As a photographer and creative, I am constantly reading, watching videos, and learning new techniques to challenge myself and my craft. This can get completely overwhelming at times, but it really is a blessing in disguise! I cannot imagine not feeling challenged by my creativity and not striving for greater with my work.
Finding balance has been my key to maintaining creativity and motivation to better serve through photography.
This past weekend I attended The Reset Conference at the iHotel in Champaign, Illinois. Last year was the first year of the conference, and I was blown away at all of the knowledge, tips, and tricks that I took away, so of course I registered for the 2015 conference!
These conference days are absolutely overwhelming, breathtaking, and yet so, so inspiring. On my two hour drive back to Jacksonville late Sunday evening, I was in awe of all the ideas spinning through my head that I want to implement into my business practices.
At the conference this year, my favorite photographer and friend, Laura, came along with me to join in the fun! Last year I attended alone, so it was wonderful that she could attend with me this year.
FUN FACT: Laura completely opened the door to photography for me. When I was a junior in high school, I emailed local photographers looking to gain experience and help in their offices and on-location, and Laura immediately replied that she wanted to meet me! We met, clicked, and I’ve loved her ever since! It is absolutely amazing how God brings people into your life and connects you to others. I knew hardly anything about photography, but she gave me a chance. Without the opportunity Laura gave me to learn from her, I cannot say that I would be as passionate about photography as I am today, 4 years later. So, fast forward to today… Laura and I are still wonderful friends, even though we wish we saw each other more often, and now we both get to enjoy the photography world together! She even photographed my wedding last June!
We enjoyed learning from Katelyn James, Sarah Hill, and Zach and Jody Gray – what a lineup! Each and every speaker brought different knowledge and ideas to the table which made for such an enriching day.
Throughout the afternoon, we had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions. Last year at the conference I met Karin Doolin of TenSixteen Photography, such a kind, sweet, and genuine soul doing good in this world. When I saw that she was teaching a breakout session, I knew that I had to attend it! Karin shared her heart and inspired me right down to my core. She honestly opened my eyes, allowed me to realize how thankful I am, and inspired me to share the goodness!
I can’t wait to meet with Karin again and learn more from her kindness. In the meantime, check out the Big Picture Project to learn more about her cause.
I also attended the “Perfecting Your Craft” class with Rebekah Albaugh that focused on shooting wedding details. It was a nice time to relax, learn, and shoot photos with, of course, gorgeous details. I’ll admit, I probably did not take as many photos as the others in this class… I was having a moment of reflection and genuinely enjoying watching those around me work. Sometimes it is simply refreshing to take a step back and take everything in. You can see photos from this class below.
All in all, the conference is such an open learning environment. I was so thankful to see a few familiar faces from last year and attend with a friend. I left the conference feeling overwhelmingly inspired and exhausted BUT for all the right reasons!
The Reset Conference allowed me, again, to do just that – reset. Reset my way of thinking about what I’m doing and why I’m doing. Reset my old ideas with fresh, new ideas. Simply press reset.
I’m thrilled to see what’s coming for next year’s conference!
XOX,
Kara
Awesome post Kara! I loved reading about how you started your journey. I also love how your calm, welcoming spirit shines through in your writing. I was sooooo looking forward to seeing you this year and meeting your friend and mentor Laura but there’s always RESET 2016!
Awww Morgan! I could just squeeze you out of happiness – I missed you this year! And, you’re right, there IS always next year!