I took my first photography workshop in SLC by two of my favorite photographers, Amanda & Holly. I felt like I was finally acquainted with my camera and I'd just started shooting in manual mode. I really wanted a jump start, so when they offered the Picture Life Workshop I couldn't stop thinking about it. It was in Utah the same weekend as my mom's birthday. I had double motive to get there. I worried about the cost. I worried about ditching Jon with the other 3 kids. I worried about ditching my nursing baby all day and learning how to use that nice pump I was given. I couldn't sleep at night. I hadn't wanted something this big for myself in a long time. It really meant so much to me to go and entertain a personal passion of mine.

I learn so much from observation. It was so helpful for me to watch them shoot. I loved watching them edit in photoshop. I loved feeling inspired. They had us get out there a get some hands on practice also. It's intimidating to be starting out and so clueless and overwhelmed all at the same time.

I have a Nikon D50. They don't even sell them anymore. It's an entry-level SLR camera. I only have a kit lense that I've come to despise and the 50 mm 1.8 lense. I edit in Photoshop Elements 4, but have found some plug ins to simulate curves. I've gotta start with what I've got and when I know my stuff, I'll be able to justify the expense of the nicer equipment. If a photographer is actually inside of a person and not inside a shutter box, than let's see what I can pull off.

Here are a few: