*my story* Amy Wenzel Workshop Giveaway

Amy Wenzel is a fabulous photographer who is giving away a seat to one of her workshops in May. To enter, you have to "...tell us how you love, serve or inspire other people in your life, and what attending the workshop might mean for your photography journey. You don’t need to have a business to enter. Whether you are a pro, semi-pro or hobbyist with an SLR, I am so, so excited to hear your story!"

For details on Amy's giveaway, click the link below:

OK, so I desperately want to win. #1 - So I can strengthen my photography skills. As a photographer, I am constantly striving to improve my creative eye. I want to learn new techniques that will make my clients say {wow} when they look at their photos. And #2 - Well, I won't lie. I need a vacation. Having a 1 year old and a 2 year old can zap your energy! So, I would be {thrilled} if I won a seat at Amy's workshop!!

Here's my entry... my story.

*****

{The Reason}

Growing up, I loved taking pictures. Although I was too young to realize that I could really learn about photography and enhance my skills. At the time, I just liked taking pictures of anything and everything. Flowers. Trees. Landscapes. The cat. Anything.

In college, I took a few photography courses. This was before digital cameras were on the scene. I learned how to develop film in the dark and spent hours and hours in the red light of the darkroom. But, it wasn't until four years later that my passion for photography really blossomed. That was the year my son was born.

I know many photography businesses start off after mothers have their first child. And as cliche as it may be, it's true for me too. I took thousands of pictures within the first few months of his life. Thousands. They grow up so quickly, and I wanted to remember as much as I could. How he looked when he slept. How tiny his hands were. How his nose wrinkled when he yawned. Fast forward 15 months and we welcomed our little girl into the family.

Her birth day was extra ordinary because there was a time that day when I was skating on the line of life and death. My sweet husband sat in a room holding our daughter and wondered how he would make it raising two babies alone. I'm not sure what went wrong, neither are the doctors, but God decided that I wouldn't have any more children after that day. And in return, I am alive. Thank God. I am here.

Shortly after the birth of my daughter, I felt called to be a photographer to others. So I jumped in the business and haven't looked back since.

I strive to capture the spirits of children.

To capture the real moments of a family.

To capture tiny toes and fingers.

To capture life.

I recently became affiliated with The Littlest Heroes Project and am in the process of becoming a member of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. I fully believe that God intends for me to use my talent to bless others and glorify Him. I believe that is part of {the reason} that I am still here.