Day 287 – October 4, 2014 – Bella’s Snuggle.
This image was mentioned by many as their favorite from Friday’s session.

The singular BEST business investment I have ever made (ok, maybe the full-frame camera comes close).  Even though I am just starting out, I learned so much from Michele, Melody, and Kari at this workshop.  I had an opportunity to explore the lifestyle genre, learn business strategies, workflow management, editing, etc.  My business has gotten such a jump-start because of this weekend……

Here’s the story:  I saw this workshop on Melody White’s Facebook page.  I instantly knew it was something I wanted to do with all of my heart.  I had been dreaming of meeting Melody, and learning about her glorious use of light….. She was the hostess in this AMAZING home on the bluff in Mendocino.  You have to drive through the headlands to get to the house, there’s a hot tub overlooking the ocean….. sigh…. can I go back??

I arrived, was greeted by Melody, Michele, and her family.  It felt like I had popped in to a friend’s house.  I knew that this weekend would be something special the minute I met them.  I was right.

The first day, we talked and talked… learned and asked questions, and learned more.

Saturday started with an amazing newborn shoot.  Michele let us see and participate in her process of documenting a beautiful new life.  That evening, we left the fog to visit a family and do a lifestyle shoot.  Loved the light up there…. Glowing, gorgeous light.  Lit this family spectacularly, we were so blessed to see their love and their light.  And that evening, we were treated to fresh Salmon from a friend of our hostess….. You haven’t lived if you haven’t had salmon that fresh and amazing….

Sunday, we got up early and went into town and onto the bluffs for our maternity session.  Gorgeous.  The glow of new life made up for the fog!

More learning, editing, watching a pro work.  I am still swimming in the learning even though it is two months later.  What an experience.

Thanks Michele and Melody.  Pure Light Photography wouldn’t be here without you.

Here’s Michele’s blog post about our weekend: http://pinkletoesblogstalker.com/blog/mendocino-california-lifestyle-photography-workshop-texas-australia/  Check it out!

Day 286 – October 3, 2014 – Bella is Precious!
Had an awesome morning capturing this beautiful 4-year-old, though she made me work for it! The best smiles were when I told her that she didn’t dare smile…. watch out world!

Day 285 – October 2, 2014 – New Crayon Smell!
Can’t you just smell that new box of crayons? I still LOVE opening a new box…. Had to capture the image to remind us all of the joys of childhood.

Day 284 – October 1, 2014 – Daisy up Close.
So loving the new plants in my yard

Day 283 – September 30, 2014 – Moon Sliver.
Beautiful moon image. Love that it really looks like he has a nose!

Day 282 – September 29, 2014 – Gardenia for Mom.
While landscaping last week, I added a gardenia so that my mom will come visit more often!

Day 281 – September 28, 2014 – Sunset again.
Couldn’t resist this, love the vertical format, and the olive branch in the foreground.

Day 280 – September 27, 2014 – Campout & Chicken Fun.
Had some friends over for a campout (except we didn’t camp) in our backyard. The kids loved the chickens! 

Day 279 – September 26, 2014 – Sweet Baby James!
Finally got to meet this sweetheart. He kept his best smiles for his mama though! Stared at me through his toys, couldn’t resist this shot.