Is there a book, piece of gear, or seminar that can make you the best photographer and business person overnight? Of course not. There are so many things out there that promise you’ll be better and successful after you’ve read or done them. Most of them leave you on your own and you end up falling back to the place you began.

However, there are things that can open your eyes, inspire your creativity, challenge your intellect, fine-tune your business skills and create a community that will forever support you on your endeavor. For me it was: The Genesis Workshop

.

I looked for a long time for something that wasn’t just a gimmick. I was tired of things that made empty promises. I wasn’t interested in a seminar with thousands of people all walking away with a catch phrase and no guidance or accountability to execute what they had learned. Then, I found Genesis in 2010 and went again in 2011.

I can’t fully describe how Genesis has changed the way I think about photography and how I do business. The community of other photographers from all over the world and continued support from the instructors are just two things that make Genesis so unique to me. I couldn’t be where I am or know how to get where I want to be without the people of Genesis. Over the last two years, I have become better because of them and their knowledge and encouragement.

.    

What are you looking for to become a better photographer? 
Will what you choose provide long-lasting community and encouragement? 

.    

There is one Genesis Workshop left. In Las Vegas. Will I see you there?

Came across this article today that has some simple advice for those who are dabbling in pursuing photography.

So with being in the middle of wedding season and glued to a TO-DO list that seems a million tasks long, I decided I needed something to chill me out a bit.

I had received a gift card from one of my fabulous brides to a PAVO Salon in East Memphis.
I was planning on (finally) get my hair done, but with life at its current state, I chose a massage instead.

OH. MY. SWEET. MOTHER. OF. EVERYTHING. THAT. IS. HEAVENLY.

I’m just gonna say this… if you have never had a real massage with atmosphere and everything, you need to get one. ASAP.

.

Why am I writing this?

Oh, I don’t know. It could be…
-the migraines I had are gone
-the back pain I have been dealing with for so long is gone
-my eye and knee stopped twitching (after weeks of driving me crazy)
-I slept like a rock (I’ve been sleeping like crap lately)
-my mood is much calmer and I’m able to see clearer
-I feel rejuvenated

.

I’m not one of those people that is hooked on the latest trend of how to cure this and fix that, but let me tell you…

Our bodies aren’t meant to be bundled up in knots like a dog’s chew rope. My body was wearing me out because it was so tangled.
My experience with Ashley at PAVO was incredible. I would encourage anyone (especially BRIDES) to take an hour for yourself and go see Ashley.
To be able to shut out the world for a solid hour, relax, and just breathe was the best thing ever. Wow.

.

www.pavosalonspa.com

(I was not paid or asked to write this, I just wanted to share an incredible experience for anyone who is struggling with pain, stress, or balance in their life.)

I’m kind of a post-it note junky.
Are there any others out there??

Recently, I was asked to share the story of why I became a photographer, my journey to where I am now, and what I have learned along the way.

Below is a little story with some pictures, that I may later regret showing you, but this is Part 1 of the the 3-part series of my story…

When I was 8, if you would have asked me what I thought I would be when I was older, I would have said a teacher.

When I was 15, after going to Cambodia, I decided I was going to teach overseas.

When I was 18, I was doing music full-time while in college.

Then at 20, I fulfilled the dream of teaching overseas by living and teaching in Thailand, using music as an integral teaching tool.

At 21, I went back to Thailand because of my deep love of the people and culture and decided to take along my new camera at the time, a Nikon D80.

After years of struggling with what I felt I needed to do with my life, I came to two conclusions: I love people. I love the arts. Both are unpredictable, constantly changing and full of life and stories.

I am a sentimental person. So, I have always loved photos. Just ask my family. They’ll show you the enormous picture collage wall, that to this day, is still proudly displayed in a hand-painted frame, completely filling an entire wall in my former bedroom at my parents’ house.

But I never would have thought I’d be a photographer. That leads into My Journey…

(to be continued)

Though your website may not look as bad as this one, 

World’s Worst Website

this site has some good practical tips on things you should consider when you are building a website for business use, especially in the field of photography.