Back when I was a dental hygienist, I was fortunate enough to work for a few doctors who made continuing education a high priority.
And as funny as it may sound, anytime we attended a continuing education course, I'd have butterflies in my stomach, thinking of how I was going to apply all my newly found knowledge and customer service skills as soon as I got back to the office Monday morning.
The doctors I worked for were already great dentists, but they saw the value in continuing their education. Not only from what they learned but also from the motivation and enthusiasm that came along with it.
And really, if someone is going to be working in your mouth, would you rather that person be someone who makes continuing education a priority or someone who doesn't?
I feel the same way about photography.
I love to be a student of photography as much as I love to teach it.
I love watching another photographer shoot. I love seeing how they work with clients and light. I love learning what shooting mode they prefer, what autofocus mode they prefer, what kind of exposures they prefer, etc. (Even if I happen to prefer something different.) I love hearing fresh perspectives on old topics. And I love the excitement and motivation that I inevitably leave with.
And I'm realistic. I don't attend workshops expecting them to revolutionize the way I shoot (because for the most part, I'm already pretty happy with the way I shoot) but I do attend them with the hope of gaining fresh perspective, motivation and maybe even a few new pearls of information along the way.
So I spent last weekend in Missoula, Montana, attending a workshop put on by Barb Uil who happens to be one of the first childrens photographers I ever remember feeling awestruck by.
And it was lovely.
First of all, the location (Meadowbrook Farm) was one of the most lovely places I'd ever seen.
And secondly, Barb Uil was fun, approachable and just as talented and creative as I had hoped she'd be.
She talked a lot about business (which I always find extremely interesting even though I don't shoot professionally) and about the value of developing your own, unique style of shooting (which is something I discuss in my own classes.) We covered lots of photo editing (an area where I still have plenty to learn) and spent tons of time shooting. (I think we did 11 shoots on Saturday.)
If you've never shot at a workshop before, alongside 15 other photographers...it's hard.
Everyone is excited to shoot, there's no space to move around, the subject doesn't know where to look, there are lenses and butts and heads in just about every shot you try to take and unless you're bold (which I'm not) it's hard to get an ideal shooting position so instead, you just find yourself walking around, hoping for a fresh viewpoint that isn't already filled by another photographer.
If you don't let all that bother you though, it's a great learning opportunity.
Got home sometime after midnight on Monday.
I'm tired and I think I'm on the verge of getting sick (lack of sleep and travel always do me in.) But despite all that, my brain is spinning with ideas:
- Branding for my own photography classes. Branding is something I've never had the time to invest in but have decided to make the time.
- Implementing new editing techniques. I learned some new things I want to implement but anytime I learn new editing techniques, I have to work with them for awhile to make them fit 'me'.
- Just being excited to shoot and to keep my eyes open to unique compositions and good storytelling.
I love being a student.
Looks like you got some really awesome shots even if you aren't "bold"! Really wonderful!
Posted by: Rae | July 14, 2010 at 09:04 AM
It looks as if you had a fabulous time
I've been thinking about getting rid of my DSLR as I haven't the time to get to know it but reading your post has made me determined to find some time over the Summer break to try and learn more first
Chris x
Posted by: Chris | July 14, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Great pictures! We traveled thru Missoula last weekend on our way home from vacation!
Posted by: Addie | July 14, 2010 at 09:17 AM
THANK YOU for posting this. I'm 3 hours from Missoula and had NO idea this workshop was happening, nothing awesome comes this way. I saw on Barb's blog that a seat opened up for the next one, I'm crossing my fingers!!
Posted by: Kelly | July 14, 2010 at 09:44 AM
Green over here. Not only are you fabulous, but now you're at Meadowbrook Farm for the fabulous workshop over there too. Can't wait for you to share your knowledge with the rest of us. Looks like a wonderful time was had by all.
Posted by: Stephanie K | July 14, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Karen - you are so lucky - I read the Meadowbrook Farm blog all the time and am always struck by its gorgeousness! Loved these photos and that you were able to go and are so excited by it! LOVE it!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | July 14, 2010 at 09:58 AM
Beautiful pictures!! That setting looks phenomenal... makes me want to visit Montana
Posted by: gina f. | July 14, 2010 at 10:02 AM
you are sooooo blessed. I love the meadowbrook farm blog. If you haven't checked out her before pictures you should!
Posted by: mandy friend | July 14, 2010 at 10:06 AM
They sure found some cute children for ya'll to photog! The Momma's are lucky to end up with such gorgeous pics!!
Posted by: Kimberly | July 14, 2010 at 10:12 AM
GORGEOUS STUFF! That little girl with the curls looks like a china doll!
Posted by: Jeanelle | July 14, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Those are really beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing them with us!
Posted by: Karen | July 14, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Amazing pictures Karen
Posted by: Sou | July 14, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Great photos!
Speaking of learning new things...is there a new Making the Shot on the horizon?
Posted by: Kelli | July 14, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Beautiful shots!! The sun flare is SO cool, and love all the color in that shot. I'm so happy for you doing this workshop! I would love to do one like this.
Posted by: Shari Kimmey | July 14, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Awesome shots! A couple of photogs that have really nailed the branding thing are Becker of the The [b] School and Jasmine Star. In fact Jasmine is giving away 6 free spots in a live wedding workshop in Seattle that will also be broadcast over the web. She, like you, is a awesome photog who is motivated to help others discover their full photography potential. She VERY insperational too. I got to see her speak last fall and still feel the stirrings in my soul from the things she talked about. Here are the links if you are interested, http://www.jasminestarblog.com/ http://blog.thebecker.com/
Posted by: kaydrenth | July 14, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Wow Karen...that looks like so much fun!! Your shots are AWESOME...i love them all! What time of day were you shooting in?
Posted by: Tracy | July 14, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Beautiful children,props and photos.I am so glad you included that pic of you all trying to get the shot.I was wondering what it had been like,as you'd never guess from your shots,or the teachers blog.
Posted by: Karen Aldrin | July 14, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Amazing shots! So excited for you! We should never stop learning...when you stop learning new things, you get stagnant. Stay Fresh! Great Stuff! Please keep teaching more, so we can keep learning along with ya!
Posted by: Jennifer S. | July 14, 2010 at 01:23 PM
Those last few images were absolutely precious! Never heard of the Meadowbrook Farm, but funny enough.. my brother was married at a Meadowbrook Farm right here in Vermont on June 19th! :)
Posted by: Tammy Mellish | July 14, 2010 at 01:27 PM
I'm SO JEALOUS!!! I'd have loved to have gone, but it didn't work with my schedule...I've been coveting that workshop for ages! :)
Glad you had a fun time - love the pics!!!!
Posted by: Kristy Klaassen Photography | July 14, 2010 at 01:34 PM
looks like it was an awesome workshop!!! I hope you might implement some of your new learned material in your upcomming classes *hint hint* I just love the editing techniques she uses~so stunning!!!
Posted by: Gretchen | July 14, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Beautiful shots!
Posted by: TerriB in Oregon | July 14, 2010 at 01:53 PM
That looks like so much fun, and I LOVE your shot of the little girl with the bird's nest.
Posted by: dmatthews | July 14, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Don't we all need to learn from others new ways to do things. Thanks for wanting to learn!Your shots are beautiful. I checked out Barb's sight, you're great!
Posted by: Carrie P | July 14, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Ooooh--what an idyllic setting. Made for gorgeous pictures!!! And your photo editing too...Nellie, you're the greatest!!! :)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | July 14, 2010 at 02:48 PM
These are fantastic shots! Incredibly beautiful. I love that you did this, and I'm sure you are energized (although physically run-down) with many ideas. It's great that you got to take in a new perspective.
Posted by: Christine Edwards | July 14, 2010 at 03:02 PM
Karen these photos are wonderful. You will let us in on lense, etc. Tell your friend if she ever needs to teach using a wonderfully colored bird. My cousin lives in Kalisprell and raision peacoks. They are gorgeous. Miss you, Judy
Posted by: Judy Webb | July 14, 2010 at 04:06 PM
And I love that you share your love and your talents and your beautiful family with others. You are a precious resource. Beautiful shots.
Posted by: janel | July 14, 2010 at 05:17 PM
The shots are beautiful and definetly you, your brand. I like your style! It's not molded.
And thank you for this post, its very timely for me. A blessing. I've decided to finally put myself out there as a photographer and not just a hobbyist. I'll be taking my first workshop and have started networking with other photographers. It's very intimidating to shoot with the "big dogs". And I wondered what it will be like for me to scrunch some space in a workshop..do they take turns, are they polite? "No you first." "No you please, before me." lol. Thank you for your honest account.
Posted by: Magalie | July 14, 2010 at 05:46 PM
Oh I love her.. you did an awesome job.. Lord knows I would have just been a wallflower .. I don't think you should ever stop learning.. I just need to win the lottery so I can afford some of these classes!!! awwhhh Karen Russell you Rock!
Posted by: teresa b | July 14, 2010 at 05:52 PM
WOW! I am jealous! I am sure you had an awesome time! I LOVE LOVE LOVE her actions. If only I could use them like she does....that would be amazing! These shots are beautiful!
Posted by: Lauren | July 14, 2010 at 07:39 PM
Thank you for your classes!
Posted by: Martine | July 14, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Gorgeous...thank you for inspiring me with lovely lovely things! I think I want to move to Montana now. I love the butts shots, I would have been too shy to get into that mess!
Posted by: Junelle | July 14, 2010 at 09:11 PM
AWE inspiring! Thanks, I too am a student of life. What I want to learn I take a class or workshop. What I want to develop I take even more classes/workshops. I love your photos... I too take photos for myself and my family.
I love the shot of the little girl in the tub with all the photographer's shooting her... It's adorable.
Posted by: Robin | July 15, 2010 at 05:23 AM
I think my brain is developing dyslexia. I read Jennifer S.'s comment which said, "When you stop learning new things you get stagnant," ----but I read 'you get pregnant'.
Anyway. I want to hear every single DETAILl of the workshop. Take as long as you like.
Posted by: nancy in ks | July 15, 2010 at 06:11 AM
Three cheers for continuing education!
Posted by: Ally | July 15, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Love these photos Karen... you're truly my idol!
Posted by: Mickee | July 15, 2010 at 08:09 AM
Oh, by the way, part of my continuing education is to invest on your Making the Shot lessons... I hope another one is in plan (hint, hint)... ;)
Posted by: Mickee | July 15, 2010 at 08:10 AM
Awesome snapshots!!
Posted by: Jennifer Camplin | July 15, 2010 at 09:45 AM
amazing snapshots!!
Posted by: Jennifer Camplin | July 15, 2010 at 09:47 AM
These are gorgeous... I don't think you have anything to change in these edits.. they are just so lovely. Are you still shooting in jpg or back to raw? Does that change how you edit a lot? My favorite shot is the one of the little girl holding the birds nest.
Posted by: Eva | July 15, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Oh my. The composition and exposure in the shots are magnificant. Beautiful.
Posted by: Penny | July 15, 2010 at 12:44 PM
I am attending the Jinky workshop in Pittsburgh and I'm so excited. Thank you for sharing your thoughts; I think it helps me prepare better. Your photos are beautiful.
Posted by: JodyM | July 15, 2010 at 09:27 PM
Great pix Karen!! I love the shots with the long grass or wheat (whatever it is). Very pretty! Whatever you are doing for editing it is working!!!
Posted by: Carolyn Hall | July 16, 2010 at 08:21 AM
I absolutely love your photos. We bought a Nikon D60 last year and all I know how to do with it is point and shoot. I know, such a waste of camera, I just can't figure out for the life of me how to do anything else :-(
Posted by: Tracie | July 16, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Wonderful pictures! We feel so blessed to have such talented people taking pictures of our kids. Now what are we supposed to do...go back to Picture People, Sears?? NEVER!
Really nice work. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Jdmerth | July 17, 2010 at 05:04 PM
Wow, that is so wonderful that you went to Barb's workshop!. I love that you value your passion so much to go to and pay for a workshop that mostly only professionals attend. Gets me thinking...
Posted by: JaymeF | July 19, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Great shots and you weren't even the pushy one. It was a once in a lifetime experience where everything just came together.
Posted by: bev | July 19, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Eeek! The kissy face shot! Love it.
Posted by: Visty | July 22, 2010 at 08:51 PM
We love you being a student too. We in turn learn from you:) We benenfit also.
Posted by: Melanie | July 29, 2010 at 08:36 AM
The prosecution claim that Ben-Yakar humiliated the student in front of the passengers and said among other Regulators should focus on spotting emerging problems and suppressing them quickly before they can do much harm - "that doesn't mean waiting for three years for new legislation, but using available tools and easdfnlisting relevant partners and getting into it quickly, devising a solution ..."
and don't even belong here."
Posted by: Supra Shoes | May 13, 2011 at 12:12 AM
These photos are absolutely incredible! They look more beautiful than commercial photos. And with regards to continuing your education, you're very fortunate to experience that. I seriously want to study again, but I'm very busy with my work and family. :[
Posted by: Jenna Schrock | November 08, 2011 at 12:27 PM