Even More

I attended a spiritual retreat last weekend. It was three days of no cell phone, no computer, & no camera (!) – time to spend looking inward rather than outward. I was skeptical about the concept, but willing to give it a try.

I came away a changed person. Thanks in part to letters collected in advance from friends & family, I was able to see myself as you see me – and I realized how much gentler & kinder you are toward me than I am toward my own self. I resolve to love ‘me’ better from now on.

On Sunday night, I stopped at home, moved my toiletry bag into another (pre-packed) suitcase, and immediately headed to Portland for the annual state photographer’s convention. Again, I was feeling skeptical. I was tired and introspective after the weekend. Did I really need to go meet & greet other photographers and attend more classes?

Once again, I was amazed at what I learned. For me, it wasn’t about new techniques of lighting, posing or retouching. It was about the heart of my business – about what I love to do and how I can do it in a way that delights my clients even more.

In the next few months, expect to see tweaks to sessions and to collections. Expect to see expanded art options. Expect an experience with me to feel even more personal, as I move into an even more authentic place with both myself and my business.

I have to laugh, because I repeated ‘even more’ three times in the last paragraph. That’s a taboo for writers – to repeat the same words again & again. But I can’t change it, because in each place it is exactly the right phrase. I think I’ve discovered my theme for 2010 – EVEN MORE. Even more passion for what I do. Even more love for those around me.

And this is all because of a couple of seminars that on the surface appeared very different, but were, at heart, the same – about sharing my passion and about living life to the fullest. The opportunities to grow are all around me, even if I’m skeptical.

My deepest thanks to you, who have shared my studio and my life. Thank you for accompanying me on this wild, magical journey. The experience would be much poorer without you.

Whisper of the Divine

I have always believed that there is a huge difference between what is 'real' and what is 'true'. Lately, I've been coming across articles that show me I am not alone in my ruminations, including this one from 1978, written by sci-fi/fantasy writer Phillip K. Dick. It is a beautiful exploration of life, the universe, and everything. (Wait, that's a different fantasy author...) :)

On Facebook this morning, I quickly quipped my thoughts. When I went back, I was struck by how deeply it was MY truth. I thought I'd share:

People always comment on how unique my portrait art is. I think it's because I'm always striving to capture truth, which is deep & beautiful in each person. 'Reality' is so unreal, and I try to take only that part which is integral to each person. I mainly focus on revealing the amazing spirit within. And then my art has beauty & integrity, because it captures a whisper of the Divine.

Classes, classes, CLASSES!!!

I realize this probably got lost in the article below, so I am repeating the information:

Camera 101 begins Saturday, February 20, from 1-3:30 pm. This monthly series will begin at the very beginning and grow with my students. The first topic is See the Light. We’ll start in my studio, talking about light and how to ‘see’ it. Then we’ll continue on to Deepwood Park, where we’ll practice nature and portrait photography. It’s going to be fun! I will accept the first 10 students who call and sign up. Cost is $39. Call (503) 508-5157 if you’re interested in participating.

I have already had people signing up, so call right away. Can't wait to see you!

By Popular Demand - classes!

As many of you know, this month I started graduate studies. I am in an MFA in Creative Writing program, and I just returned from a 10-day residency at Seaside. The fire in my belly for writing has been rekindled with a vengeance.

Interestingly, during this residency, I also realized that I NEED to do portrait photography. I didn’t realize just how passionate I was about capturing a person’s heart & soul through photographic art, but after a week away at grad school, I was pining to photograph someone. Thankfully, a couple of fellow students kindly offered to be models. Their images are included in this article – a shout-out to my new friends for rescuing me from the photographic doldrums!

What an eye-opening experience. Because I discovered that not only am I passionate about writing AND photography, I also realized just how much I love to teach. I have returned with a renewed determination to nurture beginning photographers, so that they can express THEIR passions through photography. I am so excited to continue the adventure of MyPhotoMentor.com, and I am also starting local photography classes.

Camera 101 begins Saturday, February 20, from 1-3:30 pm. This monthly series will begin at the very beginning and grow with my students. The first topic is See the Light. We’ll start in my studio, talking about light and how to ‘see’ it. Then we’ll continue on to Deepwood Park, where we’ll practice nature and portrait photography. It’s going to be fun! I will accept the first 10 students who call and sign up. Cost is $39. Call (503) 508-5157 if you’re interested in participating.

What are your goals, dreams, and passions for this new year? I hope you’re off to as exciting a start as I am!

Thoughts on a Christmas Eve morn

This year was a year of change. It didn't start out that way - it began as most years do, with resolutions & business plans & such. But this summer, my father-in-law suffered a medical emergency, and by mid-August he was gone. He was laid to rest in a beautiful spot right by my husband, who passed seven years ago.

One month later, I had applied and been accepted to graduate school. (It's a low-residency program, so I will still be in Salem to create portrait art for you all. No worries!) I chose an MFA program in Creative Writing at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. It's about an hour drive from my home via the back roads, so the twice-yearly pilgrimage to on-campus seminars will be an easy one.

We can never see our future, not really, but I have the strong sense that my love of photography & my love of writing will somehow be intertwined. Perhaps creative books with portraits of my clients & a written tale of their lives? Perhaps a collaboration of my visual & written art? Perhaps a reality much bigger & better than any I can imagine?

I think that is the message of this year. Our dreams are only the beginning. Our futures - yours, mine - will be grander & stranger than what we can envision. Rather than trying to glimpse (and plan) it all before we dare begin, we need to pray & trust & fly out our doors every day, because wonderful adventures await.

A very merry Christmas to you all.

It's SUPPOSED to be fun!

Marge was recently ordained as a deacon in the Episcopalian church. I knew Marge as a fellow member of St. Paul's Episcopal. She also went to seminary with my son, Gabriel, in an ecumenical school called Northwest House of Theological Studies, loosely affiliated with Willamette University.

Together, we decided she needed an updated 'biz pic' as she steps into her new vocation. Before we began, she (like 90% of the people who come before my camera) told me she didn't really enjoy having her photograph taken.

When we were finished, she said, "That was fun!" I told her (as I told all the others), "It's SUPPOSED to be fun!" :)

Stumptown!

I took a mini vacation to Portland, Oregon, affectionately known by the locals as 'Stumptown'. I visited with a friend who is an avid amateur photographer, and we spent a full day wandering through downtown & the Pearl district, photographing the sights.

This was photography for the sheer joy of it - but I also took the opportunity to learn. I have a very wide angle lens, and I wanted to become more comfortable with it. So, I put it on my camera and used it all day long. It forced me to see the world through a WIDE perspective. I was frustrated sometimes when I saw a beautiful photo op that begged for a zoom lens, but by the end of the day, I was pretty pleased with my results. I love photography!