Learnfest

Ok, so last week I took my first trip away from my kiddos and hubby.  I got on a plane Monday morning, 9/14 and headed to Chateau Elan outside of Atlanta to attend the third and I think final Learnfest!!  “What is Learnfest?” you might be asking yourself.  Well let me tell you, its a three day photography/business workshop taught by 4 of the portrait and wedding photography industry leaders; Lena Hyde, Audrey Woulard, Tamara Lackey, and Laura Novak.  (click on their links and be inspired!) These woman are great photographers!  But they all are where they are today because they are even greater BUSINESS woman.  Amazing and brilliant business woman!  Without wanting to sound to corny, I am a changed woman.  Tomorrow will be a week since I returned home, and I truly feel like things are full speed ahead, where as two weeks ago I was barely going the speed limit.  I think there are alot of exciting things ahead for Courtney Ortiz Photography, so stay tuned.  In the meantine, let me share some the images I captured while on “vacay”.  Unfortunately the weather was AWFUL the entire time I was there.  So the plans I had for early morning walks in the vineyard had to be scrapped.

Laura, Lena, Tamara, and Audrey at the first night’s wine tasting reception.

Day One:

I was in Blue Group.  We were divided into 4 groups, I think according to our length in business.  Everyone wanted to be in blue group, which made me feel like one of the cool kids.  I guess this just meant that we had been in business the longest! (2 years baybee!!!!!!)  Morning session was with Lena Hyde.  “Oh my god!” is all I can say, because really, there are no words.  My biggest inspiration and motivation.  I hope one day to take her out for a drink!

Session 2 with Tamara Lackey.  We got to get out and shoot with models, although she did discuss business as well.  I really enjoyed watching her interact with the kids.  She’s great with them!  I had fun watching her shoot.  Full of energy, and completely sincere!  The kids could totally see that and really responded to her!

When Tamara wanted to make something happen, she made sure her subject had no questions! 🙂

Day Two:

Morning session was with Audrey.  Now I had met Audrey a year ago at a workshop held at her natural light studio loft in Chicago, so the two of us are “like this” (fingers crossed).  We have a shared love of Louboutin shoes and Vuitton bags.   We shot models.  The second session was with Laura Novack.  I can sit back now, a week later, think about her presenation, her business model, her passion, and ideas and be just as blown away as I was 7 days ago.  “Little Nest”  google it!  BRILLIANT!