For the last couple of weeks I have been experimenting with and researching about the new-ish social media platform, Periscope. Periscope is Twitter's live video broadcasting app. If I'm being candid... it's basically like everyone was just given their own TV show and platform to use as they wish... for free. Some people ROCK it... some do not. In the meantime, I am trying to learn how I can use it as a tool in my business.

I would have bet a million dollars back in college that I would NEVER be a public speaker. I actually won the "most improved" award in my college Speech 101 class because I was HORRID the first time I stood up in front of my class. And I think by the end I was... not so horrid. Hah! Honestly, who is honored to receive a Most Improved reward? That just confirmed that I was actually as terrible the first time around as I had thought. Hah!

Anyway... so it's been an interesting few weeks exploring this app and basically putting on my own live broadcasts. But the app has really grown on me and I've enjoyed getting to know people better and share information with others. What I love the most about the app is that there is a constant influx of information... I learn SO much from the other broadcasters! About everything from homeschooling to cooking, to social media marketing strategies and where to buy sparkly pink backdrops (which we all know won't be happening... so yeah sure, some of the info is useless ;)).

All that to say... I have officially started 'scoping daily, and this week I am starting my very first Periscope Series! I've been too afraid to invite you all to watch my 'scopes - but this ENTIRE experience has been about pushing past my fears (like going live with NO make-up on. That seriously happened...!) and taking the leap! And honestly... that's kind of how the entire last year has been. And I have loved it.

So - if you are a birth photographer or if you are interested in what my life looks like while running a birth photography business and raising girls... or if you just want to see me make ridiculous faces and stumble over my words... come follow me! I'll be scoping twice every day this week! :)

It feels a bit surreal to be writing this blog post. For years, I have watched as colleagues and industry friends have grown their photography businesses to levels that have justified the start of industry educational opportunities. For the past few years, I have casually offered mentoring through my website on an as-needed basis. However, I have always stood firm in the fact that I am NOT a teacher. I don't have the talent of teaching... I even struggle with my own children! (Eek!) Regardless of this claim, I have met with numerous willing photographers and openly shared anything and everything they have asked me regarding photography business information. And surprisingly, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The best part for me, though, has been the relationships were introduced through this avenue. Some of my best industry friends have come out of these mentoring meetings!

One of these friendships has officially grown into a business partnership. It's so crazy to think of the journey I have walked with Emily Gerald over the past two years and where we are today! You guys... Emily IS a teacher! When I met her she was a grade-school teacher and had just finished her Master's Degree in Teaching. I mean... this partnership was destined to happen. :)

Earlier this week, Emily and I launched our first e-book we co-wrote (that you can download for FREE right here!), which was crazy exciting! I suppose it wasn't exciting enough, though, because today we are sharing MUCH bigger news! Ahh!

Emily and I are hosting an intimate, one-day, all-inclusive birth photography workshop!

At this workshop in March, we will be sharing all we know about running profitable birth photography businesses to help equip and encourage other photographers to run their own businesses more efficiently and with great success.

Our ultimate hope is that by sharing and teaching how we run our own businesses, the birth photography industry will grow.

The workshop agenda is packed full of content including portfolio building opportunities, information about the birth process, connecting and gaining wisdom from other birth industry professionals, the ins and outs of running a profitable birth photography business, client relationship tips and tricks, and more!

For details and to find out how to join us, click here.

Registration opens 02.01.2016 at 10AM EST! To sign up to receive an email reminder, click here!

I just want to say thank you to those of you who have given me the chance to share my knowledge and for all of you who have supported me in my photography career so far. It's the most incredible feeling to do what you love and know that you are helping others in the process! <3