remember the kid in the classroom who’s desk would be floating around in an abyss…ALONE…like an island?
the kid the teachers would play “musical student” with, the kid who fell asleep in class, challenged authority, NEVER studied, & NOT only scurry by doing homework in homeroom but shouting about…”what were we supposed to do?”…and being late to homeroom to boot!
obviously i’m talking about myself.
YES, i have sympathy for just about all the teachers who had to put up with yours truly.
what is a mentor? quoting my beloved Webster’s…mentor: a trusted counselor or guide; tutor,coach. i had one mentor in my life. my amazing guidance counselor (yes, the geographic area of HS i spent most of my time)…to this day, i light up when i see bruce seward…thank you bruce for enabling me to ascend into my life. i am forever grateful.
MY FRIEND, MY MENTOR
before meeting bob davis i’ll be honest. i didn’t know how to feel about a photographer who was named “a celebrity photojournalist”…what was that supposed to mean? paparazzi? i’m a HARD sell & i’m not caught up in the “who-ha” of this industry of “THE ROCKSTAR PHOTOGS” …as a matter of fact i’ll shy away from it…
BUT
i attended one of his classes @ WPPI in 2006(?) & then here in my area of balt/dc when he was here on tour. at one point he was describing his photoshoot during the Oprah car giveaway. i will never forget how he lit up with such enthusiasm as he described what it felt like to photograph these shrieking hysterically happy women receiving their gifts.
THERE I OBSERVED IT. this guy is REAL. this man LOVES the art of photography.
additional experiences occurred…ahem…(double decker bus)…& our families formed a close relationship.
BUT
it wasn’t until the first time i second shot for bob during one of his weddings last summer that i had some “aha” moments. after the wedding, as my files were being downloaded…oh boy…can i just say how many shots i sc***ed up. the three of us stayed up very late talking…and i was humbled…i felt discouraged not because of the CC i was receiving from my friends but because of my lack of focus. bob drove me to the airport the next day & talked to me… & reminded about the gift that God has given me.
well…this is when i self appointed him as my mentor (whether he liked it or not…lol) it’s completely separate from our friendship…we run around like kids taking silly pictures & acting like goofballs while my husband shane & dawn have to tap their watches or beep the horn.
BUT
for the first time in my life i actually cared about what being a student is really about. he told me, “PRACTICE.PRACTICE.PRACTICE.” and yep, it sank in…and i try my best to PRACTICE as much as i can. i listened. not as a friend but as a student.
for ME having a mentor is not about trying to impress…it is about patience, listening, & implementing what i’m being taught. it is about RESPECT.
my friend, my mentor who LOVES to teach, continues to be a student himself, & shares his knowledge with integrity. and ME now a student at the ripe YOUNG age of 37 & enjoying it…
WOW. i can’t believe i used the words “enjoy” & “student” in the same sentence… ;)
BEHIND THE SCENES DURING A WORKSHOP
THE LIRIODENDRON in bel air, md
and so the DAVIS LOVE STORY workshop begins…
thank you kim blair of nvs salon in bel air, md & crysal jo of crystal jo makeup!!
behind every bob stands a FANTASTIC dawn. there is a reason they are named davis love story. i never realized how much work goes into a workshop until helping my friends out. ESPECIALLY all the DETAILS & heart dawn puts into each individual workshop. not only did the attendees benefit from her marketing, photoshop, & album design skills but walked away with a few goodies…from each bow tied, jellybean, thank u cards, etc…i’d have to say the vision boards are an AMAZING gift to receive…
as usual, the song “let’s get ready to rumble” is playing in my head. many of my friends know how much i truly enjoy shooting photogs in STEALTH MODE…
sure i enjoy shooting models…but i LOVE seeing the smiles of photogs as they are capturing their OWN images…
beautiful reanna…
uber talented photogs, friends, expert steamed crab eaters & during this workshop models kelli marsh & tomas flint
bambi & ontel…i adore them!! i’m so lucky to be photographing their wedding next month!! YAY!
a little more behind the scenes..bob’s image from this is one of my faves (can’t wait for dawn to post it)
it is phenomenal what you can accomplish with only 2 strobes.
huge props to my jedi & good friend armin!!!
BOB AND DAWN DAVIS WORKSHOPS
i suppose i could be dubbed as bias because they are my friends. the truth is this: if i did not BELIEVE in what they are doing, i would just nod & smile…& not really say too much one way or another. i’m honest. sometimes brutally so…
i trust in what they are doing and am extremely proud in the direction they are heading. working as a TEAM bob & dawn are a strong force. i have attended their workshops not only as an attendee but most recently helping as an assistant. i’ve witnessed first hand the energy, organization, & yes, even the stress of what it takes to put together a workshop….BUT…the devotion for what they are achieving to accomplish is sincere & unfiltered. in my opinion & experience of attending various workshops…i truly believe in dawn & bob’s “hands on” approach & teaching techniques. they are stellar artists in this industry & i would recommend anyone who wants to take their own passion for the art of photography to a higher level to attend ANY of their workshops. and not only come away with additional “tools” & knowledge…BUT…just to have a FANTABULOUS time…
i feel as if i’m “home” when we are there…
August 27th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
This is the most amazing post ever…! It makes my heart so happy to read your words. To see all the photos, oooooh such great times and you capture it all perfectly. You were a huge help Kristie in making this workshop a success. Thank you for that. But most importantly, thank you for your unwavering friendship. I’m so happy you came to our Vegas Love Story workshop 1 1/2 years ago so our paths would cross and we’d become lifelong friends. Bob and I adore your family, each and every stinkin’ cute one of them!
Thank you for all the effort you put into this post. Every photo brings back such great memories. Every single person that attended this workshop was amazing! Bob and I prayed for a good group people and we were blessed tenfold. Lots of friendships made that week!!! I miss everyone so much!
Love to you always!
~ Dawn
August 27th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Kristie,
I am so honored and moved by your heartfelt words, THANK YOU. I am so touched by you choosing me to be your mentor, Dawn and I have a passion for sharing what we know and what we’ve learned. You did an amazing job helping us, we could not have done this workshop without you.
I remember thinking to myself after seeing you images from Kelly & Keith’s wedding. Do I sugar coat it or do I give you my thoughts straight from my heart. I told you the truth, but you have grown and embraced all my suggestions. That’s the true reward of doing workshops. You have such a great eye for seeing the amazing in the ordinary. Your composition draws the viewer in.
The shot of Bambi & Ontel through the crystal knob is just outstanding. This showcases what you see everywhere. I too learn from watching you. Sometimes, I see you down on the ground and wonder, What The? Bam you knock me out with a shot like Bambi & Ontel’s feet over the edge of the bath tube. You are a true artist and have your own unique style. I encourage you to keep pushing to develop that style, while tempered with images that also serve the client as well as your creative soul.
Keep in flight!
your friend, love ~Bob
August 28th, 2009 at 10:16 am
So how are lucky are you? I totally agree and it’s almost as though nothing can be said to explain Bob & Dawn…NOTHING cause it’s like you just touch the surface and people MUST experience them on their own…truly! AND Both Jesus and his wife on your blog back to back…WOWEEE…for those of you who don’t know, which most of us do…..Bob & Dawn are the greatest icon’s in the industry…truly touching everyone with their talents, ambitions and true kindness! I once said talking to Bob about photography is like talking to Jesus about the Bible! HA seriously though, you can’t learn enough from this man and Dawn as well….it all started on one cold desert night, guided by a light on a double decker red bus and a truck stop….sounds pretty biblical to me! Love you all!!!!!!!!!! XXOO
August 28th, 2009 at 10:24 am
@b&d…i love and adore u both so much! bob, thank u for all of yer patience with me…
love, young grasshopper…
ps…NO ONE else could ever get away with calling me that…xoxoxxoox
@CB…LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL…ahhh tis is true…u can’t understand unless u do go thru the experience of one of their wrkshps…their next one will be flippin fabulous…i can only imagine…chris, u articulated & embellished even further….DITTO!
August 28th, 2009 at 11:44 am
You so ROCK….like butt-kicking rock….this brings back such awesome memories of the great time at the workshop….Wow….You made me look so good in b&w…a phenomenal feat…lol Thanks Kristie… I love all the images…
August 28th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
One of your best blog posts yet!
August 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Thanks so much for posting these Kristie! You got some amazing shots of the workshop and it brought back some great memories. You really know how to tell a story well with your images. Hopefully see you again soon!
August 28th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Thanks also for all the amazing hard work you put it to make the workshop all that it was!
August 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
you made me cry! You just one of the kind and nicest ever!!! Bob and Dawn are the best “messengers” for all the photographers out there and they truly believing in giving. Thank all of you to being there and making me see different! …XOXOXOXOXOXO
August 28th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Kristie, I got sooo into your photos, that I actully felt I was at the workshop!!!! What a great commentary, you are really so creative and fantabulous!! I am sooo proud of your great abilities and your accomplishments!!!! lol
August 28th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Oh Kristie, this is such a great post! I love how you introduced the story and the variety of photos you included to describe the workshop, from the candid shots of the attendees to the architectural elements of the mansion! I really appreciate all the knowledge that Bob and Dawn shared with us, and even the take away gifts such as the dvd and the vision board!! They are really a fantastic team and I feel lucky to have met them and all the other wonderful people at the workshop!
I’m really looking forward to shooting Bambi and Ontel’s wedding with you next month! They are such a sweet couple!
August 31st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Incredible KBH!
I absolutely LOVE this blog. I am so sorry I could not be a part of it!
I really enjoyed reading this! Keep it coming sister!
Thank you for sharing.
Cand
September 1st, 2009 at 8:29 am
Kristie,
Wow! Amazing post and amazing photos!! I love love love them!!!
Def making the in the action shot of myself you took as a facebook profile pic!
It was such a pleasure meeting such a fantastic artist such as you and thanks to Dawn and Bob for making us all connect, share and learn our passion for photography!
Thanks again!
Danny and Loreta.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:46 am
Thats my girl~love it!!! Pictures & story are the photographer I love! I always knew you had it in you. xoxoxox Bob made a great quote, “develop that style, while tempered with images that also serve the client as well as your creative soul.” What a great mentor for you!!!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
I miss having a “fantabulous” time with you. Can I call you my mentor?! Master, this grasshopper loves your images.