I cannot believe that tomorrow will mark ONE YEAR since I photographed a newborn. While I have been at “this” for a little while longer, it was July 28th, 2012 that a light was lit inside of me, and has been burning ever since. I was 7 months pregnant at the time. (This is only significant because while it has been a year now, I did take off for a few months after I had my own precious baby in September, and I didn’t photograph another newborn until December 2012).

Between those two sessions, and “trying” to photograph my own baby, I knew with every fiber of my being, that this is what God had been preparing my heart for. Those of you that know my story know that the desires of my heart were to: A.)find something that I could do that would let me be my #1 job – MOM, and B.) would also help my family financially while also using my creativity and God given “abilities”. There were more tears shed in my tiny little cubicle in Midtown Atlanta than I could possibly count, but that glorious corporate day job, countless prayers, and many late night conversations with my husband and girlfriends ultimately led me to where I am now, and I could not be more grateful. This post could go on for days recounting that journey, but I’ll save that for another day. 🙂

What I really want to share with you is a pivotal point in my journey as a newborn photographer. I knew I had found what I loved. And I wanted to be good. I want to be the best. So, I found the best…and learned from her.

In this industry, there is lots of investment. Equipment, education, time, marketing, props….there is so much more that goes into it that lots of times isn’t noticed. I am constantly investing back into my business, reading online, buying eWorkshops or videos, stocking up on new fabric backdrops, antiquing for unique buckets & baskets (or anything that would hold a newborn, for that matter!) — I’m always trying to perfect my craft. And back in May, I made the best investment of all – I invested in myself, and I signed up for Erin Tole‘s Newborn Workshop in Waco, Tx. It has been, by far, the best business decision I have ever made.

I flew into Dallas and made the two hour trek to Waco (yes, I could have flown into Waco, but I am not a flyer, and the thought of a prop plane literally sends me into hysterics, so don’t even try to tell me I’m crazy – I know that already!) I was alone, with a dead iPhone, at midnight, driving across Texas. Couldn’t find a radio station that wasn’t in Spanish, and the voice in my head kept saying, “This chick better be worth it”.

 

Thankfully, she was worth it… and so much more.

 

Below I recount my experience through behind-the-scenes images (most of the BTS were so graciously provided to me by Lindsey at The Studio on Austin) & images that I took throughout the workshop. Lindsey and Shelly own The Studio on Austin, and they hosted the workshop. Their studio is so perfect. It sits on a quaint little street in the middle of Waco, a wall of windows cover the front of the building & painted exposed brick line the inner walls of the space. There are buckets, baskets, and props everywhere you turn, headbands & wraps galore,  & COLOR throughout. Flat-out: amazing. The back of their studio is home to Ollie & Zoe, one of my favorite go-to prop shops. If you can’t imagine it now, my apologies. I tried. But, I think it goes without saying that I was in Heaven…

Upon arriving, Erin greeted each of us with a warm smile (while nursing Veda :)) and somehow made us (or me, at least) instantly feel comfortable. That comfort continued throughout the day. As Erin would teach us concepts, she made sure we “got it”. She was extremely hands-on, and eager to make sure we were learning. At one point, something wasn’t clicking with me, and she got right next to me, moved my body, turned my camera, and showed me the angle I needed to achieve the perfect shot.  She made sure I “got it”…and that made me feel good.  For the first time in a very long time I felt like I was capable.

The day was packed full of newborn goodness….soothing, posing, angles, feedback (and YES I showed her the back of my camera – scariest thing I have EVER done, but so incredibly beneficial!), post processing…we did it all. We saw 4 babies total, two in studio, and two outdoor sunset sessions (another awesome added touch!) Those sessions took place out on some private property in Crawford, TX. As you will see, it was straight-up gorgeous.

…and, I’m so glad that I made that trek. That crazy decision to fly half-way across the country to follow my dreams, fulfill my bursting little heart…

Thank you, Erin. Of all the things I learned in this short day, the most important thing I walked away with was confidence, and for that, I will never be able to thank you enough.

So, here it is, small glimpse into the awesomeness that was the Erin Tole Photography Newborn Workshop in Waco… (Ps. If you follow me on Instagram, you can find lots of BTS goodies that aren’t posted here under #wacoworkshop :))

We started on the bag…

After Erin showed us how to style each setup and walked us through posing the baby, we each took turns photographing. Here is one of my favorite shots from the first set-up on the bag:

While the bag had previously been intimidating for me, it quickly became my favorite – because I learned how to use it.

After I took my turn playing “backdrop”, I was able to capture this image:

The black & white was perfect.

After we spent some time on the bag, we moved to the floor.

 

*drum roll* – Sharing the back of my camera 🙂

Lindsey shared too 😉

Here are some of my favorites from that floor set up:

More fun floor work:

More floor…

And my favorite from this floor set:

Annnd a little more floor action 🙂

 And my favorite:

I loved this set up so much that I wound up purchasing it from Ollie & Zoe 🙂 We were also given the tie-back you see above from Tanya at Tanya’s Tangles. I love that sweet headband!

We then moved into props!

I loved this set up 🙂

I was reeally working on my angles, and while I prefer this image below as opposed to the one above, not too sure little buddy felt the same 😉

Another fun prop set-up:

After props, we got ready for post processing work. Erin showed us some extremely useful tools, and shared with us the way she processes her images. I love the way she processes her images, and it was so neat to watch her edit an image first hand. I also love her actions – they were another wonderful investment for my little business!

Veda stopped by to grab a quick bite to eat, and then we headed out for Crawford…

We had a few visitors out on the property, but Lindsey quickly handled that!

And we got to work…

I always thought we had beautiful sunsets here in Georgia, but it was something else in Texas…everything is bigger (and better) in Texas, right?!

This is one of my most favorites from the day:

Another one of my leading favorites from the day:

The last thing we covered was parent posing 🙂 I love now being able to capture Moma’s with their babe during the session…Erin showed us some great (and flattering) angles to use with parents & I have loved incorporating them into my sessions.

 

Aaannndd, there you have it. The most wonderful workshop ever! 🙂

First of all, thanks for sticking around and reading all about it. I hope you enjoyed it! I cannot express in words how incredible this workshop was for me. My post here doesn’t even do it justice…

Secondly, if you take away one thing from this post, let it be this: invest in yourself.  I promise you it will prove to be one of the best things you will ever do 🙂