paintchips & cupcakes

I have done a few charity exercise events (a few triathlons), donated to many friends participating in their own events, for many different but good causes. TNT, Run for Kids, My Shameful Marathon dropout, etc.   Many of you always donate and I am so grateful.

But I have never had quite the experience as I had with Cycle For Survival.

A good friend of mine, JR, was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer this past year.  She set forth with determination, stayed focus, and by 2012 was cancer free.  She is a rock star.  I didn’t bat an eye when Jen asked me and some of her friends to participate in the Cycle for Survival event.  I also didn’t think much about it. It’s a fundraiser, I am always glad to be a part of them, happy to help, and I try be supportive as best as I can.

But what happened this day of the event was something I didn’t expect. Pure and raw emotion.  I walked into a giant room filled with cycles and cyclists.  Many, many, many faces I knew.  They were of acquaintances, coworkers, and great friends and I immediately burst into tears. The energy of the room was unlike anything I have ever experienced.  I was so overwhelmed with emotion I immediately wanted to start cycling. Unfortnately, you have teams and you have schedules so you have to wait your turn. I did the next best thing that I could. I started photographing. It was unbelievable.

Cry. Click. Cry. Click.

I really can’t do it justice with words so instead I will share with photos.

One behalf of everyone who was involved with Cycle for Survival, thank you for doing what you do and the putting on such a great event!

Thank you so much to all of my family and friends who donated.  This is an unbelievable event and cause and I encourage everyone to join part in it next year!!

Ever since I picked up the camera (really haven’t ever put it down) I have been doing anything and everything I can to learn as much as possible.

Classes, old friends who are amazing MENTORS–michaelemo.com,one on one workshops, VIDEOS, online tutorials, STUDYING.  YOU name it. I stay as busy as possible learning my craft.

As a latecomer in the photography game or MWAC (mom with a camera), as some people like to jokingly refer to us as, it’s all been a crazy road.  And the most difficult part of the this whole process has been how to convert this crazy/obsession or hobby into something more professional.

I love it, but can I make a business at it?

Am I good enough?

Will people pay?

Is the pay what I want?

Or is it a hobby that I love and that is as far as I take it?

I am feeling pretty grateful that the business side of has been growing organically, pretty simply I might add. I am so thankful for that.  Cause’ I got a lot to learn and I don’t want to go too fast.   I also have other priorities in my life so finding the balance of it all is the main objective.

But I also knew that if I were going to try and do this, I needed a little more help. I need to talk to someone who has done it, I need my images to be sharper, I need to master my equipment. I have a TO DO list a mile long.  I realized early on that a workshop was exactly what I was looking for.  I knew instantly when I read this post here with Meg,  that this was the way to go.

Blue Lily

Are you feeling good about how your are doing with your camera but you want to take it a step further?

Blue Lily

Do you want to spend quality time with 2 people who know this craft like the back of their hand?

Blue Lily

You want to laugh? A lot? And then some more? (Cause’ Wendy is very funny…)

Blue Lily

You want to learn to master your Nikon and or Canon (cause they know both!)?

Blue Lily

You want to learn about a duo that has grown their business organically, ethically, creatively, and simply? And they are rock stars at it?

Blue Lily

You want an ocean view?

Blue Lily

You want to be surrounded by people who are just like you (the workshop attendees)? A group that is full of good people (cause that’s the only kind Blue Lily attracts)?

Blue Lily

You want to walk away knowing that Wendy and Tyler poured knowledge out and shared amazing and helpful information?

Blue Lily

You want to build a ridiculous portfolio with the best models? And ask Tyler 20 questions all in the span of about 10 minutes about that exact shoot you are working on?

Blue Lily

You want to walk away with a vivacious and charged up support group and a bunch of new friends?

Blue Lily

You want to learn about taxes or just debate Tyler (cause that sounds like fun)?

Not Blue Lily

It was a life changing experience for me.  They were amazing. Simple and perfect!

My goal now is to keep things simple and hope that in return I can increase productivity and longevity.

Thank you Wendy and Tyler, for showing me that just that.

Oh and meet all of my new friends.

Anne

Jamie

Ashley

Stacey

Misty—coming soon!

Taylor

Jenny

Tiffany

Christine

Pat and Candy–coming soon!!

If you live local to them, you should book them for a session. They are awesome!

If not, just wait till Blue Lily comes to your town. They have a World Tour.

My goal now is to keep things simple and hope that in return I can increase productivity and longevity.

Here are some behind the scenes shots from the workshop.

I know, I know Tyler…..too many pictures. You really left me no choice, too much good stuff to share!

Many thanks to all of our fantastic models, most of which are photographers too!