“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.†~Mitch Albom
I said “Welcome” and a hush fell over the group of 26 women sitting in front of me. Wide eyed. Camera in hand. Full of expectations. ready to learn. Entrusting me to teach them how to beautifully archive their precious family moments. I felt prepared, overly in fact. I’d been creating, editing, polishing, and tweaking the course materials for over a month. I should have felt comfortable, confident, and ready to rock and roll. But the nerves were there. Bringing me back 8 years to my first day as a Kindergarten teacher. The exact same feeling. I used to work tirelessly decorating my classroom, lesson planning and preparing materials, creating an environment that was comfortable and conducive to learning. The first day of school was always full of anticipation. Meeting amazing new people who had something to learn from you. School was in session again on February 27th, 2011. Be Young Photography School.
Those first moments were a little awkward. Trying to find the right words. Sharing myself, my story, my objectives. But, the first day of school never quite goes according to plan and it’s always a little rocky at the start. Eventually though there there is breakthrough moment where things get comfortable. When you’re a Kindergarten teacher, this moment usually involves someone wetting themselves, while someone else is crying hysterically, with the rest of the students run circles around the room throwing toys while they’re at it. Fortunately no cameras were thrown at Momtography class, everyone stayed in their seats, no tears were shed, and the chairs remained dry. I loved all the good questions that were asked and all the light bulb moments that were shared.
I had such a great time with these ladies! Talking about about our kiddos, talking photography, gaining the jumpstart they needed to control of the camera, get out of auto mode and start experimenting.
Towards the end of our time together we took things outside the classroom, chose a partner, put all the pieces together, found the light, tested new settings, and took some beautiful portraits.
And oh my gosh, I can’t forget some of the awesome partners that are helping to make Be Young Photography School even better! SmugMug. Memolio. Picnik. Martilena. VMJESS. Happy Acres Farm. I am so excited about these guys, that they deserve their own separate blog post next week.
I think the Momtography excitement has only just begun and it’s contagious. I am not sure who is more excited. Me, for kicking off this class with such an inquisitive, caring, supportive group. Or these fabulous women, armed with a new arsenal of photography tools ready to go take some awesome photos of their kiddos! What are these ladies saying after attending Momtography 101?
I can’t say enough good things about having taken this class. It FINALLY got me to feel comfortable about getting off of the auto mode. The class is interesting, easy-to-follow, and hands-on. After taking this class, everything just clicked and now, instead of feeling frustrated and intimated by my DSLR camera, I am excited to try different things! My baby is going to look so cute when I get done practicing what I learned! ~Sunny
My girlfriends surprised me with a gift certificate to “Momtography 101” for my birthday and it turned out to be the perfect gift! I have a 9 month old and I love “trying” to capture her on camera, but my photography knowledge was less than average. After taking this class, I feel much more confident with my camera and now have great tips on how to take better photographs and capture moments that I will want to remember forever! I highly recommend the class to all the mommies out there wanting to photograph their favorite little munchkins! ~Trish
Great to meet you & attend your class! Your presentation & descriptions were illuminating………but with the flash off ; ) Thank You!! ~Melissa
The next Momtography 101 class is only 2 short weeks away on March 20th, 2011. And it’s almost full! Do you want in? Get all the information on how to register by going here. And stay tuned because Be Young Photography School is working on some new class offerings for spring/summer that you won’t want to miss!