All Work & All Play Makes Mishi Feel Just Fine

February 11, 2011 - 2 Comments by Mishi - Me, Myself, and I, Portraiture

My Bliss: Part V

Waking up on Thursday morning was really hard, but I had my first “Heads or Tails” mini-session to get to in the Delta Atrium.  I met Amanda at 9:30am, and I was extremely happy with the light.   I took a few test exposures before texting her to see where she was, as the atrium is huge and I was kicking myself for not being super specific about our meeting point in my confirmation email, but we found each other without much of a hitch.

After Amanda’s photo session, I raced to the opening keynote.  Being one of the tribe leaders, for photography, I knew exactly where I had to go.  I got to hear the end of Brené Brown‘s talk.  What I heard was phenomenal, and I totally recommend you watch her speak on Ted.   Moving. Memorable. Deep. Her words are what made me finally realize that I should “come out” on Facebook about my blog.   I’m still listening and learning about vulnerability and shame and belonging and and courage and believing that . . .

Brené Brown’s Opening Keynote at Blissdom
[Photo courtesy of Schmutzie]

After the Keynote it was time for Tribe Leaders Round Table Discussions.   I sat with some really wonderful women.  We talked about what we do, our passions, our goals, our equipment, and our overall love of photography. I was honored to sit there with them as a Blissdom Tribe Leader!

Then it was time for lunch.  Blissdom never disappoints in this department, and lunch was absolutely delicious.  I was so hungry that I didn’t even get a chance to take a picture of my yummy food (I know, can you believe it?)   But, I did get to eat lunch with my new friend Ann, and I got sit next to the ever lovely Domestic Debacle.  I also got to talk to Ryan, and I got to get a big, huge, love-filled hug from Amy!

Once I had my fill of Mexican flare, hugs, laughter, good conversation, and camaraderie, I headed off to do some more work.

I had head shots scheduled for Shab and Brigid, in the Garden Conservatory.

There was some time to go support my old Cre8buzz pals: Jim, Leslie, and Amy at their Innovative Writing Techniques Session!  Jim has a great recap (with videos) on his blog.  You must see it!

Then I had my first Boudoir shoot with Carmen.   After that session I met Mandy in the Delta Atrium for her head shot session.    I felt in the zone.  I felt alive.  I loved doing this type of portraiture.  The Heads or Tails sessions were off with a bang!

Beautiful women, right?

That’s Blissdom to me.  Beautiful, talented, smart, funny, awesome women around every corner; seeing their bliss through my lens added to my bliss!  When work is your passion you get bliss.   I absolutely love what I do!

++++++

Once Mandy’s session was completed I headed back to the sessions to catch the Advocates and Activists:  Harnessing Social Media for Social Good in the Face of Compassion Fatigue Session where the speakers got real about the situations that they have harnessed social media for social good.   Ryan’s story touched me, and if you haven’t heard of him or what he’s done, you should definitely find out.    Other speakers included Ellie Schoenberger, Anissa Mayhew, and Ellen Seidman.

Thursday night was something awesome.  Music.  Food. Drinks.  Friends. Laughter.  Oh, this was a night I will remember for years.  [To be continued…]