DON'T GIVE UP …...

Last week I spent my entire annual 'education' budget on one workshop.  The Don't Give Up Project in Brisbane was run by the warm and wonderful Ashley and Jeremy Parsons - wearetheparsons - from Kansas City, Missouri and hosted by the incomparable Jonas Peterson and his lovely wife Jacqui.  And it was worth it.  Every cent.

Over two and a half days, not once was a camera, f-stop, lens type, composition technique or photoshop action discussed.  But I learnt a huge amount, and not just from Ashley and Jeremy and Jonas but also from the amazing, diverse, eclectic bunch of photographers who were also there to learn from them.  We learnt together, laughed together, made pictures together and ate together around a candlelit table under the stars.  I came back inspired both creatively and personally and ready to start the new year with the promise of something really special ahead.

Here is a little summary of some of the new things I learnt and important things I was reminded of during this unique experience in words and pictures …..

Jonas Peterson's studio is as unique and awesome as his photography …..

We are photographers because we love people - we want to get to know them and to tell their stories with images they will treasure ……

With a little style a simple meal becomes a banquet (thanks Jacqui!)

Embrace the whimsical …….

Your images will outlast you.  Make them matter.

Don't forget the details …..

Stand out from the crowd - create your own style …..

You will find beauty in the most unusual places …..

people are just people …… but some people bring some extra special sunshine into your life …...

the mozzies will usually win in the end …..

Ginger snaps with blue cheese are really really delicious (really!) (thanks Jonas!)

Some people are incredibly generous in the way they will share their knowledge with others

 (thank you from the bottom of my heart Ashley, Jeremy and Jonas!)

And I was reminded of one of my very favourite quotes …….

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do

than by the things you did.

So throw off the bowlines.

Sail away from the safe harbour.

Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore.

Dream.

Discover."

~ Mark Twain

And most importantly …...