In the past few months while this site has been dormant, I’ve done several things of note. First, I moved to and back from Europe (with a brief stop in Turkey). There’s so much to say about this, but I’ll save that for another time. Especially considering I STILL haven’t finished editing the photos I took. My mind has been elsewhere.
Second, I attended a Brainwash workshop with Lauren Clark in Lubbock, Texas. This was a turning point for me; the workshop made me feel as though I really could do this for myself and for a living. I learned so much in one day with Lauren, and my images were instantly better. Here are a couple, just for kicks:
I received so much positive feedback on these pictures that I was reenergized. I went straight from there to photographing a friend’s newborn (which I’ll share later), to setting up appointments for new shoots and getting inquiries for future dates left and right. I even booked my first wedding!
But am I ready for it? Not necessarily. At least, not as ready as I know I could be. I’m more than capable, that’s not in question, but as someone who likes to over-prepare? No way. Which brings me to number three: Signing up for the Love Affair Photo Workshop this summer in Atlanta. I knew when I did it that I couldn’t really afford it — not right now, at least. I knew it meant I would have to borrow money for other business purchases that I had hoped to make in cash. And yet I pushed that checkout button and sent my payment all the same. Honestly? I feel no guilt about it, even though I usually feel endless guilt when I spend money I shouldn’t, which means I’m making the right choice. I’m looking forward to it. I’m giddy about it. Because if my one day with Lauren was any indication of the good that this workshop will do me (and I believe it is), it will be one of the smartest investments I’ve made this year. Well, this, and that new Canon 5D Mark II that’s sitting on the floor next to me.
See, for the past two months I’ve been taking a ‘how to start your own business’ course so that, as I go through this process, I’m sure not to break any laws or shirk any of my tax responsibilities. But this course is for everyone and thus can only be so specific, can only teach me so much. The ladies who run Love Affair are successful photographers who are all talented in their own rights. In the next few years I hope to achieve even just a fraction what they’ve built for themselves and I think the best boost, the best fertilizer for my fledgling garden, will be to spend those three days in Hotlanta soaking up all of the information they have to give me. I’ll figure out that whole money part later.
And hey, they’re even nice enough to set up a scholarship opportunity — and you’re darned right I’m applying for it! Winning that would put me further ahead than I expect to be. But even if I don’t win? I most certainly plan to get a whole heck of a lot out of the experience.
P.S. I talk like I’m insolvent, but I’m not that bad! I just have to be…careful with my monetary choices, shall we say. But when you’re lucky enough to have your whole life supported by freelance work, you have to count your blessings and remain flexible. 
