At the beginning of August I had the supreme pleasure of attending a get-together in North Carolina with over 20 other photographer.  Some of us have know each other for upwards of 3 years, but most of us had never met in person.  It was about a year ago when the idea was first presented of planning a weekend get-together of shooting, learning, and socializing, and I have to admit I originally just wrote the idea off.  I mean, it sounded like a lot of fun, but I would have a new little baby and I just didn’t see how it would work for me this year.  Of course, as the plans became solidified and the group’s enthusiasm grew, I knew I had to try and make it happen.  Plus, I am married to a super-dad who never balks at flying solo with our crazy darling children:).

I am so, so glad I changed my mind.  I can’t imagine having missed out on the opportunity to meet so many fabulous, kind, and talented women:).  In addition, I was so excited to shoot with and learn from my peers and friends that I respect so much.  I am beyond grateful to everyone who made the trip happen, to my family for supporting me, and to Jack who only screamed half of the time;).

The first evening I was able to work with an absolutely gorgeous mama-to-be who was totally comfortable in front of the camera and just naturally stunning to boot.

My friend Laurie Sachs caught this image of me working with them:

The next morning we had the opportunity to photograph some older children–an age I don’t get to shoot very often.  It was so much fun!

That afternoon we headed inside to work with some darling, darling newborns.  My good friend Keri Walters and I led the studio portion of the newborn shoot and it just reminded me again how incredibly enjoyable it is to photograph little babies with another skilled photographer who just steps in and knows exactly what is needed in a second pair of hands.

First up is 16-day old Brooklyn.  She was just such a darling little girl with the most beautiful hair, gorgeous lips, and perfect skin–I could hardly stand it!

And another “behind the scenes” shot caught by my friend Melissa.

Next came baby Isaac at 15-days old.  Oh gosh, he was such a cute little thing and his parents were just gorgeous too!

And here’s the group:

Thanks ladies–I loved every minute!  And honey, see, they’re not middle-aged, balding computer programmers, nor are they robots.  Real, wonderful, inspiring women.

Don’t ask:).