One of the things I enjoyed most about the Creative Joy retreat was our self-portrait day. I had waaaay too much fun with the self-timer on my camera that allows me to take multiple shots (like when I tried to do a handstand). Tracey Clark did such a wonderful job inspiring us with reflections, shadows, body parts, and even objects that are “us”.
For some reason, this sequence is randomly haunting to me. Maybe because you can’t see the trail & it looks like I’m wandering off into the wilderness in the last two. Maybe because I am happy to see myself walking in the woods, hanging out in nature.
Tracey set up little props around the room & they were great fun to photograph and try a few tricks.
I figured I’d show some out takes too! I had to run a long way from where I set my camera on the rocks to get this shot overlooking the Delaware River, so I had to run & fix my sweaty, stringy hair first.
My One Little Word for 2012 is Treasure, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use Tracey’s stamps to create the word & try some different lighting situations with the props.
All around the Garrison Institute, there were so many incredible places where the light was fantastic to capture some great shots. From the top left: looking up into the bamboo, bees around the flowers, a stairwell, a radiator/heater, and our hallway.
Tracey made sure we had lots of inspirational props and a variety of beautiful flowers every day.
The grounds themselves provided us with quite a few beautiful floral photo opportunities.
Just a few reminders of our weekend- the amazing orchids, the inspirational posters, and the intricate rug we all sat around matched the microphone and chimes that Jen would use.
And my absolute favorite self-portrait from the weekend, I took a photo of myself in front of the chalkboard using my iPhone on reverse camera. The full quote on the board is “Your story needs to be told. Nobody can tell it better than you.” You can see my instagram photo of it, but it was a really important message for me to hear/learn/absorb this weekend.
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY: I actually like quiet evenings home alone, especially when it’s storming outside.
I love that last photo too!
These are so great Amanda. Love them all! What an amazing weekend you must have had!!!
And I agree… your story does need to be told and thank you so much for sharing it here.
Thanks Robin! Hope you are well- miss you girl