Photography Workshops - Portraits

Last Saturday afternoon was our portrait photography workshop with Glenn McKimmin. What a blast it was for me and from all reports for many others! I'm loving my job organising these workshops - it is such a privilege to be involve. I get to meet amazing people who all share a passion for photography and of course learn something new along the way. It was not until I attended a few workshops that I realised just how much information Glenn offers.

After our portrait workshop in November I took to my kids to arrange a "Christmas Photo" for the grandparents. I'd learnt about lighting, apertures, lenses etc but the overall experience was stressful and sent a few of our family members to tears. What had I forgotten? It all made sense on the day ... I thought I could do this! I was clearly reminded after the workshop last Saturday all that I'd forgotten. Glenn talks at length about the importance of connecting with your models, staying calm, enjoying what you do - the model will reflect your mood, not rushing, special techniques to relax children..... Well, I dare say I wish it was nearly Christmas again to organise a re-shoot! I think I'll tackle it a whole lot different!

Next Saturday is our Landscape workshop. I'm very excited for this one. I find nature much easier to work with. I love the peace of the early mornings (even though I'm far from a morning person), the ever changing light of the sun rising or setting and the breathtaking results that drawer people to a peaceful, beautiful place. I'm hoping I will have photos to share next week!

Front Line Management

The holidays are nearing to an end. Our busy time has passed - with all the trailers currently out on hire with only a couple more hires to go for January.

Although the month is busy we get longer stretches of having all the trailers out and a little more time to give to other aspects of our business.

Last year Stephen & I began some training. We have started a cert IV in Front Line Management with Eagle Wing Education and Training. I began the course a little reluctant of the extra time it would require of me and perhaps wondering its relevance for a small two man business such as ours. My plan was for just Stephen to attend the course (to get him more organised :-)) and I can't recall how I got signed up too.

We are now half way in, a couple of assignments to complete and ..... I'm loving it! I've put some of my spare time these holidays to reading up on the notes and beginning some assignments. The beauty of the course is that it is in fact VERY relevant for our business and the assignments are projects to benefit OUR business.

So what am I doing? Making a Value Stream Map with attention to where our "wastes" occur, finding the root cause of problems rather than doing the "quick fix", doing 5 S on our work areas - Sort, Shine, Standardise, Stabilise and Sustain.... and more.

What's this got to do with camping, the outdoors and family time? Heaps!!! I believe the more time I put into our business now - eliminating "wastes" and standardising procedures etc it will quite quickly run more productively, be less stressful and give me more spare time. What can I do with this spare time - SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY and work towards our goal of travelling around Australia.

You can find more info on Eagle Wing and it's course here: http://www.ewet.biz/