I stepped out of my comfort zone and attended :

I was talking to a friend last night  and  telling him about the experience and  he asked: ” Lyssa why are you spending all this money on learning  like this. Your photography is amazing can it get any bettter what else do you need just practice! right?”

 

Well I was quite flattered by the compliment for 5 sec. lol I have never been the type to remain in the status quo especially when it came to learning. I told him:

 

 #1 PASSION;I LOVE IT ! Imagine, to have the opportunity to fly to a an amazing city like NY or anywhere in the world, spend time with bright and  creative minds, network, share and learn in a safe  environment WHY NOT??. passion is life.. I met a spiritual guide who once told me that passion  extends your life, people of passion live longer on average.”No matter what it is, inject passion  in your life , it’s attractive and contagious!” he said. I never researched  that for a  fact but it makes total  sense to me what is  a life without purpose and passion? I am so full of passion  I don’t know what to do with myself some days lol!! I love my life and would not want to trade any of my passions  for anything in the world..learning is definitely one of them!

 

#2. INVESTMENT; I have been brainwashed by an amazing mentor early in my life. Who convinced me  that  an investment in yourself is the best investment  that guaranteed  returned and  never devalued.   In a world where  technology is allowing people  with  no photography skills to take a decent images the deal breakers is mastery of skills; Lighting composition post processing  signature style. The ability to  get  amazing results  at a drop of  hat  consistently ! There is a difference in getting from “good” to “GREAT”!  I believe  that it is true in so many industries and disciplines.

 It’s all about being ready  for the right opportunities.  I have a vision for my studio and see  it meeting  the  future needs of  imagery in a multimedia context. All I am doing right now is filling the gaps.  Regardless of the economy investing in your skills never goes out of style. If you bring value to the market place you will never even have to look for a job . Employers & Contracts will be coming after you. I have heard these words about 10 years ago and to this day it has been my mantra.. My career in telecom was based on that principle  and  provided amazing opportunities over the past few years. My creative journey though is totally on steroids… and definitely beyond my wildest dreams.

 

#3 NETWORKING; the chance to share from and with people  that are as passionate & crazy like me YAY!. Getting invitations to collaborate on projects from all over the world. I love meeting people who complement my skill set and started to document this. I know that one day I will need a dream team to execute some projects  and these events offer the best situation  to discover dynamics and synergies. I also want to contribute and add value to the mix. Some of these people are so talented & so bright it is  inspiring  and  keeps me on my toes:-)  I love  to feel vulnerable at workshop..it means that I am open to learn.

 

My friend  said: “wow this is a real big picture lys!” He started thinking out loud about his own plans and thanked me for the inspiration. I love it!

 

—–One of the attendees shared this; A snapshot into what could represent  the future of magazines & print media . We went over  this case study:

 

 

Some will  see challenges and a decline in the need for traditional  photographers I see an ocean of opportunities and new options to bring visions, ideas & concepts to life. 

 ML