I don’t even know where to start telling you about this amazing experience!  Because it was just that….amazing!  Earlier last year I decided that I HAD to go to the MJ2Day!  I kept feeling like I have been starting to reach my max of what I can learn on my own by reading, practicing, etc…..and the best way for me to learn was to attend a workshop.  This has been the only formal training in photography that I have had….so I was ready to soak up wheatever Melissa had for me!  It was fun hearing the actual terms for photography things that I always use, but call my own made-up terms……teaching yourself doesn’t mean that you ever become that “techinical”!

The first day was focused around shooting techniques, post-processing, off-camera flash and ended with a mock engagement session!  That was a blast!  I tried focusing more on what Melissa was doing than getting amazing shots for my portfolio….and it was quite difficult trying to get a shot in between all of the other attendees!  See what I mean below?!

The light in Arizona was so pretty.  It seemed much softer, more filtered and warmer than the sun in Michigan…..gorgeous!

I kept on thinking that I hoped no one robbed us!  So much expensive equipment!

Cutest couple ever! 

The setting was gorgous!  A run-down backyard at one of Melissa’s neighbors house.  Awesome locations are everywhere!! 

I know exactly how Melissa feels in this photo…so funny to see someone else do what you do behind the camera!! 

I tried talking Melissa into giving a workshop in the great state of Michigan…but the midwest isn’t as popular as those warm states!  If you would attend….leave a comment and I’ll try to talk her into it again!  🙂

Melissa was so kind and so sweet!  She really took the time to talk to all of us and made sure we felt welcome!  The thing that most impressed me about Melissa was her faith and love for God.  She was so open and willing to speak about how God led her to where she is and how he continues being involved in her business.  She is definitely a role model to me in that aspect.  God has given us this talent…why not share it?!

Day #2 was just as awesome as the first day!  We went over workflow, album design, blogging, branding….and even took headshots for all of the other attendees!  I don’t think I shot quite everyone…but almost!  After taking all the headshots, Melissa had a huge drawing for prizes, where I won two!  The drawing was based on tweets and instagrams….so, sorry if I blew up your news feed!  🙂  We ended the night with individual consultations with Melissa….asking anything that we wanted!  I really didn’t come prepared for this….and I had no idea what to ask.  15 minutes wasn’t long enough….I don’t think I could have fit all my questions in if she gave each of us 15 hours!

This is my new, sweet friend Laura! 

Here are two of Ashley…she’s just so cute! 

This may be one of my faves….and totally by accident! 

We took over Melissa’s neighborhood those two days! 

Here are a couple of headshtos that Melissa took of me 

Two more below shot by atendees and edited by me.  Isn’t it crazy what a difference in black and whites different photographers have? 

I think this one is my fave…..! 

Here is the whole group!  Lots of talented people here!!

I left Arizona feeling full of inspiration and full of excitement!  I can’t wait to see what the future holds and how this workshop will affect my business and the business of all the other amazing people I met.  I have already started seeing a difference in my workflow and turnaround time….which makes me all the more ready for wedding season to begin!  I have so many wonderful people to photograph this year and can’t wait to share my excitement and talent with them!