Everything is bigger in Texas


Well... not really. But I can report that I major BIG TIME wanted to pinch myself every.single.minute. while I was in Austin.


I don't even know how I came across Stephen Karlisch's workshops but I am 100% happy with my decision to invest in my business and skill up. I attended a 3 day workshop focused on lighting interiors - something I feel I've struggled with ever since I started shooting so many branding and lifestyle sessions. As much scouting as I do, I never truly know what the light is going to be like at our shooting location on shoot day until I get my gear out and can evaluate the conditions. As location photographers, we need to solve all sorts of problems - balancing color temperature from interior lamps and ambient light, skin tones, and matching the lighting to the mood of every shot. This is something that can take years to master -

Lucky for me, then, that I was able to be one of twelve students at this intensive learning experience.


I drove, as I had all my gear with me, 13 hours to Austin. It was a great opportunity for me to just be alone. With myself. Reflect on how amazing my year has been and take the time to dream about what I would like 2025 and beyond to look like.


In Austin, I rented a room from a sweet hippie massage therapist, Samantha, (with an awesome cat -- I regret not snapping a pic of her sweet soul) who just lived 2 miles from the beautiful home we shot all week in. Seriously... this home is my DREAM HOME. I mean, listen..... a kitchen with a green fridge with glass doors?! Obsessed.


We started Day 1 with intros - including a modifier demo (super helpful and practical). Then we watched the master at work, migrating around to the different rooms. I was pleasantly surprised to see how simple Stephen's method is. By the end of the day we were ready to meet for drinks but I made it an early night to rest up for the next day.


Day 2 we continued to shoot in the house and did breakout sessions in the afternoon. It's amazing how exhausting those were... I felt like I had done a full day shoot (partly because we had!) but also, my brain was just trying to absorb it all.


Day 3 we geeked out over gear and editing software and then did image review all afternoon. I definitely have already noticed myself paying closer attention to the light in a room more than I ever have before. We wrapped up early and headed out for drinks - we loved sitting outside everyplace. The weather was just perfect - 80 and sunny.


Interior doorway with green trim and decorative hardware.
Fresh garden salads with avocado slices served on white plates at an outdoor table.
Photography equipment set up outside a white building with black-framed windows.
Group gathered outdoors on patio furniture during a social gathering.
Orange vintage runner rug with geometric patterns in dark hallway with built-in storage.
Behind-the-scenes photography setup showing camera equipment and lighting in an indoor space.
Long hallway with dark pendant lights and colorful oriental runner rug on white floors.
Photography session in progress inside a room with decorative wall details.
Series of mobile phone screens displaying photography composition during a photoshoot.
Elegant living room with floral wallpaper, white sofas, and plaid accent pillows.
Professional photography lighting equipment and setup in a room with red accents.
Decorative black bear statues arranged on a gravel path in a garden setting.
Outdoor seating area with geometric patterned chairs around a circular stone fire pit.
Two people sitting together on a red couch in a dimly lit room.
Dark interior hallway with tiled walls and ambient lighting creating moody atmosphere.
Modern living space with black and white striped pillows and geometric wall decor.
White room with black accents featuring decorative wall shelves and patterned floor tiles.
Room with green storage cabinets and black and white geometric floor tiles.
Group taking photos in a bright interior hallway.
Black and white patterned floor tiles in modern room with skylight.

NOT ALL WORK AND NO PLAY


On my way home, I decided to stay in Oklahoma City (which is where I find myself right now... sitting on the most marvelous King size bed, typing, in the most charming and colorful historic hotel, The Bradford House.) No Holiday Inn Express for me. I'm counting this as my Stacy Ideus Photography Christmas party. haha


Did I mention I got a massage this morning, as well?


But as I sit here waiting for my 6 o'clock dinner reservation, I'm just still pinching myself. How incredibly blessed am I to A. have the love and support of my family for doing a job that I am completely in love with B. be successful in my business that I can afford opportunities such as this and C. have a thirsty mind


Creativity is POURING out of me and I simply cannot wait to put my new expertise to use.

Are you a creative ready to be photographed in your own space?