A Dream Come True

I told very few people that I had even registered for the I Heart Faces Dream Big weekend.  I was so worried about what people might think of me leaving Jeff at home.  Lots of “what if’s” nearly robbed me of the joy of planning to go. And I admit that I thought if I said out loud that I was going, I would jinx myself and something bad would happen.  (I’m a Christian, and I don’t even believe in jinxes, but we had a pattern going for a while there where we had to cancel some major vacations because Jeff’s leukemia would rear its ugly head.  It is difficult for me to plan ahead.)
Fortunately, I did tell a couple of close friends and Jeff’s hospice nurse, and their responses were such a relief.  They all said that I needed a break. Jeff would be well-taken care of since his mom and step-dad were here.  They each reminded me that respite is essential for the caregiver so they can come back refreshed and ready to continue.
A few weeks before, I realized my friend Amy was also going to the workshop.  Amy’s husband has been battling brain cancer since last summer, too.  We had been praying for each other for over a year and now I was finally going to meet her!  I was so excited.
 
As I soaked up instruction during the workshop, I started to feel that although I still have a lot to learn, I really can see myself as a professional portrait photographer someday. To be able to earn an income doing something I love would be a dream come true.   And maybe one day, I’ll even write a children’s book about butterflies or dragonflies and illustrate it with my own photos.  Hey, after all, the theme of this workshop was Dream Big! 

We received lots of good information.  There were times I felt a bit like I was trying to drink water from a fire hose.  But I think I managed to retain some of the helpful instruction. We had time during our lunch break for a massage and shopping with Arlington Camera (yeah for discount shopping!).
At the end of the day we were able to practice our skills during two photo sessions.

Amy Locurto created a stylized birthday party with adorable little models and a beautiful table setting that was fit for any entertaining magazine. She designed the custom party printables, including the treat bags which were my favorite detail.

 

The models’ dresses were a delightfully mod twist on classic damask patterns.

 

   Later that evening we were treated to a vintage-inspired session with a gorgeous couple.  When my memory card filled up  (kicking myself for forgetting to stick my extra card in my pocket!), I continued to learn by watching the other photographers move about for different angles, listening to them talk about their camera settings and favorite lenses. 
 
I made some great new friends and had a fabulous time.  Come back soon--I hope to share some photos from Day 2 of the workshop in a couple of days.