A Transformative Journey: My Stripped Down Experience
A Leap of Faith
I'm still buzzing from the incredible experience of attending the Stripped Down in-person workshop with the amazing Denise Birdsong in California. This journey was a major milestone for me, marking my first time traveling alone, visiting California, and investing significantly in my business. It was also the longest I've ever been away from my husband and son.
But I knew I HAD NO CHOICE but to take the course again because I NEEDED to attend the very last in person workshop! I knew I needed this to take my art to the next level.
I knew that something was holding me back, but I didn't know what it was, But Denise knew, almost instantly.
A Heartfelt Tribute
A year and a half ago, when I first embarked on my Stripped Down journey, my father passed away two weeks into the course. He was my rock, my support system, and my biggest cheerleader. His loss was devastating, but it also ignited a fire within me.
I knew the universe aligned the course with my dad's passing because it gave me a purpose. It gave me motivation, and I often say, Denise and the course truly saved me. It saved me from what I always thought I would be come without my dad.
I knew I could not squander this opportunity. So, I dedicated myself to the course and I gave it as much of me as I could. I worked hard on my craft, determined to honor his memory by making a difference in the lives of others.
A Powerful Emotional Experience
The entire trip itself was an emotional rollercoaster. From the moment my husband and son dropped me off at the airport (I cried like a baby) to the final day, I was constantly challenged and inspired.
The first day of the workshop I truly understood why the course was called Stripped Down, because we started by stripping down all that BS and started building us back up. We started by sharing our fears and being vulnerable with the entire class.
I have always been the strong one, the one who doesn't show emotions. My dad always told me it was a sign of weakness and not to show that to others. Honestly, it felt so good to be able to be open and honest and share my truth.
The truth is, I have a fear of not being good enough. It stems from my childhood and my messed-up family, to always feel like I have to be perfect in order to get others love.
After we all cried our eyes out, we took a break for lunch and then got right into shooting!! This was what I was waiting for, the fun part, the part that I came to the workshop for, to actually take pictures and work on the methodology!
I worked my way around the stations and then I got to Denise's station. Instantly she called me out! She instantly "Seen" me. She seen through the BS and she knew I was wearing a mask. That mask that I put on every day, that mask that I put on for everyone else.
It was at the moment that I started crying and apologizing to the model and Denise for my emotions. Denise told me never apologize for my emotions. That it's not a sign of weakness but showing our emotions is actually strength.
I picked up my camera, started shooting the model again, with tears running down my face and Denise holding me.
It was a raw and vulnerable experience that allowed me to connect with my emotions on a deeper level.
A New Chapter
This in-person workshop marked a new chapter in my journey both personally and professionally.
It allowed me to learn from Denise firsthand and connect with other talented photographers. I met some amazing photographers at the workshop and learned so much from them as well!! I cannot even describe how much I learned from the workshop about photography, marketing, posing, and the methodology of the art of emotive body language.
I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the support of my amazing community.
Thank you all for being a part of this journey. Your encouragement and support mean the world to me.
If you are not a part of the The Crystalized Community be sure to join at the link below!
0 Comments