I can’t believe it is over.

To say I had fun would be such an understatement. I had some incredible times hearing friends play guitar and running up to strangers asking to be models,  sitting on a rooftop bars taking in the view and being in a crowded room waiting for delicious pizza.  None of that has to do anything with a photographer’s workshop, and that’s the point. Conversations were the peak of this whole weekend for me. I had a chance to truly sit down and hear about experiences in San Fransisco and in Vermont. I had a chance to reconnect with old friends that I ‘ve seen for three years in a row. I had a chance to see incredible photographers teach for their first time, and open about their experiences with broken hearts and suicide, as tears fell from each and one of our faces. I had so many incredible moments that I need new adjectives to describe them. Even when my voice was shaky from nervousness I knew that it would be alright. This workshop was such a labor of love, and I cannot thank Janel Peyton for all of her hard work and dedication.

Portland was full of collaborations and teamwork and just so much RAD. Experiences are hard to replicate, but I truly hope that this is just the start for our – In person, mini-conference-style workshops, that’s a mouthful I know. Next year we are headed to Austin. I cannot wait to unveil the line up of teachers. We are adding a focus on Business+ Marketing from an insanely talented wife+ husband team (to be announced soon), and having, even more, learning and shooting opportunities. Our Mini sessions we’re a hit and we are also bringing those back with new teachers. Plus we can’t forget about the awesome time spent relaxing and sipping on wine at our First Annual, Showcase Gallery. It was sponsored by the incredible WHCC company, they are one of my favorites and they went above and beyond for us. All of our sponsors killed us with kindness.

I think success in most cases is based on how well each person feels heard and seen. I hope we achieved that in Portland. I hope everyone felt that there was a space for them and that they left with so much confidence.  I’m sorry Portland threw some crappy weather on us, but everyone made the absolute best of it.

Cheers to new friends!

words by Adri De La Cruz

DAY ONE –

Images of the Freelensing Mini session Taught by (me) Adri De Lacruz 

credit-Allie Wilson. 

Images During Sandy Fale’s Street Photography Mini session. 

credit-  Allie Wilson

 Images during Allie Wilson’s Double Exposure Mini session 

credit – Leanna Azzolini 

Images during Janel Peyton’s self Portrait Mini session

 

credit Allie Wilson 

Credit-Stephanie Mcnally 

 

Credit – LeAnna Azzolini 

GETTING READY TO SPEAK !

 

S  H O W C A S E  G A L L E R Y | presented by WHCC 

 

Credit-Stepanie Mcnally 

credit- Kristy Westerndorp 

DAY TWO

Bagel, coffee, and social media, art class and much more. We started the day at the Daily Beast Studio With Kristy Burell teaching and ended with a little bit of traveling to a client’s home for an At-home session, taught by Adri De La Cruz.

credit- Last four images Allie Wilson

Credit-Kristy Westendorp 

Credit- Sara Blanco 

Last two images Stephanie Mcnally 

 

Last two images – Credit LeAnna Azzolini 

Credit- Allie Wilson 

 

 

DAY THREE

We took a drive to the beautiful coast, there were some tears, we won’t lie. The beauty of this coast was outstanding, otherworldly. If you have a chance to visit do, please. We finished the day with three sessions from Brittany Dejesus, Kerlyn Van Gelder, and Jayme Ford.

 

 

Last 3 images LeAnna Azzolini 

 

 

Credit- Kristy Westendorp 

 

Credit- Kristy Westendorp 

Credit- Allie Wilson 

 

IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR YOU’RE THE REAL MVP! STAY TUNNED FOR AUSTIN DETAILS COMING NEXT MONTH!