I can’t believe it’s been over a week since Shelley Paulson’s Portraiture From the Heart workshop. What a blessing and privilege it was to be there! Shelley is an amazing woman with such valuable insight- I learned so much from the time we spent together.

Thinking the workshop started at 12pm, I showed up at 11:55am, apologizing for being a little early as Shelley and Susie (who hosted the event at her beautiful home) welcomed me in. I wondered why I was the only one there when there were seven others registered for the workshop. I didn’t realize until 12:55pm that the workshop started at 1pm! I was SO embarrassed for coming in an hour early, but Shelley and Susie were so kind and didn’t say anything! haha. I did, however, enjoy the extra hour with Shelley. We talked about my work and her work, some of the amazing weddings she captured, and even some things to look out for as I start photographing weddings this year. I learned so much in that hour alone!

As other photographers trickled in we introduced ourselves over veggies and dip and all sorts of yummy snacks. Shelley had us sit around a large screen where she began teaching and sharing her experiences. We went over the different types of light, basic posing, composition, and what spoke to me most- the heart behind photography.

I love the way Shelley talks about photography. She was so passionate and so sincere; During out time together I think she cried at least three different times while sharing about the heart behind photography. Hearing her speak really changed my view of photography and it made me value what I do that much more. Shelley shared how photography needs to be rooted in caring for people, valuing them, and seeing the true beauty within each individual. She also spoke on how photography is a form of healing for us as photographers and for the people we photograph. Wow, what a beautiful thing! All those who attended the workshop got to see Shelley work firsthand and her values definitely showed through the way she interacted with the people she photographed.

For the last two hours of our workshop we were able to put what we learned into action. We were provided with models and got the chance to direct and photograph them as Shelley came around to give us advice and feedback. Here are some of my favorite images from that day…

Thank you Shelley Paulson for such a wonderful workshop! You inspire us all! : )

for more photos from this workshop check out my facebook album here!