Oh my where do I even begin?

I’ve been a bit out of everything the past eight (nine?) weeks and for a good reason. I finally signed up for Detra’s Finding the Light online workshop. Yes, I know I’m a bit of a workshop “junkie”, but honestly, I can think of absolutely NO better way to invest in your craft than through education. Go figure, I used to be a teacher. Even compared to gear (and if you know me, you know I love me some photography gear!) it’s what you know and how you use it that makes all the difference. Remember, it’s YOU making the pictures, not the camera TAKING the pictures. (But, yes, having really great gear does help in lots of situations, but I digress…)

A few years ago I realized I was “light-challenged”. I didn’t get all “Zen” and “feel” the light and could just shoot and, voila, gorgeousness. It was a struggle. I did a lot of dumb things (I still do!). But I had heard about this workshop. And heard about it more. And kept hearing about it. And then took a workshop at The Bloom Forum (which I absolutely love) with Stacey Woods (who I totally admire) and SHE mentioned how she had taken Detra’s workshop. And then another photographer who is SUCH an amazing artist who I have admired for years and I am blessed to be part of a Project 52 circle with–Mary Schannen–said the workshop “changed her life” and I don’t think she’s prone to hyperbole. That pretty much committed me to taking it…someday.  And then late last year I saw that there was an early sign-up incentive for the winter/spring workshop and I just didn’t think. I just paid and signed up and it was possibly one of the best impulsive decisions I’ve ever made. (And I’ve made a lot of impulse decisions, many not-so-good).

So the past eight weeks have helped me grow creatively. And I instinctively resist change. I want to move my cheese/think outside the box/insert catch phrase here but it causes me major anxiety.  But the anxiety is worth the results I feel like I’ve gained in the past eight weeks. Eight incredible assignments. Eight equally fun and challenging bonus assignments. Two creative challenges. Weekly virtual classes (yes, you talk directly with Detra and the other students–priceless). Action sets. Editing and shooting videos. Guest photographers. And some really awesome friendships along the way. It’s a great “space” to be with other creative people as you learn and develop and try new things. And thank goodness for Facebook for connecting us all! The best part is that I’m going to do it ALL OVER AGAIN with an alumni spot. I am so excited to go through the workshop again now that I have a little knowledge and experience under my belt to really “get” the concepts and to move beyond just being “technically proficient” (I can follow the assignment to take a picture of Zane in his Scooby Doo shirt and it fulfills the requirement) but now I can implement the skills with clients and in more styled session (at least sans the Scooby Doo shirt!).

I have to include some of my favorite assignment images, but what’s more are the images that might not have completely “fit” the assignment but are a result of growing through the class.

This was one of my favorites from the very first week. I love it. I want it BIG in my house (well, that and about ten other great images from the workshop!) I was thrilled to spend the first week or two really getting to know the light in my house. I can pretty much predict how every window “works” throughout the day, now.  And I feel more confident about going into client’s homes and finding the best light there.

But it inspired me to try for this image:

Truly, one of my favorite images ever, messy room and all.

Then we moved on to a fun bonus, which I can’t wait to try again as an alumnus in the class:

And I believe this image was from the same week. The assignment turned our annual trip to the strawberry patch with friends–typically a super-sunny and squinty affair–into something so much softer and prettier! I love her soulful eyes here!

Then we moved on to playing with silhouettes. THIS assignment I cannot wait to sink my teeth into next time:

This was another favorite series. I actually captured a whole series of expressions with this lighting situation (should I reveal my secret? Zane is standing/sitting on a stool I place in our garden tub!) I think this may be one of my favorite locations in my home to shoot–and now I don’t think crazy things about photographers who have pulled families into their bathrooms (even their tubs!) to avail of the best lighting!

And who can forget this creative challenge assignment. Truly it was completely out of my box (yes, there are those of you who truly did not think I had this “in” me! (Myself included!)) and this was my favorite yet:

These images are processed with actions we received as part of the workshop. I can’t wait to try something like this again!

Here was an image I submitted for the virtual class and I didn’t really have high hopes for it. But Detra edited it during the session and made it incredibly WOW and an image I want HUGE in my home! (this is my edit, taking what she did from the class–obviously, our edits are going to be slightly different!)

We had some fun finding little bit of light in unconventional locations. I was thrilled with these image of my stinkers while we took a break from dying Easter eggs:

If you know how impossible this child is to photograph, you know I treasure this one!

And here’s my little twin. I even used one of Detra’s actions that gave it more of a 70s feel. Just like a picture of me when I was a kid:

But what was great, was using these concepts I was able to work in a client’s home where the light was challenging to get some shots I was really happy with (this I blogged just the other day. Love how bored he is with Mom and Dad smooching!)

Then we moved on to a little more creative fun stuff (awww..really it was all fun):

The next best thing to educating yourself about your craft is knowing your gear! This was a great assignment for that!

It was really great to try some different angles.

Both on location and at home

A testimony to not needing the best gear: these images were taken with my backup-backup camera:

And finally, finally I figured out what to do with this image I’ve been hanging on to since October, snapped while on the beach waiting for a session:

This image pretty much sums up how I feel about the workshop. It’s a happy, joyful, glowing bliss. Plus a little sand in your suit as you make some renovations with your own creativity and technical skills.

So do you feel like this post took forever? Was there a lot in it? It’s nothing compared to all you get in the workshop.  Okay, I was going to write that I’m not one to go overboard endorsing things, but  I am.  I love this workshop. I’ve been trying to convince everyone I know–even much more experienced photographers than I am–to take this workshop. I think it’s awesome and everyone needs it. I understand why people take this over and over again. The information is incredible. The feedback is USEFUL. No fluff here (but nothing that will make you cry in a puddle, either). The instructor and assistants are wonderful. There’s more information that you really can absorb, read, or watch in just one sitting of the workshop. That’s why I am so happy to be taking it the second time. Maybe even a third.  And talk about a value. Seriously? There are MUCH,MUCH more expensive workshops out there where you don’t build such a community and get such great information. Seriously, you will learn a ton from other students’ assignments as well.The virtual class is just brilliant. You get to ask the instructor your questions directly, get clarifications, see her lovely drawings, watch her edit YOUR images. It’s almost too good to be true (so sign up before Detra realizes she could charge a whole lot more, LOL!!!)

Whew. I’m tired. It’s taken all week to “recover” from the eight-week workshop. And I have two weeks left of R&R before we start back again. I’m excited. I’m ready. I’m so thankful to have taken this workshop and to go back in the ring again! (I’ll give you a cookie if you can list all the metaphors I’ve used and mixed up in this post, btw!)

Detra, Jenny, and Gail, thank you!!!