A belated Happy New Year.
New Years was a quiet one (we were down two kids; Ross was at Dylan's and Courtney Lee was at her Mom's).
But we spent the night at our new, old house, wore party hats and made cookies (my idea of making cookies involves buying pre-made dough and letting the kids arrange them on the cookie sheet) and drank sparkling cider.
And were in bed by 9pm (technically, it was midnight on the East Coast).
No New Years resolutions (since I've failed at the same one; working out 3-5 times a week for like the last 15 years in a row).
But lots of changes in 2009.
I am taking a break from designing scrapbooking products with Creative Imaginations and from teaching scrapbooking classes in order to completely focus on photography and teaching photography classes (which is completely where my heart is right now).
I'll have new scrapbooking products coming out with Creative Imaginations for CHA Winter 2009 but won't have a CHA Summer 2009 collection and I'm not sure when I'll be adding to my line after that. And I'll be teaching those scrapbooking classes I already have scheduled (I've got a new class called A Year in the Making that I'll be teaching on a cruise this month and will be teaching a few more classes in Florida in March) but those will be my last scrapbooking classes for awhile too.
In general, I'm not so good with change (I have a tendency to find a comfort zone and to cling to it for dear life) but I feel good (though a little nervous) about the changes I'm making in 2009. I like the idea of kind of consolidating my energy into photography and all it's potential as I feel like I've been focusing my energy in too many different directions over the last few years.
I've increased the number of seats in my online photography classes in order to accommodate more students on the wait list (the wait list currently has about 350 students on it) and while I currently teach a One Day Photographers' Workshop in stores, I feel like I've kind of pushed it's limits as far as I can (it's 9-10 hours which I'm finding is just too long of a day for most people) and am considering creating some weekend workshops instead that spread out the information over two days (which would also allow me to add more information to the course) while allowing me more time to work hands on with everyone, putting what we've learned into practice.
I've got a few more photography related ideas bouncing around in my head too but will wait to share those until I make some progress with them.
Would love to hear your input and suggestions since it was all of your requests and suggestions that got me started with teaching online photography classes in the first place. Just wondering what I could do to help all of you who are interested in improving your photography skills achieve your goals (A book? Weekend workshops? More online classes? Any other suggestions?)
Happy New Year and thanks to all of you who were persistent enough in your requests for online photography classes to push me out of my comfort zone to make it happen. It's been a really wonderful thing to see it something that I love so much and something that I really poured myself into become a success (many thanks).
Personally, I hope to get off the waiting list and into the class. Secondly, I think scheduling a two day photography class quarterly in 4 strategic areas in the country would be ideal. I'm glad you're focusing on photography - and the new house!
Posted by: Peggy Lucas | January 02, 2009 at 11:57 AM
i would love to see more online courses offered. i need something. and a wait list ... makes me worried about getting in ...so i tend to (reluctantly) look elsewhere.
also...i would be interested in weekend photo courses - preferably inexpensive and near antique shops (smile) so that i can do other things while away. and thank god for husband's airline travel passes ... they might just allow me to get there! keep us updated!
Posted by: jen | January 02, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Happy New Year to you and your family!!! One thing I would really like is some kind of class/booklet that can bought/tutorial type DVD even??? on how to edit photos. I would love a more user friendly way to learn how to use Adobe or similar packages and how to make the photos "pop"! Am hoping to take your photography class in 2010 when funds are more readily available in my household and if I can get in!!!
Posted by: Julie Pilch | January 02, 2009 at 11:59 AM
I would love to get in on one of you classes. Your photographs are so beautiful...I strive to take photos like yours. I also think a book would be a fantastic idea. I would definitely buy it!
Posted by: Jennifer M. | January 02, 2009 at 12:03 PM
It looks to me like you have already put together a book of sorts for your online photography class. Could you make that available to purchase for those of us unable to get in to the class or unable to enroll in the class due to financial reasons? Would said book be beneficial if you weren't involved in the online class?
Posted by: Deb | January 02, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Well, I'm just about jumping out of my pants b/c I'm so excited that I got into the class that starts soon!!!
I would love to see you do some weekend workshops, but in the midwest :) Des Moines, Omaha, Minneapolis, the Black Hills; I would drive a long ways to take a photo class with you!
Posted by: Melia Winter | January 02, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Happy New Year to you and your family. I am excited to see what else you have in store with respect to more classes. I am indebted to you already for being in your first on-line photography class! Best of luck in 2009!
Posted by: amy | January 02, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I am so excited to hear that you added more spots to your class. I have not tried to get in (yet) but I have heard the stories. I just got my first DSLR (canon rebel xsi) for Christmas and I have sooooooooo much to learn.
You are fantastic!!!!
Posted by: trace-e | January 02, 2009 at 12:31 PM
a weekend workshop that teaches photo editing...we would need to bring a computer to work right along with you....this is my DREAM! LOL!
Posted by: Amy | January 02, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I'm very excited for you! It's great to be able to focus on the thing you are most passionate about. I would love to be able to take one of your courses. I'm saving up for it!! The two day thing sounds great! I know it's hard though since you have a 'tiny widdle baby'(that's just too cute!) to take care of. Can't wait to see what the future hold for you. I'm sure whatever it may be, it will be blessed!
Posted by: kaydrenth | January 02, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I don't think I am on your waiting list, but I'd like to be, and then get into one of your classes...I will have to check that out again.
I'd REALLY love a long weekend class. Perhaps if you didn't those in various areas of the country so travel would be easier...maybe in major cities that have more flights and hotel option. I tend to do better with this type of thing because it practice a new skill right on top of one just learned. Keeps my attention.
I am having a lot of trouble getting my pictures to be crisply focused. No matter how much I play with my focus points, set up a tripod, adjust my Av or switch to Tv mode. My best shots are actually in full manual, but that is so tough with a 3 y/o and a 15 m/o. Lately, I have found myself shooting in full auto or program again...AGH. Not my goal. (I have a 40D, with 24-70, 2.8 L Lens).
Posted by: Alis in Wnderlnd | January 02, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I second the request for a weekend workshop in the Midwest... Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines, Witchita. It really does sound like you should consider writing a book. That's probably way outside the confort zone-- but maybe that's what makes it a good idea! :)
Add me to the list of people who would love to get into one of your online classes!
Happy New Year to your family.
Posted by: Lauren | January 02, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Happy New Year to you and yours too! Hey I LOVE the idea of a weekend workshop cause for me the one class is more than my poor pea pickin brain can handle! lol
Posted by: Brooke - in Oregon | January 02, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Oh one more thing. I guess I need to be more persistent in my PLEASE release more digi stuff! I have all your stuff at PDP and would LOVE things like your journalers notebook or some of the great sticker sayings. You really are one of the main reasons I went digi, cause I so loved the look of all your transparencies!
Posted by: Brooke - in Oregon | January 02, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Happy New Year! I would love to move from the waiting list into a class. :-)
Posted by: Edith | January 02, 2009 at 12:44 PM
So you wont scrabook anymore?
Posted by: Basia | January 02, 2009 at 12:52 PM
At the risk of being strangled by others who are waiting to get into one of your classes for the very first time, I would love the idea of a continuation class. I would love to hear your constructive criticism, even if it was something like posting additional pictures for a critique. I would pay for this, as I want to keep learning. I know you have an already over-flowing plate, but I just thought it was an idea. Sorry for the two comments - I just got to thinking a bit more. Again, Happy New Year!
Posted by: amy | January 02, 2009 at 01:06 PM
I think a book would be perfect!!!
Posted by: Wendy | January 02, 2009 at 01:13 PM
i also love the idea of a book..a weekend class would be faboo, but i hate the thought of you being away from your nest for that much!
(p.s. - thanks for the help with the photo question i had..i'm just one of those kids that wants a fast answer for everything!)
Posted by: valerie | January 02, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Happy New Year Karen! I am still determined to get in one of your Workshops locally sometime! I need to get my camera off Auto mode and start learning! Love the self-portrait of you and the kids!
Posted by: Addie | January 02, 2009 at 01:22 PM
I lurk way too much and never comment but I just wanted to say how exciting your plans for this year sound! You are such an inspiration and anybody would be lucky to learn photography from you.
I think a book would be an amazing idea (especially for us UK girls who never seem to be in the right place at the right time to get registered for a class!)
Wishing you the best of luck for this year!
Posted by: Kate | January 02, 2009 at 01:22 PM
EEEKK! No more new product after this next release. I will have to start buying and hoarding! I would love to take the photography class, but it is a little out of my reach right now. How about online scrapbooking classes? Or something? A book would be great but gosh I do love your scrapbooking ideas!
Posted by: TerriB in Oregon | January 02, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Happy New Year to you!
While I would love a weekend class I can't imagine finding the time or the money to do it.
For the most point I think Deb said it best for me:
It looks to me like you have already put together a book of sorts for your online photography class. Could you make that available to purchase for those of us unable to get in to the class or unable to enroll in the class due to financial reasons? Would said book be beneficial if you weren't involved in the online class?
Anyway, best of luck for 2009!
Posted by: Sherri | January 02, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Focus is a beautiful thing, but I am sorry to hear that you will not be designing scrapbook products this year.
As far as what I would like to see for photography classes, I'm another one who would love to get into your class. If you did a book, a downloadable workbook would be ideal for me. I am trying to cut down on the amount of paper in my life and as all my photos are on the computer anyway it would make it much easier.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Posted by: Jen | January 02, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Karen, happy new year to you and your family. I have to tell you that I learned so much from your One Day Photographer's Workshop that you taught at Scrapbook Oasis last February. I have actually seen improvements on the photos that I have taken. I am hoping to get in your online Photography Workshop so I can improve further my picture taking skills. I'll keep glued to your blog to see what you come up with in the new year!
Posted by: Dina | January 02, 2009 at 01:45 PM