Beautiful North Carolina

I have a somewhat romanticized view of the south. Maybe it's because Sweet Home Alabama is hands down my all-time favorite movie. I don't care who you are, if you speak with a southern accent, you will charm me. And spending a week on Bald Head Island in North Carolina only made me love the south more. (Watching Nights in Rodanthe today doesn't help things either...)

I am still trying to wrap my hurting, overloaded brain on the experience I am coming off of. Spending two solid days with 60 photographers from the United States (and Canada!), in four intensive, 4-hour classes with instructors I have fallen in love with was pretty close to heaven on earth. I say pretty close because there wasn't one espresso stand on that whole island! If we were in the Pacific Northwest, there would have been 10!

I'm having trouble finding words to sum it all up. But I came back from this trip with an entirely new perspective, and a new found love for what I do. I don't remember the last time I took an afternoon to shoot just for myself. But that's exactly what we did on Sunday afternoon, hopping in our golf cart, cameras in hand, tackling the island.

The workshop began Tuesday morning, and for two solid days, we listened to amazing instructors who put everything they had into their presentations. We talked, exchanged ideas, encouraged each other, and exhausted all aspects of running a photography business. I am now officially in love with Tamara, Laura, Lena and Audrey! The lovely Jen Thompson and I were banking on having Thursday afternoon to see the rest of the island we hadn't yet seen, but conveniently a would-be tropical storm decided to roll through. While 95% of the Learnfest attendees got off the island early to avoid the storm, we hunkered down in our house and enjoyed a full day to ourselves. The rain pounded relentlessly on the windows, and the wind shook the house all day, but we survived it. And the long, exhausting trip home.

I will let some photos from the week tell you the rest of story. After all, they have so many more words than I ever could.

This little guy is also at the top of my "love list." He was our adorable model during our session with Audrey, and his baby blues, and long blonde hair won me over from the start. You would never know from these shots that he had about 15 photographers with cameras in his face. And would you believe his mom has never had professional portraits taken of him? Now she's drowning in photos!

This brother and sister were the models during our time with Tamara. The little guy wouldn't stop giggling (and it was contagious!)

And the rest are shots of the island. Everything I imagined North Carolina to be.

Ok one shot of Jen and me. Might I add that Jen has Nikon running through her blood. I personally think she looks beautiful with a Canon in her hand! (She threatened my life for taking that shot...)

This poor little butterfly had a large chunk missing out of its wing. I was amazed to see that it flew just fine, even with that piece missing. I think you can see the analogy writing itself here.

These last few shots are my favorite because of the story involved. On Monday afternoon as Jen and Sue-Leigh (our other housemate) were wrapping up last minute Learnfest details, I snuck out with the golf cart to enjoy some quiet on the island. As I walked down this boardwalk, I heard Nat King Cole's Unforgettable playing very clearly from one of the houses. The song couldn't have been more perfect for that particular moment. But as I turned and looked to see where the music was coming from, I saw the house in the very last photo. There on the second story porch was a couple dancing. I felt like I was in a movie. And at the moment, I was so very thankful for the incredible opportunity I had to have the whole experience. God is so good, and so faithful. And I walked down the beach in awe of His artistry, and humbled by His provision.

North Carolina Awaits

It seems my little blog has become somewhat neglected this summer. I suppose that's a by-product of running in a million different directions, still tackling three different jobs, and trying to get everything done in a timely manner. Who has time to sit and enjoy a hot latte and fresh muffins, and update the world on the life of their business? Coincidentally, that's just what I happen to be doing at the moment, even though a mile-long list sits on the desk next to me. And I will admit, it feels like a luxury.

Speaking of luxury, I leave very early tomorrow morning to fly 2,887 miles away from this place to a little island off the coast of North Carolina. There I will spend a week with a small gathering of photographers from throughout the United States to talk shop with the company of Audrey Woulard, Tamara Lackey, Laura Novak, and Lena Hyde. Even though I have three weddings and five portrait sessions to finish editing, and a few design projects on my desk, I will take the week to relax and enjoy the company I am with. Even more so since the October issue of True North Parenting is now at the printer! Don't get me wrong, I'm not used to simply not working when there are so many things demanding my attention. However, my laptop is dying a slow and painful death. Conveniently, the only programs it will NOT run are Adobe ones. Photoshop and InDesign? Good luck. It must be God's mercy telling me to slow down and enjoy a much-needed break. I won't argue with Him.

If you need me, this is where I will be:


Jen Thompson and I are traveling together, and I'm very much looking forward to some solid time with her (and yes, I stole this image off her blog). We will be housemates with two other girls at this adorable house, cruising around in golf carts because the island doesn't allow any cars.



And if you are going to be at Learnfest too, lucky you. The Ethni Paper Shoppe is also a sponsor, and you will be receiving these two free holiday card templates in your swag bag:



When I get home late next Friday night, I'll be hitting the ground running, travelling every weekend but one through the end of October. Someday I will get caught up, and my blog will be getting some more attention. But until then, this little update will just have to get you by. Enjoy your weekend! I know I will.

Design Aglow

Whether you are a professional photographer, or an avid hobbyist, Design Aglow is an incredible resource to have in your back pocket! The first day I stumbled upon it months ago, I was in love. The woman behind it is none other than Lena Hyde (who is also behind the Learnfest that I can't keep my mouth shut about!) Staying true to the tag line, Design Aglow has now produced four digital magazines chock-full of tips, real world stories, successful studios, and design inspiration. Issue number 5 is in the works as we speak, and will feature a spotlight on Jen Thompson's fabulous Redmond studio. To prepare for the article, Jen needed some new bio shots. So I met her at her studio to get some head shots for her. These photographs could have taken themselves! A beautiful Jen in a beautiful studio. I had to spend a few minutes helping her mop up my drool before we left to connect over some yummy chicken wings, french fries and margaritas. Keep an eye out on the Design Aglow website and make sure to buy Issue 5 when it debuts! I know I will!

Meanwhile, I've been busy behind the scenes working on some of the creative ideas rolling around in my brain. I'm working feverishly to get them implemented and in front of your eyes. Check back soon for the big reveal!

Special Announcements

The June issue of True North Parenting is at the printers as we speak, and I'm confident in saying that it's even better than the last, premiere issue! With a cover shot by Jen Thompson, and editorial photography by Erik Dungan and Kristi Eckberg (among others), the June/July issue is truly a showcase of the talent of local writers and photographers! We also added a new feature this month called "Local Picks," a review of locally-made products that we love (product photography courtesy of Heather Leggett). Look for the latest issue out on June 1!

Also, when you pick up your copy, look for my new ad in the inside back cover. Not many people know that in addition to capturing your favorite moments, I also offer custom graphic design for all your special announcements! This includes birth announcements, graduation announcements, save the date cards, invitations, business collateral and more! A page on my website dedicated to available templates will be coming soon. However, custom designs are also available. The first two people to respond to this post via email get a special discount on their custom design order! Email me at jane@ethniphotography.com to snag the discount!

And speaking of announcements, I have a few of my own! First, I've added my name to the list of proud sponsors of the upcoming Learnfest in September! The attendees will receive a fabulous swag bag, and there will be some surprises from me tucked in there among all the goodies! Learnfest will be the highlight of my year, even topping WPPI in Vegas! I can't wait!

Finally, congratulations to Lauren Blackwelder! She was the winner of April's Gentle Reminder contest in the premiere issue of True North, and will be receiving a free portrait session with me. Make sure to flip to the last page of the magazine to see the photos she submitted for the contest. They are certainly the epitome of "this too shall pass."

Don't forget to pick up the magazine early next week! Cheers to a great Tuesday!

Learnfest '08

There's something in my personality that drives my husband nuts.

I'm a terrible decision maker.

I'll go to the MAC counter, determined to buy a new eyeshadow, stand there staring at them all for about 20 minutes, and walk away empty-handed because I can't decide on the right one. And I'm too afraid of picking the wrong one.

When I worked at a makeup counter, I was notorious for this. The MAC girls would see me coming, and laugh. Inevitably, if I was able to make a decision, it would turn out that I already had the exact color same color at home. It's hopeless.

All that to say I almost had a heart attack today. If deciding on a $13 returnable eyeshadow is tough enough for me, imagine registering for a rather expensive seminar and leaving a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. Josh was telling me about a show he watched this weekend where people were trying to test how high your heart rate can go. For this test, they had a guy in front of a machine that lobs tennis balls at you. You can imagine where they were aiming the balls to hit (no pun intended..) What does that have to do with this? I really couldn't tell ya. However, my heart rate was up, and my palms were all sweaty... But I did it. I registered for Learnfest and I'm so excited!

What is Learnfest? Possibly the most amazing seminar available this year, with four of the best photographers on my list. It's located on Bald Head Island off the coast of North Carolina, in an amazing beach house right on the coast. In-depth sessions on everything you can possibly think of, with classes of no more than 15 people. Pair that with a few extra days of either side, antique shopping, clam chowder, and shooting galore, and I think it will be the highlight of my year. Thanks, Jen, for talking me into going with you! Now I just need to bring my blood pressure back down!