a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle

I’m pretty sure we’re all just proud of ourselves for dragging ourselves to the end of this week. So, well done everyone, we made it. Between the 4th of July, updating my website (really, if you haven’t checked out the GALLERIES, do it!), a trip to the zoo, and TWO engagement workshops with the wonderful Andrew + Chrissy, it’s been a week.

Last week Chrissy put out a very laid back post on one of our Facebook groups, offering a FREE posing workshop with a real, engaged couple for anyone who wanted to join. How amazing is that?! There’s basically nothing that’s free, and over the course of opening my business I’ve paid for many classes, workshops, and educational materials to freshen my skills. But, Chrissy + Andrew, just of out the true goodness of their heart, wanted to reach out and help other photographers. I am truly honored and humbled to have had this opportunity! Not only did I learn SO much from two people who have way more experience than I do, but I was uplifted by their openness and willingness to share. 

We had so much fun shooting. Laura and Tyler, our couple, we joking and laughing the whole time, and being around other creatives who just want to help each other and get better was so refreshing. And I’d be remiss not to mention the gorgeous Bryn Du Mansion, that we shot at… someone please get married there!

As we wrapped up Chrissy + Andrew casually answered our questions and chatted.  We thanked them for sharing their knowledge and Chrissy said, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” She continued on to talk about how important it is to give, because when we give we truly grow, both in business and personally. It was just so simple, and so beautiful.

Whether it’s in my business or other areas of my life, it’s so easy to get protective over what I “have”. I watch my one year old and two year old go through this about 80 times a day, as I hear choruses of “mine, mine, mine”. Of course, I always correct them and impart my deep wisdom on sharing, usually followed by a Daniel Tiger song (story of my life), but I never give a second thought as to how I should apply that lesson to myself. In one of my favorite prayers, St. Francis of Assisi tells us, “It is in giving that we receive.” When we give to others we’re refreshed because we’ve opened our hands and let go of all we’re clinging to with our white-knuckled grip. When we release we have open hands to share with others and allow them to share with us. I am so thankful for the opportunity to shoot alongside some very talented photographers, but I’m even more thankful for the humbling lesson that Andrew + Chrissy gave with their simple gesture of sharing what they had to give. 

Special thanks to Becca Musayev and Joshua Farr, who are both SUPER talented photographers and made it such an enjoyable evening. It was a pleasure to work alongside of you and learn from you too!