Thank you, Clary

Last month the amazing Clary Pfeiffer of Clary Photo put together the workshop of my dreams. I mean, it was everything I could want a workshop to be. Only 8 attendees. Beautiful location. Beautiful models (including Clary's own children!). Gorgeous details. I mean, I couldn't have asked for more. I learned so much but didn't feel overwhelmed. Clary's teaching style is just so laid back, and she's so calm and patient. I had already been to a workshop this year so when I heard about this one I was on the fence (because I would really only like to do 1 per year). But I really couldn't pass up this opportunity and didn't know if she would do a workshop like this again. And the topic was film, and how to introduce it into your workflow, which is something I've wanted to do for a long time now. My senior year of college I started playing around with digital. I started interning for a wedding photographer who used all digital. For a long time I didn't even know that wedding photographers who used film still existed. This workshop taught me that it is possible and if it's something that you truly want to do, you should go for it. And even though the photos below are digital, get ready to see film stuff from me. Because it's coming. I promise. And I can't wait.

Here are my images from the styled shoot -



























Everyone below needs to be recognized for making this day perfect -


The one who ran the show - Clary Pfeiffer

Florist - Catherine Thoele Florals

Styling Assistant - Sarah

Dress Designer - Alice Padrul

Letterpress - Ruby the Fox

Calligrapher - Mike Cassimatis

Jewelry - Simons Jewelers

Hair & Makeup - Annie Heyward

Models - Julie & James Gladstone

Chic Retreat - SEATTLE!

As some of you know, I just spent May 1-4 in Seattle for a photography workshop. It was the Chic Retreat, hosted by Kelli France of Chic Critique Forum. The 4-day workshop consisted of speakers, styled shoots, catered meals, limo rides, scavenger hunts - it was really a delight being there. So many amazing woman photographers & speakers. And the event planning was *perfect*. It was really difficult being away from my kids, more difficult than I expected (and they were perfectly fine, in the care of my husband). And of course, my allergies decided to attack me a couple days before I went to the workshop, and they followed me there. I was pretty exhausted and not feeling too great physically but I got a lot from the workshop and I can't wait to use what I have learned to better my business. I really just needed to immerse myself in knowledge. When I first arrived home, I was really overwhelmed. I didn't know where to start, what to work on first. And in addition, all I really wanted to do was spend time with my kids. I've calmed down since I got home and got to reflect on the experience the effect it had on me.

Some things that I know I need to do, and the Chic Retreat gave me ideas on how to do them -

*Define my brand, I need a new logo, a new look
*Revamp my website and definitely my blog
*Adjust my portrait packages
*Offer more products!
*And much more

It's going to take me about 6 months to do it. It will get done because I want this so badly. I expect by the beginning of 2014 my company will have many great, great changes.

Here is a blog post on the Chic Critique Forum which has a fun video/slideshow of the workshop plus some awesome pictures, including a big group shot of the beautiful Seattle skyline. The slideshow was made by Megan and it just blew me away! She took all the pictures and video clips and had it done by the time we left Seattle.

Here are the photos I took at the photo shoots:

First up, photos I took at Leah Remillet's styled shoot -











One from Kara May's styled shoot -



One from Kelli France's styled shoot -



One from Michelle Huesgen's styled shoot -



A couple from Jean Smith's styled shoot -





And a bunch from Laura Winslow's styled shoot - my favorite - I love little girls and I loved their outfits!









This was the first time the Chic Critique hosted a photography workshop and since this one was such a success I'm pretty sure they are doing another one next year! I can't wait to see which *celebrity* photographers they will get for it. Who knows, maybe I will go next year too!