Something that I've learned over the last few years is how much I love watching other people grow. When I was in high school I taught tennis to inner-city kids, and watching how excited they were when they hit a shot they couldn't before is a seriously feel-good moment. Fast forward to this year, where I'm asked to teach how I shoot video for 25 amazing photographers in the Association of International Boudoir Photographers (AIBP). I taught at the 2015 retreat in Ojai, but I could tell this year was going to be special.
I was alongside other educators like Jen Swedhin and Petra Herrmann who were teaching mens portraiture, retouching, and couples boudoir. Let me tell you, I learned some things in photoshop that blew my mind! Side note. If you ever ask me how I got into boudoir, Petra is a huge part of that story.
One of the photographers at the retreat asked me to do a full video of her. I thought this would be a great opportunity to show the group how quickly you can put together a few videos after you've had enough practice. Here are two boudoir videos of two of the photographers that were attending the workshop. Both of these women are moms and they absolutely prove that there isn't a time or place in your life that you lose your sexiness.
The AIBP is like summer camp for adults. You jump in the pool, enjoy the freedom from your daily routine, and stay up late talking and making friendships that will last for years. I can't say enough what the other AIBP photographers have done for my career. I know I would be offering the incredible experience that I do without learning so much from them, and I am forever grateful!
To put a little icing on the cake, at the end of the year the community of AIBP nominates photographers for a variety of awards, ranging from Most Impact to Photographer to watch. I was very graciously awarded the "Excellence in Video" award!! This was completely unexpected, which makes me feel even more honored. It was an incredible trip and I can't wait for next year where hopefully I will see some familiar faces, and meet new photographers who will continue to impact my life in ways I can't know yet.
