"I've been thinking a lot about giving back and I came up with an idea for a free photography workshop...and I want you to be a part of it." 

And so began my journey with Sara Knight and the USHOOT Photography Workshops.  I adored Sara's idea from the first moment she mentioned it and have fallen even more in love with the idea as the project has come to life.  Over the next year, we will host a monthly workshop taught by Sara, myself and two other local photographers.  Each of us will share our strongest skills to help you better understand everything from shutter speeds and aperture, to lighting, composition and basic Photoshop skills.

The very best part about the workshop? It's totally free. That's right. FREE.

We're just a friendly, fun-loving group of photographers who care deeply about what we do, have lots of photography knowledge and want to help you create more beautiful images of the moments in your life.  Take a peek at our USHOOT Blog to learn more about upcoming workshops, register for a class, meet the instructors, and find out what we are all about. 

The first workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 25th at 7 PM.  Please note that due to the size of the studio space, classes will be limited - so please be sure to register if you would like to attend!  I hope to see you there!


BLOG: www.ushootphotography.wordpress.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/USHOOTPhotographyWorkshops
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/USHOOTPhoto

Every November...I stop.     I breathe.     I look around, heart fluttering...how did I get here so quickly?  I travel a great distance from April to November...rowing constantly, moving forward until Spring exists only as a glimmer on the opposite shore.  The gradual slowing of the season and the universal spirit of gratitude prompt me to pause, put down the oars and reflect.

Looking back over this entire year of weddings, engagements and portraiture...it seems as if the images were spirited into existence.  How could so much be created in such a short time? 

The simple answer is...you.

You brought joy and honesty, tender moments and fits of laughter, spontaneous hugs and knowing glances.  You brought gentle kisses and comfort, promises and hope.  You brought trust and kindness, friendship, compassion and love. 

You spirited these images into existence...called them into being.  You opened your hearts and lives to me, you revealed what you love most in the world so that I could document it...and for that I am eternally grateful.

Even when this family of six wandered off to explore their independence...they were somehow still together.  Then again, when four siblings are all under the age of five, they are inextricably bound together by familiarity and nearness, and the comfort of each other's presence.  But there was more to this family than togetherness...there was kindness, curiosity, exploration, love, thoughtfulness, learning and laughter.

Just before we met for their session, Liga sent me a note that read, "It means the world to us to capture this time with our little ones.  Our days are so full of joy, laughter, learning, and messes these days!".  I adore that their lives are in a state of beautiful chaos and that they are loving every minute of it.  This time in their family life is special and they know it.  Their children will never be this small again, and I loved how Liga and Ryan let time slow down for just a little while, stood back, observed and committed it all to memory...gently tucking these moments away into a special place that only exists in the hearts of parents.