My weekend in Sonoma..

I am not even sure where to start, so many things running through my head since I got home that I want to share. This past weekend, I attended a photography workshop in Sonoma led by the most amazing people; wonderful MeRa and her hilarious husband Brian..what a pair they are.  I actually got quite a few pictures of them during the weekend and in almost every one, Me Ra is laughing at something Brian said or did. We were also very lucky to have another great photographer, Garrett Burdick, helping out during the workshop.  He was so willing to share everything he could to help us in our journey to become better photographers. He even let me sneak a peak at some shots from a recent celebrity shoot!

I don't know how to most accurately describe these two and what they did for me. While at the workshop, I not only learned lots of photography stuff, I learned much more about myself, my fears, my dreams, my goals and most importantly, my story. Me Ra and Brian do not just teach about aperture, shutter speed and ISO, they really create an environment that allows women to open up and think in a way that just is not always possible in the reality of life as a mom. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty details of everything I learned about myself, but really could never thank them enough for the lessons learned.

I did leave the workshop with much more confidence then I arrived with. I have always told myself that the good photographs I got were luck and was not sure I actually could see creatively. Through conversations and our two practice sessions, I did learn that I am seeing and feeling something and that I am able to capture photographs that are meaningful and valuable. I have spent the past few years very interested in photography, but never thought that one day I could actually be good enough to call myself a  photographer. I definitely have a long way to go, but this past weekend gave me the confidence to at least start working towards it.

Hearing Me Ra's story about her journey to photography is very inspiring. Her life hasn't always been easy, but the joy that radiates from her is impossible to miss. I think so many moms would benefit from her message, regardless of if they hope to eventually have a career in photography or not. Sure, all moms could benefit from some photo lessons, but the life lessons that she provides are truly invaluable.

Now that I am done gushing about these two for now, I'll share my favorite pictures from the shoots we did.  I have to admit my heart ached for my little guy when I saw this little baby. Every time the mom put the baby near her face, I could just feel her smelling her baby the way I do. I was so happy to capture this moment. While half of a babies head may not look like a good photograph to some, to me it is beautiful in the story it tells and the feelings it evokes.

These next shots, honestly made me cry when I looked at them. In these photos I can feel the love this mom has for her son and I see such comfort in her role as a mom. Looking at these pictures I see someone who is very comfortable in her own skin, something I am not. I have to add that this beautiful mom is married to a photographer and is a photographer herself. She and her adorable son are naturals in front of the camera. If every 4 year old boy was this cooperative in front of the camera, a photographers job would be way too easy! With a handful of people trying to photograph them, it was not always easy to get them both looking in the direction, but it doesn't matter, they still work.  I love the look of joy of the mom in the first one and the look of peace in the last. And the little guys dimples in the middle one, how cute is he.

Comments

[sharon]

You did actually get some wonderful shots!☺

My head is still swimming form everything this weekend! I haven't been able to blog about it yet... so much is in my head I can't seem to get it all out!

I LOVE LOVE the shot you got of Me Ra and Brian!

[Amanda Mays]

WHAT no rock star shots of me in the grass??? Haha I love this shots you did a great job!!!

Well said my dear! I think you described how we are all feeling after this amazing weekend! You are such a great person never doubt who you are and what your capable of!

[Dori]

Gorgeous shots, and a well-written synopsis of the experience, you totally nailed it. I haven't even downloaded all my pictures yet - am now trying to catch up with life at home. :) Thanks for being part of the workshop. Maybe now that we're home we'll actually get to know each other! Ha! Big hugs from Nor Cal

[Me Ra Koh]

Michelle, we already miss you and all the other women so much! It was an incredible workshop together, and I feel like deep, wonderful things happened for all of us--including me and Brian! Thank you so much for trusting us, opening your heart to us, allowing us to pour into you, and taking the risk to explore all that you did. You are a beautiful photographer, and you have so much wonder to fill us with in your images. much love dear friend.

[Wendy Tienken]

Those are ACTUALLY really good!!!! :)

You are truly an amazing photographer, Michelle. I know it's hard, but don't sell yourself short!! Easier said than done, right? Truly, though, I loved your photos before we went to Sonoma this weekend. I'm excited to see more now that we've learned so much! We can all do this. Especially knowing that we all have each other's support. Go Sonoma Rockstars!!

[Jennifer MacNiven]

Hi Michelle, Remember me? One of Nicole Beck's friends ;). I just saw your photo on MeRa's blog and I was blown away. I'm so excited that you got to be a part of the workshop...isn't it just all so amazing!? Keep up the amazing work you do and be confident in your skills...you have a talent!
All my best to you and your new found identity! PHOTOGRAPHER!
Jen

[Carrie Hasson]

Beautiful, stunning work Michelle! It was such a pleasure to meet and share this experience with you and I look forward to a lifelong journey with my "Sonoma Girls"! Thanks for getting us started with the emails too, I'm thinking we need a forum!

[Robin]

WOW!!! What a great job you did Michelle!
I can't wait to have my girls photographed by such an awesome photographer!