What to say, what to say… it was more than we’d ever expect it to be (we knew it was going to be spectacular) - it exceeded every drop of blissful expectation. We learned so much from the Bebbs. We were also given the privilege to hear from Laura Novak and Mark Adams from La Cour and WOW did they do an amazing job! We know a lot of time and thought were put into the seminar and everyday felt like a new adventure for us.

We started off with cocktails and appies on Monday night. Everyone we met and got to know was so warm and fired up about the Bebbinar. I think we all knew it was going to be a hit. Jen and Steve stayed with us through the night, sharing about their experiences and really getting to know each one they spoke with. It was obvious that they were really driven to inspire us on a personal level by how they were so transparent and honest with us.

The next days to come held so many opportunities to step out and identify who we were in our art. We got to really know our personal preferences as far as style and brand and it was truly eye opening. It became more and more apparent that Ral and I are different. We create differently. Our shooting styles are different… but thinking about it amazed me that our albums are seamless. Very cool!

A personal highlight for me was doing a somewhat intimidating model shoot. We were just told to bring our cameras, we didn’t know what we were going to do with them. So, I remember going to the bathroom during our break and realizing that there were people in the viewing room that didn’t look familiar to me. I think I assumed that they were clients or friends just visiting and checking out what was going on. But when we commenced after our break Jen told us that we had to break up into groups of 4 or 5 and shoot with people we didn’t know. So as you can guess, all of the husband and wife teams like Ral and I had to break up and we were left to ourselves to create. While she was informing us of all of this, I noticed there was something about Jen’s smile that gave me so much assurance. They never made us feel like we couldn’t. So off we went. I was in a group with some lovely gals whom I now adore. Lulu, Britney, Dalisa, Robyn - you’re all fabulous women. =) We had to submit 4 images to the Bebbs that covered 2 different techniques in photography and 2 describing words. One of the words sprouted during session where everyone submitted work from weddings they had done and we said words that described the images. Someone actually said the word “rad” for one of my images so I decided to use “rad” to describe an image I would take during the model shoot. So, here are the images I submitted:

“rad”

If you want to look at other images from the shoot I played around with, click HERE.

The shoot was fun! It was different not shooting with Ral but I know it was a good exercise for him and I. Here are Ral’s images (I forgot which ones he submitted - but all very good!):

Everyone submitted their images for Thursday’s reveal and WOW did everyone do well! Out of roughly 80 images submitted, Ral and I had our images placed in the top 10. And after a vote, my image with the umbrella and cigarette got second (at first I was tied with a brilliant…. just brilliant photographer and now friend Chad Fuller from Fuller Edge, I actually voted for his image)! And speaking of the Fullers, Ral is now a great admirer of Chad - he epitomizes the word ‘fun’! He and His wife Erin are extremely talented and have a way about them that just makes you smile. =)

Here they are:

Because I got second, I won a Shootsac! I was elated! I wanted to get it for the loooooongest time but it was never the right time and receiving it because of something I had done really encouraged me and it was completely humbling at the same time.

This is my small story out of many at the Bebbinar. We all left empowered not only on a professional level but personally, too. We made so many friends and Ral and I are so grateful for the opportunity to have gone and we grew a lot in those few days. What a success!! But it was no surprise everyone would leave with abundantly more than they would’ve ever thought. Man, we love the Bebbs. Check out the Bebbinar website - if you’re a photographer and you don’t go… well, you’re lame. Sign up people!

(the Bebbs, me and my new Shootsac)

So how could this A-listed, international top-ten studio thrive? Well, through some thoughtful observation we’ve found that the Bebbs are real people and treat their craft as a gift. They make it clear that it wasn’t a cakewalk but are so willing to share their experiences and insights to liven our personal and professional aspirations. Their inspiration really seems to come from what we as professionals don’t often see - their fascination and deep love for their children.

The biggest admiration and thanks to you both, Bebbs!

xo|danelle

ps. to our new friends: keep in touch! And to the gals I talked to extra much, I miss you! Oh, check out our friend Lisa’s site HERE. She’s a Seattle photographer whose studio is now called Bella Rock.