Workshop in Kennebunkport, Part I

It's almost midnight (and I've been up since 5 a.m.) and I am boiled redder than the dogs you find in a steam tray at any true Maine convenience store. Despite my languishing lids and torched skin, after a full day of shooting, my creative side is energized in a way it has not been in some time!

I am in Kennebunk for the rest of the week to attend the Shoot With Beckstead workshop, led by visionary David Beckstead, who sees art in places that up until now, I would never have even thought to look in. David Murray, a perennial winner in the WPJA's quarterly contests whose work I have long fawned over is hosting the workshop, and he and his wife Linda have been kind enough to put me up for the week. I am most grateful for their warmth, and their inspiration both as people and as professionals.

A workshop for a photographer like me is a giant playground. Free from the pressures that for me, make weddings such a wonderful rush (weather, time, etc.), a workshop provides time to play, a chance to challenge myself and my equipment, and an opportunity for feedback from those who are foremost in the industry.

Today, we spent around eight hours - mostly on the water's edge- shooting in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport. There are about 15 of us, so it took me back to my newspaper and pr days, when you're shooting alongside so many others, elbows up! That said, everyone sees things differently: we're all facing the same thing, but we are all seeing something different! Though I wouldn't feel comfortable putting the shots on my Website because we were working with models and I pride myself on my photojournalistic style, I thought I'd share some eyecandy with you here. The girls were gorgeous, and generous with their good humor and patience. And, seeing it's the first time in a while I've shot with bright blue sky, I got a bit carried away. Let me know what you think...I don't think these are my best shots by any means, just what connected with me when I was editing over pizza and red wine tonight!

I'll try to check back in over the next few days and let you know what I am learning, but you can't imagine how full these workshop days are! It's quite an adventure. And, I have a very fun non-work weekend in store that I'll tell you all about on Monday. Those of you trying to reach me on email, know I am out of the office and will return your inquiry as soon as humanly possible. Goodnight- I am off to find some aloe!