The Secret Workshop

Our family is growing...

....and no, I am not pregnant.  EVEN BETTER!!!  The Secret Workshop has a new assistant, Sharon.  She will go ahead and post an introduction for you to get to know her better and if you have any questions for her, you can email her at thesecretsharon@gmail.com.  She's going to be helping me with my venues, general workshop details, staffing and emails.  I could not be more excited than I am to have her on board as she is one of the best people I have met in a very long time.  She attended one of the very first workshops, has since come back as a staff member twice (which y'all know you can attend a second workshop for free if you want to be staff, right?) and was talkin' some CRAZY talk about coming to a third workshop as staff.  So I thought, why not just HIRE THIS GIRL because Lord knows I could use the help.  Welcome to the family Sharon! 

Now, what you really wanted to know!!

Where have I been?  Why have I not been blogging?  And what on earth is going on?!?!?! 

I got home from California's workshops and had a short break (cut even shorter by the fact that I'm coming off maternity leave soon and there is quite of bit of admininstrative details that go along with that), spent some time with my family, and then headed right out to Las Vegas for just shy of a week for WPPI.  I literally JUST arrived home (like...five minutes ago) and while I really *should* be unpacking or sleeping, I thought I should pop on the blog quickly to let you know that everything is wonderful and hey, you may want to rescind that search party you just sent out on my behalf.

Not to leave you totally hanging, here's an image from California.  There are so so so so many images I need to go through, but here's one I edited in San Francisco, in about 2 minutes, using my color proofing action with just a few tweaks if I remember correctly.

Also, I have a few news items.  First of all, the Seattle and Boston workshops....I want to let you all know that the email lists for both of these cities (so you can get a heads up before registrations open) are both extremely long.  I'll be opening registrations the first week in April.  That will give us a chance to get our contracts signed for our venues and get all of the little details set. 

I get emails every day asking me about being added to waitlists for the sold out cities.  I am happy to add you to a waitlist if you email, but the waitlists for all of the closed cities are so long right now, it's unlikely that you will get a seat. 

Even though it was previously announced that the workshop would be coming to Australia, it does not look like that is going to work out.  I'm so sorry for any disappointment.  I may be coming to Hawaii instead, so please email me if you are interested in a Hawaii venue. 

More paparazzi....

...during the free shooting time at The Secret - Orlando.  Here are some lovely examples (courtesy of Mariah and Sonya) of our beautiful attendees shooting, whilst all the while, exhibiting proper form..

and technique...

...then some crazy lady in a green dress starts doing what she loves most.  Everything seems pretty normal...

...until she stops looking through the lens and starts looking at the back of her camera!  That is NOT the viewfinder lady!!

And then, she sits down in the middle of downtown Orlando and starts shooting a half naked baby crawling around on the sidewalk.  I mean, seriously, what kind of parent would allow this type of behavior?  Don't they know how disgusting that must be?  There must be a really, really important reason these people would do that...

Hmmm....maybe *this* handsome fellow would know?  I wonder who that dude is anyway.

And the green dress lady suddenly begins wildly shaking that stuffed animal under her arm, flapping her arms, snapping her fingers, saying 'beep beep beep' and tring to roll the letter 'r' repeatedly.  Stops.  Then looks at the back of her camera again....but this time she seems really happy...

...because you see....in between her shaking, flapping, snapping, and hollering.....she got.....the shot...remember this?   And I don't know about you, but it totally seems worth it to me.  Man, I live my dream.

SIDE NOTE:  comments are now OPEN on this blog.   

 

More Love To Share!

Yes, there is still more love to share, and stories to make you smile! These awesome reflections are from Mariah McCormick!
What you learned: Oh gosh. The most useful, most 'lightbulb!' secrets you
will ever need to know to run your business. Seriously. How to get a kid to
smile naturally EVERY TIME by saying just three words (blew my mind), how to
work three hours a week and still make absolute BANK, how to make huge sales
by saying ONE DARN SENTENCE, the ONE layer in photoshop that makes ALL the
difference, and how to make me use the MOST CAPITAL LETTERS I have ever used
in an email EVER. How can you not want to know what those three words
are?! ;)
How you felt coming home from the experience: Inspired,
rejuvinated, confident, and so happy to be doing what I do. The shooting
portion of the workshop gave me an entirely new portfolio and new view on
how I shoot altogether. The business portion has inspired me to pull a few
all-nighters re-doing my pricing, packages, and policies (such a good thing,
you have no idea..). I have friends that I will not help but stay in contact
with because they are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth, fun people I
have ever shared a weekend with (that all accepted that I order Chicken
Alfredo at a Mexican restaurant, haha. :)
Something you will be adding/changing/or modifying to your business: Saying
to people "You WILL love these images", instead of "I hope you love these
images..", and bringing the maximum amount of joy to my business that I
can  :)
Was it what you expected?: So much more than I even hoped it would be. The
information given and the community I found are all priceless.
The most valuable part of the workshop was...: The confidence that Cheryl,
Amy, and Jodie gave to everyone that attended. We left knowing that our work
was worth everything we put into it, and that what we do is an absolute gift
to ourselves and the families we work with. And the humility and generosity
that they presented it with- we left knowing we had friends in the business
that are only a phone call away.
I am a changed photographer/businesswoman/person because...:  All of this
things above. Oh, and I have seen the JPEG light, and I will never go back!

Cheryl, Amy, and Jodie : Thank you so much for the candid, inspiring way you
led us to joy, abundance, and our own hidden talent. My business will never,
ever be the same (thank goodness, haha). I am so glad that I am choosing
this path, and am forever grateful for the encouragement you've shown me.
Oh, and when we're all famous photogs, we'll still remember you ;)

And now the photos to back up the words!

Mwaaaaah (From Stacey Woods)

Yes, the title of this post is really mwaaaah. Only a workshop taught by cheryl could have such a title. I swear, even if you are not a mushy gushy warm and fuzzy type person, you will be after you meet Cheryl. She is just one of those people are so real and honest and compassionate that you feel as if you have known her for  your entire life 10 minutes into the conversation. At the end of each telephone conversation, she says "you're beautiful", and its funny because when she says it, you really do feel as if you are. I love that as I read the "scoop" that everyone is sending that they felt the same friendship and over all sincerity from Cheryl. Okay, I'd better stop here, she is probably totally embarrassed that I wrote all of that. I can't wait to share even more heartwarming stories and beautiful photos from the Orlando workshop. I have even promised some of the "day after" photos when Cheryl and some of the lovely ladies explored Disney World together!
The blog will continue to be an exciting place to visit in the upcoming weeks. Keep checking the blog as we give hints to the AWESOME secret guest who will be in Michigan, visit some of the secret workshop's first attendee's (where are they now?), give some secrets on how to make your own blog even better, and much more!
Enough of my ramblings however, let's move along to the girls with the REAL scoop on Orlando, the workshop, and the awesome models they photographed!

Your Name:   Stacey Woods
Your website:  www.staceywoodsphotography.net (soon to be staceywoodsphoto.com!)  ;)
What you learned:  oh my goodness.  i learned that i have been doing things the very looooooooong way, but NO MORE!  i learned that i need to gently guide my customers into purchasing MORE prints (and digital files!!) from me.  i also learned jodie's amazing lighting tricks, amy's fabulous marketing and pricing, and cheryl's invaluable photoshop and shooting techniques.  oh, i also learned that cheryl is probably the funniest, happiest, silliest person i've ever known.  :)
How you felt coming home from the experience: i drove home "in love and abundance"!
Something you will be adding/changing/or modifying to your business:  i will now be selling my digital files because of cheryl's story.  she made me realize the value in those files, the value in my work, and the value in myself.  i will be changing some of my collections around and i will have a more positive attitude about everything, and let go of the things that do not matter and do not bring me joy! 
Was it what you expected?:  are you kidding?  i had very high expectations, and i swear they were ALL exceeded!  i wish i could go again!!
The most valuable part of the workshop was...:  cheryl's sense of humor and her wonderful attitude were worth the price of admission on their own!  i also LOVED that she had her children there with her.  her patience with them really made an impact on me.  it solidified the fact that she really is a mom first, and a photographer second.  and it made me feel like I CAN DO THIS TOO!!! 
I am a changed photographer/businesswoman/person because...: because Cheryl, Jodie and Amy were so completely honest about everything.  i felt like they trusted us with all of these tricks and secrets, and that they had gone through all of the hiccups so that we don't have to!  i am so grateful for all of their honesty and all that they shared with us.  i can't wait to put these fantastic ideas into place in my business.  *mwaaaahh*

In Stacy's own words:
I also made some wonderful new friends at the workshop, and we will continue to stay in contact long after this workshop is over!  That in itself is invaluable.  I'm a changed person having gone to the Secret, and I'm a blessed person for having met Cheryl Muhr, that I know for sure.  If you're unsure about attending one of her future workshops, seriously... why?!  Just go.  You'll never regret having attended the Secret, that I can promise you!  It will change the way you think, the way you live, the way you run your business.  And I can't wait to share my success story with you in a few months!!  ;)

Orlando!!!

...was amazing.  What an incredible group of women!!  Seriously, incredible.  I didn't want the workshop to end.  I trust everyone arrived home safely.  And I thank you for the sweet love notes you have sent.  I believe I may just print them out and glue them to my refrigerator....right next to the note that says "Release and make room".  A special thank you goes out to my staff...generous, patient, hardworking and kind...Sharon, Lisa, Patti, and Sonya.  And my special guest, Amy Smith, one of the greatest people I know and Jodie Otte, whose talent and gift for studio lighting never ceases to amaze.

Here's a shot that I edited in front of the group using just my color proofing action on your DVD.  I thought you might want to see it on your monitors and not just on the oh-so-accurate screen!

SOOC:

EDIT:

Californias - Can I just say how EXCITED I am to hug my dear friend Jinky around the neck when she gets off the plane?!?!?  I cannot WAIT for our natural light workshop.  We are busy working on making the natural light workbook and getting all of the little details ready to make your experience an amazing one.

San Francisco - FINALLY!!  I got the email this morning!  Here's your hotel booking information for the San Francisco Marriott Courtyard.  $194/night.  You can make reservations by phoning 1-800-321-2211 before February 29th and giving special code:  CRM Or you may book a room with one king bed by clicking here or two queen beds by clicking here.

Austin folks - I should have another post for you later today. 

Phoenix folks - I am still working.  Now that I'm home from Orlando, I will be able to continue the search for the perfect place for us!

I am traveling for a photography assignment this weekend, and email response times will depend on how awesome or non-awesome my internet service is!

Sarah and Stacy Share the Secrets

The title of today's blog is a tongue twister. Say it five time really fast ( I dare you!).  Let me be the first to wish you a Happy Friday! Exactly one week ago today 40 talented photographers put fuel in their cars or  boarded buses, planes, and trains (yes, I am dramatic!) to attend the Secret Workshop. I think that there is something so amazing about meeting strangers who have the same passion that you do. The education, the conversation, and the friendships made seem to have left everyone feeling the same way: inspired. From the incredible emails that are pouring in one thing was obvious. Although everyone had a great time at the workshop, they were excited to travel home. They were ready to get back to their businesses and put everything they had learned to practice. I have a feeling 2008 is going to be a great year for A LOT of people. Sarah Dobbins was kind enough to share her experience and rockin photos of the weekend. Do you recognize any of these ladies?

I love the picture below! I love seeing a photos of photographers in action

What you learned: I have wasted a lot of time (and money) on things that don't matter!
How you felt coming home from the experience: Totally at peace and excited about the fact that after a year of being so busy and stressed, I can finally reconcile having a family AND a business.
Something you will be adding/changing/or modifying to your business: I am now proudly offering--and pushing--digital files!
Was it what you expected?: It was more than I expected.
The most valuable part of the workshop was: Realizing it is possible to be a great mother and a successful photographer at the same time. The two don't have to (and shouldn't) compete.
I am a changed photographer/businesswoman/person because: I realize the value and importance in what we do. I gained confidence, inspiration, and a whole new outlook on my job.

Sarah was kind enough to show us some of her breathtaking images. And wouldn't you know? There is that baby AGAIN.

I loved reading Stacy's experience at the workshop as well.
What you learned: so much!! Tons of photoshop, some coolio shooting techniques, how to run my business, not let my business run me, and that Cheryl is one of the most energetic, sweet, hilarious and honest people I have ever met.
How you felt coming home from the experience: excited and ready to make changes that will hugely impact my quality of life.
Something you will be adding/changing/or modifying to your business: dumping all the crap that I dread doing, I completely thought that I had to do certain things that were sucking the joy right out of my life.
Was it what you expected?: More.
The most valuable part of the workshop was...: just about everything.
I am a changed photographer/businesswoman/person because...: I am taking control and not letting my business take me away from my life.
Stacy also said:I have been to a couple of workshops in the past that I left not really feeling like I got my moneys worth. I almost didn't sign up and am SO glad I decided to go. For me, it was life changing. I hate to be melodramatic, but really there were so many things taught that really hit home for me. I have
been in business for about three and a half years and I wish I would have met Cheryl a long time ago. She would have saved me from having to learn the hard way in many areas. It was also such an inspiration as I am pregnant with my fourth child, to watch her balance work and family. What an amazing gift this has been for me, I will forever be grateful.

They're Baaaack!!

Yes, it's true. The Secret 2008 is in FULL swing, and got an amazing start in sunny Orlando, Florida last weekend. I couldn't make it and I am so sad because I heard (as if this could possibly be true)  that it was even BETTER than last year! I am nosy by nature, and couldn't wait to get all the scoop on the workshop, the attendee's and the all around fabulousity that makes up the secret workshop. And so I take a wee break in our normal interviews to share with you the lastest and greatest news. Join us ALL weekend as the Florida gals give us sneak peeks into their wonderful weekend in the Sunshine state. And just in case you want in on another little secret...i've heard that spots are filling fast for the Flint workshop so if you want in on the fun, the learning, and the friendship you'd better break open your piggy bank and sign up today.
FIrst up on the list of sharing is the fabulous Christy. And yes, she scores extra brownie points with the teacher for posting pictures of THIS cutie:

Are you done drooling over that adorable baby? Seriously she makes my ovaries ache (but alas no more babies here!) Here is our wonderful correspondent,  her interview, and of course the scoop

Your Name: Christy W
City and State you live in: Bradenton, FL
Your blog: http://cjwphotos.blogspot.com/
How long you've been taking photographs: For fun: 5 years   Seriously:1 year
Married/Single: Married
Kids (if yes, names and ages): Jesse 12, Gage 11, Addison 13 months
The Secrets:
Your [secret] guilty pleasure: Almond Joy
Your [secret] wish: I wish for a 5D
What you [secretly] want to know about photography: The business side and portrait lighting
Your[secret] beauty product: Bare minerals "Bisque"
Tell us a [secret] fact or tidbit about you: I was born and raised in Hawaii
The song you [secretly] sing to in the car: "Toms Diner" by Susan Vega
The Truths:
Your favorite place to shop: Target
Your favorite piece of camera equipment or photography tool (camera bodies, lenses, actions,etc): Canon 70-200L IS, Lensbabie 2g
Your favorite subject to shoot (general age range or person) Kiddies! 0-10
Your favorite Restaurant: Don't get out much..so probably the nearest drive through!
Your favorite vacation spot: Home sweet home of course....Honolulu Hawaii
A photographer you find inspiring (we all know its cheryl, she's excluded): Alycia Alvarez.
The Secret Experience (Orlando)
What you learned: It's a secret
How you felt coming home from the workshop: A little overwhelmed...but excited
Something you will be adding/changing/or modifying to your business: Looking into portrait lighting...naturally of course
Was it what you expected?: Yes.....amazing.
The most valuable part of the workshop was...: Learning a better workflow!
I am a changed photographer/businesswoman/person because...: "Now I walk in abundance" ;)

And now another awesome photography taken by Christy

A few photos

Hey yall this is Angela! This weekend was so much fun.  What a great group of ladies + 1 guy that attended the workshop.  I told them all just before I left to catch my plane home that I feel like I have 40 brand new friends and I meant it.  Everyone was awesome!  One night a bunch of us sat in the driveway of the Marriott and had a Photoshop jam session, while we were doing that several of the girls were having fun at the pool with a trash the dress shoot.  Word on the street is that they got kicked out of the pool by a fuddy duddy security guy.

Kelly Willette shared this group shot with me from the last day, and then I have a couple of shots to add in as well.  If any other attendees would like to share some photos of the weekend please email me and I'll post them for you!

Cheryl shooting one of the models

Yummy ice cream cake

Of course a few of us girls had to laugh when our "cab" showed up to take us to the airport at the end of the weekend.  I had to get a snap with my phone

I hope all of you going to the August workshop have as much fun as we did at the July one!  I already miss all my new friends and I for sure will be keeping in touch with them.