Earlier this month I headed to New Orleans for a photography retreat/workshop/conference type thing called The Family Narrative. I have kind of mixed feelings about Louisiana (personal history) and was a little bit conflicted about going but in the end I booked my ticket and went. Y’all, I’m so glad I did. I hadn’t been to a photography retreat ever, and had not gone to any in-person photography workshops or whatever since I did my BFA so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Most workshops I found were more geared towards wedding photographers so when I saw that TFN was specifically for family photographers I knew I had to go.

You guys. I had, like, an existential experience. I learned a lot, mostly about myself and the fact that I’m not alone. It’s amazing to me that they were able to bring 50 like-minded people who were all kind of trying to do the same thing in terms of making meaningful work and what that means. There was a lot of crying, soul searching, connecting, delicious food, and tons of things to photograph. I actually didn’t take very many photos, and didn’t bring my “big camera” with me. The following are a few of my favorites from walking around the city, as well as some from my watch and learn session with Brooke Johnson.

I really felt like I grew as an artist and photographer and like I really honed in on the stories I want to tell and the direction I’d love to grow in as the year goes on. I can’t wait to share that with you. <3