In 2009, my world came crashing down around me. This easy-going optimist was forced to deal with the loss our first baby and be challenged by feelings grief, anger, sadness, and solitude. I was 20 weeks pregnant at the time when our plans, our dreams, and our future were whisked away in an instant. I was not prepared to embark on such a lonely journey and deal with the emotional roller coaster that was to follow.
My first baby gift, during my first trimester, was a shiny new camera. A dslr. A camera that I longed to learn to use like the pros so I could take beautiful images of Bella once she arrived. Instead, I used it to learn how to process my grief.
After Bella was gone, I scoured the internet looking for bereavement resources that spoke to me. I searched for a community that could relate to my pain. I needed someone to talk to and I wanted an audience who could understand the source of the imagery I was creating. I came up with nothing. I learned photography on my own, as I grieved, and slowly grew from amateur to professional. I vowed that one day I would create a photography experience like the one I was looking for after our loss. And now I can not believe that only 2 years later it’s finally here.
Illuminate has arrived. And registration is open.
Here are all the details you may be wondering about before you begin the registration process:
What exactly is Illuminate?
Illuminate is an online based 4-week creative photography journey designed especially for the grieving mother. Together we will learn to find beauty in our world and heal after the loss of a baby in pregnancy or early infancy. Through a series of weekly photography and journaling assignments presented via blog and video cast, participants will learn how basic photographic principles go hand in hand with the bereavement journey.
What photography concepts will be taught during Illuminate?
During the four week e-course you’ll explore the art of photography through storytelling imagery. You’ll learn to find light and shadow, use mood to convey emotion in your images, vary your perspective to add interest, and play with processing for enhancement. Each technical or compositional element we discuss will align with your own personal healing needs.
What are the dates for the first class?
The first class will run from July 6 – August 10
What kind of camera do I need to participate in Illuminate?
Whatever camera you feel most comfortable with. Point and shoot, dslr, or camera phone even! As long as it takes pictures you will be prepared to participate and will be able to work on your photography skills and think creatively.
Are there any other requirements for participation?
All participants need to have a computer, be able to access the internet, and have a connection fast enough to allow for the streaming of video content. Participants will be asked to create a blog in order to share assignments. However, Beryl will provide a video cast with instructions on how to create a blog and even make it password protected if you are uneasy about sharing your work for public view.
How large is the class size?
Class size is limited to no more that 15 participants to keep our community intimate, safe, and special.
How much does Illuminate cost?
Registration is $150 with 20% of the class fee donated directly back to Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope.
Pre-registration began last week for our Illuminate Interest Group and I am already so inspired by the women taking the leap and joining in on the Illuminate journey. Are you ready to be a part of the experience, improve your photography skills, think creatively, and begin to heal from your loss?
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW
I am also thrilled to announce that I’m teaming up with non-profit Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope for a truly inspiring contest. The contest officially launches tomorrow but if you are a be young photography follower you can get a sneak peek and enter today by clicking HERE. Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to the emotional challenges surrounding miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. As part of the Illuminate kick-off we’ll be awarding one special baby loss mom with a free registration. However, due to the limited number of participants for the e-course I wouldn’t wait to register if you’re interested. If you register today and go on to win the contest, we are happy to refund your registration fee right away.
Let’s begin the healing journey. Let’s explore our world behind the camera. Let’s shine together and begin to live again!