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It's hard to aptly describe the Foundation Workshop. It was founded six years ago by former Dallas Morning News photographer Huy Nguyen to teach wedding photographers how to be photojournalists. But it's so much more than that. Mark served as a mentor last year, and was asked to return this year to work with Huy's team. This year I was also lucky enough to be brought on as a mentor, working with Tyler Wirken's team. I came in expecting an intense, fast-paced week of shooting and editing. I got that, but I also found myself with 40 new friends who now share a bond that's simply indescribable. Former Foundation students are correct in saying this workshop changes lives. I saw it with my own eyes, and felt it in my own heart.

Below are a few photos from Mark's and my cameras.




Greg Gibson gives a talk on the first day about the history of photojournalism. That's Ben Chrisman on the floor. Ben was tapped to be one of two official photographers to document the workshop.


Mark's shot of a church at sunset


Andrew Mejia, who was on Mark's team, working the McKinney Community Center.


The famous Sergio, who served as a mentor along with Mark on Huy Nguyen's team.


Emilie Sommer, a mentor for Brooks Whittington's team.


Erwin and Ray of Apertura, along with Ben Chrisman and Ed Atrero, who was a student on my team.




David Pullum, a student on Erin's team, photographs skateboarders. This was his first of many times down in the bowls at the skate park.

Erin and I are in Dallas, Texas at the Foundation Workshop, where we are both serving as mentors. We're here all week and it's been a great workshop so far, helping to teach the students how to better shoot and edit photos. It's one of the best workshops out there for photographers who want to work on the craft of photography. Learning to see and create better pictures as well as fine-tuning your ability to tell stories with pictures is the focus of this workshop. I was on the faculty last year and am so excited to have been invited back again this year. Erin was invited to be on the faculty this year and she's loving the experience.

Below is a group shot of all the faculty and staff. These three photos were lifted from Ben Chrisman's blog (one of two official workshop photographers). Check out his blog for more fun photos (somehow I manage to make it into his blog posts at least once a day. I guess I'm a ham.

Andrew and I had a great time visiting with everyone at Corey McNabb's workshop in Asheville. We were up representing SHOOTQ and had a little presentation on Monday morning. But before that serious stuff, we got to enjoy the party stuff at Corey's beautiful studio!

The opening party on Sunday night was gorgeous and tasty. Corey's green and gray theme carried throughout the party, from florals to martinis, from cake to curtains! Everywhere I looked, Corey's branding was unmistakably present.

This was my first AppleTini and I must say that Corey's wife Jill is a pro Martini maker & shaker. I watched her craft drinks in total amazement. It's an artfom, without a doubt! Enjoy some photos from the party, including a funny photo of one of our Favorit:e: Fri:e:nds wearing a fishy hat. We left too early to see Shyla don her prettiest dress. Can't wait to see those photos, Shy :)






A big thanks to Amber Holritz for sharing these photos with me!
What a cool way to spend a Sunday and Monday. Now, we're back in Atlanta again gearing up for the WPPI tradeshow. ShootQ has a lot of fun stuff in the works for you!

This post is a little late, but Will just sent us some photos. On Superbowl Sunday, Erin and I, along with Will Godrey, and Jenn and Adam Linke, all of The Decisive Moment, plus all of our dogs hiked Blood Mountain, one of my favorite parts along the Appalachian Trail here in Georgia. One of my goals is to through-hike the entire Appalachian Trail. I just need about 6 months off :)

Let the countdown begin! LaCour's auction for THIRST RELIEF closes soon.

GO BID NOW to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and share at the same time.

Remember: To up the ante, the winner of LaCour's auction receives a SHOOTQ Membership. We just sold out of 100 open spots for ShootQ in less than 36-hours, so HURRY and bid so you can also get ShootQ.

Just think...this could be you...(special thanks to ANNE RUTHMAN for providing this scandalous photo!)



Don't forget:

There's an Anti-Snipe Feature. This means that if a particular auction is experiencing a bidding war at the time it is SUPPOSED to end, the auction will stay open as long as bidders are willing to bid on a mentor.

Remember to write down payment information so that you'll be able to immediately go to Thirst Relief to make your donation. Donations must be made within 48 hours or the auction will go to the next highest bidder.

Happy Bidding!