It's happened about a half-dozen times since I started teaching The Photographers' Workshop - that during the first couple weeks of class I'd spot a student and immediately tell my husband, "I guarantee that this student is going to be a better photographer than I am in a year."
And I don't mean that in a self-deprecating way - I simply mean that all photographers have a certain amount of natural talent and that while (as their instructor) I might have a larger foundation of knowledge, as soon as their foundation of knowledge grows, their natural talent will allow them to surpass me.
And I'd be lying if I said that doesn't bother me a bit sometimes, but for the most part, it just makes me happy for them and makes me want to email them to share my thoughts.
And though their response is typically excitement and disbelief, I've yet to be wrong and each of those students has eventually become a knock-your-socks-off photographer.
Rachel Chaney was the first student I ever had this happen with, and I think it was an image of her son, Carter (looking at a turtle he had found along a path) she had posted for evaluation that solidified it for me.
And over the years, Rachel has just periodically shot off emails to me with photos attached and a note that usually says something like, "I don't need a response, I just wanted to show you these images and wanted to thank you."
And as her talent progressed, I found myself looking at those images with awe and respect and happiness (and an occassional twinge of jealousy) for her.
And then a few months back while we were exchanging emails, I said, "One of these days, I'd love to either fly out to Texas to visit and shoot with you or have you fly out here to do the same."
And last weekend, we made that happen - Rachel Chaney came to visit me and my family here in Oregon.
And high on her (very organized) 'to-do' list was bio shots...
Will post more details about our time together, but I just wanted to share these for now. (That last one is my favorite.)
And Rachel Chaney...I have to tell you that Annie was sitting on my lap this morning while I was editing these images of you and she said, "I love looking at pictures of Rachel, I just miss her so much already."
Ahh.... my heart is thankful for beauty + friendship! xo
Posted by: Liz Culpepper | June 25, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Wonderful ... you've influenced so many photography journeys, Karen, and it is awesome to hear of the relationships you've formed through this. :) I can totally imagine how excited Rachel was to meet you!
Posted by: Lacey | June 25, 2012 at 11:48 AM
It's funny, the b/w photo is my favorite, too. My first thought was that you can almost take a great photo by accident, in color anyway, but to take one in black and white, where you really have to be aware of the lighting? Awesome picture!!! And I agree with your commenter, Lacey: Rachel was probably over the moon to actually meet you! I'm going to bounce on over to her blog and check it out!
Posted by: Krys72599 | June 25, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Thank you, Karen, for these pictures of me. I think you doubled in one day the number of pictures I have of myself. I love them!
Thank you for all that you have taught me about photography. (I know you have many, many appreciative, loyal, and talented students.)
Even more than that, thank you for allowing me to get to know you as a person and to spend time with your precious family. I'm looking forward to sharing more about our weekend together on my blog soon. . .
Posted by: Rachel C. | June 25, 2012 at 12:40 PM
love the B&W pic as well....such mood and character to it. Can't wait till I can manage to afford to do your course!! Rachel's blog is wonderful!
Posted by: suew | June 25, 2012 at 01:25 PM
What fun!!! It is so amazing to think of how small our world has become, allowing us to get to know someone so far away and develop lasting relationships even before we actually meet them in person. Your class was awesome and I am having such fun practicing all that I learned, too.
Posted by: Linda | June 25, 2012 at 02:21 PM
Lucky...lucky...lucky! What a joy to solidify relationships and talent....love it!
Posted by: janel | June 25, 2012 at 04:01 PM
crazy good shots, karen! congrats to rachel c. love the sweet story of how one picture stood out and a friendship has emerged! yay! most inspiring. xo
Posted by: marilyn h. | June 25, 2012 at 07:34 PM
Although I'll probably never sign up for one of your classes (not from lack of interest, my son-in-law is a professional photographer...), I have already learned so much from you about looking at our world through an honest, loving, fun and sometimes very hard lense. The techy stuff is wonderful but it just can't replace what the heart sees.
Pretty awesome stuff Karen--PRETTY AWESOME STUFF INDEED!!
Posted by: ana roat | June 25, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Beautiful photos! I remember Rachel from class and can still recall some of her amazing images! You Karen, have inspired and touched the hearts of so many! It's wonderful the two of you had the chance to actually meet!!
Posted by: ♥Debbie | June 25, 2012 at 09:56 PM
These are beautiful, Karen! Her eyes look amazing in every photo, and I love your composition in all of these!!
Posted by: Merrie | June 25, 2012 at 10:39 PM
very inspiring story, thanks Karen & Rachel for sharing.
Posted by: caro | June 26, 2012 at 06:36 AM
jUST FABULOUS
Posted by: Cindy Welch | June 26, 2012 at 07:37 AM
I agree. My fav is the last one.
Posted by: able mabel | June 26, 2012 at 11:26 AM
I was in theat class with Rachel and remember e-mailing you about her when her website went live. She's another photographer I follow and have great respect for. I knew she was talented back while we were posting our assignments and she's blown me away more than once since then.
There are a couple of us who still keep in touch via Facebook and when we heard she was going to visit you, we were all so excited for her and probably a bit jealous too, but I can only speak for myself about that part! It's totally cool that you have such a far reaching effect on some many people and have brightened the lives of more people that can possibly imagine! Thank you for being you and for giving us all the chance to continue on this journey with you!
Posted by: Cathy K | June 26, 2012 at 05:33 PM
So I google Rachel after reading your post and I find it so interesting that I can see and hear you in her style and her storytelling (ie: not a technically perfect shot, but an emotionally perfect one"). You really have a gift for teaching not only the technical side of photography, but the emotional side of how it connects in all aspects of your life. I was one very lucky student!
Posted by: Heather | June 26, 2012 at 05:46 PM
Just got back from Rachel's website...
Whoa! Definitely talented.
The student compliments the teacher.
Posted by: Domenico | June 26, 2012 at 09:31 PM
Ek was in theat klas met Ragel en onthou 'n e-pos wat jy oor haar toe haar webwerf live gegaan. Sy is nog 'n fotograaf wat ek volg en het groot respek vir. Ek het geweet sy was 'n talentvolle terug terwyl ons plaas ons opdragte en sy is my weg geblaas meer as een keer sedertdien.
Posted by: nike air max pas cher | June 27, 2012 at 02:45 AM
Karen, one of my favorite teacher of all time (may she rest in peace) told me once that a good teacher is one whose students understand what she's teaching, but a truly great teacher is one whose students can surpass him or her. This has resonated with me so this has been my mantra when teaching my children.
I also wanted you to know that you're a wonderful teacher. I may not be able to surpass you, but I can see why some of your students may be able to do so. You're a truly great teacher.
Posted by: Mickee | June 27, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Great photos. Rachel's eyes just draw me into every photo--they are beautiful..
Posted by: Leslee Cotterell-Barrow | June 30, 2012 at 07:14 AM
Oh my word. Rachel is one of my most greatly admired photographers and women. Not only is she r.e.m.a.r.k.a.b.l.e in her talent, sensitivity, thoughtfulness but also her beauty both inside and out. A little tear formed as a viewed your captures of her, I feel like they captured her essence even though she is alone in these, which is hard to do with someone so committed and in-love with her family...and not in her kitchen being all cook-ery and such. I just want to reach through my monitor and hug you both.
Posted by: Gail Pomare | July 02, 2012 at 08:29 AM
Love these shots of beautiful--both inside and out, RC. Thankful to be her neighbor :)
Posted by: grace | July 02, 2012 at 10:49 AM
And the truth is....You are going to rock that tri this weekend. YEA Karen!!!
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These are stunning. Rachel is a blessing to know and and inspiration in all she does, especially her wisdom and walk with God, her talent with photography and creativity, and her dedication to her family. Two of the most influential women in my life right there! Love you both.
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Thank you for all the encouragement. Some of you I don't know, but I am grateful that you took the time to enter into some of my story. And for those of you that I do know, your words are extra sweet. I am thankful that you guys are in my life and that you let me into yours.
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So beautiful! that last one!!!!! love!
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