All Heart Workshop

This June, I had the honor of assisting Stormy Solis with her All Heart workshop in Colorado Springs. I’d attended her very first workshop in Hawaii in December 2016 and it was nothing less than transformative – not to mention a major turning point for my business. During that magical time on Oahu, I made life long friends, photographed amazing shoots Stormy created and realized that the little voice inside me whispering that I needed to let go of family photography and jump all in with couples was 100% possible and meant to be.

So when the opportunity to be a part of one of these retreats came along, I jumped at the chance! I knew it would be wonderful going into it but I was completely blown away by the experience. Here’s a glimpse into the magic we all made together in the foothills of the Rockies:

Day 1: We didn’t make it through introductions without tears.  There is something so amazing when a group of women come together with a solidarity of purpose and overlapping of passion. These women shared their heartfelt stories and their deep struggles with leading creative lives and the pursuit of photography in the face of what the world often tells us is impractical or impossible. Some were there just starting out, others facing a lack of inspiration or direction – feeling unable to break out of a routine. No matter the reason, each person needed something from this experience and hoped to leave at least a little bit changed and inspired. Stormy detailed her creative process and left so much of her heart on the table, even on the first day.

That afternoon, we headed out for our first shoot at the Paint Mines. I’d never even heard of this place so when we rolled up to a giant hole in the ground with sherbet-colored striations, I did my little geek landscape photographer dance. From the light to the location to the models and styling, every detail was perfect.

Day 2: We woke up just before sunrise to watch the morning light hit the foothills. I rarely make time for sunrises but always feel so alive when I do, almost like no day that begins with a sunrise can go badly.

Our model for the morning was the stunning Mielle and her daughter and the sun lit everything on fire. The last half of the session focused on Mielle and we ended up inside the house doing an impromptu boudoir shoot. The attendees had a chance to practice with both outdoor AND indoor lighting which I think is so valuable!

After an afternoon editing demonstration and a detailed look behind the business curtain, we headed out to our sunset shoot at Red Rock Open Space. This session was full circle for Stormy since we had a chance to photograph the woman who originally ignited her interest in photography and started her down this path where she has since touched so many lives.

Day 3: Another sunrise wake up call but, this time, we all photographed each other. I’d brought about 20 dresses from my Wanderlove Wardrobe along with me and all of the girls tried them on and choose one they loved to frolic in the tall grass. The 13 of us were quite a sight – a dash of rainbow below the red rocks – and we had a ball creating new headshots for each other. It was so amazing to watch how it empowered everyone to dig deep and overcome their shyness or insecurity to step out from behind the cameras we love to hide behind and begin to shine in front of the lens.

Everyone came to the workshop seeking something – including me – and so many of us found it. The amount of kindred spirits I encountered there was overwhelming and felt like coming home and being welcomed by a group of stranger-sisters who, though we’d never met, would never forget these days spent basking in discovery and kinship. I can’t wait to visit these ladies next time I pass through their home states during my RV adventures. If you’re considering a workshop, take it from someone who’s been to many over the years and had experiences all over the quality spectrum: anything Stormy Solis touches turns to gold. She bares her creative heart in her workshops and attracts other beautiful souls who are searching for a similar bond.

○ ○ ○

Melody is a full-time nomad who calls an RV home while roaming all over the western US and beyond for couple’s adventure photography in the wilds of nature. Her style is cinematic, romantic and richly colored and she believes that the beauty and chaos of nature, with its twisting paths, coarse landscapes and breath-taking wonder is a poignant analogy for relationships. The Pacific Northwest will always hold a special place in her heart but, life is short and the world is wide so check out the travel schedule to follow along with her adventures.

○ ○ ○

2 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

  • sarah

    This looked like SO MUCH FUN! Amazing women doing amazing things..ReplyCancel

  • Ann

    The pictures are gorgeous! Seems like you all had a wonderful time!!ReplyCancel

Explore More Journal Entries

Menu