Above photo by Bill Fortney

As many of you know, I’ve been taking photos for more years than I like to claim.  I photographed my first wedding for money in 1972 as a high school Sophomore.  What were they thinking hiring someone that young to take their wedding pictures?  40+ years later, it is how I’ve supported our family and I have been blessed to do what I love.  That said, I haven’t always loved every job.  In fact, it became just that, a job or work.  It got to the point where I really didn’t pick up my camera any longer for fun or to make me happy.  If there wasn’t money involved, I pretty much didn’t shoot.  How sad, I started this because I loved it so how did I end up here?

Early this year as you know I made a huge switch from big, heavy (but wonderful) DSLR cameras to the Fuji X Pro system.  Something happened, all of a sudden I no longer dreaded carrying my cameras because of weight.  Another great discovery, I also had a great camera with me more often so I was able to take some nice pictures I may have missed.

So, to my great friend and brother in Christ Bill Fortney, thank you for inviting me to this life changing His Light Workshop!  This was literally the first time in over 20 years that I have been to any kind of workshop or class solely as a participant.  It was liberating to simply get back to taking pictures that interested me.  No assignments or agendas.  No expectations.  Time with new friends and all by myself.  Saturday at Bill’s invitation, my son Aaron was able to join me.  The entire two days were a breath of fresh “creative” air, and for that I am very thankful!  Bill would be the first to say that this doesn’t happen all by himself and that without his team, it wouldn’t be possible.  Jim Begley, Snake and RC were invaluable and so very giving.  Quick to share and spend time helping all of us understand how to get some images we would be proud of.  Because of their selflessness, I did produce some!

If you are stale and in need of some inspiration.  Or if you are bored with what you are turning out day after day.  Chances are all you need may just happen at one of these exciting workshops.  There are a few more really exciting ones scheduled for this year.  One of them will be right here in Music City in July and it is going to be great!  There is a very special, surprise guest attending that you won’t want to miss.

Left to right at table: Snake, Jim and Bill