This blog post has been a long time coming…but what else is new? π
Early August, Geoff and I traveled to Raleigh for our very first speaking engagement (as photographers) at the
Wedding Photographic Society Convention. And you know what? We had a great time. We spoke to 2 different crowds on the topic of branding. We really had some laughs sharing our first attempts at branding our business…seriously, it wasn’t pretty. π
Can’t thank our lovely friend
Nancy Ray for snapping these shots of us. Love you, Nancy. Lots.
Can I be honest for a minute? Until very recently, I was super nervous about getting into the world of speaking. Not because I felt necessarily unqualified or even anxious for the speaking part of it (I’ve actually spoken/held workshops many a time in my former professional life working with college students), but more so, because I was afraid of being judged by others. Never wanting to put ourselves out there in this way for fear of others thinking/saying, “what are they doing speaking”? And that is just sad. Sad that I’ve let my fears get in my way of tapping into something that I’ve known I’ve always loved.
And so, I am throwing caution to the wind. It comes at a perfect time for me, actually, as I’m going to be taking an extended time off from shooting for my maternity leave. We just shot our last wedding of the year and only have a handful of sessions left before baby girl arrives in February. I’ve begun making plans to launch formal mentorship opportunities for rising photographers, as well as to offer a couple of topic based mini-workshops….the first to be offered as early as January. We have almost landed on our plans for the topic workshops, but if there is anyone out there who would like to put his/her two cents in on specific topics he/she would like to see offered, I’m all ears.
Anyway, feeling super excited as to what is ahead. π
Many, many, many thanks to those on the board of the WPS – thank you so much for the opportunity to speak. We had such fun!
How I wish I could take you up on the mentorship opportunities. I would guess that this wiould be limited to the Charlotte/NC area?
Grace – nope – we could do Skype. π
ahhh yesss!! finally π
excited to hear more deets!
Whoohoo I LOOOOVE this!!
I AM SO EXCITED TO HEAR THIS!!!!! I would LOVE, CHERISH and JUMP at the opportunity to spend some time and learn from with guys! I’ve always hoped you might begin offering mentorship opportunities!!! Put my name at the TOP OF THE LIST π
I’d love to hear more about how you found your artistic voice and style! And maybe some insight on how you’ve dealt with success and growth. I feel like the second and third year of business can be almost more terrifying then the FIRST!
I am so incredibly thankful that you both are going to be sharing your experience and knowledge! I CANT WAIT!
Such a great idea! You both are endlessly inspiring. I canβt wait to hear more about these opportunities!!
That makes me so, so happy! I really respect your work and would love to learn so much more. Thank you for branching out into this area π
That makes me so, so happy! I really respect your work and would love to learn so much more. Thank you for branching out into this area π
Danielle – you are so sweet. π and thanks for the feedback!
I LOVE this idea, Cheyenne! However, I will personally leave the photographing to you guys π xo
How do you sign up? I want to do this!!
Sounds awesome. I could really use some mentorship on running the business. Finances, legal, and marketing. I am looking to hopefully jump into photogeaphy full time next year, leaving my current full-time day job to pursue what I believe God has called me to do.
grateful for chances to learn from people like you! can’t wait to see what you have coming! as for topics– something on the business side of photography would be lovely! π
I would definetly be interested in a mentorship opportunity–can’t wait to hear more details, and I’m so grateful for your willingness to share! π
cheyenne. this post made me so happy. mostly because you said “throwing caution to the wind” and i love the result that caution-throwing yields. and i love that you smacked fear in the face. but i just wanted to thank you for the endless amounts of unofficial mentoring and encouraging that you have given to me and to so many others. you are truly overflowing with generosity. and you and geoff will make the greatest workshop-hosts in the land. congratulations! so thankful i know you.
Whenever you guys have mini workshops I hope they won’t be during the week because I have a day job and i’d only be able to come down to Charlotte on a weekend. I’d be extremely interested as you guys have been a big inspiration to my work and still continue to be.
Really proud of you guys. You have so much wisdom to share. I kinda want to come ; p
You two always find ways to keep your craft fresh. I love that! And can’t wait to hear more about these opportunities.
ahhhhh…so excited to see a post related to mentorships and workshops with you and geoff. i remember a long time ago i asked you via email if you would offer internships, mentorships and workshops and you replied, “not at this time” insert a frowny face! ok so this makes my heart a little giddy, wait no…a lot giddy. is that proper english? i would love the opportunity to meet you, geoff and boone! i will keep creeping on your blog as i do every day (call me crazy) and await the first post about this amzing opportunity. put my name second on the list under danielle!
SO happy for you in this new stage of your career! You are going to be the most fabulous mentors ever. Love, love, love!
Hello. We exchanged a-mails way back in March and you were incredibly kind in giving me advice. I am now enrolled in photography school and will be graduating in May 2012. I am writing my bio for my website in class tonight and I thought I would come to your page for inspiration. Every time I browse your galleries, I get lost in the beauty and emotion that you capture. I am SOOOOOO excited to know that you may be offering trainings to upcoming photographers. My biggest area of interest is in lighting. Lighting lighting lighting π Keep up the great work and I’m looking forward to finding out more!
Love you lots too. ;] So proud of you for doing this. You have SO much to offer! Speaking suits both of you so well, and I know your mentorships will be such a success! Proud to call you and Geoff friends. xoxo. (PS. Let’s see each other soon!)
I want to be a part of the mini-workshops! How do I get info?? So excited you guys will be offering this! I love your blog!
Ooh, how exciting. π It’s a relief when well-loved and admired photographers begin offering their mentoring to others! I noticed two others mentioned these items: legal/marketing and finding one’s artistic voice. Similarly for me, a session(s) on more than just business basics, on growing one’s craft, and on fine tuning the editing look/feel/style/workflow of images would be of an interest to me. I am interested in and am looking forward to seeing what you will be offering! Have fun! ;D
Thanks, Brittany! We’ll release more information once it is available on the blog. π