Recently I was given the opportunity to attend the AKP Sunny Retreat at the Outer Banks.  This retreat is the type of event that I’ve dreamed of attending since I seriously began to invest in my photography career.  For someone like me, these events aren’t usually obtainable.  I work hard during the week to support my family with my “9-5” and spend weekends squeezing in sessions between the kid’s ballgames and other activities.  As you probably know, moms don’t really get weekends.  We get days where we don’t have to punch the clock! 

Through the beauty of social media, I was able to virtually get to know some of the other attendees before we even arrived.  What an amazing group of women!  Several of us decided to carpool and never have I enjoyed a 5 hour drive as much as this one!  Often times women feel like they’re alone no matter what stage of life we’re in.  Whether we’re wives, mom, friends, siblings…we constantly feel the pressure of the world on our shoulders.  What a blessing to have this time to talk and share with others who feel the exact same way!

Photos from The Little Mermaid inspired shoot!

Now…the retreat.  Can you say amazing!  Ashton absolutely thought of everything.   From the amazing food, to the décor, down to the sessions with Amanda Hedgepeth Photography and Courtney Jones Photography.  Being mostly a self taught photographer, not only did I feel the support from the mentors in everything from editing to staging, but I also felt a sense of pride to learn that I really just might have a firm grasp on this whole photography thing!  As a photographer, I’m much more comfortable behind the camera than with the spotlight shining on me.  Well, when you’re surrounded by 16+ photographers you better put all that behind you and learn that you MUST get in front of the camera!!  I have so many new headshots from many different people.  So much fun to step out of my comfort zone.  To be surrounded by women who all were learning and bouncing ideas off each other was just what I needed to motivate me. 

Image by Ashton Kelley Photography

I can’t thank Ashton and her squad enough for this amazing opportunity.  Also, I thank my husband and other family members who supported this crazy request of mine from the beginning and took incredible care of my family while I was away.  I brought back a sense of affirmation that I am being led to the exact path where I belong.  I may never be the biggest name in the photography industry, but that’s ok!  I’ll continue to grow both personally and professionally and I assure you I will love every minute of it!

Every single lady in this photo has made an impact in my life no matter how much time we spent together.  Even for just one second; thankful. 

 Image by Ashton Kelley Photography