I wasn’t expecting to cry, especially not to be the first to, but it just happened. I guess it can be expected when you talk about something important to you. In fact, i think it’s that moment when you realise how important it is to you that it happens. A few weeks ago I went on my first ever Welcome Home workshop and absolutely loved it! Emma Case is the lady behind it along with Pete her husband who hands out hugs that are award worthy. I for some reason decided not to attend their Leeds based workshop but fly to Belfast  for it. But ,it worked out perfect because I got to spend some time with family and meet some rather amazing people.

I don’t go to too many workshops, but I think I want to go to more. It’s nice to get a chance to hear how others started, how they run their business, you get to cry without being judged 😉 and meet some truly fabulous people. I  also have to give a shout out to The Life Church in Belfast where the day was hosted that was not your average  church dwelling!!

Through the day Emma talked with us. She told us her story and encouraged us to tell ours. This industry can sometimes feel a bit like keeping up with the Jones’s. But that notion has gone now for me. If some one tells me they are shooting 40+ weddings I no longer sweat and worry about my 20, because you know what  – that’s what I want. I want the life work balance, and I am so so happy with it.

What I took mostly away from the workshop was that I’m alright. It sound’s daft doesn’t it? But it’s something I used to genuinely sweat about. Should I edit like everyone else? Should I change my advertising? Am I doing it right? Now, I’m pretty happy with just being me. What I see, how I see it, how I document it – it’s me and I am 100% good with it.

Emma and Pete are some of the best. They are the good type. The fun type.  The couple that genuinely want you to succeed –  in your own measure  – not someone else’s type. The crazy about people type.  Thank you both for such a good day and pushing me to dream that little bit bigger. No matter how daft it seems.

Here are a few more from the day. Of course, what would a photography workshop be like if we couldn’t shoot a few folk?!