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!

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!

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!

Watching The Nate Berkus Show last week and seeing how photography brought healing to a family with Special Needs, reminded me of how important it is to keep empowering women to build their photography dreams so that this kind of transformation only multiplies. We have reached for this with our SOAR! Scholarship Program the last two years. Our three SOAR! Recipients from this year, Rachel, Charisse and Ali, took their final step and wrote their last SOAR! blog posts last week. Completely inspiring. I even resisted reading them all week, not wanting the year to end. I’m going to miss their blogs and visual journey of how this year is transforming their lives. As I know, many of you will too.

Click on their names to read their final SOAR! blog posts and see the visual transformation that happened in their photography over this last year. And if you have time, leave them a final comment as they set out to SOAR.

Rachel
Charisse
Ali

Stay tuned for their official SOAR! launch when their websites are ready!  And if you need some Thanksgiving themed photo inspiration, they are doing Wordless Posts this week.

THE NEXT STEP for SOAR!

Many of you have asked about SOAR! for next year. Is there going to be another SOAR! Scholarship year? When will it start?

After much thought including lots of morning walks of being quiet and listening deeply, assessing the scholarship program of SOAR! on a whole, lots of prayers and seeking advice, Brian and I have decided that SOAR’s next step is going to be rest. We are going to take a year off of the SOAR Scholarship. This last year was a strong, solid year. And even though we have a great program in place, I never want to do something just because that’s what we do. I want to always be listening and asking if this is what we are meant to do, right now, at this time.

I have a deep sense of this scholarship needing a year off to regroup, to rethink, to strengthen, reshape, rebuild, but also to listen and rest.

The SOAR! website and SOAR! blog will stay up so you can continue to read through the archives of the last two years. There are so many potent Business Coaching exercises, Photography Exercises and examples from our six SOAR! Recipients over the last year to help you feel not so alone in your dream building. We will also leave the SOAR! Forum up, so you can continue to converse with each other and draw from all the resources shared in our Ask & Learn nights. And the fabulous SOARORITY Facebook page is always there for you too!

Some might say it’s unwise to take a year off because you can lose momentum. But I trust this journey. I’ve been on this creative journey for some years now, and whenever I follow my instinct I find myself exactly where I need to be. If SOAR! is meant to have more rest than just a year, we will all know. For now, I’m going to trust this next step in front of me because even though it isn’t clear a mile down the road–this next step is clear.

And I know this will be true for all of you who wanted to apply this year. I think that timing is key to all things. Even though this door is not opening for the coming year, even though the answer is “not yet”, I know–beyond a shadow of doubt–that new, unexpected doors are going to open for you. I know it with all that I am.

Even though the SOAR! program is resting for this next year, I will still be going forward in all our projects that seek to empower women. There are a lot of fun, inspiring, empowering events in the pipeline for 2012. Whether I see you on my blog, Facebook or The Nate Berkus Show, I hope that all I say and do continues to empower you in building your impossible dreams and experience the magic of soaring.

Thank you (honestly the words “thank you”, don’t do it justice) to our amazing SOAR! Partners the last two years:

SONY–for generously giving six women all the camera gear to start a photography business
Smug Mug and Fastline Media–creating beautiful websites for our six recipients and seriously being the fastest web help out there!
Adobe–providing all the software
ShootDotEdit–providing training and resources for post processing of images
Pixel2Canvas–training the gals in selling products and providing them with amazing samples
Jill-e Designs–Giving six women BEAUTIFUL camera bags that showed off their personality
Wendy Zippwald, our SOAR! Coordinator, who helped me all year, pro bono, with every logistic you can think of between partners, recipients and the SOAR! blog. Wendy, you are our hero!
and last, but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, the Wisdom Connection–generously provided two years of pro bono, monthly business coaching, to six women–our lives are transformed by your wisdom.

There wouldn’t be a SOAR! Scholarship without the generosity of all our partners. We are soooo thankful for each one.

And lastly, I want to thank all the SOAR! women who have followed along, done the exercises, continued to build your dreams even though you had no accountability or business coaching call to keep you going. You ladies inspire me beyond words. Even though you didn’t win the scholarship, you kept pushing forward. Every time I hear one of your stories, I am so deeply moved and proud to know you. What some of you have discovered is amazing. If you have a SOAR! story I’d LOVE to hear it.

Here are two powerful videos from women who went on to SOAR! even though they didn’t win the scholarship. I know they represent many more out there!

Beryl Young’s Video

Lynda Kennedy’s Video

May today be a wonderful start to your Thanksgiving week.  I am so thankful for all of YOU!

xo,
m

Thankful for Influence

There is still time to get your swab/bone marrow kit turned in for our friend and fellow photographer, Amit Gupta.  The deadline is November 30th.  Please pass this video to all you know and have influence with.  They are in special need of South Asian donors for Amit!

Meet  Fabulous Photographer and Amazing Mom Wendy Zippwald from Oahu, Hawaii!

(Above image by Brenda Van Valkenburg of Brenda Van Photos)

This is our last Amazing Mom interview for 2011, and it is a complete honor to have it be Wendy Zippwald!!  Some of you know Wendy as an amazing photographer, but she is many, many things to this community!  She has also been the greatest SOAR! Coordinator I could ever ask for!  She has helped me lead this year’s SOAR! Scholarship with integrity and grace, and seriously, I don’t know what I would do without her.  Wendy has also helped host our Ask & Learn Forums on Thursday nights that we have all been inspired by!  Her energy is contagious.  She has a heart to help others.  Her photography, as you are about to see, is GORGEOUS!  Wendy, thank you for all that you do and most importantly, all that you are.  You are a gift to ALL of us!

Everyone, meet Wendy!  Be prepared to be inspired!

Q:  Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the photography business?

I am proud to say I grew up in the great Midwest and hold those values that most Midwesterners do, even after moving all over the United States in the past 11 years.  Being an Air Force spouse is engraved in me.  I can’t imagine my life without the Air Force.  Scott and I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities and great places to live.  We have 2 boys, Cooper and Caden who always trek along with no complaints (I don’t think they are old enough yet).  You can read 25 more interesting facts about me on my website under “Meet Wendy”.

I have always been interested in photography.  I have owned many cameras throughout the years as technology has changed.  I thought I wanted to explore starting a business when I attended Me Ra’s Confidence workshop in April of 2007 in Sonoma, California.  When I left Me Ra’s workshop, I knew I wanted to start a business. I went home to portfolio-build and never looked back.

Q:  What inspires your  photography?

The People I shoot inspire me.  I take the time to watch how they all interact and try to capture those sweet in-between moments.  They inspire me to want each shot to be better than the last at telling their story, showing their personality and the connections they share.

Q:  What inspires you as a person, artist?

I am 100% completely inspired by my amazing husband.  For the past 20 years he has dedicated his life to the Air Force.  We have moved 6 times in the past 11 years and each time he begins his new position with courage and stamina like he has been doing it for many years.  He amazes me with his knowledge of each new position he starts…can you imagine doing a brand new job every 1-2 years with very little guidance of how to do it?  He is a self-starter and is teaching our sons to be just like that.  I love you honey and I am proud to stand at your side in this journey!

Q:  How do you prepare for a photography session?

Before each session I reread the client questionnaire they filled out to refresh on all the names of people involved in the session and and what the mom (usually) would like me to capture.  This helps me to “get my game on” beforehand.  I also make sure my camera battery is charged and I have at least 3 CF cards in my bag.  I don’t need all the CF space anymore, I take them just in case one goes bad while shooting.  Then I go through my checklist to make sure camera settings are correct.  White balance on Auto, ISO at 200, Aperture at 2.8.  These are all my starting points when I pick up my camera.  I did this checklist because when I was first starting out and would do a session which ended at sunset and then do a session the next day during the daytime,  I would get all nervous about meeting a new client and forget to switch my ISO back to 200, so I would shoot a whole session in daylight at like ISO 800, which on my first camera was a big deal.

Q:  How would you describe your photography style?

Simple…3 C’s…Crisp, Colorful and Clean.  I usually sharpen up the image and bump up the color in Post-Processing, but I don’t use textures or many actions in PS.

Q:  Tell us the story of this recent image.

I have an early childhood and elementary education background, so I pretty much know how to work with kiddos, well most kiddos.   The little guy in this image wanted nothing, I mean nothing, to do with me and my camera this day.  I chased him around the beach for a good amount of time.  Mom really wanted me to try to get all three of them in an image, but this little guy was as fast at getting up as I was at putting him down.  So as the two older children were running on the beach we decided to get him to run with them.  Easier said than done.  I wish I could post the “outtakes” of the mom and sitter trying to help on this.   Well, I gave it one last try, bumped up my Aperture a little to 3.3 and tested the exposure before I let them go.  As they were getting close to me running this was one of the frames as I held down the shutter.  Even though the little girl is a little out of focus, I am in love with the color and the motion of this image.  It also turned out to be ones of mom’s favorites.

Q:  What are some of the best resources you have used for learning?

1. Me Ra’s CONFIDENCE  Workshop!  No doubt, I would not be where I am today without attending her workshop.  More on that below!

2. Pinkletoes-Michelle Anderson
Without the PT4P subscription I would not have been able to handle the business portion of running a photography business.  Her downloads helped me get my initial paperwork done and keep me organized!

3.  Scott Kelby-Understanidng Exposure-A really good read that I send home with those that I mentor.

4. Clickin Moms Forum, Go4ProPhotos, and Flickr Discussion Groups were my earlier websites and learning forums.  I have now narrowed it down and am a member of CM Pro, the Bloom Forum and the B School.  I also just stumbled upon Elizabeth Halford’s site for learning.  A great one!

5.  MCP Actions Blog-Another great site for learning.

Q:  What is one of the best pieces of advice you have been given?
“Your images can be good, even great…but what keeps clients coming back is you.  You give 200% to each and every client.”  When I am shooting a family, a wedding, or a military homecoming…I am there, I mean really there. Nothing in the world matters to me at those moments, but making the wonderful people that stand on the other side of my camera comfortable enough to show me their true personalities.  I want my clients to think of me as “their friend” once the session is complete.

I want to share a story about really “caring” for your clients and going the extra mile.  The image below is a friend of mine here in Hawaii.  I didn’t know her really well before her session but now we are much closer since her session.  On her client questionnaire  that everyone fills out when they book me, she said, “We had a baby girl who was stillborn at full term with a fatal birth defect. We named her Hope Elizabeth and she is very much a part of our family and interwoven into our conversations. We celebrate her birthday each year as a BIG family day, etc. I would LOVE to do something maybe with HOPE written in the beach sand. “  Well my wheels started turning in my head about how I could make it even more special for her.  I decided to make this quick “HOPE” banner that I pulled out for them in front of my favorite Banyan tree.  She was left speechless.  That was a bonding moment for us all and that is what I am talking about when I speak about giving 200% to each and every client.

Q:  What is one piece of advice you could give a “newbie”?

If I could tell newbies one thing…I think it would be that starting a photography business doesn’t happen overnight.  You must be as prepared on the business side of it as you are on the photography/technique part of it.  It is very hard to catch up on the business side of it if you jump in too soon.   I also highly suggest that you are shooting in manual before you start your business.   Oops, I guess that was two.

Q:  What is the best piece of Marketing advice you can give at this time?

I think the most important piece of marketing that has really grown my business is word of mouth.  You have got to get your name out there.  Don’t be afraid to tell people that you are a photographer.  Practice in your mirror if you have to, but do it!  I also think it is very important to start networking with other photographers in your area…immediately!  Join a SMUGMUG Meet-up, Pursuit 31 Group or PUG (Pictage User Group).  I get a ton of referrals from local photogs that are either booked, an inquiry is not a good fit for them, or even moving.  Network Ladies!

Q:  How do I know Me Ra Koh?

Four years ago now, I was Googling everything about photography under the sun.  I just happened to come across her website.  I spent the next 5 hours reading the entire Archives of her blog.  After that I decided to put her CONFIDENCE Workshop on my Christmas list (I know, a little large on the gift), but I did and I knew my hubby knew how important it was to me, as he heard “Me Ra this and Me Ra that” for the past couple weeks.  So about 2 weeks before the holidays, I was messing around with my DSLR and had screwed up some setting.  I was walking down the stairs in our house, cussing under my breath, and the phone was ringing.  I got to the bottom of the stairs and Scott handed me the phone and said, “Tech support for fuzzy pictures is on the phone”.  Me Ra was on the other end of the line, telling me that my dear husband was surprising me with a trip to the Sonoma CONFIDENCE Wkshp in April and she couldn’t wait to meet me.  Blah, blah, blah, you can read more about this story on Me Ra’s blog.  Yes that is me in hot pink PJ’s!

Anyway, that was my first encounter with Me Ra.  I had no idea that attending her workshop in Sonoma, would forever change my life in so many ways.  Yes, I went home with the Confidence and tools to start my own photography business.  But I also gained some serious new BFF’s that weekend.  We still to this day hold each other accountable, hug when needed, listen to each other joys and tears and just plain love each other.

From there we kept in touch a couple of times, but when she announced that she needed a coordinator for the SOAR! Scholarship I thought that would be a perfect fit for me at the time.  It has been an amazing year for us all and I am so blessed to end this year’s cast of wonderful Ask and Learn Photographers.

It has been a complete joy serving this year as the SOAR! Coordinator.  I love this community and think it is a great place for support, whether it is about photography or just life as a woman and mom.  I wish you all success in your business ventures.  Please give me a ring if you think I can help you in any way!

Today is going to be special for us.  I’m not sure how, but I’m going to look for it in small things–while being open to big things too.  I mean, it’s 11-11-11 today!  The date alone is pretty crazy and fun!  Right?!

We are getting things prepped for our Dallas CONFIDENCE Workshop this weekend with a few special mini photo shoots this afternoon…I’m so excited.   But before I head out to scout our mini location, I want to leave this special interview with you.

Some of you may have already got my FB news feed, but if not, I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it.  Many of you have emailed me and asked me to do an interview of myself for our monthly Amazing Mom posts.  Well ladies, this is my version.  Women, especially moms with cameras, have been heavy on my heart–more than ever.   When Clickin Moms, a wonderful community of moms who love photography, asked me to do an intimate interview for them–I thought of all of you.  After four hours of going deep into the heart of why I do what I do, the interview is now live on their blog.

CLICK HERE to read the interview

May it empower you with your camera and comfort you in knowing you are not alone.

All my love and respect,

m

p.s. And you may find a special gift at the end of the interview that has to do with our CONFIDENCE Workshops and the number 50.    (I told you today had good things in store!)

Meet Gretchen McFarland…a wonderful boudoir photographer and an AMAZING MOM!

I was so excited to interview  Gretchen McFarland, a Boudoir Photographer from North Carolina.  She attended a CONFIDENCE Workshop last November and look where her business is now!  She took the leap and never looked back.  Yay Gretchen!  We will be ”talking” with Gretchen in the SOARority forum tomorrow night, Thursday, Oct. 19th from 5-7pm PST.  If you were ever wondering how to get into the area of Boudoir photography, this is one you won’t want to miss.  Obviously, she is also very focused and knows how to line up her Business Agenda and stick to it!

  

You never know when I may do a shout out for a second shooter on my FB page! Be sure to Like It, so you have a chance at coming, no matter what city you live in!  Below is what happened to Natalia Dotto when she responded to a last minute shout out! (be sure to check out her BEAUTIFUL website!) And Early Bird Special starts tomorrow with the announcement of our Winter CONFIDENCE Cities! xo, m

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A Behind-the-Scenes look from Natalia Dotto, Seattle Photographer (all photos by Natalia)

Last Friday afternoon was supposed to be routine: picking up a 5 year old from Kindergarten, collecting my 14-year old from JV soccer practice and going to my 17 year old’s Varsity soccer game. But sometimes plans change and chances have to be grabbed.

Me Ra Koh had put out a spontaneous call for a second shooter on her FB page, someone to go on a funky photo journey with her. I jumped at the chance and an hour and a half later, I was in Tacoma outside an antique store with THE Me Ra Koh!

She greeted me with a big hug and that smile that just draws you in. We chatted a bit and she immediately put me at ease. Did I mention I was really nervous?! Then she started to tell me about her vision for this family session; A vintage sofa placed in the middle of the street. A parking garage peppered with graffiti.

And the family was bringing some serious props … a deer head, a stuffed fish, also skateboards, hockey sticks, helmets, a homemade sword, shield and quiver, a surfboard. My mind was racing at the possibilities.

Me Ra handed me one of her SONY cameras, popped on a 70-200 lens, gave me a quick run through of the Sony … seemed simple enough. The family arrived with matching blue blazers, and we were off.

Over the next 90 minutes I watched.  I shot.  And I absorbed it all.  There was a ton of laughing and some shooting and some learning and quite a bit more laughter, but here are my four biggest “aha’s” that I took away  from that afternoon:

1. You don’t have to get every shot. This was big for me since after every session I walk away with the same thought — why didn’t I get this or why didn’t I do that, or say this or ask that?  When we talked before the session Me Ra said think about a session this way: if you only had 3 rolls of film, 36 exposures, 108 images which ones would you get. Be thoughtful about when you push that shutter-release. Pause … breathe … think.

2. Don’t be afraid of the opportunity.  Me Ra found a vintage/antique store in Tacoma that was willing to let her use their orange sofa in the session. Better yet the shop owners were willing to let her put it in the middle of the street. Even better … two burly guys spent a few minutes with us moving it in and out of the street when the cars came by.

My takeaway: See something you like … ask. What’s the worst that can happen?

3. Collaboration can be key. This was a seriously fun, good-looking family. How often do you get clients wanting a stuffed fish in their family portraits? This family was anything but stuffy.  And while Me Ra had a definite idea of how she wanted this session to go, when the boys had an idea she went with it. If she wasn’t feeling it she told them and started over.  Here’s Me Ra showing one of the boys how she wants him to pose with his mum. This one just wasn’t working (think mum’s head squashed between her lovely high-spirited boys).

No problem, Me Ra moved them in front of a vintage doorway.

I saw a melding of ideas between photographer and the clients. Granted not every client is going to be like this. But asking for feedback, for what the client wants to do, can go a long way.  The boys were totally engaged in the photographic process and likely more comfortable in front of the camera because of it all.

4. Perhaps my biggest takeaway was this: Start from where you are. Me Ra’s words of advice she picked up in the loo. I’m serious. If you ever meet her ask her about this one. But anyway … I worked for years as a television news producer; I still pick up a freelance job now and then. Over the last few months I have been wondering why I’ve not embraced that side of me more when it comes to my photography. The couple of hours I spent with Me Ra reinforced that this is how I need to approach my craft, starting from where I am and what I know.

Oh and make sure you laugh … a lot!

As I got in my car for the drive back to Seattle, Me Ra jumped into her grandpa’s old jeep truck, honked, and waved as she drove away. My mind was swirling. It actually still is. Were there images I wished I had taken, questions I wish I had asked? Of course. But the couple of hours on Friday afternoon were a thrill for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet and shoot with the photographer who helped get me started on my own photography journey.

Thank you Me Ra!

Oh and a huge thank you to my husband who jumped in and took care of the kid-wrangling for me.

-Natalia Dotto

P.S. Part of this journey for me was making a video for Me Ra’s SOAR scholarship. (Yes, I actually got in front of the lens). I had taken a few tentative steps towards starting a photography business when I heard about SOAR. Through the SOAR scholarship three women receive mentoring and coaching from Me Ra and several other sponsors and partners in all aspects of starting their own photography business. But it’s so much bigger than that.  Anyone and everyone who wants to can participate. While I didn’t win the scholarship I made some amazing BPF’s (Best Photography Friends) who I likely would never have met if it weren’t for SOAR. The SOAR community is spread across the country. And these women support and encourage each other as they build their businesses.  And for those who want to enter in 2012 the contest is going to gear up again! Get those videos ready, I’ll be watching!   For more info on the SOAR! Scholarship, CLICK HERE!

Meet Melissa Jordan…A Fantastic Photographer and AMAZING Mom!

As I was searching for our September Ask and Learn Photographer, I came across this brave and raw video.  The Amazing Melissa Jordan of Melissa Jordan Photography, (Warsaw, Indiana) had just woken up to find that three other wonderful women had been chosen for the scholarship she had applied for …Yes…The SOAR! Scholarship.  I can not tell you how much courage it took her to get in front of a camera and congratulate Lindsay, Jen and Linda.  But what I can tell you is that Melissa knew deep in her heart that this was not the end, it was the beginning.  Since her application in 2010, she has SOARED…all on her own…with grace and determination.   We are so happy she did and she is here with us to share her successes and failures along the way.  Those of you who have or will apply for the SOAR! Scholarship this coming year, let her empower you with her words of wisdom!  Come and join us, in the SOARority forum, for tomorrow’s Ask and Learn, September 22, from 5-7pm PST.

Q:  When did you start your business and what was the turning point of taking it from a hobby to a business of charging people? 
My love for photography and my journey as a mom so far are very closely interwoven so I’m going to have to get personal here but I’ll keep it short and start from the beginning.  My parents bought me my first film SLR during my first year of college and I took pictures of people as a hobby for the next 6 years or so but when everything went digital I fell behind.  A few years later, after my second child was born I made a list of personal goals but soon forgot about this list when I found out I was expecting our third child…  A few days before our third child was born we were told that she had a fatal neural tube defect and would not live long after birth.  Isabel was born and after spending 16 unforgettable hours in our arms she went on to make her eternal home in heaven.  Then came the grief and a darkness so heavy that it almost felt like I was suffocating in it.  We soon found out we were expecting again and had our fourth child within the year.  She brought us so much healing but it was so fast, I was still grieving.  In my grief I found myself searching for an artistic outlet and I took up painting, I even bought some fabric with the intention of learning to sew.  (I’ve since passed that fabric on to a more able bodied person.)  Then I found my aforementioned LIST, those personal goals I had written down four years before.  I read “Get back into photography” and I immediately sent facebook messages to friends from college who had successful photography businesses, asking if they knew of anyone that was selling a DSLR.  Only one responded, he was selling his own and he was going to list it on ebay and Craigslist within the week.  That was meant for me.  Once I decided to buy it there was not a question in my mind of using it as a hobby or for business purposes.  I needed it personally as an artistic outlet but I had intended to start a business with that camera as soon as it was in my hands.  This was about three years ago.  I’m now expecting our 5th child!!  We are having a boy and he’s supposed to make his grand entrance sometime around December 29.

Q:  What inspires your photography? 
My photography is inspired by my subjects.  I’ve found that I’m not very good at taking pictures of landscapes (unless there’s a person in front of it).  I need to photograph life, real expressions, love, joy and even sadness sometimes.  For me, it’s the biggest compliment ever when I’ve been told that looking at my photographs is like looking at an emotion.

Q:  What made you fall in love with photography? 
I believe I was in 8^th grade, I was flipping through the pages of a National Geographic magazine in the library and saw people from around the world just living their lives.  I felt like I could somehow connect with them through those pictures.  This was probably my first experience with seeing a photograph apart from the subject facing the camera and smiling.

Q: What inspires you as a person, artist?
My biggest inspiration is from the first artist ever; God.  I can’t help but be inspired by His creation and works of art that He gives us to look at every day.  Trees and big puffy multi-dimensional clouds are among my favorites.  I’m also inspired by the stories of people who have loved others without regard for themselves.  God and other people, it’s really what this life is all about.

Q:  What is one or two pieces marketing/self-promotion ideas that you can give our newbies?
My top priority in the beginning was word of mouth, to hear more about this join us on the SOARority forum for Ask and Learn on Thursday from 5-7 PST (8-10 EST).

Q:  If you are not behind the camera photographing fantastic people, what might we find you doing? 
I’m a quality time person so spending time with people I care about is definitely at the top of my list of things to do.  I also enjoy drama (I lead the drama team at my church) reading, movies and good food.  My midsection wishes I would stop enjoying that last one quite so much.

Q:  Can you tell us a fun back story behind this GREAT photo!

I had the opportunity to photograph the homebirth of another photographer near me and I took this photo just moments after her baby was born.  This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!  When I left her house I got in my car and cried.  I could not believe I had just witnessed that miracle.

Q:  How would you describe your style? 
Artistic; I like to creatively use my surroundings and if my clients need assistance with posing I like to put them in fluid positions where I can see movement, even in their still shot.   Sophisticated; it’s important to me to be able to combine my creativity with a classic, beautiful image that’s timeless.  I’ve found that in the three short years I’ve been in business trends and fads have changed numerous times, I don’t want my photos to look dated next year.  Authentic; I try to capture real life expressions, emotions and lots of personality.  I also keep my post processing simple and clean.

Q:  What type of camera equipment did you have when you first started shooting portraits?
I bought a used Nikon D2x from a college friend and my only lens for a long time was the 55-200mm 4-5.6.  Those two never ever should have been put together!  I felt like I had arrived when I finally purchased a 50mm 1.8.

Q:  And what have you added to your camera bag since then?
My main camera body is a Nikon D700 and my most used lenses are 80-200mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4, 24mm 2.8, 60mm macro 2.8 and 85mm 1.8.

Q:  What is your favorite lens right now? 
My favorite go-to lens has always been my 50mm, I think because it’s small and light and I can shoot all the way down to 1.4 but in the last month or so I’m finding that I LOVE my 80-200mm.  It’s heavy but I love the color and creamy skin that it gives me straight out of camera.

Q:  What would you purchase next? 
It’s important to me to not wish for the next best thing.  I have great equipment and I can usually get every shot that I need with what I have so I want to be content and thankful for all that I already have.  If I happen to start saving for something right now though, it would probably be an off camera flash workshop.

Q:  What is one of the best things you have done for the success of your business?  
Learn to be left brained and right brained at the same time.  Keep learning and practice then practice some more.  I quickly found out that the success of my business depends on so much more than how good of a photographer I am.  There are factors like personal connections, customer service, a little luck (or maybe a Divine appointment) and thinking like a business woman instead of an artist.  However, if all of those factors are working together towards my advantage but I allow myself to remain a mediocre photographer I won’t be successful in the end and I won’t feel successful in the present.
   

Q:  How do you know about Me Ra and the SOAR! community? 
My long time friend Jenny Miller of Miller Expressions Photography who also happened to take our family portrait that is pictured here introduced me to Me Ra’s blog back when I first started my business.  And like mentioned above by Wendy, I applied for the 2010 SOAR! Scholarship.

Wowzers Melissa!  I can’t wait to hear more during the Ask and Learn.  Thank you so much for your time and generosity!
Have a fabulous day!
Wendy (Your SOAR! Coordinator)

Meet Keri Doolittle…An AMAZING Photographer and Mom!

Keri Doolittle is a Wedding and Senior Portrait Photographer based in Denver, Colorado.  She is a SONY gal and has mentored one of our very own “SOAR! Sistas”.  She does fantastic work and has an unforgettable “Brand” to her business.  Check out her website!

We are so excited to have her to answer questions during tomorrow nights Ask and Learn Session on the Soarority Forum.  Grab your favorite morning beverage and enjoy this interview with Keri.

Q:  When did you start your business and what was the turning point of taking it from a hobby to a business of charging people?
I got my business license in May 2007, which meant I was officially paying taxes!    When we moved from Spokane, WA to Phoenix, AZ, I decided to make the jump to FT photography and drop my middle-school teaching job.  Luckily, I was booked for my entire 2008 wedding season within a month of moving to Phoenix.  Normally, that doesn’t happen right away, but my Phoenix brides jumped all over my $1500 price-list.  I quickly found out that I was WAY underpriced and I didn’t make a darn thing that year, however, I made some GREAT vendor connections, which kept me busy for the remainder of our time in PHX.  We currently live in Denver, CO and continue to grow my business approximately 15 – 20% a year, which is very exciting (and a bit overwhelming at times).Q:   What inspires your photography?  What made you fall in love with photography?

My kiddos are both my reason for falling in love with photography and also my inspiration.  I bought my first dSLR when Ryland (almost 5 years old) was born and really enjoyed the technical side of learning about the camera.  I wanted to take better pictures of my kiddos, so I read anything and everything I could find online about starting a business.  I jumped into weddings when a local photographer asked me to second-shoot for her during the summer of 2007.  I instantly fell in love.  What an amazing day to document…two people in love, everyone is happy and full of emotion.  It was just something I wanted to be a part of!

Q:  What inspires you as a person, artist?

Q:   If you are not behind the camera photographing fantastic people, what might we find you doing?
Sports!  I love to golf!  I try to get out at least once/week, but that is almost impossible during wedding season.  If I am not golfing, the family and I will either be at a sporting event (football, baseball, etc) or at some local museum.  The hubs and I also love to find great places to eat.  Denver is FULL of great eateries, so we enjoy trying to hunt them down.

Q:   What is one of the best things you have done for the success of your business?
Branding, social networking, top-notch customer service.  Oh, did you just say one thing? 

Q:  What are the classes/workshops/DVDs/books or websites that you’ve watched or read to teach yourself photography? Were they helpful?

Unfortunately, I haven’t been to many workshops that have really blown me away.  I, do, however, belong to a great online forum of gals that are really supportive.  We have been together for about 5 years and have really supported and learned from each other.  I really owe a lot of my knowledge to them (and to the occasional You Tube video).  We consistently critique each others work, strive to better ourselves and our business and also try to have a little fun every now and then.  My local PPA chapter, Professional Photographers of Colorado, Mile High Photographers Club, Pictage and Collages.net bring some great and affordable (most of the time free) speakers and workshops to the Denver area which are also very helpful.

Q:  What type of camera equipment did you have when you first started shooting portraits? And what have you added to your camera bag since then?  Your favorite lens right now?  What would you purchase next?

Q:  Tell us a little bit about your blog site design.  Who, what, why the look?  (BTW-It’s genius!)

My blogsite was designed by Into The Darkroom.  It was about a 6-7 month process, including wait-time on their wait-list.  I wanted to have a COMPLETELY unique site.  I came with them with a couple concepts…”Nick at Nite” and “Cars Movie”.  I knew both of those could get cheesy really fast, so we had to come up with something classic that would appeal to both my portrait clients (mostly seniors) and my brides.  After a few revisions, I was in LOVE with what they came up with.  I can do so many fun things, marketing-wise and really get creative.  There are still a few “tweaks” I would like to do, but it will have to wait awhile. 

Q:  How do you know about Me Ra and the SOAR! community?