FALL WORKSHOPS!

Hurray! As my wedding season slows down, our fall workshop season will begin with one workshop in September, one in October, and one in November!! I LOVE teaching! I love the contagious environment of a shmattering of minds and creative perspectives! This fall we will be focusing again on learning how to use our Digital SLRS, Storytelling and Composition, Photoshop basics, and for those with a grip on the Creative and Manual operations of your camera, we will be offering intermediate photography class where we will explore night photography, video light, motion, and exposure compensation (high-key and low-key imagery). Space is limited, because we like to keep our workshop numbers small so we have the best environment for learning and creativity, so please contact me at alyssaflaten@mosaicphotography.net with your questions or call 701.200.8110 to register!

Here are some comments from past Mosaic Workshop students:
"Alyssa, you are an excellent teacher. This was FABULOUS!! I appreciated the way you took genuine interest in each question and desired to see us learn."
"This was a great learning experience! I learned so much and loved the hands on learning."
"I absolutely LOVED the hand-outs."
"Thank you for sharing all your insight--This was a priceless class."
"I liked how we learned a concept and then practiced it right away. You made all the photography terms really easy to
understand."
"Thank you so much for all the take-home resources and individual investment. I learned so much and am so glad I got to be
a part of this!"
"I learned so much about my camera by doing the hands on exercises. And I loved how organized everything was!"

Below is more information, which you can also find on the Workshops part of our Mosaic Photography Blog (www.mosaicphotography.net/blog).

Self-Employment Myths...

It's funny what a dose of reality can do to our dreams and ambitions of running our own business. I didn't really understand what I was getting into when I started my little side business over 5 years ago. But learning and embracing reality is a part of the adventure as you learn to effectively carry out your dreams as a self-employed artist.

I have enjoyed Michael Gerber's "E-Myth" and encourage you to take a look at this article--The Self-Employment Myth.

More often than not, when aspiring photographers ask me for a piece of advice regarding getting into the business, the first thing that comes to mind is "Don't...unless you are willing to work your butt off, and make huge sacrifices--like no weekends to yourself, missing out on your friends' and families historic moments like weddings and reunions, being 'on-call' 24/7, unpredictable income, and a job that you don't ever leave; or like Dave Ramsey says: "Living like no one else today, so you can live like no one else tomorrow."

On the up side, the hard work pays off! The moments when teary-eyed mothers, and ecstatic brides cannot put into words the joy and gratitude they have because of the visual story you created are so rewarding. Or the times when loved ones pass, but their memory is captured forever in your work, or the days you can turn your attention to care for someone more important than the work at hand, are days that the privilege of being a photographer overwhelm me. Or the people I get to meet and the places I've seen, the experiences I've documented--it's priceless and worth every ounce of energy.

A Wild Wedding

I am a huge fan of Kevin Kubota (one of the top 10 wedding photographers in 2007) ever since he took me under his wing for a week two years ago as I had the opportunity to work under him for a week in Bend, Oregon. Needless to say, I follow his blog, and just had to share this slideshow with you of one of his recent weddings. You'll see from the photos how unique, creative, and fun this couple was--definitely a photographer's dream couple. Check it out here

Gearing up

Well, we're up getting ready for another double header weekend--that is, 2 weddings in one weekend. I so love being an artist, and want to share with you an excerpt from this morning's journal entry. "'Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them.' (Romans 12:6) It's so refreshing to remember where our creativity and talent comes from, to be able to place my gifts in the loving hands of Father God and just enjoy the day."

Just for Fun...

I had a bit of a change of pace a few weeks ago and got to work in the Ottertail, Battle Lake area. These images are of my friends', Liz and Sparky, beautiful resort on Ethel Beach. A fabulous vacation spot, if you are looking for one!

Photographers and Extreme Home Makeover

I had the privilege of meeting Allison Rodgers in Phoenix at Imaging USA in January. Her and her husband were a huge inspiration to me.

Last Sunday, their work was a part of ABC'S Extreme HomeMakeover for the Jordan family. If you missed it you can view the episode online. (Technology is awesome!)

It's such a neat episode as it begins with people who have lost loved ones. As they honor and remember their loved ones they cling to something--PHOTOGRAPHS!!

As photographers, we have such valuable jobs! The value of a photograph the moment we take it is NOTHING compared to how valuable that image will be ten, twenty, fifty years from now!

Be sure to take a look at this episode and enjoy Allison and Jeff's generous hearts illustrated through the beautiful images of the Jordan family!

Blogs I Follow...

OH, there are so many...but here are just a few of my favs:

Dave Ramsey
Dan Miller
Ann Monteith
Design Mom
Blogs of Photogs
Audrey Hannah Photography
Me Ra Koh
Kevin Kubota
Dane Sanders
Doug Gordon
Professional Photographers of America

Work you Love!

There are a number of wonderful resources out there to motivate the creative souls that want to develop their creativity into a business. Dan Miller is one who inspires me. Click here to find out what kind of resources he has!

Unexpected Inspiration

So, Scott and I were doing our typical chill-at-a-coffee-shop-with-a-book-and-laptop, when we noticed a guy with a video camera and a USAtoday badge. Unabashed, I approached him and asked if he was a photographer and/or videographer. Turns out, he's a journalist here in Fargo covering the flood for USAtoday. Crazy! (Little old me, gets a bit star stuck upon meeting established photographers.) Anyhow, we enjoyed our coffee checked out each other's sites and exchanged some comments. Go ahead and "meet" Garret Hubbard by visiting his website and blog. Inspiration is always around the corner--you just gotta keep your eyes open! (Thanks honey, for being my eyes in this case).

Small is Big

Several books that have resonated with me in the last couple months both have similar themes: small actions make a huge difference.

These are great reads that impress how my everyday, seemingly small choices, make a great impact.

If you haven't done yourself the favor of reading a good book lately, you might want to check one of these out!

Small Is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas

by Seth Godin

The 7 Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes (Paperback) by Allyson Lewis (Author)

How Your Life Can Make a World of Difference

by Glenn Packiam (Author)

BRAINSTORM SESSION

Friends are the best! Have I mentioned before that people inspire me? The other night, Scott and I met with some friends of ours for a brainstorm session, and it was fabulous. I love fresh perspectives and find this so vital to life and business!

Check out the businesses linked to these creative souls: Song Three Four, Inspire Wellness, and Creative Elements Construction.

Results of my Creativity Intervention

So, sometimes I forget to relax, I confess. And that's really such a loss because when I take care of myself I am more productive, creative, and inspired! For some reason that is hard for my brain to comprehend. Anyhow, so the other day, I tried something a little different when I reached a moment of feeling overwhelmed--"A Creativity Intervention." I stopped, walked away and grabbed the camera, and my dog, Ferg. I put 10 minutes on the clock, got a little fresh air, and set a couple "rules" for myself:
1. 10 minutes, no more no less.
2. could only shoot on manual setting and JPG format--nailing exposure is important.
3. have fun!

Here's what I came up with...Enjoy!



Seriously, how could you not be inspired by the mighty Fergie Beast!


Just some friendly neighbor dogs...

Creativity Challenge

After several hours of emailing, returning calls, and reviewing my upcoming schedule, I found myself staring at a stack of invoices and receipts begging to be entered into my accounting software. Ick! This calls for a creativity intervention! I am going to take my camera and one lens and set the timer to 10 minutes and see what I can capture. This should be interesting... I'll be back later to share what I came up with!

Mentors and Friends...

I can't tell you how much I have benefited from lovely, wonderful, generous people who have taken the time to answer questions, give a few pointers, and instill a little confidence.

So today, I just want to say thank you to these wonderful people, artists, family, and friends: my Mom and Dad (Sam and Karen Adams), my husband--Scott Flaten, my sister--Aarie, Katie Bracken, Joyce Robles, Wayne Gudmundson, Alison Lea Geier, Don Clark, Dave Arntson, Britta Trygstad, Kevin Kubota, Craig Strong, Kecia Kubota, Amber Larkin, Becca Hamilton, Christina Beck, Emily Heath, Catherine McKinley, Ticia Mangino, Caron Von Orman, Elaine Begley, Eryn Wags, Jacqueline Amparo, Heather Lussier, Jonnie Maunder, Lora McKnight, Sherlynn Borkgren, Toria Mole, and Tawyna Hood, Doug Gordon, Evan Lipson, Tanya Martineau, Penny Burns, Ty and Lindsay Hagerott, Ria Czichotzki, Mandy Anderson, Ann Monteith, and Dane Sanders...and of course all you brave people who caught a glimpse of my enthusiasm and trusted me to tell your story from my point of view.

If you don't recognize these names, google them--and you might catch a little inspiration too!

Oh, I'm sure I missed someone--so many people have impacted my life! Thank you friends--you have encouraged me to stay the course and pursue my niche--to do what I have been created to do!

The Heart Gallery

Anyone get to see the February appearances of the ND Heart Gallery?

---

West Acres Mall, Fargo

January 22 to February 14, 2009

Buffalo Court

I LOVE THE HEART GALLERY!! If you are a photographer and want to donate your services, or you are just curious, check it out here

Happy Valentine's Day!

Passing on a Little Encouragement

JUST A LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT I WANTED TO FORWARD ON TO YOU GUYS from photographer Mera Koh!
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Setting the Timer for One Minute: A Breakable Bridge!