Me Ra Koh Photography Blog

January 27th, 2012

“Who has a Little Bit of Hope Left?” Tenacity is the Name of the Game!

Seattle was in the middle of a HUGE snow storm as I tried to make my way home from Costa Rica last week. My flight from Houston to Seattle was cancelled. But not only my flight, every flight was being cancelled. The airline said they could get me home by Monday. Well, that was a little stressful since our Seattle CONFIDENCE Workshop was going to start Saturday morning. With angry people all around me and a counter of exhausted and stressed airline employees, I raised my hand and said “Who Still Has a Little Hope Left?” Did people look at me like I was crazy? Absolutely. But here is what happened. I sent this email to our workshop ladies;

HELLO LADIES!!!!!!!!

I’m writing to you with the BIGGEST smile on my face! I’m actually stuck in Houston, STILL! (workshop is STILL happening, no stress, keep reading)

Brian and I always fly separate, and he got home great on Wed. I got in to Houston last night with no problems and then found out my flight to Seattle was cancelled. I came back to the airport at 7:30am this morning, and I’ve been on standby ever since. There was a 9:30am flight, but 35 ticket holders for that flight didn’t even get on because it was oversold. This means they are all in front of me for the next flight and the one after and the one after. All flights today are sold out, overbooked and have a wait list of 75 plus people on standby. Nothing is available until Monday.

BUT, YES, THE WORKSHOP IS HAPPENING!!! HECK YES!!! Why? I HAVE A PASSPORT!!! I walked up to the airline Customer Service with seven agents sitting behind their computers. They were all exhausted from dealing with ANGRY customers. I stood in front of all of them and said “Who is feeling the most optimistic right now?” They looked at me like I was crazy! And then I said “Who has a little bit of hope left?” One lady raises her hand and says “I’ve still got some hope in me.” “Perfect!” I said. “You are my woman. I need someone with hope because I need a miracle to happen!” She has been helping me for the last three hours, and we realized I have a passport with me from Costa Rica! This means, worst case scenario, that I fly to Vancouver BCC at 9pm tonight, and then I fly from Vancouver to Seattle at 8am tomorrow! So, I might come to the workshop wearing the same thing I’ve worn for three days, but you don’t care, right?! No, just kidding, Brian will bring me clothes.

Bottom line, I’m DETERMINED to find a way to all of you! Worst case scenario right now is that we start the workshop two hours late and go later into tomorrow evening.

So as we prepare for this weekend, I want you all to start opening your hearts to all the possibilities of this weekend. There are wonderful things in store, things that we don’t even know about yet. Surprises and much goodness. Regardless of what the odds are, I take it as a sign of confirmation that we are all in the right place at this moment. (even if that place is Houston! )

There is one thing I know for sure. When there are challenges before a workshop, it ALWAYS means there are amazing things in store for that weekend. Every time! The airlines once lost our luggage and all our workshop materials. Brian and I showed up empty handed, but that was one of the most powerful weekends we ever had. And this little flight issue is just the same. With GREAT anticipation, I will see you in the morning ladies!

Much love,

Me Ra

If you can believe it, a seat popped open. That wonderful lady behind the counter got so excited as she kept looking and looking, before I knew it she was determined for me. And instead of flying to Canada, she got me on a First Class seat to Denver and then to Seattle (with crowds of people on standby in both places). As I walked into my home Friday night, I fell on the floor and started laughing from sheer exhaustion and adrenaline. I was home; the workshop was going to happen the next day!

The Seattle CONFIDENCE Workshop was our first workshop of 2012. What a POWERFUL weekend it was. As I met the ladies and heard their stories, we soon realized that this workshop was supposed to happen that weekend. The timing was key for so many of the women. It was a divine timing to say the least.

Why am I sharing this with all of you? Well, it’s a great story…don’t you think? No, seriously, I think our dream building is often like my situation at the airport. Everyone is telling you there isn’t any way to get home. People who are wanting to build their dreams (or get home) are angry because things aren’t working out. Their stress is escalating, and you can easily feel drawn in to just give up and join them at the Sky Highway Bar for a shot of whiskey. The people who are there to help you don’t look like they have any energy or desire left to help. And yet, you don’t need a ton of people to help. Sometimes you only need one. And a little bit of hope goes a long way.

As we embark on 2012, tenacity is the name of the game for dream building. As life presents you opportunities to be tenacious, take them and run. It’s a muscle that will come in handy as you take your dreams to the next level. And if everyone around you says, “might as well cancel your plans–just look around”…take a moment to step outside, pause, and listen to your heart. Yes, it’s always easier to cancel when the odds are against us. And the odds are often against us when we are trying to build an impossible dream. But does anything in your heart say the impossible can still happen? If yes, take flight! You are in good company!

All my love to the Seattle CONFIDENCE ladies! Watching the transformation in you this last weekend was breath taking and divine. Thank you for starting my 2012 year of workshops off on such a powerful, rich note!

Cheers to HOPE and Beating the Odds!

xo,

Does Your City Need CONFIDENCE?

Where should we bring CONFIDENCE this Spring? Our Spring workshop planning is here! Where should we be in April and May? Does your city need a CONFIDENCE Workshop? Have you been reading about the workshops for the last five years and feel like it’s time to give yourself a creative weekend that will refresh and inspire you? If so, what city do you want us to come too? I’m going to post a poll on Monday but feel free to submit your city in the comments today and this weekend!

We only have a few spots left in our Southern CA Workshop in March. CLICK HERE for details. Florida is SOLD OUT! (woot-woot!)

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January 26th, 2012

Launching Ali Anderson to #SOAR! (Recipient of our SOAR Scholarship)

ALI!!! Her name makes me smile and want to shout because this crazy girl has a laugh and sense of humor that is contagious and makes your day–every time!

I know that many of you miss “Thursdays with Ali” on the SOAR! blog. Her writing had us in tears and laughter every week. Can you believe she didn’t see herself as a writer before SOAR!? I remember asking her over lunch if she thought her writing would continue to go forward…I tossed out the idea of her maybe writing a novel about a woman and her comical, authentic journey in developing her photography passion. I know I am one of many who would get in line to read that book! I guess time will tell with Ali; she is FULL of surprises!

In fact, when Ali submitted her video to apply for SOAR!, I was like “Brian, is that the same Ali that was in the DC CONFIDENCE Workshop?…She was so QUIET all weekend! Nahh, that can’t be the same gal.”

This was Ali’s video application;

Her video application touched all our hearts. I told our panel of judges that this video was strong evidence of how hard Ali would work, and how “above and beyond the call” she would probably go. In the end, the SOAR! Scholarship Program would richly benefit her because you get out of this program as much as you put in to it. Ali was clearly going to put everything into it.

Below are a few thoughts Ali wanted to share with you…

Since writing my final post on Me Ra Koh’s SOAR! blog, I’ve often been asked, “What are you going to do now that SOAR! is over?” In my head I respond with an enthusiastic, “I’m going to Disneyland!,” (just before Me Ra dumps one of those big orange coolers of Gatorade over my head and ruins a perfectly good hair day). In reality, the answer is less glamorous: We’ll see.

Normally, that kind of answer would sound weak, indecisive, and lazy to me. After all, as part of winning the SOAR! Scholarship, I’ve spent the past year developing relationships and learning from some of the most talented business coaches, photographers, vendors and colleagues in the field. I burned the candle at both ends all year long; putting every ounce of my vulnerability, insecurity and creative juice into each exercise, blog post and image I made. And I’d do it all over again.

I don’t feel the pressure to have it all figured out, which is why snuggling up with some warm and fuzzy ambiguity might just be the best gift I received this year.

SOAR! was never about getting a clear and predictable path laid out for a career in photography. For me, SOAR! was all about becoming confident with risk. I risked applying for SOAR and rediscovered a long lost artist. I risked my thoughts on the blog every week and rediscovered my love of writing. I risked starting a photography business. My biggest take away: Risk opens doors.

I have my goals, big and small, for sure. And I’ll share all that on my blog this year as I continue to grow my business. I will continue to write. I will continue to put beautiful images into the world. I will continue to risk. As I see myself now, I hope my path will continue to change, all the while inviting me into the ambiguously beautiful blur of the future.

Thanks to all of you who followed my journey. I am humbled by your supportive comments all year long and deeply grateful for your support.

~Ali

Those two sentences; For me, SOAR! was all about becoming confident with risk. I risked applying for SOAR and rediscovered a long, lost artist.

Wow. Powerful.

Whenever we go after building a dream, we must subscribe to the weekly, even daily, activity of taking risks. Risk taking can be terrifying and often hold many of us back because there isn’t any guarantee of what waits on the other side. Ali is a wonderful example of someone who risked over and over again to be pleasantly surprised by what she rediscovered. And not only did Ali’s rediscovery of her long lost artist-writer-photographer–all the above–bless her, but it blessed all of us who followed her journey. This rippling effect of risk taking is what moves me the most. You think that you are setting out on a selfish journey to find yourself, your creative self, and the truth is that you end up not only giving to yourself but all those who follow along.

Ali, your SOAR! year will always be a testament to the beauty that is waiting to be discovered when we choose to risk. You will continue to be a champion for so many women who followed you all year. Thank you for putting everything you had into the SOAR! year. I think we all feel like we soared a little higher in day-to-day dream building because of the journey shared every week.

On behalf of all the SOAR! Partners and this wonderful community, we proudly launch Ali Anderson to SOAR with her photography (AND writing) dreams! I can’t wait to see how the future continues to unfold for you! Check out her new website, and be sure to keep following her blog posts!

Ali, we love you. I cherish you, your sense of humor and your wonderful husband and kids.

We celebrate you today!

Your Cheerleaders Forever!

Me Ra, Brian, Wendy and this awesome community!

*I invite all of you to leave a comment of encouragement, love, celebration, wisdom…or all the above, in celebration of Ali today!

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January 25th, 2012

Launching Charisse Rhodes to #SOAR! (Recipient of our SOAR Scholarship)

Charisse…where do I start with Charisse? So many memories come to mind. The first time I saw Charisse’s beautiful smile was when she applied for the SOAR! Scholarship in 2009. She did not win that year, but she didn’t give up. Months later, she attended our San Fransisco CONFIDENCE Workshop. I still remember her raising her hand and asking how it was possible to pursue your own dreams without taking from your family’s needs. What a beautiful, authentic, heartfelt question. Charisse is a kindred homeschooling mom. With how much time homeschool and regular family life takes, it’s easy to wonder how more time can be carved out for other pursuits…especially your own dream building pursuits. But when the second year of SOAR! started, Charisse applied again.

This was her submission video.

Fast forward to September 2011. I’m in Sacramento for our CONFIDENCE Workshop, and I invite Charisse to second shoot my Minis the day before. She has been working hard every week at the SOAR! Scholarship Program for nine months. She has faced some of her deepest fears in the business coaching calls. And she has dared to look beyond her assumed limitations. Charisse has done the “heavy lifting” work of building a dream all year long. I’m eager to sit face to face with her and ask where she finds herself.

What she said brought me to tears. She told me, with firm conviction in her eyes, that she now believes she can build her dreams…she really believes it. Her dreams are hers for the taking. She knows she has what it takes and this doesn’t take from her family, it gives to her family. When mama follows her dreams, everyone learns how to dream along with her. Spending the year following her dreams, working hard at it every week, has not only transformed her but the whole family. wow…

What Charisse said is the heart of SOAR!. Whether our SOAR! Recipients have a photography business in ten years is not the issue. My vision was that SOAR! would empower women to know they were capable and worthy of all they desire. When a woman knows she is worthy of her dreams and takes action, not only is she lifted up but also the world around her. Charisse is a living testimony of this.

Here are a few words from Charisse…

Whew, what a year. It is hard to believe that it is already over. It has been a full one at that! A year ago, Linda Baylis & Genie Ohashi were walking up to my doorstep with a pink box and a video camera. What a surprise it was. I have met so amazing people during this year. I have made and fulfilled many goals. I have learned a lot about myself that I had not realized before. And yes, during this process, I have also fallen short of my mark on occasion. However, this year was not about perfection, but about growth. Growth as a person, growth as a business woman, growth in my artistic pursuits and growth in my role of a mom who can also pursue her dreams without fear. Okay…maybe not without fear, but definitely having a better vehicle with which to circumvent those fears and not let them get in my way.

Along the way, my creative eye has grown along with new desires of accomplishments yet to be made and challenges still to be taken on. However, during the process of this last year, I have participated in some art shows, hung my images in a public venue and got paid for my work along the way. While this fantastic year with the SOAR! Scholarship has come to a close, many new doors are opening as we speak. The biggest door that has opened is the door to my personal dreams. I want to thank SOAR for not only enhancing my photographic toolbox, but for helping this homeschool mama see that it’s okay to color outside the lines again.

If there is anything that I would encourage you to do after having this year with SOAR, it would be to set your own expectations and strive to meet only that. Others will often have an opinion of who you are, where you should be in your business, or what you are capable of. In reality, only you really know. Live and dream authentically. Stay true to yourself and give generously. It will come back to you in more ways than you know. I hope we meet again either in the SOAR forum, Soarority on Facebook or on my blog. It has been a pleasure taking this journey with you all.

Dream it … Own it.

Charisse

With incredible pride and joy, on behalf of all the SOAR! Partners and community, I launch Charisse Rhodes to SOAR! with her dreams!

Check out Charrise’s new website and blog! Leave her some love!

Charisse, it is a honor to call you friend and be a witness to your inspiring journey. We celebrate you today!

Your Cheerleaders Forever!

Me Ra, Brian, Wendy and this awesome community!

*I invite all of you to leave a comment of encouragement, love, celebration, wisdom…or all the above, in celebration of Charisse today!

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January 24th, 2012

Launching Rachel Abelson to #SOAR! (Recipient of our SOAR Scholarship)

This week is a special week for our community. Together, we get to celebrate and launch our SOAR! Recipients to SOAR! The SOAR! Scholarship is a program that Brian and I founded over two years ago. With the generous help of SOAR! Partners like SONY, Adobe, The Wisdom Connection, Fastline Media, Smug Mug, Shoot Dot Edit, Pixel 2 Canvas, Jille and more, we spend a year equipping three ladies with all they need to soar with their photography dreams. This week we want to celebrate ALL their hard work from last year and their new websites (thank you Fastline Media!)!

For those of you who followed the weekly blogs of these ladies, Rachel, Charisse and Ali, you share my pride in them. You know how hard they worked. And wow, I’m THRILLED at where they find themselves now.

Let’s start today with Rachel Abelson! Going backward in time, this was her submission video for the SOAR! Scholarship.

I will never forget Rachel sitting in our AZ CONFIDENCE Workshop. She introduced herself as the “Face of Auto”. Between the three recipients, Rachel was the most green with photography. But in her introduction she went on to say that even though she may rate herself as a level one (beginner) in photography, she was a level FIVE in confidence and determination. Rachel showed this all year long!

As a military wife, she had unique challenges to her SOAR! year. In the middle of the year, her family was uprooted from the East Coast and transferred to the West Coast. And not only did she do a huge move, but she has two precious babies that keep her hands full. In the midst of all this, she still did her SOAR! exercises and got her blog post up every Tuesday. She also found beautiful ways to meet a personal goal of giving to the military community. And I know that we have all watched her photography skills transform–I mean amazing! Check out Rachel’s new website (and definitely leave her a comment on her new blog–you know how good those feel! ).

Below are some final words that Rachel wanted to share with all of you…

As I sat down to write this post, I had another wave of shock come over me. A year ago at this time I was wondering who had won the SOAR! Scholarship and why nothing had been posted about it. I brushed it off and thought, “I’m excited to see who won, but I should figure out what I’m going to do now.” Lo and behold, just a few days later I get the knock at the door. You know, the one where I’m in running clothes, haven’t showered and definitely do not look my best! The one where Wendy (SOAR! Coordinator) told me the news and then I screamed so loud that I scared my 5 month old (check it out here). Yeah, that’s the day. It will forever be in the top 10 days of my life.

The past year has been such a whirlwind of excitement, stress, laughter, but most of all accomplishment. I honestly never once thought I’d grow up to own my own business-big or small. Now that I do, it is an awesome feeling. I’ve had two really, really awesome things happen to me this year. When I moved last summer I was able to start introducing myself as a photographer. But even more than that…..Pete and I went to a guest dude ranch in Dec for 4 days (coolest vacation ever!). When we got home he told his mom that he had told people “my wife’s a photographer” and that he was really proud to be able to say that. Him not knowing that I was within earshot, me hearing him say that was such an amazing feeling.

This last year has taught me so many lessons;

-Figuring out a style is not easy.

-Finding a brand is even harder.

-There is always room to learn.

-People will support you even if they don’t know you.

Most of all…even if you never imagined them, great things can and will happen.

I am in tears right now (good tears) thinking about all that I have been gifted the past year. Amazing mentors, a business of my own, being able to capture special moments for people, and the gift of all the SOAR! women-who I admire in more ways than I can list.

You women have given me so much knowledge, feedback, inspiration and support. I can not thank you enough. Now I have one thing to ask of you-never stop believing in yourself, no matter what.

Thank you for a fabulous SOAR! year! I send each of you a big hug!!!

World, here is Rachel Abelson Photography-watch out!!!!!!!

Now, Go for it!!!

Rachel

On behalf of all the SOAR! Partners and this wonderful community, we proudly launch Rachel Abelson to SOAR with her photography dreams! I have full confidence that there nothing this woman can’t accomplish!

Rachel, we love you, I love you, and super proud of you. We celebrate you today!

Your Cheerleaders Forever!

Me Ra, Brian, Wendy and this awesome community!

*I invite all of you to leave a comment of encouragement, love, celebration, wisdom…or all the above, in celebration of Rachel today!

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January 19th, 2012

Family Photos from our Texas Confidence Workshop

We had an amazing day with out family models during the second day of our CONFIDENCE workshop in Dallas, Texas. I am so excited to show you some of the images from that day. It was beautiful to see all of the different viewpoints that everyone shot from.

Amy Brion got an awesome shot of this young lady. I love how the “hand holding that hat” gives this image a little “movement” which totally changes the look of the image as well as puts the subject at ease if you tell them to do something. Amazing light!

The lines that the tree trunks make in this image that Veronica Bernal took really add to the image. Great composition!

Susan Prejean…it is so hard to get an image of children this age, all looking at you! You did it! I think the backlighting is so yummy and warm on this image. Because Susan kept these three kiddos close to the same “plane” , she could shoot this with an aperture that allowed for that creamy, blurry background.

Linda Hunstable, what a great, crisp shot of this gal. She is adorable with that gentle smile!

Don’t you always want to have a shot of the older sibling kissing the baby? I adore the interaction that Karen Porter captured with this shot! So precious!

Karen Champlin and Amy’s shot above were probably taken minutes apart but look at how different each “eye” was. Beautiful, clean editing Karen!

Jennifer Pacheco…WOW! Everything works on this image. The warm light, the sun flare, and the composition all directly go with the emotion that this image exudes. Wonderful!

Jan Brier shot a great, classic portrait! This is one of those times when putting your subject perfectly in the middle of the image totally works. Really nice!

Heather Raiden…This is one of my favorite images of the bunch! I love that they are both looking off and are completely caught in that moment of joy!

We had a special time with SOAR gal and NJ Confidence Workshop attendee, Marcia…and Jen Armstrong, 2010 SOAR! Scholarship Recipient on family day as well. Marcia shared with the ladies how her business has unfolded since she went to the CONFIDENCE workshop. It was super helpful to hear Jen and Marcia talk about the ups and downs and excitement of pursuing their photography dreams. Thank you so much for joining us Jen and Marcia!!

XOXO

Me Ra

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January 18th, 2012

Baby Inspiration Photos from the Texas Confidence Workshop

Texas…WOW! I can’t believe it has taken us this long to get to Texas. What a fabulous bunch of ladies. Brian and I are so blessed to have been with this group of women during our Texas Confidence Workshop. We loved being in Texas and sure hope to go back in the future. The women there are so wonderful with the biggest hearts ever. They dove right in with full courage. I am so proud of them and their baby images!

Oh my goodness, so cute…Amy Brion! I love that we can see enough of mom’s beautiful smile as well and this awesome expression on baby’s face. And the light…really yummy!

Heather Raiden took this image with the super simple background. With a background like that, it totally draws us in to the little munchkin. The catch lights in this baby’s eyes are amazing!

I love the warmth of this image from Jennifer Pacheco. With the light coming in from the side of the subject it gives a great dimension to her face. Lovely Jennifer!

Karen Champlin took this really crisp image. I love how easily we can count her eyelashes. Super great focus.

Karen Porter captured the love and comfort of a mother and baby in this image. When I look at this image I totally think about what a baby’s head smells like. Pure heaven!

Wow! Linda Hunstable…the composition of this image is perfect. Just the right amount of baby and mom! And the wedding ring is an added bonus.

Susan Prejean shot this perfect portrait in just simply perfect light! This image is perfectly exposed which also makes it look that much more crisp and clear. Nicely done Susan!

Veronica Bernal used the “Rule of Thirds” with this little gal perfectly. It sends our eye from hers to what she is looking at out the window. Love it!

I am so glad that some of our ladies captured some “Behind the Scenes” during our Baby shoot! Thank you so much!

XOXO
Me Ra

p.s.. There are only a few spots left in Seattle CONFIDENCE Wkshp this month! CLICK HERE for Details!

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January 17th, 2012

Our Winner for Seattle!

We have a winner for our Running on Empty contest for Seattle!

Thank you to our beautiful (you’ll see just how beautiful soon ) and generous panel of judges. One of the tougher jobs to do – to read the heart-wrenching stories of inspiration and hard challenges to pick one out of all very deserving women. We truly embrace and honor every single one of you. And know that you can always nominate yourself or another again.:)

Our winner this round is….Linda Conti! An adoptive mom later in life who went after all options and who has taken many into her heart. Linda, we celebrate you!

Her dear friend, Venea wrote:

“I would like to nominate my friend Linda. Family, friends and relationships are so important to Linda. She loves capturing relationships in portraiture. She takes pride and centers her life around her family, and still finds time to take care of others.

Linda and her husband tried for 12 years to have children, during which time Linda underwent acupuncture, herbal remedies, artificial insemination and embryo adoption, to fulfill Linda’s lifelong dream of becoming a mother. The last round of embryo adoption and implantation worked, and she was able to experience pregnancy, giving continued life to a baby created by another couple, but rendered unneeded by them after they attained their desired pregnancies. Linda’s joy was short lived as she suffered the tragic loss of the pregnancy a while later. Prior to the pregnancy Linda and her husband had opened their home to foster children and Linda was able to enjoy the responsibility of being a foster mom. Finally they were blessed with two beautiful children to adopt into their lives and home forever, now ages 5 and 8.

Linda lives for her children, most days driving them the 25 miles to school herself. While the children are in school, Linda finds time to volunteer. When not working in her children’s classroom, she is also a volunteer member of the National Assistants League of Everett, Kitty Young Auxiliary, which is for Working Women, volunteering for several philanthropic projects. Among the many projects, Linda donates time to the NW Regional Learning Center for disenfranchised teens, and one of Linda’s favorites, Operation School Bell where Linda is basically a personal shopper, helping match up needy children in Snohomish County with appropriate school clothes and basic supplies.

2 years ago when health prevented Linda’s mom from living at home anymore, Linda moved her father (now 83!) in to live with her.

Hard economic times have forced Linda and her husband to have to weigh their expenses, through no fault of their own. They had built their dream house out of sweat equity and are raising their family there. Unfortunately, just prior to the economy crashing, they put their house as collateral and built an investment home, in an effort to further secure their financial future. The colossal drop in value of both homes has caused them to risk loosing their investments and their financial future. Linda is always exploring new ways to expand her photographic abilities to offer a means to provide for her family. She is working tirelessly to build a clientele to help ensure her family’s security.

Linda could greatly benefit from a weekend of renewal. She got her first camera when she was 11 and I would love to see her advance and succeed. She is always doing for others and deserves a break for herself! In case you are wondering, I know she is available and I will gladly watch her children for her if her husband wants!

As Linda has blessed all who know her, I would love the blessings be returned!! Thank you for your consideration ”

Congratulations Linda!! I hope you’ll find both respite and inspiring joy at the workshop. Brian and I look forward to giving you a BIG HUG this weekend!

xo,

p.s. Three Spots Left for this Weekend in Seattle!

This Saturday and Sunday we have our CONFIDENCE Workshop in Seattle! Want to start the New Year off with confidence in your photography and a creative spirit that is refreshed?! Then come join us! Ladies only! CLICK HERE for details! Or you can email Genie (genie@merakoh.com) with any questions. ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

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January 16th, 2012

New Photo Contest that’s All About GATHERINGS!

The new photo contest is officially here, and it’s all about Gatherings!

Your response to the New Beginnings Photo Contest was so great, we are thrilled to launch a NEW 2012 photo contest around the theme of Gatherings with a new prize: $500 GC to Target (woo-hoo! just gets better and better!)

How Do You Find or Take the Right Photo to Enter?

Think about it this way…What photos have you taken that show the beauty, love and humor of Gatherings? Note the obvious ideas but go out of the box too! This can be a gathering of people you love or what about gatherings of objects you love–like that collection of shoes you hide (check out our NEW Humor Category!), or what about your recent holiday photo that you are super proud of (see this NEW Category too!). I know it took a TON of work to make that family holiday photo happen! Why not enter in the contest!

Keep getting those photos off your computer, take a step of courage in entering, and by doing so, inspire each other with how we see the world around us!

Remember to invite your kids to the challenge too for the special Kid’s Clicks Category! Be sure to check back because every week I’ll be picking two of my favorite entries, giving them feedback and posting it on the website under Me Ra’s Critiques! Check back to see if yours is picked!

Like it or what?! Woo-hoo!

xo,

p.s. Three Spots Left for this Weekend in Seattle!

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January 12th, 2012

Let’s Meet in Person! Vegas or Tennessee?!

Brian and I are coming to Vegas and Tennessee in February, and we would LOVE to meet you!

First stop is WPPI 2012, February 16th-23rd in Vegas!

Wishing you could have a reunion with your CONFIDENCE sisters? Why not WPPI! Take it from the San Diego CONFIDENCE Workshop! These ladies have kept up this reunion for three years now!

WPPI is the largest Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference! Thousands of photographers come from all over the world, but don’t fret. The attendees range from beginner to old pro. The speaking sessions are awesome, down to earth, and cover EVERY THING you could think of from lighting, posing, social media, running a business, etc. Every product, vendor, I mean…any photography related THING, is at the tradeshow–and often vendors save their BIGGEST discounts to offer to WPPI attendees. So if you are thinking of upgrading your camera equipment, save your dollars and do it at WPPI! This is an amazing conference! It’s one of our Grand Prize awards in the Nielsen Photo contests! In fact, I’m super excited for Leah, the Grand Prize winner of the New Beginnings Contest to go! She gets full registration to WPPI as one of her prizes!

Remember the talk I gave at Photo Plus in NY called “Using Social Media Strategically: What Works vs What is Noise”? I know a lot of you were unable to attend Photo Plus but wanted to hear the talk! You are in luck!! The audience feedback was so great in NY, WPPI is letting me bring the talk to Vegas!

Mark your calendars. My session will be on Wed, February 22nd, from 8-10am! I will also be doing several shooting demonstrations at the SONY booth on the tradeshow floor.

So you better say hi! Register for WPPI and save your spot for my talk online today!

From Vegas, we fly to Tennessee for Blissdom 2012!

Calling all women who love blogging, taking pictures, writing and dream of running your own business (or currently have a business)! Blissdom brings 750 women together for a two day conference that will blow your socks off and infuse you with inspiration and friendship! I’ll be teaching all day on Friday for those interested in photography! My talk is titled “Shoot Like a Woman”! And I can’t wait to meet you there! This is my first time going to Tennessee, so EXCITED!

Blissdom is held at the Opryland Hotel. From what I hear, this place is a great family vacation spot too!

But first, before our CONFIDENCE Workshop in Seattle and Florida, before WPPI in Vegas, before Blissdom in Tennessee, we head to Costa Rica this week to shoot a very, very special wedding! (Bring me sunshine!)

So where am I going to see you this new year? Seattle, Florida, Vegas, Tennessee or California? …Costa Rica?

xo,

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January 10th, 2012

Florida “Minis with Me Ra” Released!

Minis with Me Ra are coming to Florida this February!

Every family, every person, has their own story to share. Me Ra would be honored to capture your story this February in Florida!

She is releasing only three Mini Sessions! Below are all the juicy details! To book your Mini with Me Ra, click on the date and time below of your choice!

1. Friday, February 3rd at 3:30-4pm

2. Friday, February 3rd at 4:15-4:45pm

3. Friday, February 3rd at 5-5:30pm

To be put on the waiting list for a possible fourth Mini Session, please email us at info@merakoh.com!

What is a Mini Session? Keep reading!

A Mini Session is a family shoot that lasts 30 minutes. You tell me what your most important photos are (a family shot for the holiday card, individuals of the kids, etc.), and we knock em out in thirty minutes! It’s long enough to get all the shots we need, and it’s short enough for your kids’ attention span.

Mini Details:

Cost is $550. Mini Photo Session MUST be prepaid to confirm your time. You must be on time, preferably 10 minutes early, since sessions are booked back to back.

Testimonial: I received the most beautiful testimonial from a Chicago Mini Session, and with her permission I’m honored to share it with you. My heart’s desire is that our 30 minutes together will be much richer than a picture taking session. I can’t tell you how much Alisa’s feedback meant.

Dear Me Ra,
Words simply cannot express how much I loooove these images. Ah-mazing! Truly.  You have no idea how much it means to me to have spent some time with you and to have you take some awesome shots of me and my family! It was so, so much fun and I tried to soak in every moment. And now I have these amazing images to remind me of our time with you, of our first family vacation as a new family of five and some great images of Allen and me just loving on each other and our kiddos. My heart just smiles thinking about it.
It was an inspiring weekend all around. I know this is going to sound corny, but our shoot together really set the tone for our entire weekend as a family together. You lifted my spirits, you filled my heart and you gave me a sense of confidence – all of which I soooooo needed – and that carried over into my entire outlook on life. You inspire, you care and you love…naturally. There is a just a freshness about you that is contagious. I love you for that!
     Ok. Tears are coming to my eyes and I feel like I’m sounding a little mushy-gushy…but I mean it. Thank you so much. You are awesome. Wish I could be around you more often….I read your blog every day to get my daily dose!
    Wishing you much continued success and lots-a-lots-a love!

-Alisa, Chicago Mini Shoot

Benefits of a Mini Photo Session with Me Ra

1. Done in 30 minutes! Have you ever experienced a photo shoot where you find yourself standing around, wondering what to do for the photographer. Not going to happen with me! One of the BEST time frames for a photo shoot with kids is about 30 minutes long. And I maximize that 30 minutes like you would not believe. We are moving, trying different ideas, laughing, playing and DONE before the kids are frustrated and tired. (Some of you may be thinking, THIRTY minutes? What can you shoot in thirty minutes? Answer: a whole heck of A LOT–see below)

2. 30 Final Images Narrowed Down for YOU! Are you one of those parents who has thousands, I mean THOUSANDS, of images on your computer? Do you feel lost in knowing how to choose certain ones to print? I hear your pain. This is why I narrow down our time to the top 30 moments of the shoot. And I mix them up with both Color and BW toning.

3. High Res Files FOREVER! The 30 Final Images are YOURS! (yep, you get to keep the images and print them wherever you’d like)

4. Show the Sweetness Off! An awesome 16×20 Metal Print of Your Favorite Image. Our team is more than happy to help you pick the one photo for this Metal. Moms have gone CRAZY over these Metal Prints since we spotlighted them on the Nate Berkus Show. Nate LOVES these Metal prints–I LOVE these Metal Prints! Watch the episode by clicking “Turn Your Portraits into Art.”

I have these metals all around our house, and I even have them hanging on my outside deck because they can handle rain and snow and add this wonderful design and color to our backyard. Once you get yours, you’ll join the fan club of Metal Prints!

The BIG question…

What can I shoot in 30 minutes? Well, this is what I shot in 10 minutes at one of our CONFIDENCE Workshops in Seattle.

Mom had these amazing, long legs, so I walked the group through my thought process on how to set up a shot that tells this story along with the story of two generations.

Love all that JOY!!

(Within this 10 minutes, 20 plus women were watching me as I walked them through my camera settings and creative process–while trying to keep the kids entertained–mind you. )

When we do your family shoot, we won’t have an audience. And, I’m going to pull out the individual personalities of your kids so that you feel like the story of “who they are” is found in your photos.

When I’m doing a live shoot on The Nate Berkus Show, I get less than 7 minutes and ONE click for each photo–one shot, and it has to work because 2 million viewers see it.

Bottom line, a thirty minute Mini Session with your family feels like total LUXURY on my end!! We can do ENDLESS things in thirty minutes!

Once you are signed up, Genie (my right hand woman) will email you with details, like what to wear, what to bring, how to prepare, etc. Questions? Don’t hesitate to email us at info@merakoh.com.

Want more than 30 minutes?

My Private Portrait Packages start at $3K. I come to your home and spend up to two hours with your family, documenting the many expressions of your family being in the place you love. Here is one of my favorite, recent examples, Gita, Nick and their Baby Boy! For more details on booking a Private Portrait Session, email info@merakoh.com.

I can’t wait to see all of your beautiful families on the beach in Florida!!

Much love!

p.s. Please keep in mind that you MUST be on time for your Mini Session. If you are late, your time and payment will be forfeited. Thanks for understanding and arriving early with all your paperwork.

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