The singer & the manatee

woman swimming with manatee boudoir photographer

I got home Sunday from a photography workshop in Belize (!!!). I was lucky enough to go there with some fellow photographer friends and it was a truly magical week. We learned from each other, took lots of photos, and also had time for some special vacation-type experiences. We went on a sailboat, went rafting through caves, went on a tiny plane, fed GIANT fish, and most crucially for me- we went snorkeling and swam with manatees. On the plane ride back to the states I was inspired to write the poem below- about the manatee and about a night out on the town. I’ve promised myself I will write at least 2 poems a month, it feels good to my soul. I feel vulnerable putting this in a blog, but I’m pushing myself to share more. I also included some photos from the rest of the trip.

Special shout-outs to some workshop participants:

The workshop was organized by Danny K, a talented woman & universally friendly photographer out of Mississippi, who usually organizes the Fearless Photography conferences. Fearless has been MIA the last 2 years because of COVID, but I’m so glad Danny has found other ways to keep us photographers moving forward together. He calls these small retreat workshops “Collective Wanders,” and that pretty well sums up the vibe and intention.

Almost every photo below was taken by an EXTREMELY TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER, Kara Counard from bloom photography in Door County (HIRE HER RIGHT AWAY!). Thy pics hopefully give you a sense of just how beautiful the scenery was, and just how ridiculous we are.

Group Photo by San Franciso’s top choice wedding photographer Duy Ho Photography. Check out his work! You will not be disappointed.

Sharon Varorny, my great buddy and the photographer behind SV Photography. We flew together to Belize from Madison. She helped push me to write my poem and inspires me always (which is a sentiment she would hate).

Lisa Hibbert, also a super talented wedding photographer, honorarily served as our group ambassador in Belize. By the end of the week, locals knew her and she even had nicknames.