Happy Friday! I wanted to thank Me Ra, Brian and Sara France for hosting the ASK & LEARN last night! I learned SO MUCH! When Sara talked about how to approach building a portfolio when you are just starting out, I was blown away! She definitely inspired me to DREAM BIG!

I would love to nominate myself (wow, I have never done anything like this before). I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, who was always the point and shoot photographer in the family. I loved pictures, but photography, was never anything I thought I was good at. I just took pictures. Five years ago, my life took a dramatic change. I fell on some black ice, and what followed was 4 hand surgeries and job loss, and I now live with chronic right hand and nerve pain. The disability has changed my life. But as bad as the days and pain can be, there has also been a blessing. My love of photography grew. I wasn’t just taking pictures anymore, I was making and capturing memories and moments especially in the lives of my grandkids and family. I had no idea what I was doing, but I somehow, caught the expressions, and moments, and would get pictures, that people would really love. I just turned 54 years old. I will never be able to hold down a full time job, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t leave my mark on this world. I wish that this love for photography, I would have found in my 20’s. But I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that when a door closes, another opens. I am not too old, to really learn photography, learn my camera, and start taking, just not okay pictures, but great pictures. This workshop would be the blessing, I could use, to help me down this new road, that God is taking me on. It’s impact would help out my family financially, boost a dented self-esteem, and let me leave my small mark in this world, not just in the lives of my family, but in the lives of friends and even friends I have yet to meet. The workshop would also connect me with MeRa, Brian, and women with the same love and passion, and give me the chance to grow new friendships. What greater blessing would anyone want. I would love for you to consider me for this Confidence workshop, it seems it would be just what the doctor ordered…Blessings…Debbie

I would like to nominate Amy Oyler. She is a loving wife and mother to three children (two boys and a girl). She is one of the most inspiring women I know and I would love to share her story with you. She runs her own photography business from home, Legacy Photo & Design and her work is simply amazing. This is actually how I came about to know her…we are clients of hers.

This last month marked the 7th anniversary of her miscarriage. In fact, Amy herself almost died during the baby’s delivery. One month after losing their baby, she wrote a letter and she recently shared it on her facebook page. It touched me for many reasons. Most importantly, though, for someone to share their loss and to put their feelings out in the open for everyone to see really takes courage.

Losing a child is one of the hardest things a mother can go through. It was losing their baby girl, though, that led them down a different path: adoption. They decided to adopt a baby girl who was in need of a family and they couldn’t be more thrilled to have her. Amy is also a volunteer for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization.In addition to everything she’s done, throughout the year she offers mini-sessions with the session fees going to various charities. She puts so much energy into her work and family that I know she deserves to enjoy something for herself.

I would like to include a few excerpts from her very personal letter that she shared:

“It comforts me to know that she died in a safe warm place and I believe she knew of my love for her. I talked to her, and I sang to her, I read the bible to her. I was a good momma for the short time I got to help her grow into what God wanted her to be…

… I know that heaven is a place of great joy. There can be nothing better than being in the presence of our creator; a light so bright that there is neither sun nor moon. But I can’t fathom that, I can’t wrap my worldly mind around it. Being held in the arms of someone who loves you, that I get…

…I wrote this at the one-month anniversary of losing our child. It’s not the beginning of the story and it’s not the end. It’s not the daddy’s story, the brother’s story or even the nana’s story, just the momma. That’s me.”

I second that Natasha. I have watched Imene’s photography journey in the last six months or so. I know she would benefit greatly from the experience of the Confidence Workshop. Her work is already amazing, but hanging with you guys and the other Confidence attendees would be fabulous for her. I was disappointed that she was not able to make the journey to DC with us.

I would love to think that she could have the opportunity to learn from you guys, and what better place to do it than in NJ.

My fingers and toes are crossed for her.

Debbie

I would like to nominate Imene. I don’t know if I can since I am outside the States but I knew Imene since she was a little baby and now she is a wonderful woman and she deserves to be acknowledged for her courage, devotion and commitment for anything she undertakes in her private, family and public life.

I wish to nominate my sister, Debbie Meier. She has photos throughout her house and just loves photography. A few years back she had a fall and broke her wrist and the doctor messed up her arm so now after multiple surgeries no one can touch it or any clothing without severe pain. She is unable to work but because of her not giving up attitude she tries to continue taking her pictures which is the “second” love of her life. Her children and grandchildren and the rest of the family are plastered on her walls. She has always wanted to be able to attend a workshop to learn the things that she just doesn’t know and this would be such a wonderful gift for her and a wish come true. I don’t have the means to send her some where but i truly would appreciate it if you would consider her a very serious person that would only be an asset at your workshop. Those of us her would be the beneficiaries of what she learns. Your consideration is much appreciated! She loves photos. i wish you could see some! Thank you!

I nominate my wife, Jennifer LaSante. She was feeling lost with her life until see found photography. Right now, photography is one of the driving forces in her life aside from our two darling children. Our newborn son recently had to go through heart surgery due to a congenital heart defect that he was born with. That put quite a toll on her heart as well as mine. He is well now and loved very much. She has taken awesome pictures of him and our daughter.

My wife, though a strong woman, always lacked self confidence no matter how much I tell her how wonderful I know she is. When she stumbled upon Me Ra Koh’s website and blog and read about her CONFIDENCE workshop, she did not stop talking about her or it. She swore she would go to the workshop when we could afford it and when it was in New York (or at least near the Bronx where we live).

I wish I could just go to the bank and foot the bill but the cost is hard for a family of four who live on one paycheck by paycheck. My wife’s personal passion is photography and I would love to turn her gray skies (because of personal issues) into clouds with a silver lining by telling her she is going to the workshop.

I know my wife deserves to go and she and her photography skills would benefit immensely from this workshop.

Good luck to everyone and have fun

Jimi= woodworker2090@yahoo.com
Jennifer= stargazerchick11@aol.com

I forgot to add my email in my nomination for Susan Weeks..it is Dzny5@yahoo.com PLEASE consider her for this awesome opportunity!!! Our family is really pulling for her to win this!

I nominate my mother, Susan Weeks. She has devoted her life to raising a family. She has three children and now three grandchildren. Her new passion is taking photographs of her family. She spends days taking the “perfect” picture of all of her kids and grand kids. My sisters and I are incredibly lucky to have such a loving, caring, and selfless mom that has pushed us, nurtured us, cared for us, loved us, and provided us with all that we needed to become who we are today. Now our children are blessed enough to have a wonderful grandmother to spoil them and document their lives and accomplishments through photography. All of our home’s walls are covered with her incredible work. I know that she would gain and utilize new techniques and tricks that would further fuel her passion for photography. (bdw20782@yahoo.com)

I would like to nominate my mom, Susan Weeks. Words cannot even describe how deserving of this opportunity my mother is. She gives so much of her love and time to others; she rarely has enough time or energy to do anything for herself. She is a passionate woman whose main concern is family. She calls my sister, my brother, and I frequently to make sure we are doing well and to hear about our day. She also takes any available opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, one of which she drives two hours to see on her days off. Not only is my mother concerned about her children and grandchildren, she also cares for her own mother. She frequently visits her home after work to assure her well-being, and to organize her medications so she can take them independently.

At work, my mom cares for pre-school aged children with the diagnosis of autism. She works in a classroom specifically designed to help children with autism become as independent as possible and succeed throughout the school day. She connects with every child, and makes it a point to find each child’s strengths both in and out of the classroom. She truly cares about creating an educational and nurturing environment in which the children can thrive.

My mother spends so much time caring for others, that she puts herself last. Recently, she has found a passion for photography, and finds exponential joy in capturing the special moments within families. She has done so much for our family, and this opportunity would be a wonderful way for us to thank her for everything she has done throughout our lives.

Thank you for your consideration. This opportunity would be so great for my mother, and I know if you choose her you won’t be disappointed!

-Caitlin

I hope I get this right as it’s my first blog comment. I would like to nominate my wife Imene Kouidri. Ever since she has heard about your workshops she’s been dreaming to go to one. Unfortunately she couldn’t make it to D.C.
Photography is her therapy as she often says. Moving to the US and quitting her job have been hard on her. She lost her sense of self and purpose and having three little ones didn’t help much. Photography has helped her regain confidence and an appreciation of everyday moments.
I would love for her to be chosen.
Thank you for considering her.

I know this sounds really forward but I would like to nominate myself. Eeeek! I’m cringing even as I write this!!

I would be so grateful for this opportunity from the bottom of my heart.

For the past 2 years I’ve been living like a giant stress ball. We moved back home to NY from Florida and my husband was laid off. For 2 years he has been looking for a full-time job and has been doing freelance work in the meantime. On days that he does get work, he’s stressed for the deadlines On the many days he doesn’t have work, he’s depressed and I have to be the cheerleader. We are both home together every day which may work for some couples but it hasn’t for us. We are in each other’s spaces all the time without any breaks. I have continually tried to be his cheerleader, helping where and when I could in his job hunt, many times putting my desires on the back burner.

We also have 2 little girls which means never ending meals, laundry, homework, doctor’s visits, school activities (I’m a class mom for both of them) and just making sure they are happy. They are always my first priority.

It doesn’t really leave much time for me.

My love of photography is the one thread I hold on to but I feel like my family doesn’t understand me. It’s more like “there’s mom with her camera again”. Sometimes I feel like they only see me as the person to make their lives better but that I’m not supposed to have a life of my own as well I feel like I am continually trying to explain to them that I am more than just the laundry lady or the cook but I have needs as well. They all look at me like I’m crazy and I’m starting to wonder if I really am! Am I fighting a losing battle? When will it be my turn? Do I have to wait until my kids are all grown up or my husband gets a full time job? I am physically and mentally exhausted from thinking about the uncertainty of our financial situation.

I want to be proactive and I want more than anything to expand my knowledge of photography and start my own photography business.

I even discussed this workshop with my husband and again he looked at me like I was crazy – his first reaction being “how are you going to pay for it”? Being negative instead of brainstorming with me to try and figure it out.

It’s my turn to need the cheerleader!

If I was chosen for this spot, I think it would not only be so beneficial for me, but my family would also have to see that I am on a mission!! If I don’t get chosen, at least I was able to vent a little! 🙂

Thank you so much for listening to my story and for considering me for the spot.

My e-mail address is stacey@totalcitygirl.com

I would like to nominate myself for this workshop. This is not the first time I have nominated myself for one of Me Ra and Brian’s Confidence workshops. How do I even articulate why I feel like I, me of all people, deserve this opportunity. Confidence is something I have always struggled with. Not just in photography, but in life. The word itself makes me want to cringe. As a child, I was sexually abused by a family member for many years. The ramifications of how that has touched my life is something I can’t put into words. I believe it’s why I struggle so much with confidence. In so many areas of my life, I have been unbelievably blessed. I am originally from Olympia, WA and found God in my sorrow as a high school senior. It’s amazing what God can do in a person’s life. I found peace in my incest and began ministering to high school students in a youth program. Through that program, I met my husband and moved to Ohio to start a new life with him. I never realized how much I would miss my family. I think because of the abuse, I didn’t think I would. It never occurred to me how much of rock my mom has been in my life until I left her and moved 2500 miles away. When my husband and I had our son, I didn’t want my mom to miss anything. So, I took out my little point and shoot to capture every single moment of my son’s life. Little did I know that photography would turn into my passion. In December, I applied for the SOAR scholarship and feel so energized and excited about being a part of the community. In my previous confidence nomination for the last Seattle workshop, I spoke about how badly I desire to be able to stay at home full time with my son; that raising him means more to me than I ever dreamed possible. It would be such an amazing gift to be able to have my passion for photography be my career. I feel so lacking though; that my work is not good enough to share with others. How can I confidently pose people, when I feel such a lack of confidence myself? I guess that being a part of this community is showing me that these workshops are so much more than just having confidence in photography and that excites me. It gives me hope. It would be an amazing gift since it’s also on my birthday weekend J I know every woman nominated for this is so deserving and have faith that whomever is chosen is the absolute right person to go. Thank you for reading and good luck in choosing!

Every time I see you post one of these workshops I get so excited because I would love nothing more than to be able to attend, but they are always so far away! But oh New York is so close! So here I am nominating myself, Jennifer Parke. I am a wife, a mother to an amazing 13 month old little boy, and a social worker. I don’t have an extreme trauma to share I just have the daily struggles of being a working mother and budding photographer. I work in child welfare and it is emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s not the kind of job that gets completed in 40 hours a week and it is definitely not the kind of job that you leave at the office at the end of the day. It is a job that makes me so grateful for the things that I have in life. It is the kind of job that makes me squeeze my baby tight just one more time each night. It is the kind of job that makes me so grateful that I get to put my baby to sleep each night (even on the nights that I have to put him to bed four or five times) and it is the kind of job that gives me that extra push as a mother and makes me want to be a full time photographer more than anything in the world. After my son was born I was rushed back to work WAY sooner than I was ready for. My husband lost his job when my son was 3 weeks old and I became the provider. My husband has the honor of caring for our son everyday and has happy as I am that they have that time together my heart breaks every time I leave for work. We have struggled financially over the last year and I constantly feel torn between work and home. For the moment my photography business is constantly on my mind and I work at it whenever I have a free moment. There are many nights that I stay up until 1am or mornings that I get up at 4:30am just to get to put the time into my photography. I have learned so much about life and photography by becoming a mother. My very patient son is always patient and let’s me practice taking photo after photo of him!

I would love this opportunity so that I can be one step closer to being “ready” to leave the crazy world of child welfare behind me and build my photography business because I have such a different feeling when am leaving my son to go to a photo shoot than when I leave for work. I have such passion and excitement when I have my camera in my hand. I am like a sponge trying to soak up every bit of photography and business information I can. I would be incredibly honored to spend a weekend learning from amazing photographers. Thank you for considering me! My email is jenniferparkephotography@gmail.com

I would like to nominate Debbie Meier. She is a hardworking, compassionate lady who has been struggling with some very unfortunate circumstances in her life. One is as a result of a fall and breaking her wrist, many surgeries later and therapy with no release of the pain, which also has resulted in the inability to work. In spite of pain she endures 24 hours a day she presses on with a positive attitude and thankfulness for what she has with the blessings of her family and friends. Her passion for photography is seen through the lens of her camera and developed on the walls of her home and many others. She has a knack for capturing the moments of everyday life. This would be an awesome opportunity for her to experience and give her the confidence to proceed further with her passion and develop more of the God given talent she has within her. Thank you for considering Debbie for this great opportunity.

OOpps

My email is amylrhodes@cox.net