend, I think.....

V. 5.0.1 - Attendee Laura Reaux

2010-06-27T00:01:00.003-06:00

Where you are from? Lafayette, Louisiana

Website/blog? http://www.laurareaux.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? Wedding, Lifestyle, Portraiture

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? I never want to stop learning or get complacent with my art. It's important to me that I have my own vision, my own way of seeing things, but I also want to learn to see things from different perspectives. I want to be open to other ideas and push my creativity. After meeting Jonathan last year and then learning that he gave workshops, I thought how awesome it would be to learn from a guy with such a great personality! And the boy's got talent! Truly though, his work is beautiful and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from him.

What you hope to learn from this experience? I hope to learn more about film, more about connecting with clients, and more about myself and what I am capable of.

Where you are staying in San Diego? I'm rooming with Victoria O'Leary at the Sheraton La Jolla. I've never met her, so I hope she's not weird! (Haha kidding, Tory!)

V. 5.0.1 - Attendee Deb Schwedhelm

2010-06-26T07:00:00.002-06:00

Where you are from?
I’m originally from Detroit, MI, but left there when I joined the Air Force at 23 and I haven’t been back since. I’m no longer in the military but my husband is in the Navy, so I’m still moving around – I’ve now lived in DC, MS, AZ, FL, WA, CA and KS. By the time of the workshop, I will have just moved from Lansing, KS to Tampa, FL. We should be arriving in Tampa around July 9th and we will be stationed there for three years.

Website / blog?
website: http://www.debsphotographs.com/
blog: http://www.debsphotographs.com/photoblog/

What type of photography you do or hope to do?
I do mostly child and family portrait photography (love what I do!!). In the past, I also dabbled a bit in weddings and commercial work.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop?
I have this strong longing to shoot film (love the depth, richness and beauty) but I also have this fear of shooting film. I’m not sure why but I have this mental block when it comes to film. It’s funny because I completely taught myself photography a few years ago, started a business, etc., but I can’t seem to pick up a film camera and run with it.

I absolutely love Jonathan’s work and his passion (for his work and life) and had been eyeing his workshop for quite some time. I’m excited to meet Jonathan and here all he has to share about shooting film.

What do you hope to learn from this experience?
I’m hoping that this workshop will help give me the push that I need to get over this mental block and allow me to further explore shooting film and possibly adding film into my commissioned sessions. I would love to get comfortable with my film cameras and the workflow that accompanies shooting film.

Where you are staying in San Diego?
I have friends, who are kind of like adopted parents to me, and I will be staying with them in La Jolla.

V. 5.0.1 - Attendee Leah Zawadzki

2010-06-25T10:00:00.002-06:00

Where you are from? southern california

Website/blog? http://www.lilyblue.com http://blog.lilyblue.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? i am primarily a child and family, lifestyle photographer. but i am slowly getting into weddings and hope to do more of them someday.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? i ran across a handful of wedding photographers that only shoot film and fell in love. one of which was jonathan. i couldn't get over the beauty in their color photographs...something i have been unable to reproduce with digital. and i have always been in love with black and white film. but aside from that, i have been wanting to give film a try for some time now.

What you hope to learn from this experience? as a digital photographer i snap way too many photographs. by shooting film i hope to slow down, focus on what is important and hone in on my technical skills. overall, i am hoping to grow in the art of photography by learning to shoot film--pushing myself to go beyond what i know and am comfortable with.

Where you are staying in San Diego? i will be staying with my friend deb schwedhelm--she has friends local to san diego who have kindly taken us in.

V. 5.0.1 - Attendee Angie Realce

2010-06-24T08:00:00.005-06:00

Where you are from? Originally Southeast San Diego. Currently Oakland, California.

Website/blog? www.realcephotography.com www.angelicarealce.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? Portraits, Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle, Weddings

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? I admire Jonathan's work. I also want to get a stronger foothold on my film skills. Since getting my 5D, I have neglected my film cameras and my
light meter.

What you hope to learn from this experience? I want to learn more intermediate film shooting skills in challenging lighting conditions. I am especially interested in gaining stronger
directing skills when working with camera shy clients.

Where you are staying in San Diego? My parents' house in Southeast San Diego.

V. 5.0.2 - Attendee Jessica Burke

2010-06-23T10:23:00.003-06:00

Where you are from? San Francisco Bay Area

Website/blog? www.jessicaburke.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? Boudoir and families, with some weddings thrown in the mix. Hope to get in to weddings more in the future.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? I love film photography, and really want to learn as much about it as possible.

What you hope to learn from this experience? To step it up and just start shooting film full-time ;)

Where you are staying in San Diego? Haven't figured that out quite yet!

V. 5.0.2 - Attendee Suthi Picotte

2010-06-22T00:01:00.003-06:00

Where are you from? was born on a french island in the south pacific: new caledonia. i'm currently from pasadena, ca.

Website/blog? picottephotography.com and picotteweddings.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? i shoot people... in the head! just kidding. well, sometimes. i also shoot their feet, back, etc. i would say that i photograph relationships. whether it's between two people or two object in a landscape.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? i want to connect & be inspired by my colleges; focus on creativity and learn!

What you hope to learn from this experience? i want to understand light and how it reacts to film with greater certainty. i know you said that you can't teach anyone to "see" light but i'm hoping that you meant that in a creative sense. i'm hoping that you'll have a moment to explain how you see the technical side of light.

Where you are staying in San Diego/Park City? i'm not sure where i'm staying yet in san diego... i'm open to any recommendations. :) hm... i bet there's a post about this on the forum!

V. 5.0.2 - Attendee Katie Neal

2010-06-21T10:17:00.002-06:00

Where you are from? Originally, Minnesota. Currently, Oceanside, CA!!! Woot woot!

Website/blog? Currently have a blogsite: www.katienealphoto.com/blog. I'm so in need of a rebrand. I'm so embarrassed of that site!

What type of photography you do or hope to do? Currently loads of boudoir, and weddings and portraiture! Dream would be to photograph for Anthro or Urban Outfitters!

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? I want to learn how to shoot film well, I want to be challenged, and I want to hone my craft!

What you hope to learn from this experience? Technical film knowledge, metering with film, I hope to learn more about myself and my style too. I know it'll be majorly inspirational and totally different for me! :) I've never been to a workshop!

Where you are staying in San Diego? I live in Oceanside, so I'll be staying at home. :) If anyone needs a place to stay I could possibly help them out!

V. 5.0.2 - Attendee Cindy Lowe

2010-06-19T10:14:00.002-06:00

Where you are from? Well, currently, I am from San Diego!! Although I am actually from Hong Kong and grew up in San Francisco Bay Area.

Website/blog? my website is www.orangeturtlephotography.com. My blog is www.orangeturtleblog.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? I would love to get into kids photography (because I love kids) and maybe some commercial shoots if the opportunities ever come up.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? Because I want to push myself out of the comfort zone! I know almost nothing in shooting film and I figured it'll be a great way to jump start and challenge myself. :) That and also i love the look of film. And I love that it's tangible. :) It's a piece of memory that i can literally touch.

What you hope to learn from this experience? I want to learn more about the process of shooting films, differences between all the films and cameras...as well as being inspired by all of you. I expect that I will have a more defined vision for my photography at the end of the workshop!

Where you are staying in San Diego? home. I'm staying at home since I'm from San Diego! :)

V. 5.0.2 - Attendee Jen Huang

2010-06-18T09:51:00.002-06:00

Where you are from? Born in Tibet, Raised in NY, Lived in San Diego, Californian at heart

Website/blog? JenHuangBlog.com and JenHuangPhotography.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do? Wedding and Lifestyle

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? An admiration for Jonathan Canlas. July in NYC is terrible.

What you hope to learn from this experience? How to shoot beautifully through film.

Where you are staying in San Diego? Friend's houses probably...

V. 5.0.2 Attendees Sarah & Chris Rhoads

2010-06-17T10:10:00.001-06:00

Where you are from? Seattle, WA

Website/blog? site: http://www.sarahrhoads.com
blog: http://www.sarahrhoads.com/blog

What type of photography you do or hope to do? Lifestyle

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? We love us some Jonathan Canlas and love to explore and challenge ourselves to think different.

What you hope to learn from this experience? We hope to walk away with a re-invigorated heart for exploration!

Where you are staying in San Diego? We'll be at the San Diego Workshop but still have no clue as to where we are staying... maybe we should figure that out ;)

V. 5.0.2 Attendee Jill Thomas

2010-06-16T10:06:00.002-06:00

Where you are from? san diego, ca

Website/blog? jillthomasphotography.com jillthomasphotography.com/blog

What type of photography you do or hope to do? wedding, lifestyle, and fashion photography

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? i wanted to attend Film is Not Dead because i feel like there is always something i can learn and there is always someone out there i can learn from. as a film shooter, i have found, good quality film workshops are hard to find. jonathan has a knowledge for film that is amazing and i know he is someone i can truly learn from. i have a lot of questions, i can't wait!

What you hope to learn from this experience? film knowledge!! i just want to sit back and soak in all that film knowledge that jonathan has. i love film and feel like there is so much more i could know to improve my shooting and workflow.

Where you are staying in San Diego? i am staying at home! thank you for coming to san diego.

V. 5.0.2 Attendees Jenna Walker and Katie Thurmes (Jenna Walker Photographers)

2010-06-15T09:59:00.002-06:00

Who: Jenna Walker & Katie Thurmes, owners of Jenna Walker Photographers. We are a family business of myself (Jenna), my husband Matt and my sister Katie. Our business is composed of two arms. Jenna Walker Photographers focuses solely on weddings while our kids portrait business, treeSwing Kids is dedicated to family lifestyle photojournalism. We are obsessed with having fun in life and try hard to support each other to achieve this goal! We love doing anything outdoors but especially love a good river rafting trip or spending the slower winter season telemark skiing. We love business, brainstorming and dreaming big. And of course, we are fans of a good microbrew as well!

Where you are from? One mile high in Denver, Colorado!

Website/blog? www.jennawalkerphotography.com Blog: www.jennawalkerphotography.com/blog Kids work: www.treeswingkids.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do?Our goal is to create imagery that is timeless and iconic in a family's history. We have a documentary approach. We want to capture the real moments in the wedding day that often go unseen and reflect the deep relationships that exist in every family. Our work could probably be described as authentic and real. We believe our strengths are in capturing emotion in an artful way. We try to employ the same approach when documenting families for treeSwing kids.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop? We have been shooting a lot of film in our personal lives - but haven't done a whole lot of it in our business. Film is just so beautiful, rich, real...and we love it and want more of it! ;)

What you hope to learn from this experience? Everything! (no pressure, Jonathan)...No, we are super excited to learn more about all things film. We are excited to put down the digital cameras for a few days. I am hoping to learn more about how to scan our own film, shooting tips with film, different film types you prefer, you name it...we are open to learn it!

Where you are staying in San Diego? Great question! I wish we were organized enough to know already! Anyone want to rent a beach house? Seriously...that would be fun! We are game if you are!

Want a FILM IS NOT DEAD T-Shirt?

2010-04-22T14:11:00.003-06:00

Well, you can now get one HERE.

They are $25. The shirt is black with "FILM INS NOT DEAD" in HELVETICA on the front. On the back there is a my flying camera below the neck.

Get them while they are hottt. All the cool kids are apparently wearing them.

RICCIS VALLADARES

SCOTT SHEPARD

BRYAN JOHNSON

RYAN MUIRHEAD

And you'll be sad as these kitten's on BRION HOPKIN'S shirt if they sell out before you can get one.

GET YOUR SHIRT HERE!

Early registration for San Diego ends on the 19th of April

2010-04-15T09:47:00.004-06:00

Just a quick reminder that the early registration price for the San Diego sessions expires this Monday April 19th. The price after the 19th will go to $2400.

Again, there are 2 spots left for the July 19th-21st session and 1 spot left for the July 26th-28th session.

Email me for details.

FILM IS NOT DEAD PARK CITY IS SOLD OUT!

2010-04-09T08:26:00.005-06:00

However, there are still 3 other spots left for the San Diego sessions.

There are 2 spots left for July 19th-21st 2010 in San Diego @ Sara France's studio.

There is 1 spot left for July 26th-28th 2010 in Solona Beach San Diego.

There are WAY more invoices sent out than there are spots so if you are even REMOTELY considering attending the workshop, email me ASAP.

Limited spaces left for FILM IS NOT DEAD 2010!!!

2010-04-06T17:50:00.005-06:00

{top image by Paula Player}

All 3 sessions of the workshop are VERY close to being completely sold out. The first session WAS sold out but 2 attendees chose to move to the 2nd session so there is now space in the first session in San Diego. As of today, April 6th 2010, this is the availability for the FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop(s):

July 19th-21st 2010 @ Sara France's Studio in San Diego = 2 spots

July 26th-28th 2010 @ C Street Studio in Solono Beach San Deigo - 1 spot left

Oct 4th-6th 2010 @ Park City UT in a private residence in Promontory Point - 1 spot left

You can view the 411 on the workshop HERE. This is going to sell out sooner than later. If you are interested in attending, drop me an email @

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

Hopefully, we'll see you in San Diego or Park City!

V. 2.0 Attendee - Ashton Rogers - PUBLISHED IN PDN!

2010-03-30T22:49:00.004-06:00

Ashton, who attended V. 2.0 of the workshop in Hawaii, just got an image of his published in PDN's Student Photo Contest. Hats off to you Ashton. I remember being in college and seeing images in these contests thinking, wow, if only someday...

Congrats to you Ashton, well deserved. Check out his work HERE.

V. 4.0 Testimonial - Amelia Johnson -

2010-03-26T10:02:00.003-06:00

To describe attending The Film Is Not Dead Workshop in just a few mere paragraphs is kind of like trying to put on a girdle that is four times too small; itʼs insufﬁcient! I have known Jonathan from two perspectives, as his client and as his student. I once sat as a callow bride-to-be before Jonathan and asked, “Why ﬁlm?”

Upon searching for a wedding photographer I asked some friends for suggestions. I made it clear that I needed an Ace. “Jonathan Canlas” was of course the response. I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan from a clientʼs seat, then as a fellow photographer. I have seen both sides of Jonathan and I can say that the Man is an
absolute Genius.

After the ﬁrst day of the Workshop, I called my fabulous husband and said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am frightened to think of having not ttended. I feel like my life is changing.” I felt like gravity no longer applied to me. I felt pure delight during every moment of lecture and shooting. Jonathan answered all of my questions and left me blown away at his prowess. A veil of ignorance, having long loomed over me, obscuring my vision, quickly slipped away, like a master pulling a cloth out from beneath a house of cards.

I have often read comments on The Blog that praise Jonathanʼs artistic ability and nonpareil vision. What people fail to realize is that this man is a double-edged sword! His stunning talent is equal to his business sagacity. I have been in the arts for a very long time and I have met many talented artists whose abilities sink into anonymity for the shear reason that they are not business people. Talent, unfortunately, does not always add up to success. Jonathan has bridged the gap between artistic genius and business know-how. Jonathan is a business Mastermind. He shared key insights that were nothing short of brilliant.

The information obtained at Jonathanʼs workshop was astounding. Crisp, clear,
simple and yet revolutionary. My ﬁngers felt arthritic as I frantically typed his every word. The Film Is Not Dead Workshop is nothing short of life-changing. His seminar was a tornado of life-changing information, sweeping us to greater heights.

As Jonathanʼs pictures have a “Thatʼs so Canlas” quality to them, I had expected to learn a mountain about his style of composition, his manner of posing. I was delighted and surprised by Jonathanʼs goal, to help us discover our own style. He wanted us to reﬁne our visions, and he gave us the tools to soar from there.

Jonathanʼs manner of teaching reminded me of economics. In economics, there is no one set subject, rather a vast array of tools to help one ﬁnd answers to questions. Put yourself in the hands of a true master, and watch with wonder at what will unfold before you.

-Amelia Johnson

If you are ready for the "tornado of life-changing information" and want to get "swept away to greater heights", drop me a line. There are 3 spots left for San Diego and only a couple left for Park City!

And ps, Amelia, you are awesome.

V. 4.0 Testimonial - JB White

2010-03-24T12:29:00.002-06:00

The Film Is Not Dead Workshop is the best workshop out there, period. It doesn't matter if you shoot film, digital or wet plate collodion. If you haven't shot film before, you will certainly learn all the technical aspects of shooting film. But the workshop is so much more than just technical information. Jon challenges you to refine your own personal vision as a photographer. All through the workshop I kept asking myself "what do I want to say as a photographer". This, in my opinion, is where most other workshops fail.

Jon was great! He was totally approachable about any topic, big or small. The class size was just right. And the amount of time spent in lecture and out shooting was perfectly balanced.

I left the workshop feeling rejuvenated as a photographer and excited to implement the ideas that came to me during the course of the workshop.

And after the workshop is over, the learning doesn't end, you are actually just getting started. You then have access to the Film Is Not Dead Forum which is absolutely the best forum on the internet. It is a great community, comprised of only workshop alumni, all with the purpose of helping each other grow and succeed as photographers.

Oh, and the food! Don't get me started. Everything about this workshop is top notch all the way around. If you are still on the fence about attending, just go...you will be glad you did.

-JB White

If you are interested in the workshops, there are 3 spots left for San Diego and 3 spots left for Park City. Email me for details.

V. 4.0 Attendee Wen Chang PUBLISHED on Snippet and Ink!!!

2010-03-19T16:37:00.003-06:00

Wen, who attended V. 4.0 in Park City, just had an AMAZING wedding featured on Snippet and Ink. Check out the full feature HERE. Congrats Wen!

We talk about the importance of getting your work published and how to get it published and more importantly, how to make every event look publishable, regardless of the event/venue/details or lack of any of those 3 :).

There are 3 spots left for Film is Not Dead San Diego July 26th-28th and 6 more spots left for Park City in Oct 4th-6th. Email me for details.

Missed my WPPI platform presentation? Check out this review from Totally Rad Actions...

2010-03-13T10:05:00.001-07:00

You can read the whole review HERE. A big thank you to the totally rad folks over @ Totally Rad Actions.

Film is Not Dead on FILM - San Francisco Super8

2010-03-11T08:59:00.001-07:00

Shot on Super8 by Leo Patrone. Music by Micah Dahl.

There are still some spots available for San Deigo and Park City. Email me for details @

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

V. 5.0 Attendee - Kjrsten Madsen - Bio

2010-03-06T14:39:00.003-07:00

Where you are from: Portland, OR

Website/blog: Kjrstenmadsen.com / kjrst.blogspot.com

What type of photography you do or hope to do: I shoot mostly portrait and digital. I would like to shoot more weddings and film.

What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: I heard about the food. :) I am self taught (the only formal training I have had is through darkroom classes over the years- beginning at the tender age of 11) So I decided it's high time I invest in a workshop. Since my roots are film, of course Jonathan was the natural next step.

What you hope to learn from this experience: A lot. I plan on being a human sponge. Right now I shoot film for personal work only, so I would like to be confident enough to shoot all film with my clients.

Where you are staying in San Diego: maybe a family relation (although they are a bit of a drive from the city...) Does anyone want to split a room close by the workshop? email me! Kjrst1@yahoo.com)

Film is Not Dead 2010

2010-03-03T13:16:00.001-07:00

The website(s) are officially live! You can check them out HERE.

There are 3 sessions this year for Film is Not Dead:

July 19th-21st 2010 in San Diego (SOLD OUT)
July 26th-28th 2010 in San Diego
Oct 4th-6th 2010 in Park City UT

All the information you need to know about all 3 sessions can now be found on the website!

Hopefully, I'll see you in either San Diego or Park City!

Film is Not Dead San Diego July 19th-21st @ Sara France's Studio!

2010-02-27T09:37:00.005-07:00

I am so pleased to announce that the workshop will be taking place @ the uber awesome Sara France's studio in down town San Diego! And for all those who have signed up for the workshop July 19th-21st (WHICH IS NOW SOLD OUT!!!) above is a jpg from google maps on how to get to the studio from San Diego International Airport.

The address is:

4210 Ohio Street
San Diego CA.

If you are interested in attending the workshop, there is a 2nd session July 26th-28th in San Diego and another session in Park City Oct 4th-6th. Email me for details :

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

V. 3.0 Attendee Lindsey Stewart - PUBLISHED!!!

2010-02-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Lindsey, who attended the workshop in San Francisco, recently had a wedding published on the blog RUFFLED. You can view the feature HERE.

If you are wondering why I keep posting these, it is because we talk about getting published, how to do it, and its importance at the workshop.

V. 5.0 Attendee - Victoria OLeary - Bio

2010-02-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Where are you from: So Cal native. Grew up in Palos Verdes now live in Redondo Beach.
Website/blog: www.photographybyvictoria.com & www.photographybyvictoria.com/blog
What type of photography do you do or hope to do: I do maternity, newborns, kids, families. I hope to do more couples, maybe weddings someday?!
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: Love the look of film. Felt like this workshop was something different to push me creatively, sometimes I feel like I shoot the same thing OVER & OVER. AND I love the shooting, hate the processing so I figure film is where it's at!!
What do you hope to learn from this experience: Better technique. More film knowledge. Marketing. Creativity. Just to be around a bunch of other photographers for a few days & be able to geek out with people that actually know what I am talking about :) lol.
Where are you staying in SD: Not sure yet.

Got a question, I MIGHT have an answer...

2010-02-18T21:16:00.001-07:00

So, I get a TON of emails asking me all kinds of questions and a lot of them are the same thing over and over and over again. If anyone knows me, they know I'm an open book. I don't have any secrets, and it is no secret how I got to where I am today (HARD WORK, SACRIFICE, DISCIPLINE).

So, I opened an account at formspringme.com. Here you can ask me any question under the sun regarding photography (and other things I guess). You ask it, and I will answer it. The only reason I won't answer is if the question has been answered before or you ask me something that well, you should not be asking me.

You can ask questions like you know, like questions like, is that really you at 1:08 of THIS VIDEO? Or, where is your next Workshop? So, if you have a photography related question, or something not TOO personal, fire away.

The site can be found HERE

Film is Not Dead 2010

2010-02-16T00:01:00.003-07:00

There are going to be 3 opportunities this year to attend the workshop FILM IS NOT DEAD!

The first session is July 19th-2st in San Diego, CA @ Sara France's studio. There is 1 spot left for this session! ACTUALLY SCRATCH THAT, THIS IS SOLD OUT!

The second session is July 26th-28th in San Diego as well in a private studio. This session is limited to 12 attendees with 9 spots left.

The third session is Oct 4th-6th in Park City, UT up at a private residence in Promontory Point. This session is limited to 12 attendees with 8 spots left. This will be different than any other previous workshop as on the 7th (day after the workshop wraps), a select amount of attendees will accompany me to a wedding in Salt Lake City where we implement everything we just discussed at the workshop.

I am so excited to officially say that the website will launch within the week with all the details!

The workshop is sponsored by the most amazing companies in the wedding business : FujiFilm (who provides all the film for the workshop), Instaproofs (offering 2 events fees waived and also sponsors the get together on Sunday the day before the workshop), Finao (who provides the most AMAZING workbook in their Elements book), Richard Photo Lab (the best lab in the world who provides developing/scanning for some shot images).

If you are interested in attending the workshop, please email me at:

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

Hopefully, I'll see some of you in either San Diego or Park City!

And PS, if you can't make it to any of the workshop dates, there is a 1on1 workshop option as well! Read about it HERE.

STAY TUNED FOR THE WORKSHOP WEBSITE TO GO LIVE VERY SOON!

1on1 Workshop w/ Amy & Steve Glover

2010-02-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Back in Dec. I had a wedding in Scottsdale AZ. Amy & Steve contacted me about attending a Film is Not Dead workshop but none of the dates/locations worked for them. So, we did a 1on1 workshop with just the 3 of us while I was in AZ as they literally were like 5 minutes away. They came to my wedding on the 26th and watched me/assisted me at the wedding. Then the next day we spent a big chunk of the day at their BEAUTIFUL home (seriously, it was so, so rad) talking all aspects of film, business, marketing, posing, post-processing, you name it. Questions asked, questions answered. And then went out and did a small family session with their (GORGEOUS) friends. My only regret is not getting a real photo of Amy & Steve on film (there is one shot here of Amy in the mirror but you can't see her all that well). And did I mention her kids are ANGELS? I had family dinner with them and it was AMAZING to see them all sitting sans screaming, being UBER polite, eating all the food on their plates. Such a polar opposite of my angels :). I really felt like family in their home and made some great, great new friends. Thanks so much Amy & Steve for having me out and here's to 2010!

If you can't make it to one of the Film is Not Dead workshops, and are interested in doing a 1on1, drop me a line. There are 3 options where you can either come to me, I come to you, or we do it when I'm in your area. There are also options to attend a wedding I shoot as well. Again, email me for the details.

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

V. 5.0 Attendee - Mariana Gonzalez - Bio

2010-02-12T22:05:00.003-07:00

{image by Bryan Johnson}

Where you are from:Santiago, Chile.
Website/blog:www.flickr.com/marianagonzalez in the meanwhile.The real website is coming soon.
What type of photography you do or hope to do:Mainly fine art portraiture for personal projects. Families too. Maybe weddings.
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop:gut instinct ;)
What you hope to learn from this experience:I hope to gain confidence and learn more about my tools (cameras & films), as well as more about technique and business.
Where you are staying in San Diego:undecided yet.

There is 1 spot left for Film is Not Dead San Diego July 19th-21st!

V. 1.0 Attendee Allison Cox + V. 4.0 Attendee Lindsey Stewart are in the top 4 finalists for Jose Villa's workshop scholarship!!!

2010-02-11T08:41:00.003-07:00

Unbelievable! Allison Cox and Lindsey Stewart made it into the top 4 finalists for an ALL EXPENSES paid scholarship to Jose Villa's upcoming MX workshop! Here are the 2 videos:

Allison Cox

inspire me mexico. from David Cox on Vimeo.

Lindsey Stewart

My World from Lindsey Stewart on Vimeo.

Congrats to you both guys for being chosen. FIND attendees have at least a 50% chance of winning this! SO RAD!!!

All of your votes will determine who gets the ALL EXPENSES PAID TRIP to Jose Villa's Workshop. You can choose your favorite video HERE!

V. 5.0 Attendee - Deann Barrera - Bio

2010-02-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Where you are from: San Diego, CA, but originally Anchorage, AK.
Website/blog: www.deannbphotography.com
What type of photography you do or hope to do: Weddings, Lifestyle
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: I've been
extolling the merits of film for a few years. My heroes all shoot film.
It was time to jump on that particular bandwagon myself.
What you hope to learn from this experience: Confidence when shooting
film (not being able to chimp... yikes!) and to take my photography &
business practices to the next level.
Where you are staying in San Diego: Home! :)

V. 5.0 Attendee - Wendy Sheveland - Bio

2010-02-09T19:37:00.004-07:00

Where you are from: Maui but Berkeley ca originally
Website/blog: wendylaurel.com
What type of photography you do or hope to do: I do kids and families, some weddings. Want more weddings and gallery work
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: your photos and film!
What you hope to learn from this experience: more technique, more film skills and tips, different cameras, marketing and pricing
Where you are staying in San Diego: not sure. Any suggestions?

Yes, for places to stay, my biggest recommendation would be to go to PRICELINE. If you name your own price, you can choose where to stay. The workshop is located closest to zones 3, 7, and 9, or :

Downtown San Diego & Harbor Island
La Mesa
Mission Valley

Zone 12 is close as well which is Point Loma - Shelter Island - Old Town.

See you in San Diego.

THERE IS 1 SPOT LEFT FOR THE 1ST SESSION IN SAN DIEGO OF FILM IS NOT DEAD (JULY 19th-21st). THIS SPOT WILL GO QUICK! EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS!

V. 5.0 Attendee - Matt Derroh - Bio

2010-02-06T10:49:00.002-07:00

Where you are from: Starkville, MS
Website/blog: http://mattdorroh.com http://mattdorroh.blogspot.com
What type of photography you do or hope to do: Wedding (Primarily) Lifestyle and Travel (Want to do more of this)
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: After meeting Jonathan at the ABP workshop in B'ham
What you hope to learn from this experience: All kinds of stuff... Getting published, destination or travel work, and maybe some techie film/camera knowledge.
Where you are staying in San Diego: Was going to ask you for a couple suggestions.

New website(s), YES WEBSITES!!!, are on the horizon! There is 1 spot left for the 19th-21st in San Diego and 11 spots left for the SECOND SESSION (YES SECOND session) July 26th-28th. Email me for details!

WPPI 2010 - March 10th in Room 301-302 @ 2:30-4:30

2010-02-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

Hey there fellow photographers, I will be speaking @ WPPI this year on March 10th in Room 301-302 from 2:30-4:30. If you are going to WPPI, definitely come swing by! Rumor has it, THESE will be passed out like CANDY in the hundreds :).

If you are not familiar with what WPPI is, it is the largest convention of wedding and portrait photographers in the world, and it happens to be in Vegas every year.

If you can't make it out or are curious about what I'll be talking about, you can get a taste of it on WPPI Radio HERE.

A big thanks to FujiFilm, Richard Photo Lab, Instaproofs, & Finao for making this happen!

Hopefully, I'll see you there!

*if you are coming and plan on attending, leave a comment!

V. 3.0 Attendee Shannon Mocabee - PUBLISHED!!!

2010-02-03T21:55:00.004-07:00

Shannon, who attended the workshop in San Francisco, had a KILLER wedding on the uber rad blog Style Me Pretty today! You can check out the double feature HERE and HERE! Congrats Shannon and killer work!

We totally talk about how to get your work out there and how to get published at the Workshop Film is Not Dead. New website and big announcement (BIG) coming soon!

V. 5.0 Attendee - Tamara Forrelli - Bio

2010-02-02T21:54:00.001-07:00

Tamara Forrelli

Where you are from: Venice, CA
Website/blog: www.camajtv.blogspot.com
What type of photography you do or hope to do: portraits, i guess
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: I love the look of film and love your work. Thought I'd learn from someone who inspires me. I've been photographing using digital cameras for the last few years but really want to push myself and feel film provides that opportunity.
What you hope to learn from this experience: I hope to learn about film, shooting film, working with models, posing, composition, choices in developing film
Where you are staying in San Diego: No clue just yet

FIND 5.0 SAN DIEGO WEBSITE COMING (relatively) SOON!!!

V. 5.0 Attendee - Anna Rasmussen - Bio

2010-01-26T22:02:00.003-07:00

Where you are from: Las Vegas, NV
Website/blog: www.annarasmussen.com and www.annarasmussen.com/blog
What type of photography you do or hope to do: People, weddings, portraits and any other people that will let me take their picture.
What made you want to attend the Film is Not Dead Workshop: I have been doing this for quite a few years and although I have had some success, I have never had a ton. I want to find some new inspiration to take my business to the next level.
What you hope to learn from this experience: Whatever there is to learn! I just want to be around other photographers, and especially Jon whose work I already admire and soak it all in. I am also interested in the getting published part.
Where you are staying in San Diego: My home in Oceanside :)

THE NEW FILM IS NOT DEAD SAN DIEGO WORKSHOP WEBSITE GOES LIVE VERY, VERY, VERY SOON!

If you are interested in attending space is VERY limited! Email me at:

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

The 411 for the San Diego workshop can be found HERE.

If you work really hard, and are kind, amazing things will happen.

2010-01-24T12:08:00.002-07:00

I don't know how many of you saw the final Conan O'Brien show but he said some things that have really, really resonated with me. For the last couple of months, I've been really, really trying to do what he just said. I truly believe in what he said and it has been a great reminder of some New Years resolutions. With the debacle going on and all he could have said something else, but he didn't. And I think it was a great example to EVERYONE in ANY field.

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday and here's to 2010 and everyone living without cynicism, working hard, and being kind. What a world this would be...

V. 2.0 Attendee Rachel Thurston - PUBLISHED!!!

2010-01-19T20:35:00.004-07:00

I picked up my copy in the airport in Honolulu flying back last week but you can go to your local bookstore and see Rachel Thurston published in the 2010 issue of Real Simple Weddings! Rachel attended the workshop in Laie for V. 2.0 (and you might remember her from this as well). I have to say, it is absolutely amazing to see someone I actually know be in that magazine. So, so cool. Congratulations Rachel!

We talk about getting published and getting your work out there at the workshop on day 3 and like I said, it is really satisfying to see attendees actually getting in print.

Want to learn about getting published @ V. 5.0 in San Diego? There are a couple spots left and the 411 can be found HERE.

V. 4.0 Testimonial - Allison Miles

2010-01-18T13:44:00.003-07:00

"Film is Not Dead changed the way I see photography. Because I learned how to shoot on film, it has always held a special place in my heart. Shooting digital has been a sort of crutch for me because I could rely on reviewing my shots instantly rather than being scared of having any shots turn out shooting film. Shooting film exclusively seemed too risky, too scary, and too pricey to me. Jonathan, though, showed me that even I can get beautiful, standout images on film every time I shoot.

If you have any desire to learn how to shoot film, or if you want to gain the confidence to shoot film again, this is the workshop for you. Jonathan's "open book" style of teaching will change the way you approach shooting, and his friendly, candid demeanor will ease any nervousness you may have about learning from the film pro. The price tag? Worth every penny. And I do not say that tongue-in-cheek since I won a spot to Jonathan's workshop. The knowledge gained, friends made, food eaten, and film shot are worth much more than the price of the workshop. If you have been debating about whether or not to attend, make no mistake: this workshop will change your photography, and it will change you."

-Allison Miles

And if you wanting to head out to San Diego for Version 5.0 of this workshop, there are still spaces left. Drop me a line @ jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com for the info!