His baggy jeans and collared shirt were perfect symbolism of his inviting casual demeanor. His backwards placed red hat meant all business but his 5 o’clock shadow was proof that he was there for fun. This was the Jake Garn Workshop, a simple pleasure and Mother’s Day gift to myself. I sat in the back, unpacked my laptop, and wiped off the squashed banana stain on my pants from my baby’s breakfast, hoping no one saw it as I walked in late. I observed the room, Jake, the monitors, the maze of studio lighting surrounding him, and the backs of heads of some of my pupils. I was stoked. Little did I know I was about to put my camera to the test and embark on some serious photog wisdom while mixing and meeting the newest and most fresh minds in photography.
Jake taught that an individual is either floating or drowning. There is no “in between” as an artist. As I frantically scribbled down every word of brilliance, I couldn’t help but reflect on a conversation I had with my husband a few weeks before.
“I have a headache. In fact, I’ve had a headache for quite some time. Why? I’ve been hitting my head against the wall out of desperation to find a new leaf. Change is calling my name.”
Cue the Jake Garn experience, a “thinking-outside-the-box” photographer who is willing to inspire those around him to find themselves. Cue Ryan Muirhead, a photographer with zany fashion sense and crazy personality that encourages creativity. Cue others like Steven Wood , a photographer that seriously blows my mind. Cue Angie Monson, a photographer that thousands of her followers can only dream of becoming. Cue Dave Brewer or John Paul, a photographer and finely gifted videographer. And cue new friends like Leah Ferguson or Amanda Nelson or Becky Earl, a sweet and sassy girl that isn’t into photography for the business, only for the passion.
Ingredients to a perfect day: models, makeup, wardrobe, stylists, strobes, hot lights, friends, and fulfillment. This could not have been a more perfect slap to the face for me and a passion. Stay tuned for studio images, but in the meantime Jake, if you were here, I’d hug you.
Secondly, these are just so fun. I laughed at Angies comment because when I saw you put these up I was PRAYING there were none of me in there. hahaha Can’t wait to see what you got of the models. That one of Macy in your slideshow is stunning. Lovely meeting you friend 
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