A lighting workshop to benefit Jayme Montoya of Lucid Design and Photo

A dear friend and colleague, Jayme Montoya, has had to undergo two open heart surgeries in the span of two months to help correct a congenital heart defect. In our mission to help alleviate some of the unnecessary burden, Gretchen Nishitani, Craig Lamere and I have put together this lighting workshop. Our goal is to teach some natural and studio lighting techniques while raising money for our friend.

The Light Up Her Heart Lighting Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 3rd from 4-10 pm in Meridian, ID. We are still compiling the list of the lighting styles that will be taught. There will be multiple shooting bays with backdrops provided by Tara Pugmire. Please check back as we will be updating as the curriculum is finalized.

Registration for the Light Up Her Heart Lighting Workshop is $100 and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Jayme.

Registration for this lighting workshop is $100

With my business, it is the same.  I invest everything I have into my work.  There are times before a shoot when I feel sick, I get nervous, I get butterflies.  I liken it to the Rain Wilson’s character in “Rock Star”.  He is a washed up drummer who vomits before every performance.  I do not go that far, but I can empathize with him.  I have noticed a pattern with myself.  I tend to have these moments when I know I’m going to shoot something fun, something creative, something that motivates my brain so much that I can’t sleep the night before.  If I describe these emotions as something dreadful, they most certainly are not.  If I am reacting this way I know I am photographing a subject that I love.  I feel blessed beyond words that I am able to have a career doing something that fulfills me so much.  Dreaming.  Creating.  Building.  Learning.  I feel that this alone makes me a better parent to my children, for them to see me work so hard, and love what I do.  It really is a gift and I am so grateful.  It makes me a better business person, a better photographer, a stronger individual and it makes every sacrifice and struggle worth while.

This being said, I have made a huge decision in my business.  Once it was made, I felt a shift in my life.  I felt relieved as if I was carrying a weight on my shoulders and didn’t know it.  I have decided to create a new business model and specialize in photographing high school seniors and teens.  There is something so wonderful about them.  Their life is just beginning.  They are just about to complete the most important achievement in their life, graduation.  There is such energy, such confidence and excitement.  It really is contagious.  As a mom, I also find working with the parents so rewarding.   The pride and joy they feel for their son/daughter is so genuine.  During the whole senior portrait process from the styling,  the shoot, the ordering and delivery of the final product, witnessing the parents reaction to what we do together is awesome!  I have such a hard time seeing my work go!

With in the next few months I will be changing my business name and I will be creating a new website.  If I had my way it would all be done yesterday, and wouldn’t you know it all good things take time!   It is a creative journey that isn’t easy.  It is very personal as it is an extension of who I am.  As a result, I  have made some changes to this blog and am launching a temporary site that highlights my senior portrait work.  I’m so excited to share all that is coming!

On another note, that huge weight that has been lifted has also given me room to focus on other fine art projects I have in the works, as well as photographing concerts!  I have big news and will announce it on the blog soon!  Keep checking back!