Clickaway 2016….where do I begin?  I guess back to the start, when I first learned that I was selected to speak at this amazing photography conference.  Thrilled, honored, and proud best described my emotions this spring.  And, I also had a lot of fear…….. let’s face it, teaching in front of your peers and with some of the biggest names in the industry is nerve wracking.  The months of build up helped nurture that fear.  It spread into the corners of my mind and replaced some of my thrill with a bit of self doubt.  Sure, I knew my material and have a background in teaching but questions began to surface that I just couldn’t answer with authority.

“What if no one wants to come to my class?”

“I’m going to be awe-struck at my fellow presenters…. those immensely Talented Women won’t even give me a second thought.”

“One thousand things could go wrong…. my microphone won’t work, it will rain, someone will answer a question I can’t answer.”

“I”m going to screw up.”

The spoiler alert is that EVERYTHING went great.  My Classes were filled with eager faces –  women who asked questions, got that “a-ha!” look on their face, then gave me hugs afterwards.  I met some of my photography idols  and they were so niccccceeeeeee.  Truly.  No egos.  In fact, I met so many empowering, talented women in my classes, the lobby, and out to dinner….and they became more than an idol – they became my friends. Also things DID go wrong.  It rained, there were questions I couldn’t answer, and my presentation didn’t go exactly according to plan.  But it was ALL good.  Each little challenge was easily overcame, which gave me back my confidence.

And while I had the honor of teaching at Clickaway, my  love for learning means I am an even better student.  My schedule didn’t allow me to attend many classes, but I soaked up what I could….

Amanda Jane Jones  – your talent for design inspired me.  I am looking at my photography through refreshed eyes.

Meg Loeks – attending your class (pictured below)….whoa.  I look forward to every image you post and it was incredible to meet you in person.  Plus, you are really super duper nice :).

Lissa Chandler – Your infectious giggle, grandma florals, and talent at adding FUN to every image made me exceptionally eager for my high school portrait sessions.  You rock, lady.

Yan – You are a warm mug of hot cider (sweet and unexpectedly spicy) on a rainy Seattle day.  I soak up every word you say, and am now adopting the mantra to “set the bar low.”  I learned from you in Austin.  I learned from you in Seattle.  And I sure hope to learn from you at Yan Fam Way 2.0 in NYC.

And from my own classes – here are just a few favorites from my sweet model family sessions.  Both families were amaze-balls and it was a BLAST to photograph at the Seattle Center.  Bright colors, bold lines, and cool architecture are a match made in heaven for me.

It was the BEST weekend and I am so PROUD to be a part of the Clickaway Community.  We represent the best of the best in the industry.