Well, I survived my 35th birthday and my party was an absolute blast! Yes, it was frigid and chilly, but we had an outdoor fireplace and heaters, so we were good to go.

I also survived introducing the Gentleman Caller to my family and friends…I guess I should say that he survived!

I loved having the photobooth in action, too. My pal Jeff came and shot some funny pics (and jumped in for a few, too) of the gang and I think you can tell from the pics below that we had a pretty decent time. ; )

I highly recommend this kind of photobooth…you don’t need a sophisticated or even colorful backdrop. You don’t need a strobe system like I used, either…you can use an external flash (which will throw more light than your pop up flash). If you’re in So Cal and want someone to come and shoot a photobooth at your party, let me know, I’m for hire!

Just about everyone has a DSLR these days…however, I’d hazard a guess that only 10-15% of consumers know how to use them in any mode other than Auto. There’s nothing wrong with Auto, except for the fact that in that mode, a user is only really glimpsing the power that they have.

When I began my photography journey, I knew that I was a hands on learner and that learning from books or my manual would take me eons when having someone show me what to do could help me grasp the basics in minutes. I took a photographer friend out to lunch and we chatted about functions, light, and the different modes my camera had. It wasn’t long after when I knew I was hooked. I upgraded extremely quickly and started seeking beginner-friendly workshops. Luckily, I found one in the Bay Area and traveled up there a day before a Tahoe trip and afterward, felt like my brain was going to explode with amazing knowledge.

Since then, about once or twice a year, I’ve participated in workshops and mentor sessions and have LOVED every minute. At WPPI last month, I took a workshop with a handful of other boudoir photographers and continued my learning in a way that I KNOW will only improve my business.

While I’ve had awesome workshop experiences, I know many who have NOT. So, if you’re considering some hands on photography learnin’, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Know your level and the level of the workshop – If you’re a beginner, own it. It’s an exciting time and there IS a perfect workshop for you. While you may want to take the fancy workshop nearest you, it might not be the right time…instead, look for workshops that cater to just starting out photogs or even mom’s with cameras events. Even if you live in a small town, I’m sure there is something similar to this if you just keep looking! If there aren’t, find a photographer that you like, shoot them an email and ask for recommendation or if they’d ever consider a one-on-one mentoring opportunity. I started with an email and an offer of lunch and it really helped get the ball rolling.
2. Read/seek reviews – Lately in the photography community, there have been a number of lambasting blog posts over photographers and their workshops and don’t even get me started on Photogzilla! There are a lot of people who have been disgruntled and rather than directing their displeasure directly to their workshop leader, they’ve gone to the twitterverse, etc. However, there are just as many good recommendations out there. If you know someone who has attended a workshop, ask for their honest opinion! Don’t spend your money foolishly…go informed.
3. Size – Attending a workshop with 30 of your closest friends is not really conducive to good learning. Not only will you have limited time to ask the questions you have, but it could very well be intimidating. I’ve most enjoyed workshops with less than 15 people.
4. Go with your style – If you find a good workshop, but the leader shoots landscapes and you want to shoot portraits, you might not be in the right scenario. Likewise, if a workshop is focused on studio lighting and you want to learn to take better shots of your kids on the sports field, you might not learn exactly what you were looking for. Do your homework and don’t jump on the first one you see…make sure it’s the right fit first.
5. Investment – When embarking on your first workshop, don’t spend more than $500. I live in So Cal where things aint cheap, and I know that there are workshops around every corner that are pricey. That said, if you’re just starting out, it’s unnecessary to make a large investment.
6. Shooting – Make sure that there is a shooting component to the workshop. I know several people who have arrived to a workshop and told they would just be watching how the leaders work and aren’t given the opportunity to actually put into practice what they’ve just learned. This seems counter productive to me and you should make sure you know that in advance!!!

So, if you’re still not sure whether you’re ready for a workshop or are convinced there aren’t appropriate options in your neck o’ the woods, check out online forums such as i heart faces, Clickin Moms, or the [b] school (if you already have a business). These are GREAT places to ask questions, read through chats, and see other people who are in the same place as you are!

I had a great time at my recent workshop. I loved watching the leaders work, having the chance to get my own shots, and go through incredible Q&A for a couple of hours. I’m so thankful for the hands-on learning opportunities I’ve been given. To see some of my shots from this workshop, visit my photoblog here!

Last Friday, I shared with you my new photography website and today I’m asking for a favor. Would you please jump on over to Facebook and like my business page? As I continue to build my photography business, that I feel called to do, I would love your support! My work is classy and luxurious…for those of you who have considered a boudoir shoot, but have questions, even if you’re in a different part of the country, please feel free to contact me and I’d love to talk to you more about this passion of mine!