Why I want to give away my photography secrets

Maybe you've seen my updates about recent photography workshops and you're wondering, 

"But...people hire her to take their pictures. Why would she teach them to take their own?"

That's a really great question. It's definitely one that I asked myself before I started teaching workshops. 
And here are some of the reasons why I get so excited about teaching this workshop:


1) I believe everyone should know how to take beautiful photos.


Everyone deserves to have photos of their childhood - photos that show the essence of the moment - photos that are properly exposed and composed - photos they would be proud to have in their wedding slideshow someday. I like looking through old photos, but I love stumbling upon an old photo that was obviously taken with skill and intention. 


2) You spent money on a nice camera, you should know how to use it!


Obviously. 
Many of you bought that nice camera thinking great shots will just pop out of it automatically (not you, of course...I'm talking to that other person reading this). Many of you have a budding passion for photography that needs a little push in the right direction. You need someone to help you grasp the technical side or the artistic side (or both!). I am passionate about helping you maximize the camera you already have!


3) I can't be there to photograph every one of your milestones.


As much as I would love you to hire me to photograph every cute/new thing your baby does, let's face it, that's not practical. At all. 
Hire me for the big stuff - family, milestones, maternity, birth and new baby, etc. - and take beautiful in-between photos on your own! Learn to take photos that you'd be proud to print big.


4) We should all "stop and smell the roses".


I lead a pretty active/full life, but I am constantly reminding myself to have a "slowed-down" view of the moments I experience. In this busy culture we live in, it's important to cultivate a gratitude for the simple things. It makes life richer. There is beauty everywhere, and everyone should know how to find it. Photography is one way to exercise that. Photography takes you out of the busy, and gets you on the ground looking at the ants, or paying attention to the way your child concentrates on their task. It's a simple thing you can do to help point your attention in the right direction. 



So, those are some of the main reasons I get excited about teaching photography workshops. I know I get to help people do something they've maybe been wanting to do for a long time. I am grateful that I get to inspire them on their artistic journey. 




♥ Estelle