Hello all! My, it has been a while since I've blogged anything. So sorry, but I've been busy with working, travelling, redoing my website, re-redoing my website, working on re-branding, and trying to also have some semblance of a social life that I've let blogging sliiiiiiide away. As things are settling down now as winter approaches, I'd like to share a bit about my recent trip.
It's been almost three months since I attended the OWN IT workshop in Lake Tahoe, but it feels like yesterday. Never have I had such a refreshing and affirming time in the company of so many like-minded creatives. I've actually been procrastinating on writing anything about it. Because it was such a lovely time, I didn't really want to share it. I think it's important to at least let you know how vital this time was for me personally, creatively, and for my business as your photographer.
Personally: It's been about a year and a half since I graduated from college, and up until the August OWN IT workshop, I hadn't really done any significant traveling outside of school trips. Not a single extended trip that wasn't for work, that took my out of my typical circle of influence, nor any trip near my favorite place, the pacific northwest. The workshop lasted only three days in Tahoe, and then I took another week and a half to visit family and friends in California and Oregon, that I hadn't seen since highschool! It was so refreshing to see the beautiful souls who influence the good in me to be better and braver.
Creatively: Mountains are my inspiration. Trees and nature are just my absolute favorite and to be surrounded by them for two weeks was amazing! After being in the same place for so long, with no significant change of scenery, it was really good to be in a place that re-inspired me. The colors were different, the light was different, the people were different; it was exactly what I needed to get my brain feel fresh again.
For my business: The workshop was led by three very different and very talented photographers. Each had their specialty, and each absolutely adored each other's work and each other. We were like a well-functioning family; totally comfortable to be silly as well as deep and thoughtful with each other. Each person came with an open heart, and the experience was amazing because of it.
With this open-minded approach, we absorbed information like sponges. We discussed streamlining workflow (the struggle is SO real), communicating efficiently and effectively with clients, poseing, pricing, and how to be authentic. I was reminded how important it is for me to be me. Sometimes it's difficult to remain Elena when I see other photographers doing this or that. It was a wonderful reminder to be true to myself and who I am in my photography as an art form, and as my business.
All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend two weeks in August, and I'm pleased to share some pictures of my time at the workshop.
Thanks for continuing to support and love me as I journey in my photography! Capturing the beauty of YOU is why I love to do this. Thank you for you!
<3 Elena
