Explore North Workshop: In-Home Session | Weyerhauser, WI

Let's talk about self-doubt. First let me reiterate, this is self-doubt, doubt that comes from nowhere and no one else but yourself, doubt that usually has no rhyme or reason, doubt that is just about as real as the monsters in your closet, doubt that gets in your head and just won't leave you alone. This is the doubt that says that you're not good enough and that no one will hire you. This is the doubt that, as a photographer, pulls you down into the comparison trap. This doubt is somewhere deep inside all of us, and if we let it, it will either tear us apart or push us forward. It's also the doubt that was with of me for much of our second day at the Explore North Workshop.

In the morning Jen spoke to us about the client experience, Emily taught us about the art of storytelling, and April helped us figure out how to define our niche, however that word is pronounced. It was all good stuff, and I was excited to put it into practice. We ate lunch, and I really enjoyed that part too. April's a darn good cook!

But the afternoon, I have to say...it was a struggle for me. Ben and Kelly, the talented husband and wife photographer/videographer team otherwise known as Mann Frau were our models for the day. They are awesome! But instead of relying on the beautiful outdoor backdrop, we emulated an in-home session and shot inside. Did I tell you cabins really aren't my thing either? On top of that, we were in such a tight space that we all took turns shooting. Gah! So not only am I photographing two extremely brilliant photographers, I am posing and directing them by myself in front of seven other photographers. Oh, and did I mention the clock was ticking as others waited for their turn?

So the self-doubt was on overdrive, but it was just what I needed to take me way out of my comfort zone and really focus on the beautiful connection the two of them clearly have. Now that I think about it, maybe that was the whole point.