Archive for February, 2011

Happy Monday!

I’m so excited for Karen Buckley of Wisdom Connection to bring you our second SOAR! Business Coaching Exercise!  Today’s assignment invites you to dive deep and uncover the confidence within.  We may not have confidence for our current dreams and visions, and yet we do have confidence already within us to draw from.  So how do we access it and bring it to use with our photography dreams?  Keep reading!

xoxo,

m

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Greetings!  This is Karen Buckley, one of the SOAR! Business Coaches from The Wisdom Connection! Since this week will evolve into the first week of March, we are going to start today off with our second Business Coaching exercise!  And what better way to start the exercise than asking you provocative questions?!  I love provocative questions!

Here’s a mini-assessment for you today:

On a scale of 1-5 (with 1 being low) how much do you:

Think of yourself as a businesswoman?

Question your “right” to be even more successful?

Dismiss your best ideas before you even get started on them?

Consider your self the “author” of your own life?

If you are 5’s all the way – you go! If, like most of us, you range from 1’s to 5’s, its time for some inside-out business development skills. This month we are excited to share with you three of our favorite tips and tricks for feeling more confident and ready for success every day.

#1 – Find out where you feel confident in your life and apply it to other areas.

One of our coaching clients felt stuck. An invitation to speak at a professional meeting terrified her.  We discovered that she felt really sure of her self in the kitchen. No qualms, no self-questioning, no judgments. Preparing a meal she took risks, concocted creative combos of smells and tastes and served with a flourish.

We developed an exercise to start her workday: Sit for 1 minute, close your eyes, and remember how confident you feel in the kitchen. Feel how you move when you cook. Feel this in your arms, your legs, your trunk, and especially your throat.

Every day she set a timer for 1 full minute of this meditation. Before she went up on stage, she put on her apron in her mind and sashayed up the stairs to give a fantastic talk – it felt easy!

How about you? Where do you feel confident and how can you grow that good feeling every day until it blossoms.

#2 – Give your self an assignment the night before. We all get shaky some times! Think of one thing you can do in the morning that will give you a boost.

No kidding, when I started my coaching business (way too long ago to count) I sat in our little apartment completely miserable trying to figure out how to do get clients. The kitchen sure was clean though! :)

Rick and I were just married. When he came home in the evenings I’d act like everything was ok. Finally, I broke down in sobs, “I feel so inept!” He asked me, “When do you feel confident?” In shame, I cried, “sharpening my pencils.” (I was really low!)

He gave me an assignment – to sharpen 3 pencils every morning for 7 days. He’s so sweet he even brought me home a whole new box the next day. First thing, when I sat down at my “desk” (a table at the end of the kitchen) I sharpened 3 pencils. It made me laugh out loud! After 7 days I rocked making phone calls and reading books in my field to learn more. If I wobbled…I went back to pencil sharpening!

#3 – Spend more time recounting your successes than your wobbles. You are your own best cheerleader and wise loving guide. I’ve never told anyone this – but I look in the mirror and say “well done” a couple of times a day. (don’t tell! J) Some days it makes all the difference.

Let’s do it! There are a lot of business skills to learn – how to market, develop a brand, shoot in low light or hot sun, new computer programs. It’s maddening when these skills are in place but you still feel like you are limping along.

It’s an inside job.  Confidence and self-trust are built, not given. You are worth it!  Give yourself some confidence building homework and let me know how it goes on the SOARORITY Forum!  What works for you?  Share your tips too!!

Follow the SOAR! Blog this week to hear what results Rachel, Charisse and Ali find!  And a BIG thank you for all the wonderful comments that you’ve been leaving on the SOAR! Blog Posts!!!  Every comment you leave empowers our recipients to keep working and fighting for their dreams to SOAR!

C’mon out!

Karen

p.s.  Here are a couple of ideas to jump start your Business Coaching and Development!

Business Boost 101:  from Start-up to Real Momentum. Personal Coaching and solid business building. 5 Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 PT starting March 3rd. Re-find your momentum or get a boost! Powerful results guaranteed plus a lot of fun and confidence building.

The Wisdom Connection Personal Coaching – a free 20-minute coaching session with Karen or Fay! Send us an email today to info@thewisdomconnection.com. Let’s get scheduled! Get a small group together and we’ll do a series just for you!

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It’s Wednesday night, and I am headed home.  I’m thinking about all that happened “just” today, and I am overwhelmed. It has been an amazing year at WPPI, Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.

I want to thank ALL of you who said a prayer for my platform talk, Creating Confidence.  Hundreds of women (and a few good men :) ) came, and within two hours I felt a deep, beautiful confidence infuse the room.  So many of you shared your stories with me afterward, and I treasure every one.  Their was a shift that happened in that room for so many.  I felt my own spirit step into a new level of confidence.  What an amazing morning.  A couple thank you’s that are a must…first, thank you to SONY for sponsoring me to give my talk.  It is a honor to represent you and have your support.  Big thanks to WPPI for having me join the conference in the last hour.  Something shifted this year in how many women attended, and how supported they felt.  It was BEAUTIFUL.  Thank you WPPI!  And a HUGE thank you to all those who attended my talk!  To get up and be at my 8am talk–8am in VEGAS!–and not only attend–but you brought your whole heart, it was a honor to be with all of you this morning.  We took a gazillion photos together, will you tag me on FB b/c I would love to remember all your names.

But the day’s magic didn’t stop with my morning talk.  Seventy women got in the limo shuttle and packed into taxis to the Little Chapel of Flowers for a special SOAR! Luncheon to honor women in photography.  Wow!  This luncheon was AMAZING!!  I wanted to cry with tears of joy as I watched SOAR! Applicants meet each other face to face for the first time in two years.  And then there were so many women who came that are simply new to the industry, new to SOAR!, and after this luncheon they felt plugged in and surrounded with support.  A BIG thank you to a few of the SOAR! Partners who helped pull off the luncheon.  Roxanne at Pixel2Canvas was our hero on making this luncheon happen.  Smugmug and FastLine Media also came and blessed the women with surprise, generous gifts.  A couple from Thirst Relief dressed up as a Bride/Groom so we could do a live shoot–we LOVE Thirst Relief for 1001 reasons!  Mike Larson and his lovely wife Rachel and sweet baby Hannah came so we could practice taking photos of a family/baby.  Mike, amazing photographer and busy as all get out, gave us two hours to practice taking photos of him and his family!  Dane Sanders came and shared some of his favorite tips to working with a bride and groom, and then he shared a few things from his heart that were so sincere and moving.  Thank you Dane.  And Lauren Wendle, the VP of Nielsen Photo Group (who owns WPPI, Photo Plus, PDN, really–all of it ;) )…she graced us with her presence, words of support and that alone felt like such incredible gift to women in the industry.  The venue, Little Chapel of Flowers, went over the top in hosting a beautiful lunch for all of us.  If you or a friend is ever getting married in Vegas, this sweet chapel is the place to go!

But one of the most beautiful parts was having some of the SOAR! women get up and share their stories.  Christine Barker and Lynda Kennedy, former SOAR! applicants, both shared their stories and it was powerful.

SOAR! Sisters! Melanie Soleil and Christine Barker

Their was a shift this year at WPPI, and it was beautiful.  If you didn’t get to come, you’ve got to mark your calendar for next year.  We will have to do another SOAR! Garden Party!!!  Throughout the week I asked several women, “Do you feel supported this year at WPPI, or do you feel like the show is catering more to men?”

Orange County CONFIDENCE Women from 3 years Ago!

Every single woman told me that she had had the BEST week at WPPI, felt wonderful support and was excited at how much she had learned.  This year, 65% of those attending WPPI were women.  It was amazing!  I have to thank all those at WPPI who have made subtle changes that are empowering women in POWERFUL ways. Without WPPI, none of these powerful experiences would have happened this week.  (thank you George for EVERY thing you and your team did)

Nine speaking sessions in three days.  Phew.  I can’t wait to get home tonight and hug my beautiful babies.  Pascaline told me on the phone today that she bought me a gift at Starbucks because of how proud she is of her mama speaking to women.  How did I get so lucky to have the most beautiful support from my nine year old?  My heart is full.

To all of you who are in Seattle/Tacoma area, I invite you my last February speaking engagement this Sunday at Destiny Church.  Click here for directions.  It starts at 10am.  And I’m going to share my heart on how the impossible still happens today. If your spirit is heavy, your heart is discouraged, and you feel alone, I hope to meet you on Sunday at this speaking engagement.  This is for women and men–so all of you guys who email me about coming to hear me talk–this is your event.  :)   Look forward to seeing you.

xoxo,

m

p.s.  Due to being up front, I didn’t get a lot of photos from this week and the Garden Party.  If you took photos, will you post them to FB and tag me?  I would LOVE to share the photos on the blog!!  Thanks so much!

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I had an unexpected gift two nights ago at #WPPI.  Nigel Barker, a celebrity photographer and judge for America’s Next Top Model was here, in Vegas, to do the SONY sponsored keynote and a Runway Show for over 4,000 photographers.

I’m also so excited to say that it’s official!  Nigel is the latest member to the Sony Artisans of Imagery group!  Before the event started, Sony brought me back stage to meet him in person and spend a few minutes together.

Here is a man who is on TV every week with all kinds of pressure (that I’m sure I can’t even fathom).  There are endless reasons for him to have a huge ego, and instead he was so incredibly down-to-earth, gracious and kind.  And he’s a dad to two beautiful kids!

WPPI feels like coming home in some ways because of all the wonderful industry of wedding and portrait photographers we’ve known for years. But the entertainment industry feels so new and foreign, and the pressures that arise can feel so intense.  So to meet someone who is in the thick of it all the time, and so clearly loves what he does and smiles from within with passion–it’s simply inspiring.

This unexpected introduction was an unexpected gift that meant more than Nigel will ever know.  Thanks so much Nigel for being you.  (And a big thanks to Sony for the introduction.)

xoxo,

m

p.s.

For more info and videos, check out Nigel Barker’s blog.

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I can’t imagine the pressure that comes with being President.  When my calendar reminded me of President’s Day being today, I couldn’t help but go digging for inspirational quotes from Presidents.  In all the pressure, failures, negativity, wonders, and triumphs–what did Presidents find to hold true.  I found some amazing statements!  I’ve copied a few of my favorites below.
John F. Kennedy
Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.
Theodore Roosevelt

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

Richard M. Nixon
A man is not finished when he’s defeated; he’s finished when he quits.

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I LOVE those three quotes!  Each one rallies me to “keep on keeping on”.  Then I found myself reading quotes from the woman who stood behind Theodore Roosevelt.  I have often read Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote “A woman is like a tea bag-you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” How can women not love that quote?!  It’s perfect!

But Eleanor Roosevelt inspired me on a new level last week.  I found quote after quote that all have a similar message of life never promising to be easy but the importance of women making their voice heard and not giving up.  Her words reminded me that we cannot settle for fear and insecurity because as women, we, are much stronger than we know.  And we have something powerful to give to this world–something so powerful it is worth the fight it will undoubtedly be. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote;

Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.

“We must do that which we think we cannot.”  YOU must do that which you think you cannot do.  I MUST do that which I think I cannot do.  Sometimes I’m unsure of what I’m supposed to do.  I struggle to begin because I’m not sure where to begin.  But here is the crazy thing…I’m ALWAYS aware of what I believe I cannot do.

What if we stopped spending time wondering where to start or what we’re supposed to do, and instead we started with what we think we can’t do?!

Reflection Exercise:

Write down four things you feel you can’t do.  Which thing is the most impossible?  Give that impossible item a #1 rating.  Rate the other three in order of impossibility.  Now set a timer for three minutes with this list in front of you.  Close your eyes, become aware of your breathing, and let yourself settle into being in this moment.  (The timer is set for three minutes so you can rest assured that this won’t last forever.)  As you quiet yourself, listen to your heart.  Which one of the four things bubbles to the surface and invites you to embrace it?  I guarantee one will more than any other.  And that is probably the best place to start.

xoxo,

m

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Starting this Monday, I’ll be doing a number of speaking events for the week.  They are ALL across the board from Live Demo’s at the SONY Booth, to a Platform on Creating Confidence on Wednesday,  followed by a Garden Party to honor all our women, to CHURCH in Tacoma, WA next Sunday, 2/27!  Ha!  Vegas to Church in Seven Days–I LOVE IT!  :)

It’s a honor to invite YOU!  Some of the events require registration so follow their links, some events are FREE!, one is just for women (Three Cheers for the GARDEN PARTY!), and the last speaking event is open to everyone in Tacoma, WA.

Hope to see you at one of these!

xoxo, m

MONDAY, 2/21, Vegas at WPPI

1. LIVE DEMO: Teaching You External Flash in 20 minutes (or less!)

Time / Location: 11:30pm-12pm @ SONY Booth

2. Title:  Magic of Baby and Family Portraits

Time / Location: 1:30pm-2pm @ SONY Booth

3. LIVE DEMO: Teaching You External Flash in 20 minutes (or less!)

Time / Location: 3:00pm-3:30pm @ SONY Booth

TUESDAY, 2/22, Vegas at WPPI

1.  LIVE DEMO: Teaching You External Flash in 20 minutes (or less!)

Time / Location: 12pm-12:30pm @ SONY Booth

2.  LIVE DEMO: Teaching You External Flash in 20 minutes (or less!)

Time / Location: 2pm-2:30pm @ SONY Booth

3. Title:  Magic of Baby and Family Portraits

Time / Location: 3:30pm-4pm @ SONY Booth

My Guarantee:  There will be no stuffiness coming from this chica at ANY event!  Every single event will be wrapped with Joy, Freedom, Brutal Honesty, Inspiration, Confidence Building and FUN!!

WEDNESDAY, 2/23, Vegas at WPPI

1.  Me Ra’s Platform:  Creating Confidence

Time:  8am to 10am

Location: Rm 319-320 at MGM Conference Center

Pre-register:  CLICK HERE!


2. GARDEN PARTY to Honor Women Photographers (All SOAR! Followers, CONFIDENCE gals, Blog Readers are Invited!  C’mon Ladies!  Time to Party!)

Location:  Chapel of Flowers.  Meet at MGM Valet at 10:30am for a limo shuttle to whisk you away to this event!

Time: 11am to 1pm

Grab Your Ticket!  CLICK HERE for all the Juicy Details and Tickets!  (Event is free, but you must pre-register for headcount!  Space is limited so grab your seat ASAP!)

3. Title:  Teaching You External Flash in 20 minutes (or less!)

Time / Location: 2:30pm-3pm @ SONY Booth

PHEW!

Rest Thursday, Friday and Saturday…

SUNDAY, 2/27, Tacoma, WA  (open to everyone!)

Title:  …I have a few talks to get through before this one.  :)   BUT, the title and morning will have a lot to do with The Impossible still being Possible, Breaking Through Your Glass Ceilings…you know–the kind of talking I love to do the most!  :)

Time: 10am-12pm PST

Location:  Destiny Church, CLICK HERE for Directions!

I’m crazy excited about this invitation because I get to just share from the heart about ALL kinds of stuff.  Photography is part of it, but not most of it.  Would love to have you join me for this inspirational talk.  If you are feeling weary, discouraged, empty, or simply worn down–I’m thinking of you as I work out my outline.  Everyone is welcome.  And I look forward to giving you a hug when I’m done.

xoxo,

m

p.s.  Does anyone want to Guest Blog for me this coming week!  May have my hands full!  :)   Email info@merakoh.com your Photo-Recipe idea in 500 words or less “with the photo(s)” that you’d blog about.  Your own Snow Photo-Recipe Results, Sweetheart 101 Results, Self Portrait Results or Photo Inspiration you want to share!  (If your blog idea is a good fit for the week/timing, we will contact you.  If we do not contact you, thank you and submit again!)

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We have three Spring CONFIDENCE workshops figured out!  After looking at 200 plus votes within a couple days, wow, I’m so excited!  And we are not only coming back to some great locations, but we may be wrapping special book signings into the plans for the day before the workshop!  This way I can meet your friends, spouses, kids, and see past attendees! Woo-hoo!

Here are the Spring CONFIDENCE Cities!

1. New York: April 16th and April 17th

2. Seattle: May 14th and May 15th

3. Chicago: May 28th and May 29th

*Click on the city of your choice to register today!  Once registered, you will receive an email with hotel group rates and more juicy details from my right hand woman, Genie Ohashi!

*Pencil in the Friday before the weekend for the possible Book Signing Event!  I haven’t even had the chance to share much about my new book, Your Baby in Pictures, and I’ve already done three magazine interviews and one news interview for Spring release!  Crazy exciting!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION!

Early Bird Registration Starts Today!  Instead of paying the $999 Registration, you get to pay $799 with the Early Bird Rate!  You can also split the $799 into payments.  And, we are still giving all our workshop attendees a copy of our award winning DVDs AND all five of our 101 Kits!  The combined value of those products is $570! For more registration and Early Bird details, click on the city of your choice!

This last weekend we had our Arizona CONFIDENCE Wkshp, and it was another amazing, AMAZING, weekend of seeing women transformed.  To see women find confidence, be inspired, be filled up,

it’s simply a beautiful, beautiful thing.

We can’t wait to see you this Spring!

If you’d like to read what others have said about attending the workshop, wow, I’m still overwhelmed at the 100 plus comments on my birthday post last week.  So many women shared transforming stories of what they experienced at the workshop.  I humbly direct you to their comments for the clearest picture on what to expect from our workshop.

xoxo,

m

p.s.  We may still come to Fairfield or Sacramento (don’t dismay to quickly Jeramy :) ).  We are still looking at logistics.  But it would be a workshop in early June.  Is early June something that our Fairfield/Sacramento Voters would want?  Leave us a comment below and any suggestions regarding a boutique hotel location!

A special thanks to all the other cities that you suggested.  You’ve given us a lot to look into, and I hope to come to your city soon!  Much love and appreciation for your patience and grace.

p.s.s.  Grab your ticket to the SOAR! and CONFIDENCE Garden Party in Vegas next week!  Who is this for?  Let me clarify; SOAR! Applicants, SOAR! Followers, CONFIDENCE Attendees, and all other women who have not identified themselves but follow along and want to plug into a community of support that much more, whether you are a pro or beginner!   Are we going to see you?!  Hope so!

There will be big giveaways, inspiration, live shoots and yummy lunch for all of YOU!  CLICK HERE to register!

(I’m so sorry the registration is making you pay $1!!  The event is FREE, and we can’t figure out why it won’t accept that.  We are still working on it.  Thanks for hanging in there with us, and we can give you your $1 at the Garden Party.  :) )

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**Who is this for?  Let me clarify; SOAR! Applicants, SOAR! Followers, CONFIDENCE Attendees, and all other women who have not identified themselves but follow along and want to plug into a community of support that much more, whether you are a pro or beginner!   Are we going to see you?!  Hope so!**

To all the ladies!

I’m so excited to officially invite you to a Private Garden Party in Vegas on Wednesday, February 23rd! (We only have 65 Tickets, the Event is FREE, but don’t wait to Reserve Your Spot!  Keep Reading for Details!)

We have planned a special afternoon for you.  Picture linen tables in a beautiful garden with your SOAR! Sisters and CONFIDENCE soul mates!  Need I say more?!  How can we go wrong?!  :)   But it doesn’t stop there!

A handful of the SOAR! Partners will be joining us with special giveaways for all of you!  There will be inspiration coming at you from all different directions.  I’m so excited for you to meet SOAR! Partners, and I also have a special something on my heart to share with all of you ladies.  (An inspirational kind of something.  :) )  Plus, we are going to have finger foods, drinks and plenty of time to visit.  But there is one more part.  So many of you have emailed for a Photo Coaching workshop.  We are bringing in Bride and Groom models and maybe even Family Models for you to practice working with.  I’ll walk you through some of my favorite Photo Coaching tips, and then you’ll get to take it from there!

How to Get to the Garden Party?! (excerpt from Roxanne of CanvasRox and partner Mastermind in this Event! :) )

Following Me Ra’s Platform Talk, Creating Confidence, a Limo Shuttle will be whisking attendees from the MGM Valet area to the Little Chapel and back. Once there, we invite you to enjoy a catered lunch, meet some of the fabulous SOAR! Partners, win some very cool free stuff that is just for our ladies, and enjoy a special “Photo Coaching Live Shoot” as Me Ra shares some of her BEST Photo Coaching Tips and Tricks!  (we’ll have a bride and groom and a family for you to shoot)  Most importantly – Me Ra and the SOAR! Partners want to celebrate you!  This is a time set apart for you to mingle with your SOAR! Sisters and reunite with CONFIDENCE friends!  We are so excited to LOVE on you!
This will prove to be one of the most uplifting and energizing events you will attend at WPPI – make sure to get it on your calendar!  Registration Details Coming Soon!
What to Bring?  Your cameras and your beautiful smiles!
Location of the Garden Party!
The Chapel of the Flowers (www.littlechapel.com) has been voted “The Best Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas 2010” by the Las Vegas Review Journal Poll. They’ve also been on TLC, VH1 and numerous other TV shows – click the link to check them out!
The Gardens are Beautiful!  (Photo Courtesy: The Chapel of Flowers)

Wait!  Do I have to be Attending WPPI to Come?
shhhhh.  Not really.  We know this event has come together last minute, so if you cant’ come to WPPI, you are still TOTALLY INVITED to come!  This is a private event for YOU, and it’s all about honoring SOAR! Sisters and CONFIDENCE SoulMates, so ladies, email each other, check for cheap flights (they are always out there for Vegas), bunk together or road trip it!  This is for YOU!  Can’t wait to see you all!

Grab Your Ticket–We are limited to 65!
Tickets are FREE, but you need to sign up to reserve your spot and have a seat on the fabulous limo shuttle – we have only 65 spots available!
CLICK HERE to Grab Your Ticket!! (one per person)
Meet your SOAR! Sisters and reunite with your CONFIDENCE girlfriends!
xoxo,
m

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Yeah!  It’s the BIG day for one of my FAVORITE shows with the Nate Berkus team: The Valentine’s Day Show!!  Catch the trailer here!  This is a show you don’t want to miss!  It is PACKED with crazy fun Valentine photo tips and AMAZING surprises!!  And I have to say that guest Patti Stanger, the Millionaire Matchmaker, is hilarious on this show!

Let me know what you think of the Sweetheart Photo Tips!!  (I think Nate did an excellent job Photo Coaching with me!  :) )

A certain guest named Michael…he really knocked it out of the park! Wait till you see!  (big hugs to Rachel and Michael–the wonderful couple I got to work with!)

Happy Valentine’s Day Every One!!

-m

p.s.  The Early Bird for Spring CONFIDENCE Workshops is going to start tomorrow or Wednesday! :)   Stay tuned for what cities we are coming to!

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A BIG, BIG thank you for all your wonderful birthday wishes!  It was by far one of the most wonderful birthdays ever–ever–ever.  Thank you so much!!  You have filled my cup overflowing–truly.

Today’s Photo-Recipe is something to dress up your Valentine’s Day with!  If you are planning a fun weekend or Valentine’s Day (to all the hubby’s, Valentine’s Day is this Monday :) ), and you find yourself in a pickle because there is no one to take your photo…I’ve got you covered!

Head over to the Nate Berkus Show home page, and catch my new Photo-Recipe for the Perfect Self-Portrait!   It’s Nate’s Featured Project!  I’m keeping it simple and fun!  It’s four of my most FAVORITE tips so you can take photos like this of you and your sweetheart!

You can’t tell, but I’m holding the camera in front of me and my sweetheart.  I shot this with the crazy, cool NEX-5 Sony Camera.  It’s the smallest DSLR ever–the size of a Point-and-Shoot!

And, AND!!, keep checking the Nate Berkus Show website today because at some point, they are going to have the trailer go live for this Monday’s show.  Oh friends, this show knocks it out of the park!  You’ll see me and Nate “photo coach” a couple on how to take Sweetheart Photos!  Yes, Nate gets totally into photo coaching with me and it is hilarious fun with real photo tips and an ending you will not believe!

Set your DVRs for this Monday’s Valentine’s Day Show with Nate Berkus!!

xoxo,

m

p.s.  All three of our beautiful SOAR! Recipients posted their Self Portrait exercises on the SOAR! BLOG this week!  This is the first SOAR! Photography Exercise, and it’s probably one of the most challenging for the gals–no sweetheart to cuddle into on this one.  But wow, these ladies did an AMAZING job!  If you haven’t, head to the SOAR! Blog and see their work!  If you have time, leave them a comment and tell them how GREAT they are doing for their first month of blogging!

What’s to Come Next Week?!  (so many great things that I have to highlight it here!!!)

Monday–The Nate Berkus Show!

Tuesday–Early Bird Registration Starts for Spring CONFIDENCE Workshops!

Wednesday–A Special Invite to a Private Garden Party in Vegas for CONFIDENCE Women and SOAR! Applicants with our SOAR! Partners!  This is an event to honor YOU!  Big giveaways, yummy food and drinks, and I’m going to do a mini Photo Coaching session with models!  We will only have 65 spots, so be ready on Wed to register!  Event is FREE, but you will need to pre-register!  Event Date: Wednesday, February 23rd, 11am-1pm (after my Platform Talk)

Thursday and Friday…Can’t see that far!  Maybe some fun recap photos of the Orange County or Seattle CONFIDENCE workshops!  Or maybe Barbie’s Photo Shoot–Pascaline and Barbie so wants their day!  :)

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Happy Birthday Me Ra!

Before reading on, this is a disclaimer. Nothing said in today’s blog has been reviewed by Me Ra and may or may NOT be her opinion. All of the words and pictures used are without her authorization, and may be frowned upon for their use without her consent. If you continue to read, please do so with a grain of salt.  :)

This is Brian, Me Ra’s Husband. I asked Me Ra if I could write her blog for her today since it’s her Birthday. You know how when you have friends over for dinner and you sometimes want to tell them stories or show them pictures? Well, sometimes I feel that way with this Blog, except for some reason I’m never saying anything. Huhmm? I wonder if that’s why Me Ra enjoys this blog so much, it’s like dinner with friends without have to kick my shins under the table? :)

Well, now’s my opportunity to say something at least until she has the last laugh.

I don’t know how I got so lucky as to get Me Ra to marry me?

Me Ra and Brian as Bride and Groom

And I don’t know how I got even luckier by marrying someone who has only gotten more beautiful each year of our marriage.

Me Ra Koh cool with Glasses on logtail boat in Thailand

I love to sneak up on her and take her picture. Sometimes she even lets me.

Me Ra in Snowy NY Central Park

Even though she was afraid to ride a road bike,

Brian making up for ditching Me Ra

rock climb high above the ground

Me Ra Koh Rock Climbing in Railay Thailand

or dive way deep with the sharks, she has not let her fears stop her from trying.

Brian and Me Ra Scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Even last month, I’m not sure she actually stood up, but she tried out paddle boarding.

Me Ra Paddle Boarding in Ventura, CA

I love watching her teach, speak, be on TV, and take photos.

And of course she is the amazing and beautiful mother to our children.

Me Ra the beautiful and amazing mother of my children

That shared, besides through photography most of you know Me Ra through writing.

Me Ra Koh writing in Thailand under mosquito net

If you could help a husband out today please share if Me Ra written something that inspired you? Or said something in person that encouraged you? Or if words by Me Ra have let you know that you are not alone could you share those words below in a comment to her for her Birthday? I know that would mean the world to her. Thanks so much!

Happy Birthday Me Ra!

Love,

Your Honey

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