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Archive for October, 2010

October 29th, 2010

NEW Spooky Photo-Recipe for Halloween!

Before I start on this new Photo-Recipe for Halloween…thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your comments on this week’s post about Success. xo

Halloween is Sunday! Woo-hoo! Our family has a blast with dressing up for Halloween! But many of you will probably agree that it’s one of the toughest holidays for taking photos because of the dark lighting. Anyone want to know a great trick for capturing photos that are a total treat? (enough on the word play, i know ) I’m super excited because this Photo-Recipe is so fun and easy that anyone can have fun with it—whether you own a Point-and-Shoot, DSLR or even just a camera phone!

Photo-Recipe for Halloween Photos!

1. Wait till it’s really dark outside! Yep, you heard me. The darker the better for this photo-recipe!

2. Grab a flashlight or buy a $10 aluminum light from your local hardware store. Do you have an automatic outdoor light that comes on when you get near it? That will work too!

3. Turn off your flash.

4. Set your camera in Aperture Priority Mode or Portrait Mode.

5. Go outside with your dressed up kiddos and have a helper shine the flashlight or light on their faces. (Little Tip: I suggest having the helper stand about five feet away, and even shine the light down on them at an angle. You can totally play with this at all different angles!)

6. Focus on your little ones face (that is lit by the extra light source).

7. Shoot away!

Here is an example of what one of our readers captured with just a Point-and Shoot!!

When their little guy walked out by the garage, the automatic light popped on. They had him walk up to the light several times and encouraged their son to look up at the light, until their Point-and-Shoot captured just the right expression. Since the light is shining on their son’s face, everything else behind him goes spooky into the darkness where there is no direct light source.

The trick is turning the flash off. The treat is beating the dark night and capturing the spookiest photos of all!

Can anyone guess who this shooter is? Two hints: you’ve heard me mention their name on the blog. And this person is NOT a photographer. Answer to come.

Enjoy! AND EMAIL ME your results!! I want to see! mera@merakoh.com

xoxo,

p.s. For more Halloween Photo Tips and Recipes. CLICK HERE! Want even more? Type “Halloween Photos” in our awesome Search bar and VOILA!

p.s.s. Got any photo questions or photo dilemmas for the upcoming holidays? If so, post them up in the comments!

10 Comments »

October 27th, 2010

Success: The Part No One Likes to Talk About

Forewarning: It’s a long one.

She started crying last night when I tucked her into bed. She asked me not to go to NY. Sadness. She was so excited last week to have four days with Grammie and Papa, but everyone wants their mama when their sick. I’ve only had four days at home since my last trip to NY, and my little girl has had a horrible head cold the whole time. Brian and I have been up until 2am, taking turns, as we tickle her back, pray with her, sing songs to her, hoping her sheer fatigue will outweigh the urge to cough.

I haven’t unpacked my suitcase. I haven’t done any dishes. I have emails coming at me from producers, publishers, readers, customers (some happy, some frustrated), and on and on. I’ve only found time for one walk, and I cried most the walk. Today is my third trip to NY in the last three weeks, and I feel just exhausted.

My mom and I went to dinner two nights ago. We sat in a quiet booth, and I cried. “Can I do this mom? I know the vision that my heart carries is big, but when I’m this tired I can’t help but feel like I’m the wrong person. Were these visions meant for someone else, someone more qualified…” Everyone needs their mom’s knowing smile when the world is starting to spin too fast.

Our business is in one of the most amazing seasons ever. We had a goal to work toward a TV show, and even though I don’t have my own show yet…I never expected to be this close so soon. And a TV show is only the tip of the iceberg on what goals and visions I’m carrying. On one hand, you could look at us and think that we’ve got it all together. Everything is going our way. But when I kissed my sick baby goodbye in the dark, early morning hours this morning, I felt a lot of things and success wasn’t one of them.

No one ever likes to talk about the sacrifices we make for success. And even the very word “success” challenges some of us. Maybe we need to find a different word because achieved success makes me feel like it’s all happy roads and song singing—otherwise it isn’t success, right? And yet, the farther we go, the higher we reach, I find over and over again that new challenges wait. Maybe I assumed that success would mean I’d outgrow the need for a childlike faith—believing that what I cannot see being possible, is in fact possible. My need for faith only grows with each step forward these days.

There are moments when I’m singing songs of joy. But there are also moments when I’m crying from fatigue. But under all the tears (that go as quickly as they come), under all the weariness of repacking an unpacked suitcase, under the temptation to feel like I’m failing as a mom because we haven’t carved pumpkins yet…there is a deep peace that we are in the right place.

No one ever wants to talk about how hard it is to achieve success. No one ever wants to talk about the fact that when we experience breakthrough, things “break” around us. But someone has too because here is what I fear. I fear that when the going gets tough, when the fatigue sets into your heart, when the kids ask for more than you can give, when your tears are flowing more than normal…I fear that you will see all of the above as a sign to stop fighting for the vision you carry. I fear that you will see all the signs and not realize there is more than just one way to read them.

Everything good, rich and dear to me…every one of those things…I’ve had to work hard for; whether it’s my most precious relationship and marriage with Brian (oh, let me tell you the endless hours of marriage counseling!), or the gift of having kids, or the relationship I now have with my dad which many, even myself at times, thought was impossible…whether it was spending eight years learning how to write a book, or four weeks locked in a psych ward with no hope of ever being healed enough to get out. Every single one of those things that I value the most, that I carry the most pride in…has at some point demanded everything of me and even broke me. But the return, I never imagined a return like this.

I feel like I’m being broken again. The makeup of how to do life before doesn’t work for today and upcoming tomorrows. Can anyone relate?

You have a dream, a vision, a secret hope, and creation is on the edge of it’s chair in anticipation of you allowing this dream to unfold. And as the unfolding happens, can I encourage you? Expect the storms. Expect moments of terror. Expect the doubt and fears to be like ocean waves that are higher than you can see beyond. And instead of running the opposite direction or jumping ship, join me in surrendering.

Let the waves crash down. Surrender to the boat, the one thing that carries your vision, and let it be tossed to and fro. Sometimes I even curl up into a fetal position, close my eyes and listen to myself exhale. Yes, it’s okay to feel that week when you are building your dreams. Yes, it’s okay to feel that afraid. One day at a time. Sometimes, for me, three minutes at a time.

I’ll see you in NY this week at PhotoPlus Expo, and you know that I’ll be smiling from my boat to yours.

xoxo,

p.s. Just landed and my first text “both kids woke up in a great mood, and Pascaline says she’s feeling better.” (God you are so good, so good.)

41 Comments »

October 25th, 2010

Family Photo Tips in NY this Week! (meet me there!)

Just when I thought October couldn’t get any crazier!…As you know, we got a last minute call to come tape another show with the Nate Berkus Show last week. It was a whirlwind, but it went AWESOME! We are so excited for you to see it! As soon as I know the air date, I will let you know. And as fate would have it, we are repacking our suitcases and heading back to NY with the talented Sony Artisan Team for Photo Plus Expo this week. I wanted to post up my speaking schedule because I would love to see you, meet you, catch up with you, laugh with you…all of the above!

I’ve got a handful of 25 minute talks at the Sony booth that I’m excited about. I’ll be giving quick, simple tips (25 minutes worth!) on taking great portraits. And on Saturday afternoon, I’ve been asked to give a two hour talk on going Beyond the Green Box (based on our award winning DVD). If you haven’t been able to make our CONFIDENCE Workshop, this is a two hour taste of it!! Sign up for Saturday’s two hour class by CLICKING HERE!

See you in NY this week! Oh!! And, I’m just giggling over here because I’ve got an all new Halloween Photo-Recipe coming this week too! You will LOVE it! It’s fun for you and the kiddos!

Where to Find Me Ra in NY this Week!

Thursday, Oct. 28th

12 noon-12:25pm / Shooting Demo: Simple Tips for Great Portraits

2pm-2:25pm / Shooting Demo: Simple Tips for Great Portraits

3pm-3:25pm / Talk 1: Taking Great Family Photos

Friday, Oct. 29th

10:30am-10:55am / Talk 1: Taking Great Family Photos

1pm-1:25pm / Talk 1: Taking Great Family Photos

3:30pm-3:55pm / Shooting Demo: Simple Tips for Great Portraits

Saturday, Oct. 30th

10:30-10:55am / Shooting Demo: Simple Tips for Great Portraits

11:30-11:55am / Talk 1: Taking Great Family Photos

1:15pm-3:15pm–TWO HOURS CLASS! (description below)

Demystifying DSLR: Beyond the Green Box!

Speaker:
Me Ra Koh, Photographer

Type: NEW

Track: Technically Speaking

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Levels

Sponsor: Sony

Me Ra Koh encourages you to switch off the “P” button or “Automatic” otherwise known as the Green Box. Based on her award-winning DVD series, Beyond the Green Box, Me Ra will share her secrets to children’s photography while demystifying all those scary camera terms! She will empower you with the amazing creative value of “The Big Three: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO.” Far beyond merely defining these technical terms, Me Ra explains their use as story telling tools. Utilizing humor as well as everyday language and examples, Me Ra will take you on a journey through camera techniques that will increase your confidence to go Beyond the Green Box. Her careful directions and examples will point the way to a clear understanding of your digital DSLR! CLICK HERE to Register!

Now back to snuggles and tickles from my two favorite munchkins!

xoxo,

6 Comments »

October 21st, 2010

Photo Tips for Shooting at Night! A Video for You!

The SOAR! gals are really going for it with their weekly video blogs! This month’s SOAR! Photography Exercise was to do a photo shoot at night with an engaged couple! I wanted the ladies to shoot outside of their comfort zone and see what magic they could create when ideal light is not available.

Watch what Lindsay did! You will not only crack up but learn a few things too! She rocked it!!

Linds, GREAT JOB! Aside from preferring better light, any words of wisdom that you learned about shooting at night?

The exercise was so fun that I may do a Call Out on my FB page! Make sure you are following me to hear it!

xoxo,

*Early Bird Price for upcoming CONFIDENCE Workshops! Delicious Details Here!

20 Comments »

October 20th, 2010

Let the Story Guide Your Photo Shoot

We all approach photography in some form or fashion. My approach is fueled by a passion to capture the story of people’s lives. I’ll be sure to grab the classic group shot of everyone smiling at the camera. After all, that is still the photo that most grandparents want for Christmas. But when the “expected” shot list is done, I dive into the unexpected–the place within where I have the opportunity to connect with the complex beauty of my subjects.

Sharon Sossaman is someone I had the honor of capturing recently. I first met Sharon over three years ago when she attended our CONFIDENCE workshop in Sonoma, CA. Eventually we met Jeramy, her hilarious husband, who you will often see comment on the blog and co-wrote with Brian the Top 12 Reasons to Send Your Wife to a CONFIDENCE Workshop. (It’s hilarious if you haven’t read it, especially the comments!)

So when Sharon Sossaman offered to come model with her baby Jillian at the San Fransisco Workshop, I was a little nervous. I feel so deeply connected to Sharon and Jeramy that I wasn’t sure if I would stay composed with their shoot. They have gone through much pain and joy these last several months, and I had yet to meet the miracle baby, Jillian. So I dove in and had Sharon and Jillian be our models, and I found that Sharon was comfortable with this moment, this space, despite all the loss they’d suffered this summer.

Photo by Sonoma Wkshp Graduate: Wendy Zippwald

Jeramy has posted a moving account of their twin girls; Jillian and Anne. You can read about their story in more depth on his blog. In the end, baby Anne didn’t make it, and yet her tiny, strong, determined life lived long enough to make sure her sister, Jillian, did make it. At 28 weeks, the twins entered the world and forever changed their siblings, parents and community.

While I was in the hospital with my dad this summer, Sharon and Jeramy were in the hospital with Jillian. Every day was a struggle. Every day was another mountain to cross. Every day felt more and more overwhelming. And yet, somehow this family made it through. But they not only made it through, they found beauty in the darkness.

Sharon and Jeramy would post FB images of Jillian making progress in the hospital so we could all celebrate each baby step. Sharon would ask for prayer on days that felt too tough, and then she would post breakthroughs–sometimes all within the same day. It is a honor to call them friends. It is a honor to have them so tightly knit into the support of this blog’s community. They not only acknowledge how dark the darkness is, but they find beauty within it.

Beauty within the darkness is what I wanted to capture for Sharon. When the groups started working with the baby models, I made my way back to Sharon and baby Jillian. I watched her hold Jillian. I considered the light. Where did I want to stand? What story did I want to tell?

I decided to shoot into the window light because I wanted a darker image of them. I decided to use a slower shutter speed because I wanted to show movement in the darkness. And I decided to frame tight so that our focus would be drawn to Sharon’s beautiful presence that fully embraces Jillian’s life while never forgetting Anne. This is what I walked away with.

When your subject no longer becomes a person to photography but evidence of all that is beautiful and right in this world–when their story of pain and joy becomes your guide to the decisions behind how you set up a photo–then you never have to worry about whether or not you are good enough, or whether or not the competition has better photos, or whether or not you know how to use the latest technology–all that stuff falls by the way side.

What determines whether your photos are good or bad? Photography that is rewarding to you and your subjects is not always based on how sharp the photos are, how saturated the color is, how cute their outfits were–all those things can play a part–but the reward comes from a much deeper place. And I’m convinced that whether you have a Point-and-Shoot or DSLR camera, you can experience this reward.

Capturing a single moment that shows evidence of how powerful their beauty lives and exists whether they are surrounded by darkness or light…this changes my world every time.

I love you Sharon and Jeramy (and all the kids!).

xoxo,

20 Comments »

October 19th, 2010

Position Available!…Requirement: Passionate about Empowering Women!

Do you love the SOAR! Community and Scholarship? Do you want to be a part of it all in a much more formal way? Do you have ideas for what you’d like to see SOAR! do, and how you can help make those things happen? Are you passionate about empowering women? If you answered “YES!” then keep reading!

We are gearing up for our second year of the SOAR! Scholarship, and it’s getting more and more exciting! I spent half the day yesterday on phone conferences with SOAR! Partners, and we’ve got some great things coming your way! But first, we need to find a special person. We are looking for a SOAR! Coordinator!

Q: What is a SOAR! Coordinator?

A: Someone who believes in the SOAR! community and scholarship. Someone who has an estimated five hours a week to dedicate to SOAR! She also loves seeing women empowered. She is awesome at responding to emails and in general, comfortable with writing as a vehicle of communication. She is incredible with scheduling events and getting the word out on Facebook/Twitter, etc. She has always wanted to work with a creative team of people (welcome to the crazy world of Me Ra, Brian and Jeff with Genie as your Touchpoint! ).

Me and My Little Genie! (the amazing woman behind the scenes at Me Ra Koh)

If you fit this description, we want to hear from you! We are on the search for the perfect person to join our team! The initial compensation is going to be your very own Reserved Seat in one of our CONFIDENCE Winter Workshops!! Yep, if you love SOAR! and have wanted to attend our workshops, this may be the perfect fit for you! From there, the position has the possibility of growing into a paid, more permanent role!

Q: How do I apply?

A: Send us an email at soar@merakoh.com that is no more than two paragraphs long. Tell us what you’d like to see SOAR! do this coming year, and how you can help make it happen. This position could be perfect for the stay-at-home mom, but some of the email answering, phone calls and calendar scheduling will need to happen during the day–just to keep in mind if “after bed” is your only free time. Include a little information on what your current obligations are and why you are the perfect fit for this position. We will narrow the applicants down, and contact the remaining applicants for a phone interview! We aim to have this position up and running by 11/1/2010, so email us today! (soar@merakoh.com)

SOAR! Scholarship Begins Soon!

xoxo,

*To learn more about the SOAR! Scholarship, CLICK HERE!

*For details on our Winter CONFIDENCE Workshops, CLICK HERE!

22 Comments »

October 18th, 2010

Part 2: See What the San Fransisco Workshop Captured!

I’m so excited about today’s post! Get ready because it’s a BIG one! You get to see what the San Fransisco women were seeing! Even though there were sometimes four or five women with the same mom and baby or family model, the different view points were amazing–inspiring! See for yourself! And if the photos knock your socks off (like they did mine), check out their blogs/websites but most of all, let them know in the comments today! (Way to go ladies!! And thank you for all the incredibly moving comments in Friday’s post. Brian and I read them and were speechless. We love you!)

Lynde Alvarez captured this moment of little Ms. Maam. So sweet! I love the composition that has us go right to baby’s eyes, but mom’s eyes are a soft detail in the background. I also love that Lynde made this image more black and white than color. Taking out some of the color makes Little Ms. Maam’s eyes and chubby rolls show that much more!! Oooh, I just want to squeeze Ms. Maam!

Richelle Wetzel captured this image below. Notice how tight she got on this mom and baby. The extreme tightness of how she framed this moment makes it feel so quiet and intimate. Richelle, it takes guts to go this tight, and you did a GORGEOUS job!

And then we had this little pumpkin who was Mr. Smiles!! Judith, you did an AWESOME-AWESOME job of capturing his electric energy!!! But it doesn’t stop with him, I love mom’s expression too!

Heather Elise captured this next image. There are so many things that I love about this photo. I love that it’s not all sharp because I can feel the moment more. I love how tight the framing is. I love how big and beautiful mom’s smile is. This photo is such a great example of the story telling element: Less is More.

I just have to say one more thing about Heather…SHE PICKED UP A CAMERA FOUR MONTHS AGO! Look at this family moment she captured!

Baby Corrine was so sweet! Her personality is already so strong. She watches everything, a little unsure of what to think, and keeps her eyes on you (reminds me of when Pascaline was a baby). Sharon Giordano did a wonderful job of catching all that personality in this single expression. Sharon, WONDERFUL!!

Genie Ohashi (our Genie that works for us!) was drawn to this little peanut too, especially wrapped inside that sweet sling. Genie, you rocked this photo!

I know this is so unfair, but I had to put up one more of Genie’s photos. Genie helps us organize all the details for our CONFIDENCE Workshops (and does so much more). When women sign up for the workshop, Genie is right there to welcome them into the next steps to prepare for the weekend. This was the first time she ever got to attend a workshop herself, so it was pretty special to have her there. And this photo below of Michelle Cruz Slape’s little guy (a former workshop attendee) was so priceless. But as long as we are all clear, Genie, you are not allowed to leave us and start your own photography business!

Jessica Seibel captured a sweet family moment with Michelle’s family! I LOVE how everyone has joy on their face, but it’s expressed in four different ways! Awesome Jessica!

Julie Barnhart from Corvallis, OR captured this sweet, precious moment between mama and son. Julie, I love the diagnoal motion to the composition on this with mom looking down and her son looking up. It’s so flattering on mom (not that we have to be because mom is so beautiful), but there is just a wonderful feeling of love and adoration oozing out of this image.

Shara Juenemann flew down from Washington for the CONFIDENCE Workshop! And we were so lucky to have her with us! I mean, just look at this moment below! Look at the little boy’s face! It’s so FANTASTIC!!! Great job Shara!!!

Before the families showed up for the live shoot, we talked about several aspects to creative composition. I love-love how Amy Wakeham used the Third’s Principle in her composition of this sweet family (love those green boots!)

Taryn caught this perfect moment between Jodi and her daughter. I just have to say that it was a complete honor and gift to have Jodi and her family come be models. Jodi had applied for the Running on Empty contest, and even though she didn’t win, our hearts were connected to her. What a wonderful gift for us all to meet this amazing mom in person. Thank you Jodi for making the time. You are beautiful, inside and out.

Wait. Are the attendees all wearing animal ears? Huh? Details below with the Group Shot! (Richelle Wetzel caught this moment–girl, HILARIOUS!)

After the women were settled with shooting in Manual, I forced them out into the bright sun to take the challenge up a notch. And holy smokes, they rose to the challenge!! Kimberly shot this image of Linda Baylis (SOAR! Recipient) and her family. It is just precious, and it’s done in BRIGHT SUN! Go Kimberly!

Andrea Hsiao captured this moment below. I LOVE the emotion on this little guy’s face! Andrea, runs a powerful non-profit organization in honor of her sister. I encourage you to check it out and Like It on FB. It’s very moving and changing the world, one child at a time.

I love the side angle that Josie Freeman shot from. Sometimes we can get stuck with the idea of shooting straight on, but if we shoot from the side angle–a whole new story opens up for us. Great job Josie!

We talked about the story telling elements in photography. One of the elements is Defining Details. Lynde made all of us our own Halloween treat! We LOVE you Lynde! I love that Richelle caught this memory! Great close up, detail shot Richelle!

And speaking of Lynde, Charisse captured a beautiful portrait of her. I gave some of the women an exercise in taking each other’s photos, and Charisse did a beautiful job with Lynde’s photo! The expression on Lynde’s face, especially in her eyes, really holds the beauty I found in Lynde too. I must say bravo to both ladies because 1. It’s tough taking head shot type photos and 2. It’s tough having your photo taken and relaxing your face when you would rather be the one taking photos.

Well friends, Jeramy Sossaman finally snuck into our CONFIDENCE Workshop! Here he is shooting alongside Brian. But he didn’t really sneak in. He and Sharon brought their baby Jillian for the photo shoot on Saturday.

I didn’t let him stay behind the camera the whole time though. Here he is with his miracle baby. This family is so dear to us. More on that later!

And now for the Group Photo!! The ladies really got me! Genie asked if I could share more about the Pet Photo Shoot I did for The Nate Berkus Show. I started talking, and then Genie said, “Well, we wanted to give you the opportunity to do another Pet Shoot!” And all the women whipped out bunny, cat and dog ears! It was HILARIOUS! Nicholle Peterson was so awesome to capture my moment of my total shock!

I LOVE the ladies we meet in our CONFIDENCE Workshops. DC ladies all wore headbands, the San Fransisco ladies wore pet ears! Goodness, what will they think of next!!

CLICK HERE to watch the Pet Segment!

And now, here are some funny out-take shots for you!

Ajira dives deep into the close-up approach with full intensity, and as you can see, Lynde was meant to model these types of moments! Hilarious!

When he was a little boy, he wanted to be a bunny because he was so cuddly! Some dreams never die. (Oh, he’s going to get me for this!)

Genie caught this Behind the Scenes moment that is too priceless not to post!

And one more question San Fransisco ladies! When did this little party happen! I spotted this on your FB group page, and I’m thinking “I don’t remember this!” Hilarious Charisse! But Genie’s quote with this photo is the BEST!!

“if only I’d known about metering….and had more than my iphone!” from genie

Thanks for the most wonderful weekend ladies…thank you from the bottom of my heart! I’m so proud of you all, and I’m so honored to call you friends.

xoxo,

p.s. In case you missed last week’s blog post, the Early Bird Discount of $799 for our CONFIDENCE Workshops is now in effect. We’ve only got three spots left in the Seattle Workshop, but the funny thing is that a handful of Seattle women are signed up to go to the Arizona workshop (and can you blame them? by February, we will have not seen the sun for five months! )! Brian and I are so excited to offer you the discount for the next two weeks! Thank you for all your emails and letting us know how much this blessed you. It’s such a confirmation that we did the right thing!

CLICK HERE to grab your spot and CONFIDENCE for this Winter!

To read what past attendees think, wow, last week’s comments were such a gift. Enjoy!

19 Comments »

October 14th, 2010

She Came with Expectation, Part 1

*What’s our Special Announcement?! Brian and I have decided to extend the Early Bird Discount for our CONFIDENCE Workshops for another two weeks. More details below!*

It’s hard to believe that we only had two days together– just forty-eight hours. And yet, I feel this way every time we end one of our CONFIDENCE Workshops. I get to witness transformation happen in twenty women–every single time. The inner changes, awakenings, joy, tears, deep laughter–the kind of laughter that is healing and refreshing,

and most of all the confidence that blooms for so many reasons…it’s an amazing forty-eight hours. Why do these powerful things happen every time? I have no doubt of what the answer is. The women come with great expectation.

Every woman comes through the door with expectation for herself. And in the midst of that, she comes feeling a little afraid that her expectations are to high. Yet, she still comes–ready to take a risk, a risk that may lead her to uncomfortable places. But she expects the discomfort to be worth it. Before she walks through the door the first morning, she has decided that the place she has been existing in is no longer good enough.

Every woman comes with determination to go deeper in their passions, creativity, dreams and confidence. And it is a honor to spend the weekend with such courageous woman who roll up their sleeves and fight to gain confidence, no matter how vulnerable they each feel.

The attendees aren’t the only women who feel vulnerable. We also have baby models come the first day. And I just have to say that these sweet mamas who bring their babies, who feel vulnerable to be photographed, and still let us go wild on experimenting with our cameras, lighting and poses…

…these mamas are just beautiful–glowing from within with their sweet munchkins!

I can’t wait to see what our attendees captured! Here are a few of my favorites!

We sat this little guy on the table top because trying to photograph a baby on the floor is limiting for how low you can go and vantage points to shoot from. I also taught the ladies one of my favorite tricks for slimming mom. Have her stand behind the table top and baby. She instinctively leans forward which gives her the most flattering, natural pose. And is that the cutest baby face or what?!!

And then there was this little peanut! She was all bundled up and ready to head home when I stopped mom. I’d been helping out the different groups when I spotted the baby wrapped up. I had to capture it before she left.

One of the things I LOVE about the baby shoot is how the women gain confidence when it comes to shooting indoors! You don’t always have to be outside waiting for the perfect light. That’s especially good news if you live in the Northwest, like we do. With the right tools you can capture amazing shots indoors too–even when your environment looks more like a hotel banquet room than some one’s home! Wait, we were in a banquet room!

One of the ladies already posted up a few beautiful shots from that old hotel room! Judith, this was my FAVORITE!

More samples from what the ladies shot to come!

San Fransisco ladies, Brian and I were honored to spend the weekend with you on so many levels. To watch some of you go from shooting in Auto to shooting in MANUAL (oh YEAH!) by the end of the weekend, to hear about your current trials and see the strength you already possess and the strength that unleashed inside this weekend…I mean if we thought we would hold it together we were mistaken by the time our beautiful Andrea shared her story! (we love you Andrea! I think we’d all vote you as our hero!) Thank you ALL for sharing your hearts, fears and dreams with us! Brian and I are so EXCITED to see what happens with your journey in the very near future. Love, love, LOVE YOU ALL!

And for those of you who haven’t made it to our CONFIDENCE workshop, yes, it’s true…we are extending the Early Bird Discount! Why? As I spent the weekend with the women in San Fransisco, I was reminded of how many had been waiting for over a year for us to come to their city. And I thought about how the recent Early Bird Discount only lasted four days instead of two weeks. Some of you have emailed because the four days came and went to fast for you to get the Early Bird Discount. I believe with all of my heart that these weekends are meant to be. Does that make sense? It seems like every time we do a workshop, every woman that “is meant to be” in the workshop is there. I’ve read your emails, and I do hear your heart’s request. I want to support you coming, even if this means we credit money back to the ones who have already paid full price.

So starting today, the Early Bird Discount of $799 instead of the regular price of $999 is re-opened for the next two weeks. If you need to split the amount up into four payments, use our popular promo code; fourpaymentsdeal. And yes, we are still giving ALL five of our 101 Kits and both award winning DVDs to each attendee. That’s over $600 in tools to help you get your confidence soaring! Brian and I have been doing this to support our attendees during the recession. Ladies, there is no way you will walk away from this workshop without CONFIDENCE!

I hope this Early Bird extension helps your “meant to be” happen a little easier. If you have any questions or need help getting registered email us at info@merakoh.com!

I will see you this Winter!

much love!

CLICK HERE for the Early Bird Price and Details to Upcoming CONFIDENCE Workshops!

31 Comments »

October 13th, 2010

When Fear Met Blind Courage

I walked on to the plane feeling afraid. Not afraid of flying. No. I’d rather fly over being in a car. Instead it was fear of the unknown. There is so much growth happening in our business—our dreams are taking flight. And I think I finally looked down and realized how far “down” was. Tears came, off and on, from the time I woke up yesterday morning till the time I found my seat on the plane last night.

Brian and the kids were flying home on Virgin America, and I found myself alone not only on the flight but in my aisle. In a stretch of six seats, mine was the only one taken. But right before they closed the doors, a flight attendant led one more passenger by hand and seated her across from me.

She was modest in every way; a woman in her late sixties with short graying hair. She wore a simple long, navy skirt and navy cardigan. She wore dark, thick nylons from my grandmother’s generation. And her black shoes had been worn in long ago. She was a nun. The flight attendant helped her sit down, spoke to her in Spanish and then walked away. I could tell she wasn’t used to flying. Her focus kept shifting, and she’d bite at her thumbnail every few seconds.

The flight attendant came back with a helper and informed him that she was not only unable to speak English, but she was also blind. When I heard this my heart went out to her. I asked the flight attendant to tell her I was across the aisle, and if she needed anything at all, all she had to do was reach out her hand and let me know. I gently placed my hand on her arm so she knew how close I was as he translated my words. She looked in my direction and gave me the sweetest smile.

As the plane started down the runway, this brave woman started praying under her breath. She rubbed her hands together over and over again. I wanted to tell her we would be fine, but I didn’t know how. And then we were in the air, and I couldn’t help myself any longer. I reached over and placed my hand on her arm again, “Are you okay?” She turned my way and smiled with a simple yes in Spanish. She wasn’t convincing at all. But her “yes” was of the determined kind.

And there she sat, flying, despite all her fears.

When we landed, she reached out her hand to me. I took it, and she held mine gently with both of hers. “Gracias” she said, “Gracias”. Her eyes were physically unable to see me, but I felt like she was looking right through me. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I squeezed her hand back and said gracias in return. There we stood for a quiet moment, holding hands, and I realized that fear had come face to face with blind courage. And without me even having time to say goodbye, fear was gone. Her smile and unfocused eyes chased all the fear away. I must admit, I didn’t want to let go of her hand. I felt stronger than I’d felt all day in that single moment of holding hands.

I walked off the plane and realized her blind courage had revived me. It wasn’t about flying in style; she was terrified. But at the end of the day, despite all the odds she faced, this modest nun took her fears, wrung her hands, prayed fervently under her breath, said her Hail Mary and took flight into the darkness. The wonderful mystery in it all is that she took me with her and left me changed.

This last weekend in San Fransisco, twenty-one women took their own flight of blind courage at the San Fransisco CONFIDENCE Workshop. Tomorrow I’m bringing you Part 1 of their amazing journey. But here is a taste of what’s to come!

This is the photo I was shooting–sweet, miracle baby Jillian.

A handful of our beautiful, courageous women!

Me showing the ladies what I’m shooting, and why I’m setting the shot up a certain way.

Much more to come.

May your wings feel stronger today as you fly with blind courage.

xoxo,

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October 12th, 2010

Oprah’s Powerful Interview in Fortune Magazine!

As I made my way through the airport, I spotted her face on the cover of Fortune magazine. Oprah’s expression was powerful and beautiful. I had to buy it. And wow! WOW! Her interview…amazing. I seriously cried as I read it because even Oprah (this powerful, inspiring, billionaire woman) even she limits herself and her own dreams. Even she has to work at fighting past insecurity.

We all see the publicity for her new network launching in January, OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network. And I assume that there is no way this network can fail, I mean it’s Oprah, right?! But that doesn’t mean she’s got an inner battle inside of her. That doesn’t mean she’s going beyond her comfort zone. And then it hits me…she is so courageous! It would be so hard to walk away from 25 years of creating the most successful talk show ever to do something totally different.

Patricia Sellers (her awesome interviewer) wrote; The queen of all media is risking everything to launch a TV network. Will her gamble pay off? I mean…that has to be scary on some level–to feel the world watching you and wondering if you will fail or succeed. What was Oprah’s response to Patricia Sellers? ….well, you’ll just have to read it. And you’ll be glad you did!

I have so much to learn from this woman’s courage.

Be inspired!

xoxo,

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