And just like that...
She was five.
I haven't even had a chance to look through most of her birthday photos. Too much work and too many deadlines on my plate right now but I'm hoping to post more this week.
I do want to mention though that one week from today, I'll be opening up registration for the next Photographers' Workshop. Registration starts at 6pm Pacific Time on Monday, February 21 and you have to be on the waiting list to register which you can do by filling out some info. here.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and though I have no idea what Monday's registration will look like, the seats have always filled up quickly in the past.
I'll be allowing about 50 regular students (who's assignments and photo critiques I evaluate) and I'm not sure how many auditors I'm going to allow yet (who's assignments and photo critiques I do not evaluate.)
Auditing students are still able to participate in class and ask questions just like a regular student (but again, I don't evaluate their assignments or photo critiques.)
I've got a lot of students auditing my current class, some of which are auditing because the regular seats in the class filled up so quickly but others who are auditng to save money (It's $150 cheaper) and many who are auditing because they just want to work at their own pace with the option of scheduling a telephone consult with me ($145 per hour) to discuss their assignments and photo critiques over the phone or by Skype.
Anyhow, I'm hoping a few of my past/current students will pop in here to let you know what they think of the class and I'm going to give away a regular seat in the next class (which starts in May) to one person - so leave a comment if you'd like to win a spot in class. I'll draw a winner sometime Wednesday morning.
Hope your week is great.


I'd love to win a spot. All knowledge in photography is amazing and I'd love to "sponge" it up!
Happy 5th Birthday!!! My little one will be 6 on Wed. (2/16)!! :-)
Posted by: Becky T. | February 14, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Happy Birthday to Annie!
I'd love a spot in your class! Thanks for a chance to win. Woo-hoo!!
Posted by: jenn gent | February 14, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Happy birthday to Annie! I'd love to win a spot I've had my dslr for almost 2 years now, and still don't take the thing out of automatic
Posted by: Ann T | February 14, 2011 at 10:54 AM
I'm on the very long waiting list... I'd love to win a spot in the next class!
It would be perfect timing as I'm looking at upgrading cameras right now.
Posted by: Casie | February 14, 2011 at 10:55 AM
It'd be fun to win a spot. Thanks for offering!!
Posted by: Megan | February 14, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I would love to take this class!!! Love your blog and style. Happy Birthday Sweet Annie
Posted by: Amy F | February 14, 2011 at 10:56 AM
As a past student I can't recommend this class enough. My photos definitely went to another level thanks to Karen's lessons. I have been asked to photograph a wedding and a pre-wedding since this class and I've had numerous requests for portrait photos. More importantly to me I now have the ability to take wonderful treasured pictures of my own children and for that I can't thank Karen enough. Take the class if you can you won't be disappointed!
Posted by: Julie Pilch | February 14, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I've been reading your blog for a long time now and am always amazed at the pictures you take - the quality is incredible and your talent is astounding! I would absolutely LOVE a spot in your next class!!
Posted by: Caitlin Miller | February 14, 2011 at 10:59 AM
They grow so fast. Yes I would love to take your class... everyone always gives such great reviews!
Posted by: Jennifer C | February 14, 2011 at 10:59 AM
I was number 1000 something on the waitlist but was up and ready to go when registration started for a class session last year. I got in and learned so much! Less than halfway through the class I was shooting in manual mode and haven't looked back since. I recommend the class to anyone that has a dslr because if you're interested enough in a dslr, then you should invest the time and money in learning how to use it!
Posted by: Nicole Reid | February 14, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Former student popping in.... I love this class. I took the class one of the first times Karen offered it. I had received a DSLR camera as a gift and didn't know what to do with it. I took Karen's class and loved it. I can shoot in manual, I understand a lot of my camera manual now (hooray) and even though I still consider myself a beginner my photography is really improving.
I recently audited the class again just as a refresher and learned as much or more the 2nd time. Karen is lovely in every way. She is helpful and really cares about helping each student to learn. Sign up. You'll love it.
Posted by: Heather | February 14, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Happy Birthday, Annie! I'd love to win a spot in your online class! I took one of your all day ones and it was amazing. I've progressed to the point where I'm shooting in manual pretty much all the time now (go me!) and I think that your class would really help me with the growth I'm longing for!
Posted by: Erica Hettwer | February 14, 2011 at 10:59 AM
If you are looking for a photography class...this is it! Wonderful, meaningful, relevant information shared with so much heart. Lots of classes on the internet but this is the one....the best! Do not miss it!
Happy Birthday, Annie!
Posted by: calliezant | February 14, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Happy Birthday to Annie and also a happy Valentine!! Of course I'd love to win a spot. I'm from Germany and started with DSLR three years ago, now I have a little daughter and photography gets even more interesting to me and my familiy. I love your Photos, your style and it's a dream for me getting a spot in your class!
Posted by: Antje | February 14, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I would love to win a spot in the class! I've been eye balling this class for over a year and just haven't gotten to sign up yet!! Pick me!!!
Posted by: Lori Ivey | February 14, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I am hoping to win a spot in your class. I am at the point where I shoot in manual all the time, but still am not sure of my settings.
I would just sign up next week if I was lucky enough to get in, but have to wait on the IRS to give me my refund back!
Posted by: Kendra | February 14, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win a spot in your class! I am so inspired by your images! I am mostly self-taught and would love to stop feeling like I'm reinventing the wheel. It would make me do a ridiculous happy dance of glee to get to participate! *grin*
Posted by: Tanya | February 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I would be ever so thrilled to be able to win a spot in your class. I have been dreaming of taking the class for a while now, and life just always seems to get in the way (smile). I can't wait to see who the lucky winner is...what a special treat!!!
Julie
Posted by: Julie | February 14, 2011 at 11:11 AM
I took the class a year ago and loved it. Even went thru withdrawals (seriously) when the class ended. Karen's lessons, assignments and critiques are invaluable. The class is worth the wait! I'd love to take it again, now that I've upgraded my DSLR, so thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Heather Freeman | February 14, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Um, heck ya - I'd LOVE to win a spot. Very cool you are giving one away, thank you!
Posted by: Erica | February 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Happy Birthday to Annie...she is such a sweetie! :) I would love to win a spot in your class too...been on the waiting list for a long time and LOVE the photos you share here on your blog. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Megan B | February 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM
This is pretty much the "bestest" photography class EVER! TAKE IT!
I'd love to get a seat again so I can learn even more and see how I've improved (or not) since I took it last summer! :)
Posted by: Meagan Davenport | February 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM
How exciting it would be to win a spot in your class. Thanks for offering. I have lots to learn and you are the ultimate teacher! Can't wait to hear who wins. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Lori S. | February 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM
I was lucky enough to be able to take this class. It is so worth it I can't even tell you. Karen is the best! I had some personal stuff going on at the time so I wasn't able to focus as well or finish it, I would love the opportunity to take it again. That would just be the best gift ever. Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Jennifer L | February 14, 2011 at 11:15 AM
I would love to win the free spot in your next class!!!
Posted by: Julie Brass | February 14, 2011 at 11:15 AM