It’s been almost a year since one of my biggest dreams came true.

I hadn’t had a chance to share before but because this was such a HUGE experience for me, I still wanted to make sure it made it to the blog!

I have been following and learning from Katelyn James for a few years now. If you’ve ever talked to me about photography, you probably know she’s my complete inspiration and role model.

I’ve pretty much bought every piece of educational material that she has created and when I had the opportunity to attend her LAST in-person workshop, nothing was going to stand in my way!

Myself and 15 other women traveled to Richmond, VA to meet Katelyn, Michael, Emy, Evy, and the rest of the KJ fam. We started the workshop meeting each other at a local ice cream shop. I think every one of us had tears in our eyes getting to meet Katelyn for the first time in person!

The next morning we arrived at the Alsop’s house (which I am OBSESSED with) for two days of 12+ hours of learning.

We talked about everything from posing, client experience, lighting, the wedding experience, marketing, to the things we were individually struggling with.

We also had the chance to shoot a styled shoot alongside Katelyn and it was gorgeous!!

Katelyn walked us through her thought process as she approaches capturing gorgeous images and then sharing them online. She critiqued our websites and gave actionable feedback.

One of the biggest takeaways was the chance to be truly honest and vulnerable in a cozy living room with a group of women who understand each other and want to lift each other up. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, eating a delicious homemade meal from Emy talking about my struggles with my marketing career.

This workshop, Katelyn, and these women were the catalyst of me believing completely in myself and taking the plunge into being a full time photographer.

I am currently enrolled in the Katelyn James Business Journey (because I have FOMO of not being involved in anything she’s doing), so I will be seeing her again later this year. I am SO excited because I have grown SO much, even since this workshop.

If you are a new photographer or even just jumping into a new industry, I highly highly recommend seeking out online education from the experts who have mastered it. It’s the best investment you will ever make.

Here are some of my favorite memories from the October 2018 Katelyn James Workshop Experience!

We all got welcome gifts of a notebook (that is currently FULL of notes), a homemade cookie, workshop pen, and all of the printed mini guides!!

During one of our breaks we took ourselves on a self-guided tour of Katelyn’s house… OH MY GOSH. An actual dream. She and Michael had recently designed and built this house and it is absolutely gorgeous.

On to the styled shoot!! If you are a KJ All Access member (Katelyn’s monthly behind the scenes video series) then this would have made you cry! She was teaching us everything that goes through her head as she’s photographing details.

Next we headed outside to a ceremony space set up in the field next to Katelyn’s house. The light was beautiful.

This is a photo of my actual dream coming true –– being on the other side of the camera in front of Katelyn James!!! I have never loved headshots more!!!

These are my sisters for life! We still keep up with each other on social and in our Facebook group. I wish we could have a reunion every year!