Challenge...if I'm not experiencing it then I'm not living. It is proven that challenges make a person stronger and better in their craft. I can't say that I love the apprehension that challenge brings, but knowing what I know about the strengthening power of challenge, I won't turn one down either.

When I saw the Portrait Palooza 2014 being advertised by a group that I belong to on Facebook, I battled with myself a bit...Should I do it, or shouldn't I? I began to tell myself that there would be other, more experienced photographers there, that I didn't have enough to make a mere 10 minutes with a model work. I needed more...more equipment, more experience, more time, yadda, yadda, yadda. And then I did the unthinkable...I registered for the event...just like that. You see, it has been my experience that when faced with an opportunity to do something new and I begin to talk myself out of it, I need to just trust God and go ahead and do whatever that thing is. I'm never disappointed when I do.

Last night was the event. I was nervous and calm all at once. The event was held at Babylon Restaurant in Downtown Raleigh and the holding area was abuzz with energy. There were models getting their hair and make-up done, organizers flitting to and fro, and photographers arriving with their teams and their equipment. It was exciting! My mentor, Marc D. Hunter, even made an appearance to assist me with whatever I needed. Once the competition began, we all sat in the holding area and chatted, watching photographers go out and come back in. They seemed to be gone only for a moment; that's how quickly time flew by. Finally my name was called. Marc and I gathered our things, were introduced to the proctor and then our model, Laura...Then the timer began...

10 minutes. 

One girl. 

So many areas of interest to shoot...

I identified 3 areas to shoot in and got to work. Marc and I were able to work with a Westcott Ice Light, which was available for us photographers by the organizers of the event. That thing is AWESOME! It looks like a light saber and mimics natural light. The light from this wand is simply spectacular and it's super portable also. Marc was such a good sport. He aimed the Ice Light for me and was an awesome light stand on two feet. I had everything that I needed in that moment so I shot away. I was focused. I had to get what I needed. Before we knew it the 10 minutes were up and I returned to the holding area feeling rejuvenated.

Today I am still feeling the effects of event. I selected my favorite 2 images and have already submitted them for judging. Now the waiting period begins. I would love to be named as a "technical" winner, but at the end of the day I've already won because I stepped outside of my comfort zone. Go me! I look forward to participating in the next Portrait Palooza and would recommend it to any photographer that wants to grow. I can't share the 2 images that I submitted until judging has commenced, but the ones in this post are some of my other favorites.