We got back into town late Monday night from our Sonoma Workshop.
The workshop was amazing–the almost to good to be real type of “amazing”. I feel every part of my being reflecting on so many moments over the last four days.
When I have a better handle on how and why this workshop impacted me so deeply, I will be sure to share. But for now, I’ll give you a peak at one of the moments. Michelle took this image our last night. We all went into the fields and played around with the sunset lighting–being as goofy as can be. This is what Brian and I call the “Reversed Trophy Pose”. You got to love it. (great job Michelle! :))
To all the beautiful women who were with us these last few days…we already miss you so much. Such deep transformations took place in so many of you, including us. The transition to coming back home can be brutal with catch up, kids, work, and errands all waiting for you. If you can, find a way to carve out some time to reflect with your journal or camera. For example, I took the kids to the beach yesterday–to play with them, to soak in their smiles, to be away from the phone and ALL the vm’s waiting for me. Then for about twenty minutes the kids played in the sand, and it gave me a great opportunity to write about our workshop. I have so much to process. Can any of you relate? Our Add On Day alone with Rick blew Brian and I away…we can’t stop talking about the stuff he shared. Where to start!
This weekend was indescribable. I do need to take the time to reflect on this weekend. I haven’t been able to blog about it even! I must be walking around with a odd look on my face, because I keep getting strange looks. ๐ I’ve had to reassure Jeramy that my quietness is good and that I am happy. Overwhelming so! I gained so much more then technical skills…
Okay, I have to get the kids off to school and I’m about to cry again!
I miss everyone already!!!
I’m a completely different person after this weekend. I can’t thank you guys enough! Spending the time with you and Brian was amazing! But the things all the other participants shared during our introductions is what really resonated with me. Who knew we were all going through such similar things? I’m incredibly grateful for having been able to participate in this wonderful event. Thanks Me Ra and Brian!!
Wow, what a surprise, I actually took that picture. What an amazing weekend, but like you said, the re-entry is not easy. After spending a whole weekend giving to ourselves it is not easy to get back in mommy giving mode. Can’t wait to hear your recap of the workshop.
that is SO. CUTE.
Michelle,
All I have to say is… WOW.. great picture! Do you mind sharing the “recipe”?
It brings me to tears thinking about this weekend again. I miss everyone so much this morning. Girls we left without exchanging any phone numbers. I will be emailing you all so that I can occasionally hear your voices as well. I told someone this morning that I think I made lifelong friends this weekend. Being able to share all the feelings that arose out of my body this weekend was so powerful and comforting to me. I am still amazed at the connection we all had to each other.
Now for the workshop–I told Scott this morning that if I had went to a workshop that was “cold” and technical instead of this warm, inviting, amazing place where we all shared our dreams and fears along with some great hands-on learning from the most amazing photographers to watch and learn, I don’t know that I would be ready to “jump in”, like I am now. Me Ra, Brian, Garrett and Rick—-Four of the most personable, successful people I have ever met. They shared their inner thoughts, expertise, and their very sweet families. I can walk away from this weekend knowing that each of them wants each of us to succeed and would jump to help us if we ever needed anything along the way. Absolutely 100% AMAZING!!!
If you are a blog reader and have not attended Me Ra and Brianรขโฌโขs workshop—wait no longer. It will change your life forever! Way more than just photography!
SO jealous! Hopefully I can make it to the next workshop in California!
Sounds like everyone had a great time, but how could they not with you and Brian as hosts! =)
This weekend was more than amazing! I am blessed beyond measure first to be able to attend but than to work with such amazing people and meet all the beautiful ladies! I truly am still trying to digest all that went on and all that we shared! In so overwhelmed I don’t even have the words to expressed how great this workshop was!
Michelle your a rock star! You took a Great picture that was definitly not luck!
To all the girls I love you! I do wish that we were all close enough to meet for coffee or a lovely dinner like the ones we shared. Thank god for the Internet where we can all keep in touch!
Wendy I heart you!!!!! ๐ I totally agree with everything you said, great testimonial of how a workshop can impact your life!
Me Ra it is so refreshing that you feel the same way we do about this weekend. It was an amazing group! Thank you so much for all you share and all you gave to us!
The “recipe” for that photo was take
a perfect location
some amazing light
a hilarious Brian
an always laughing Me Ra
and add a very cool FREE lightroom preset that you can find here
http://www.lightroomkillertips.com/2008/monday-presets-the-300-look/
I have some more pretty fun ones of them. I need to make a slideshow and add a very cheesy love song to it.
I was so blessed to be able to share part of this weekend with all of you.
Not only did I get to share my business and ideas with an amazing group of women but my family was photographed by all of you!
Michelle was sweet to send some of the images she shot of me and my son Mason and they were amazing.
I LOVE that shot she took of Me Ra and Brian that’s above. Simply spectacular. It truly captures the essence of the both of them and the time you shared together. Thank you for letting me be a part of it all.
Laura!
I have tons too! I’ll get them out ASAP! Your boys are so handsome!
Thank you so much for your time. I’ve been on your site tons! Your work is inspiring.
I just LOVE that pic of you and Brian! Do you see it???? He looks completley and utterly in love with you! Well… DUH! Right!?!?!? ๐ Hugs to ya both and glad to see that you had such an awesome time! All our best, Jenna & John Karwoski
Hey Ladies!
I must admit that after our day on Saturday I was sad to not be returning for more. I have to say that I was motivated to take shots at the school fun run on Sunday (wasn’t so easy with 2 moms chasing 5 kids on a 4K).
I so enjoyed meeting you all and learning and laughing with you as well. Lots of talent, ambition and love in the room.
Me Ra, you have a wonderful gift of empowering women and helping them tell their story.
I look forward to seeing more of your work as you all grow.
I am jealous… Can’t you have a boy’s workshop?
๐
Paulo
HEY Sonoma Girls! My mind is still swimming with all the beauty, sharing, learning, support and love shared this weekend (not to mention the occasional bottle of wine!)I barely have the words to express what my heart feels today.
Me Ra & Brian – Thank you a thousand times for all your efforts and energy planning this workshop. Your generosity of spirit and limitless energy are an inspiring mix. I could not have dreamed a better combination of women, photographers and host with the most (that would be you Garrett!).
The grace and love offered by Rick and Lesley on Monday was profound and has changed me and my perspective on photography. Tanya, Laura, Matt, Heather, thank you all for sharing your experiences, perspectives and families with us thoughout the weekend! You were an integral part of the success!!
Each one of you women that I met this past weekend have influenced me greatly. I miss each one of you and truly believe that we willbe friends for a long time to come.
I have just one question for you all…where are we meeting next week? ๐
so this is the famed blog i’ve heard so much about. brian and me ra, you’ve got such a wonderful gift. to be able to impact people the way you’ve done is simply amazing! it was so fun to watch all of you on saturday night. you looked like a group of friends that had known each other for years. from what i’ve read so far, it seems that everyone was impacted as much as sharon was…but i wanted you to know that even though i didn’t spend the weekend with you all, that i’m inspired in a new way to work with sharon to continue to pursue this dream of hers. i even asked her for a job the other day….AND SHE HIRED ME! whoohoo!!! so thank you. doesn’t quite seem like enough…but thanks. take care and god bless…