I just returned from a fabulous week in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico with Ms. Phoebe Joy. Boy, was it hard to leave the clear aqua ocean, warm sandy beaches, and deliciously fresh seafood. I ate an abundance of octopus tacos and cerviche. But I’m glad to be back and I’m finally posting some photos from the San Luis Obispo photography workshop I attended last month. Day one, we shot a themed engagement session, complete with croquet, tandem bikes, sports cars, and a truck load of oranges on the beach. Themed engagement sessions = pure brilliance. I wish I thought of a theme for my own engagement session!

Onto the photos:

We’ve all heard the quote, “Follow your dreams,” so often, it’s down right cheesy. Maybe it’s cheesy because it’s so impractical–one of those phrases people say, but never do. The act of chasing dreams usually involves uncomfortable situations, like letting go of financial security and failing miserably a million times before getting things right.

I’ve never been one to venture out of my comfort zone. Failure wasn’t an option for me because I was too fearful to try new things to fail at. I lived my life numbly, filling my time with hobbies and interests instead of purpose and passion. Then, in 2007, I married to a man who believed in me.

Andrew is someone I’d label a true idealist. He doesn’t believe in living a life without purpose. All of his decisions are intentional, from his $2 drugstore purchases to each minute that he spends on the internet. Being married to someone who lives purposefully, one can’t help but strive to live less frivolously. And, when a man who is incredibly intentional with his time and money tells me he believes in me and wants us both to invest in me… well, I have to believe in myself too.

Last year, I took a step of faith; I photographed my first wedding. The first step was the scariest. Each consecutive step became easier. Before I knew it, I looked back and realized that I had photographed five weddings! And, I loved every minute of them. I adore being around people in love. As a wife myself, I believe in marriage. A healthy marriage will bring joy and growth in ways no other relationship can offer. I know the character building trials of making decisions in a partnership. I’ve experienced firsthand the joy of having someone believe in me and I’ve felt the security of beling loved unconditionally. Capturing these emotions in images is a passion and a privilege.

This year, I’m taking a leap of faith. I know what I want even if I don’t know how to get there. If I fail, I’ll fail big, get up, and start over. But, I’m not letting fear stop me from living passionately. I’ve let fear have its way for thirty years already and now I refuse to let mediocrity win. So, here I am, following my dreams.

Above is another photo I snapped during Mike Larson’s winter workshop. I like this image, but I hope in two years, I will look back at it and realize how much I’ve progressed.

This week, I had the privilege to attend a workshop hosted by Mike Larson and his team down in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. They are a warm and wonderful bunch of people who welcomed fifteen strangers into their studio and poured out their hearts and knowledge to us. I feel inspired, yet overwhelmed, challenged and affirmed, all at once. It’s an exciting place to be.

If you’re a photographer looking for a fresh perspective for your business, I highly recommend Mike’s workshop. If you’re a newbie, like me, his workshop is one of the wisest investments you’ll make into your business. I’m looking forward to establishing a strong foundation in my business–and in my life–using the principles Mike taught us.

Here’s a teaser from the workshop. More to come soon!