As some of you may know I've enjoyed photography since I was very young. My Dad had a 35mm Minolta that he taught me to use and boy did I use it. I loved taking pictures with that camera, then had to be ever so patient to wait a week or so to get the pictures developed. (I just aged myself, I know.)
I've had to be extremely creative when starting my business in order to be financially responsible for my family. Most of the things I've learned I have taught myself or asked fellow photographers, website builders, marketers, and entrepreneurs. When I had the opportunity to work with a photographer at an all day workshop, I jumped at the chance. (Plus, it helped that this particular photographer lived an hour away from where my husband is stationed.)
So, last weekend, I drove to Mississippi to participate in a photography workshop with the talented Erin of http://erinrachelphotography.com/. I spent all day Friday in Picayune, Mississippi with a terrific group of ladies learning more about my camera and honing my photography skills.
We spent the morning working on indoor shots. Lighting is tricky, but indoor lighting is very tricky. After much practice, we had a nice lunch, yummy dessert (Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry icing...need I say more?), and some social time. The ladies I worked with were all amazing. I really enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories.
We followed lunch with a Q&A session, then finished the afternoon practicing our new skills in an outdoor setting. Erin's clients were so gracious (not to mention PATIENT) to allow 10 (yes, TEN) photographers to take their pictures all at once. The family consisted of Mom, Dad, and two cute little girls, who I'm sure were overwhelmed, but they were all very accommodating. A heartfelt thank you goes out to that family!!
All in all, I really enjoyed my day. I had lots of ME time (An hour there and an hour back with the radio turned all the way up was perfect for that.), learned a whole lot, and met some pretty neat women.
The whole group, with Erin!
I've had to be extremely creative when starting my business in order to be financially responsible for my family. Most of the things I've learned I have taught myself or asked fellow photographers, website builders, marketers, and entrepreneurs. When I had the opportunity to work with a photographer at an all day workshop, I jumped at the chance. (Plus, it helped that this particular photographer lived an hour away from where my husband is stationed.)
So, last weekend, I drove to Mississippi to participate in a photography workshop with the talented Erin of http://erinrachelphotography.com/. I spent all day Friday in Picayune, Mississippi with a terrific group of ladies learning more about my camera and honing my photography skills.
We spent the morning working on indoor shots. Lighting is tricky, but indoor lighting is very tricky. After much practice, we had a nice lunch, yummy dessert (Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry icing...need I say more?), and some social time. The ladies I worked with were all amazing. I really enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories.
We followed lunch with a Q&A session, then finished the afternoon practicing our new skills in an outdoor setting. Erin's clients were so gracious (not to mention PATIENT) to allow 10 (yes, TEN) photographers to take their pictures all at once. The family consisted of Mom, Dad, and two cute little girls, who I'm sure were overwhelmed, but they were all very accommodating. A heartfelt thank you goes out to that family!!
All in all, I really enjoyed my day. I had lots of ME time (An hour there and an hour back with the radio turned all the way up was perfect for that.), learned a whole lot, and met some pretty neat women.
Taking notes.
Check out my camera strap! Of course, the black and white doesn't do it justice, but it's lime green and turquoise (my favorite color combination). I purchased it from http://ellamonde.com/. She carries all different colors and patterns of fabric and even makes children's clothing.
Delicious apple bread!
Aren't they so cute?!
The workshop attendees.
The weekend, however, was not all about work. I spent the rest of my time on the Gulf Coast with my husband, who is currently stationed at Keesler AFB. We ate wonderful food, enjoyed the sights of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans, and relished the short time we had together.
(Most of these pictures were taken with my cell phone. Now that Instagram has an app for Androids I wanted to see what it was all about. I like!)
(Most of these pictures were taken with my cell phone. Now that Instagram has an app for Androids I wanted to see what it was all about. I like!)
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| Biloxi Lighthouse |
Fountain at Mary Mahoney's
This restaurant had a marker that showed where Katrina's water line was. It was about 4 feet higher than this fountain, which was about 5 feet off the ground.
Crawfish boil at the Beau Rivage Casino Buffet.
St. Louis Cathedral at night.
Proudly representing the 504 in my "Free Payton" shirt. Check out http://fleurtygirl.net/ for really cool t-shirts, especially if you are in the know (meaning you can translate what they mean)!
Also, don't you just love the green door?
Beautiful flower-filled balcony in the French Quarter.
Ecuadorian Training Ship
It was NOLA Navy week and there were ships parked all along the riverbank.
This ship was from Indonesia.
I loved the Jolly Roger!
Rare photo of Bryan and I together...thanks to a stranger who offered to take our picture.
Central Grocery has the BEST muffuletta's ever!! The sandwich is delicious, but the atmosphere is pretty cool too! We waited in line for 30 minutes, but the liquor store next door helped pass the time by selling us beer.
French Market entrance.
Alligator heads for sale in the French Market.
French Market.
No explanation needed!
Beignets and cafe au lait at the ever famous Cafe du Monde. If you don't leave there covered in powdered sugar, you haven't had the full experience!
