A week of creativity, community, and remembering why I fell in love with photography.
Attending the Lens & Light Summit this year was such a thrill. There were so many familiar faces, many new ones, and so much knowledge and experience all in one room.
On my way to the summit, I started to feel that familiar sense of imposter syndrome creeping in—something I think so many of us experience.
Why am I going to this? I thought.
I had been feeling discouraged—down about a lack of bookings, navigating constant requests for discounts, and carrying the weight of the current world we live in.
But the moment I walked into the lobby of the Mystic Marriott, everything shifted. I was greeted with smiles, hugs, and a sense of warmth that immediately softened those doubts. Okay, I thought. I’m exactly where I need to be.
Being vulnerable in a place where you wish you were excelling is uncomfortable. But as the saying goes, growth doesn’t happen in comfort.
I realized that showing up—despite the doubt, despite the fear of not being “enough” was exactly what growth was asking of me. Workshops like this aren’t about having it all figured out, they’re about being open. Open to learning, to trying, to failing, and to growing alongside others who are on their own creative journeys.
I learned so much throughout the summit—simple ways to stimulate creativity, a deeper understanding of lighting and modifiers, and new approaches to photographing with intention.
But one workshop that stood out to me most was with D'Ann Boal called The Heart of Technique.
Right from the start, she said something that immediately stuck with me:
“Light is like water.”
Such a simple statement, but the way she explained it really resonated with me.
Light flows. It fills a space. It can be soft and subtle or strong and directional. And just like water, it can be shaped, redirected, and understood—you just have to learn how to see it.
D’Ann also spoke about the importance of a morning ritual, something I’ve struggled with for years. In grad school, it was referred to as a daily practice—a way to ground yourself in creativity before the day begins. It’s something I’m still working toward: creating a morning routine that doesn’t make me hate mornings, but instead supports both myself and my business.
She shared a portrait she created—a floral garland she constructed, wrapped around a stunning model with flowers woven into her curly hair. I was stunned, to say the least. Every image she showed was filled with creativity and intention.
One of her final statements was: “Shadow gives light meaning.”
And truly… what a beautiful way to see the world.
I left that workshop not only inspired by her work, but grateful to have pages of notes to return to whenever I need a bit of guidance. What stood out just as much as the education, though, was the connection. The conversations between sessions, the encouragement from other photographers, and the shared understanding of both the challenges and the beauty of photography.
There’s something really powerful about being surrounded by people who see the world the way you do.
The more I listened, learned, and created during the Summit, the more I realized something important—photography, whether it’s weddings, portraits, or families, isn’t just about capturing images. It’s about creating an experience, building trust, and documenting moments as they naturally unfold.
And in this moment, I realize once again—I AM exactly where I need to be. Happy First Day of Spring!