Two months ago I was desperate for some new photography inspiration, but felt that since I had taught workshops that I had to exempt myself from continuing learning so that I wouldn’t be seen to “sell” other people’s secrets. I finally broke down after watching one of my great friend’s interviews, Davina Fear, on a new workshop that she was putting together online on how to take better photos of YOUR children.
It wasn’t business related and I needed that. I didn’t want to learn marketing, posing, etc… I just needed some fresh new way to get my joy of photography (and capture my precious baby) back before it was too late. I have skipped out taking tons of his photos since he became mobile because he wouldn’t cooperate with my style of photographing… totally posing and contriving scenes and ideas. Nothing was really real, and of course, with a 20 month old, that doesn’t work.
I would frustratingly give up on taking his picture because I couldn’t find a time where my husband could come and help me set up a scene and a cute outfit and get the perfect shot of Solomon. Why was I so consumed with this kind of photo? Was it real life? No way!
So in Davina’s workshop she focuses on how your real life is beautiful. That is something that I would never have thought. The boogers running down his nose, his hand me down outfits that couldn’t possibly compete with some of the adorable stylized shoots I’d seen, and the surroundings that I had at my disposal were far from “perfect”. If I can’t have it all, I don’t try at all. I think that is just a big character flaw in not wanting to disappoint myself or others. I’m immobilized in my passions if things aren’t going to be a wild success.
Her workshop set me free to overcome that mindset and I’ve been photographing Solomon more ever since! The photos have dog hair in them, boogers, unstylish clothes and clutter, but that is my real life. It was almost a therapy of sorts to help me understand that I was struggling with portraying our life as something that it is not.
Her workshop was incredibly inspiring and FILLED with awesome material. Even her information on f-stops and angles was refreshing and it fortified my knowledge and helped me in my hired shoots to do better.
One of my favorite things from the workshop was that she gave us a checklist of elements to photograph to tell a story. This is something that I had never thought of before, and I am SUCH a checklist person!
Her workshop was amazing and if you are looking for something to continue your education, give your personal photos a pep in their step, or just need to do a little soul searching on how you connect with your clients and kids then you have GOT to take this online workshop (hello! From the comfort of your own home!).
She graciously gave me a discount code for all of you also for 25% off!! It is LAUREN25
Here is a link to the workshop info: Familyness Workshop
Class begins March 17th!!!!
