Blog: Thrive Workshop
The night seemed extra dark as I cruised the windy backroads of NY. Windows down of course, the cool air mixed with the truck heater makes the perfect atmosphere. Being a well-traveled soul, I have heard the night sounds of many different areas – but I am pretty sure this sound was the Chupacabra. Did I finally solve the famous folklore ?? It sounded like a house alarm screeching in the background and not even the star would display the creature’s figure for me to see. Obviously, I’ve seen all the horror movies and made the calm but firm statement of “NOPE” and continued to drive. Excited and slightly spooked - I immediately texted my friend and informed her of my discovery. So far NY was not disappointing.
I check into my Air BnB 4 hours behind schedule to see that my friend was waiting for me with food – best mate ever! We quickly discuss our excitement about next day’s events and of course my recent encounter with the chupacabra. I may have exaggerated the story during my tired and hungry mood – but still an exciting adventure was ahead in the next 2 days. We made our journey from AK & CO to attend a photography workshop called Thrive. Two fantastic photographers were putting on a workshop to help photographers grow in their business. AND Mercedes and I were ready!!
The next morning, we pack up the truck, grabbed a coffee at the local shop and headed to the workshop/retreat. I pulled in with my big ol manual truck, popped out of the beast and was greeted by both photographers. The excitement and energy were warming and contagious as we headed into our home for the next 2 days.
WHOA!!! The attention to detail is beyond describable. A table with personalized cards, gift, and notebook. Snacks and treats – including a cheese board! How groovy is that – cheese!! Of course, I didn’t drive across country for cheese (or maybe I did.) The rest of the photographers were arriving to the workshop as I guzzled down cheese and crackers. We all introduced ourselves, filled up with snacks and it was straight to work. This retreat was filled with business and shoots to help cultivate our business, and within the first 2 hours my brain was on fire! We wiggled through the day with questions, information, laughing, new friends, cheese, and alpacas. Reason #483 why this retreat was turning into an epic 2 days!
Day One was done - Mercedes and I chatted away about all the things we had learned. What a great day & day 2 couldn’t come sooner. Pancakes & bacon & coffee for a morning breakfast – I am fueled for the day. A morning filled with more educations, guest speakers, conversations and many, many note taking – AND we haven’t even gotten to the styled shoots that were planned. What I loved about this time was that I not only learned from the hosts, but my fellow photographers. I had been struggling with my flash photography & the good ol fashion you tubes was just frustrating. With in one evening a fellow photographer got down and dirty during a styled shoot to help me get through that learning curve. Amazing. Plus, the different styles & knowledge of each attendee just added to the experience.
Day 2 was almost done and over, when I happen to mention my almost death-defying encounter with the chupacabra. Invested in my story I retell it to the group. Alas – my encounter was a mystery waiting to be solved. I fellow photographer informed me that the creature of the night was no more than a cicada bug. Now I have heard the cicada fill the air with their tunes before but nothing like the sirens they blasted that night. Apparently every 13 years they change their song & a new one emerges. Who knew (except Google) There goes my adventure with the chupacabra.
All good things come to an end – the workshop was done, and it was time to hit the road back home. 7 days on the road with tons of photography, adventures, education, and new friends. Absolutely Brilliant. If anyone has an opportunity to learn from these 2 photographers, I highly recommend reaching out to them. I came away from this trip not just with new skills & educations, but most important – I came away feeling like I could really become a professional photographer & thank I will be forever thankful for with this trip.
https://tpiphotography.com Taylor Isselhard
https://jessyherman.com Jessy Herman
