Click Away Top 10

As many of y'all know, I attended the Click Away photography conference in Salt Lake City last week.  It. was.  amazing.  My 5 days in Utah were more than just taking photos (which, by the way, I did a terrible job at capturing anything but the landscape!) It was about rethinking photography, making new friends, and evaluating my life in general.  Deep, I know.

I went without knowing anyone and feeling a little intimidated but left so full of so many things. I honestly cannot imagine have missing that experience.  A full head and a full heart is what I have.  And yes, this was a photography conference.  Can you believe I cried at least 4 times?!? Sounds fun, I know.

I could go on and pretend to be all philosopherish, but instead I'll get to the Top 10 life-changers I took away from Click Away.

1.  Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth (author of Eat, Pray, Love) was our keynote speaker on the first day of the conference and I left ready to take over a small country.  She reminded us all that it takes bravery to be creative and put yourself out there.  Her words? "If you aren't doing something creative with your life, you lose track of who you are."  Yeah, I love that.

2. New Friends

I met several amazing ladies that I hope I am connected with for life.  I'm so very excited to share this adventure with them and see what is in store for us.  Am I the only one already excited for Click Away 2015?!?!

3.  Utah

Yeah, that place is pretty much perfection.

4.  Facebook likes don't matter.

If I heard it once, I heard it a thousand times, there's more to life and photography than a photo getting a 'like'.  Pull it together, 'like' obsessors! (I'm basically yelling at myself.)

5.  Dodge and Burn

I will forever use these brushes when editing black & white photos.

6.  Be authentic.

This was a theme with almost everyone that spoke (even if they didn't say it bluntly).  When I grow up, I want to be authentic in every single thing that I do.

7. Everyone started out with nothing.

I loved hearing all of the photographers that I admire talk about their early photos and bad business decisions.  Glad to know I'm not the only idiot.

8.  Find balance.

In photography, in family, in life.  It is so hard to make sure everything gets the attention it needs or deserves.  More time, please!

9.Beloved

I was inspired by the Beloved approach and Jesh de Rox before, but I will never shoot another session the same way again.  Ever.

10. Curiosity

More than anything, I left so curious about so many things.  What do I want from myself?  What do I want for my life? What kind of parent do I want to be?  I want to learn and soak in every single thing I can.  My dad once teased me for continuing to want to learn things in my late-twenties.  Doesn't everyone want to keep learning?  I still want to learn to play an instrument, throw pottery on a wheel, and become a yoga instructor.  My to-learn list is lengthy, people! From learning comes the inspiration and curiosity it leaves behind.  Naturally it makes us ask, What else? Or at least it makes me ask that.  Then again, I am a self proclaimed nerd...

Can you tell I loved the conference?

Be sure to follow me on Facebook (Facebook.com/AshaMariePhotography) and check out my website (www.AshaMariePhotography.com) to see more photos from my trip and learn more about my crazy adventure!