"The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned"
- Maya Angelou
As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to refine my craft, expand my vision, and connect with others who share the same creative spark. When I had the opportunity to attend the Last Photograph Workshop in Hawaii hosted by Tiffany Milam from Wild at Heart Photographs (www.wildatheartphotographs.com) I knew it was going to be more than just an educational experience-it was going to be a journey of inspiration, connection, and artistic growth.
Meeting Other Creatives: A Community of Storytellers
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending this workshop was the chance to meet other photographers from all over the country. We came from different backgrounds, each with our own unique styles and perspectives, but we were all drawn together by our passion for storytelling.
To check out an instagram reel recapping our time, click here: https://www.instagram.com/wildatheartphotographs/reel/DFL2JHUvmYi/
From sunrise coffee chats to golden-hour shoots, we shared techniques, exchanged ideas, and encouraged each other. Photography can sometimes feel like a solo endeavor, but being surrounded by creatives who understand the challenges and joys of capturing fleeting moments made me feel deeply connected to the photography community.
Refining My Craft & Finding New Inspiration:
Workshops are about growth, and this one pushed me. I learned new ways to connect to my inner artist as well as ways to create more authentic, emotive storytelling. But more than that, I rediscovered my “Why”-the reason I fell in love with photographing families and motherhood in the first place.
Watching the way other photographers worked, seeing the small details they noticed, and experimenting with new creative angles helped me refine my own voice. It wasn’t just about taking better photos-it was about learning how to evoke deeper emotion in every frame.
Exploring the Beauty of Hawaii:
Hawaii is a dream destination for any photographer, and getting to see the world through my lens in such a breathtaking place was nothing short of magical. From the golden beaches to lush green mountains, every location felt like a scene from a storybook. This session featured in this post literally felt like we were transported to some magical rainforest. In addition to photographing this gorgeous mom/baby session, we also explored epic cliffs, a stunning beach, and waterfall (that took a long, rain-soaked hike in the dark).
It was a reminder that photography isn’t just about the technical skills–it’s about seeing, feeling, and translating emotion into imagery. Tiffany, our host/teacher, has such a story behind her why. She shared her heart with us in an effort to help us create images that resonate and are tangible reminders or our love for our people.
Taking the Experience Home:
Leaving Hawaii, I felt creatively recharged. The connections I made, the beauty I witnessed, and teh skills I gained have left a lasting impact on my work. More than anything, this experience reminded me that photography isn’t just about capturing moments. It is about feeling them, living them, and sharing them.
If you ever get hte chance to attend a workshop-especially one set in a breathtaking location -do it. Surround yourself with other creatives, explore new places, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. You never know how much it might transform your work-and your perspective.
Would you attend a workshop like this? Let’s chat about it in the comments!