Business isn't my favorite topic (photography is), but there's some exciting stuff going on for me and I wanted to share:
1. I'm teaching my first, four-day Hometown Workshop to a group of past students in just a few weeks. It's something I've wanted to do for years now, but could never find the time. And honestly, I probably never would have done it if this group of students hadn't been so persistent in their request for me to teach one - so thanks guys for pushing me and this little dream of mine outside of my comfort zone and into reality. Will share more details later. (For now, this is something I'm just offering to past students and much to my surprise, the workshops are already booked full through 2013.)
2. I've got an article in the premiere issue of Click that is coming out in October from Clickin Moms and am prettty dang excited about it.
3. I'm going to be on The Paperclipping Roundtable along with Tracey Clark (the founder of Shutter Sisters) and Katrina Kennedy (who does Capture Your 365) tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pacific Time and I wasn't all that nervous about it until I heard that they're expecting about 4,000 listeners. (When I get nervous, I typically either clam up or say lots of stupid things - should be interesting.)
4. I've been doing some crafty stuff in my scrapbook room in preparation for the Hometown Workshop (Had to dust the cobwebs out of there first.) and I had forgotten how much I love having paint and ink and glue all over my hands. I swear I'm going to start scrapbooking again. Honest-engine.
5. I'm embarrassingly behind on emails and culling photos, so my apologies to all of you that have been waiting weeks (possibly months) on an email from me and to my family who is waiting for me to post all the photos from my Aunt Kelly's visit. Not sure when I'm going to get caught up on either. (Blame it on those girls that talked me into teaching The Hometown Workshop - they're the reason I'm so busy.)
6. My next online workshop is starting in three weeks. All the regular seats are sold out, but I'll open back up the registration for anyone who wants to audit. The ONLY difference between regular students and auditing students is that I do not evaluate assignments for auditing students, but auditing is typically ideal for students who want to work at their own pace. (Note that this will be my last online workhop in 2012.) Hope you gals in the September class are looking forward to it as much as I am.
And I think I'll do a drawing for one of those auditing seats...
So if you'd like to audit the upcoming, online Photographers' Workshop, just leave a comment in the comment section under this post and I'll draw a winner sometime on Wednesday.
And a photo, because I could never post without one...
I wish I was coming to your workshop. Please offer it again! I'd love an auditing seat in your workshop. I finished my CPA exams (and passed), so I'd have more time to focus!!
Posted by: Andria | August 13, 2012 at 07:57 AM
Hi Karen! I would love to audit your course! Always gain tons of inspiration for you. Congrats on all the fun stuff happening for you!
Posted by: Amy | August 13, 2012 at 08:01 AM
I took your course in 2007 and would love to get a chance to audit again to refresh my skills!
I listen to PRT all the time. You'll be great. There's always lots of laughter with Noell and the guests seem to have fun and show a real, human side to themselves. Have fun with it!!
Posted by: Lesa | August 13, 2012 at 08:06 AM
Make that 4001 listening to the Roundtable now! You'll do great!!
I would love a chance to win an auditing seat in your workshop! This is so
awesome of you to give away! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Lisa A | August 13, 2012 at 08:11 AM
Yay for the Papercliipping gig! Karen - I have to tell you - my 12yo has issues with calming down/anxiety at bedtime, and I've discovered she adores your blog. We've been reading it at night, going back into the archives. She loves reading about your kids, and is really loving your strength and spirit! You, my dear, are giving life lessons to a certain 12 year old girl :)
Posted by: Kirsten J | August 13, 2012 at 08:12 AM
Hi Karen,
I would love to audit your course as well, I'd take it fully if I could afford it but I don't see that happening in the very near future, so winning it would be a huge blessing.
Also, thanks so much for posting photos of whatever you're doing, I love your photos, but I actually enjoy and am continually encouraged by your story even more than your photos. You have a gift, and God gave it to you for a purpose and I think you're doing exactly what he called you to do. I just wonder how many people you've impacted for Him through this blog. Bless you as you pour yourself out to fill others up!
Posted by: Robyn | August 13, 2012 at 08:12 AM
I would love to audit your workshop!
Posted by: Jane | August 13, 2012 at 08:13 AM
I'd love to audit your course or maybe someday attend your workshop in person. I can dream right? Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Sara Green-Anderson | August 13, 2012 at 08:15 AM
I would absolutely LOVE to audit your workshop! :)
Posted by: Tori | August 13, 2012 at 08:15 AM
I would love to audit a workshop. Thanks!
Posted by: Kim Johnson | August 13, 2012 at 08:21 AM
My friend, Jen, is attending your Hometown Workshop and she is beyond excited for it. She is waiting for me to take your online workshop, and maybe this is finally the time.
Posted by: Cathy S | August 13, 2012 at 08:22 AM
Will i ever get to meet you in person? Probably not. :( I am dying to take a class with you...oh, that auditing class...I am assuming it includes that AWESOME binder you give everyone right?? :)
Posted by: borcherding | August 13, 2012 at 08:28 AM
I would love a chance to audit your workshop. I love your photography and have learned so much just by reading your blog!
Posted by: Sue Miller | August 13, 2012 at 08:30 AM
I would LOVE to audit! It would be a great opportunity to learn from you. Exciting!
Posted by: Claire | August 13, 2012 at 08:31 AM
oh my goodness gracious, would love to be "included" in auditing your workshop!! what a wonderful start to my "let's get going" mantra that will happen in my live, our lives as a family as we head into Sept. love, love, love summer and enjoying the sun, but when fall rolls around, it's time to get things done!!
thanks so much for the opportunity!
Posted by: Sandy VDV | August 13, 2012 at 08:34 AM
I'd LOVE to audit your class...it's been on my wish-list to take a class of yours for what seems like FOREVER! It just seems like something that's deemed "more important" to use the money on always comes up.
Posted by: Renee S | August 13, 2012 at 08:43 AM
I'd love to audit!!
Posted by: Lacey | August 13, 2012 at 08:44 AM
I would LOVE to audit your class, Karen! Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot!
Posted by: Trina | August 13, 2012 at 08:45 AM
I would love to win an auditing seat in your class! LOVE your photo skills and I know I could learn a lot:)!
Posted by: Charlene | August 13, 2012 at 08:49 AM
Ooh, I would love to audit your class. Lord knows I can't afford to pay for it with a husband deployed and I'm paying for my son's braces today! :)
Posted by: Nicky H | August 13, 2012 at 08:49 AM
I would SO love to win an audit seat. Thank you!!!
Posted by: deAnne | August 13, 2012 at 08:52 AM
I would love to win that seat in your audit class - and it would PUSH me to actually learn more about taking awesome photos! Thanks for your generosity, Karen!
Posted by: Crystal | August 13, 2012 at 08:59 AM
Good luck on the Paperclipping gig! And I would love to win an auditing spot!
Posted by: wendy | August 13, 2012 at 08:59 AM
Congrats on all the great things you have going on lately! One of these times I would LOVE to come out to your hometown workshop! You are such an inspiration Karen! Thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer Fike | August 13, 2012 at 09:00 AM
I would love to have the opportunity to audit your upcoming class!
Posted by: Pamela Quan | August 13, 2012 at 09:04 AM
Thanks for the chance to win an auditing spot for your class!
Posted by: Shelley | August 13, 2012 at 09:04 AM
Can't wait for your PRT episode to go live!
Posted by: ninarsku | August 13, 2012 at 09:11 AM
Would love to win. I'm so inspired by your photography.
Posted by: Janelle | August 13, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Have I told you that your class is a dream of mine ??? Maybe when the Kids are big and I am workin I can afford it! But for now I will cross my finger that I get picked!!!! Eeeee I hope I get picked!!!!
Posted by: Katy | August 13, 2012 at 09:25 AM
I hope you get un busy... I know the feeling right now too. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Jennifer C | August 13, 2012 at 09:25 AM
I would love a seat in your September class! I was going to comment anyway cause when you said you were going to start scrapbooking again, I let out a woop woop!!! Can't wait to see what you do chick. You're awesome!!
Posted by: Rachel Millington | August 13, 2012 at 09:27 AM
I was going to post a comment before the give-away, so bonus! :)
I'm SO EXCITED to hear you on PRT! I love listening to that show and I can't wait to hear your spin on the topics! And that's a great line-up, should be super exciting. Good luck!
Posted by: Caroline D | August 13, 2012 at 09:34 AM
I'd love to audit your class. I've been wanting to sign up as a full student for awhile but the timing never seems to work out for me. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Posted by: Mernin | August 13, 2012 at 09:41 AM
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (you get the point) to have an auditing seat in one of your classes! Pick Me! Pick Me! Oh, and thanks for the reminder about ordering Click!
Posted by: allison | August 13, 2012 at 09:43 AM
Your class has been on my wish-list for years! I'd love to win an auditing seat!
Posted by: Ashley | August 13, 2012 at 09:43 AM
Karen - I love the PRT! You will be awesome on the show. I can't wait to hear what you all discuss. :)
Posted by: Tammy Eberhard | August 13, 2012 at 09:53 AM
I would love to audit your upcoming class and learn more about how you approach photography!
Posted by: Candace L | August 13, 2012 at 09:54 AM
I would so love to audit your class! Now that the kids are getting older it's time to do something for me.
Posted by: Lori B. | August 13, 2012 at 10:06 AM
I would love to audit your workshop! It would be such a treat.
Posted by: Julie G | August 13, 2012 at 10:08 AM
So glad I came to check in today! :) I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to win an audit spot. I'd like to try to capture more pictures of my kiddos, as you posed late last week, they grow up SO fast!!
Posted by: Traci | August 13, 2012 at 10:11 AM
I would love the opportunity to audit your class. AND I love the photo you posted today.
Posted by: Lynn | August 13, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Of course I'd love to audit your course!
Posted by: Leslie | August 13, 2012 at 10:13 AM
I love your blog and would be so excited to win the seat to audit your class!
Posted by: Jill W | August 13, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Thank you for the chance to win an auditing seat in your class!!! I dream of attending your workshop as well... You are so inspirational!
Posted by: Xin | August 13, 2012 at 10:16 AM
look forward to hearing you on PRT! Thanks for the chance to win the auditing spot!
Posted by: pj | August 13, 2012 at 10:20 AM
I would love to audit :)
Posted by: marie | August 13, 2012 at 10:28 AM
Would love to win an auditing seat....(I am saving my money for your weekend workshop) LOL. Good luck with all your upcoming busy-ness.
Posted by: Misty-rn | August 13, 2012 at 10:37 AM
My dream would be able to attend a workshop held by you in person!!! I am sure it will be wonderful. You are always an inspiration.
Posted by: Laura | August 13, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Awesome photo of your babies! I just bought a Nikon DSLR...now I need to figure out how to use it!
Posted by: Colleen | August 13, 2012 at 10:40 AM
I would love to win an audit seat. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Andrea Wilson | August 13, 2012 at 10:41 AM
This would be a dream come true!
Posted by: Amy Whitehorn | August 13, 2012 at 10:45 AM
I would live to audit your class!
Posted by: Jennifer Johnson | August 13, 2012 at 10:47 AM
That is the most gorgeous photo! You should blow it up onto a canvas.
I'd love to learn more about photography from you. Your class is on my wish list.
debsusee@yahoo.com
Posted by: debbie susee | August 13, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Your course sounds great! I love your photos. This fall I am going to focus on learning more about my camera and get some photos on the walls!
Posted by: Jodi R | August 13, 2012 at 10:53 AM
I would love the opportunity to audit your class and refresh the skills. Last time, life just got in the way and I didn't get to follow through. Thanks for the opportunity...and have a GREAT time with your Hometown Workshops!!
Posted by: Tracey A. in NH | August 13, 2012 at 10:56 AM
I'd live to audit your course. You've been so inspiring to me over the years.
Posted by: Elisa T. | August 13, 2012 at 10:57 AM
You taught me everything I know about photography, along with some of the other amazing workshop members. I would recommend your workshop to anyone, and I would love to get the chance to audit a class and make lots of new friends again.
Posted by: Karen Aldrin | August 13, 2012 at 11:06 AM
I would love to audit the class. I need a refresher! Thank you!
Posted by: Sunny | August 13, 2012 at 11:09 AM
You are a busy lady! I'd love to win a spot for your class!
Posted by: Shelby A. | August 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM
I would love a chance to audit your class. Thank you.
Posted by: Lori C | August 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM
I would love to audit your class ... Thanks you!
Posted by: Carol | August 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Thanks for the chance to win - xx
Posted by: Louise Fortune | August 13, 2012 at 11:24 AM
I would love to audit your workshop!
Posted by: Connie K | August 13, 2012 at 11:25 AM
I would love the chance to audit your workshop!! And I am a paperclipping fan, so I am looking forward to your episode!
Posted by: Kelly Boettcher | August 13, 2012 at 11:27 AM
I would LOOOOOOOOOVE to audit your course! I am in love with your photos and fam (and no, not in a creepy, stalker-ish kind of way...in an "I think you could be my friend" kind of way) :)
Posted by: Cristy | August 13, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Would LOVE to audit a spot:)
Posted by: Stacey Wakelin | August 13, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Maybe auditing your class will get me to pick up my Canon again. Thanks; thanks for the re-visit on the scraproom - it is awesome of course.
Posted by: Susan | August 13, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Yes please!! I'd love to audit your next class.
Posted by: Jo E | August 13, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I would LOVE to have an auditing spot in your next class ~ Would give me another reason to keep shooting!
Posted by: Stephanie Raye | August 13, 2012 at 11:43 AM
Couldn't afford the class this time around so being able to participate in this way would be so exciting!! Love your photography and blog as well as Erin's. Thanks for the chance!!
Posted by: Lori A. | August 13, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Crossing my audit fingers. :) Hee!
Posted by: Tanya A | August 13, 2012 at 11:46 AM
I love you!
I would love to audit!!
Posted by: jen | August 13, 2012 at 11:48 AM
Thanks for the opportunity to win a "seat" in the class to audit. I think that would be the pace that would work for me...SLOW!!
Posted by: Dawn Young | August 13, 2012 at 11:56 AM
I would love to audit a class!
You always amaze me.
Posted by: Julie | August 13, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Congrats on your upcoming class! I would LOVE to audit your class! It would be good timing since I wasn't able to register for college classes this semester and all my littles are starting school themselves. :)
Posted by: Denise | August 13, 2012 at 12:13 PM
I haven't been inspired to work on my photography for a long time (thanks to a long bout with illness) this could be just the thing to pick me up again! Love your blog and the girls who get to do classes with you in person are so lucky!
Posted by: Kate | August 13, 2012 at 12:14 PM
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to audit your upcomming class!!!
Posted by: Amie | August 13, 2012 at 12:21 PM
oh how I would love to be in one of your classes again. you are such an inspiration.
fingers crossed for you picking me!
Posted by: martha hernandez | August 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM
I feel like I am in elementary school again with my hand raised as I as I could, flailing it left and right, my bottom up out of my seat saying, "Ooohh!!!! ooooh!!!! Pic me!! Pic me!!!! " Hopefully the teacher will call on me this time!! =) I would LOVE to audit your class!!
Posted by: Bobbilee | August 13, 2012 at 12:29 PM
I would love, love, love to audit your workshop - many thanks!
Posted by: Carolina | August 13, 2012 at 12:34 PM
i would love love love love to win an auditing seat!! thank you Karen!
Posted by: sasha farina | August 13, 2012 at 12:35 PM
maybe it's my lucky day :)
Posted by: karen | August 13, 2012 at 12:36 PM
since i need a refresher and my birthday is in Sept-- I'd love to win!!!! Fabulous!
Posted by: colette | August 13, 2012 at 12:37 PM
thanks for the chance Karen....would so love to win a spot!
Posted by: suew | August 13, 2012 at 12:40 PM
I would love an auditing spot in your class. I need some serious photography butt kicking right now.
Posted by: Nicole | August 13, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Would Love to Audit your class! Have a great time wit your workshop, what a lucky group!
Posted by: Kelly S | August 13, 2012 at 12:49 PM
OOOOhhhh, I would love to win this!!! And I NEED to win this...I need to sharpen my skills before Christmas Card photo shoots.
Thanks so much!!!
Posted by: Reagan | August 13, 2012 at 12:58 PM
SO SO wish I would have been able to the workshop...cannot wait to see photos from it.....I will be listening to you on Paperclipping...you will be awesome! The lucky students in your new class...what a perfect time to start anew. Thinking of you and just loved the photo of the kids heading to the beach!
Posted by: janel | August 13, 2012 at 01:01 PM
UGH For the love of all things... photo-related. I would do anything for an auditing spot! ANYTHING! Best of luck in the roundtable!
Posted by: brianne sheppard | August 13, 2012 at 01:05 PM
I would love to audit your class! i can totally relate to your nervousness, except you could add crying to my list of reactions of nerves!
Posted by: amyellen | August 13, 2012 at 01:20 PM
I will definitely be listening in! And it would be so awesome to audit one of your classes! I have wanted to take your class for years but always find something else to spend the money on...like diapers and student loans! ;) My husband is also a civil engineer..the price we pay for a undergrad and graduate degree!
Posted by: Lacey | August 13, 2012 at 01:20 PM
me me!! What a great honor it would be to come back and learn again! :)
Posted by: Emily | August 13, 2012 at 01:25 PM
I am so excited that you will be on PRT! You will be awesome! I would absolutely love to win a spot to audit your class! I took one of your scrapbook classes years ago in CT and absolutely loved it!
Posted by: JennyB | August 13, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Awesome! I'd love to take your class! And the hometown workshop sounds like so much fun!
Posted by: Addie | August 13, 2012 at 01:29 PM
Yes please!! I would love the class
Posted by: Christa H | August 13, 2012 at 01:30 PM
I very much enjoy your pictures and blog, thanks for the time and effort that you put into them. Include me in the group that would love to audit your class.
Posted by: Roxanne | August 13, 2012 at 01:35 PM
Me. Me. Pick me. I would love it !!
Posted by: Jodie | August 13, 2012 at 01:38 PM
I hope your hometown workshop is a huge success 'cause I want you to keep doing them so I can join you one of these times.
Posted by: Jennifer j | August 13, 2012 at 01:40 PM
I am soooo happy to know that you will be on paper Clipping Roundtable. Cant wait to listen. I love the show!!
Posted by: Jersey Girl Anne | August 13, 2012 at 01:46 PM
I would love love to audit your upcoming class- you're a HUGE inspiration to me.
Posted by: Lindsay | August 13, 2012 at 01:46 PM