In Real Life

Shutter Sisters: (back row) Kate from Nova Scotia, Paige from Nebraska, (front row) Stephanie from Georgia, Karen from Texas, Tracey and Andrea from California, Irene from Paris, Jen from Maryland, and Sarah-Ji from Illinois.

We're deliriously happy to have shared two days together with so many of you in the Shutter Suite at BlogHer09. Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing your support. We sincerely appreciate our sponsors for helping us make the Shutter Suite experience such a great success... Aurora, Blurb, HP, Lensbaby, Color Inc Pro Lab, and Open Range Wines by Casey Flat Ranch Vineyards. And we're eager to explore your ideas for future Shutter Sister gatherings in real life. When you visualize the ideal Shutter Sisters retreat... what do you see?

Comments

[amanda]

Aw
You girls look like you're having a great time!

[Chris]

I don't know...if in SoCal, maybe a Big Bear weekend with our cameras? Or maybe a day trip somewhere? Or if you're thinking bigger and out of state, give me plenty of notice so I can convince my hubby why I need to do a Shutter Sisters gathering as well as BlogHer10!!

[Elizabeth Harper]

I'd like to see SS do a series of mini-retreats...six would be a good place to begin.

I'll volunteer to be your Cornwall contact here in the UK.

I say it's time to take this picture show worldwide...I'd be curious to know how may SS are outside the US.

[Tripping the light fantastic]

You girls rock!
I'm in London and gutted I couldn't come and play in Chicago but I hope that I might make your next event, wherever it may be. Congratulations on the Shutter Suite, it sounded like a lot of fun! Emma.

[Jen]

You all look like you are having fun! What a great memory.

[kosenrufu mama]

you are so beautiful all together!!!!!!!!!

[camerashymomma]

how great to all be in one place! this was the first "in real life" meeting for some of the sisters, yes? what a wonderful photo to keep for the memories.

when i think shutter sisters, i think beach.
but that's just me. i think beach when i think of anything i love.

[Puna]

It looks like a great time! A photo retreat sounds really great. I would go...where ever it may be.

[Kathleen O./ko2008]

Hmmm - how about something similar to Scott Kelby's Photowalk? A "virtual" retreat, if you will.

[Alicia]

I think it's a GREAT idea. I would definitely love the chance to learn a thing from all the talented and smart shutter sisters! I would definitely be interested in going!

[Jamie Lapeyrolerie]

Definitely think that would be a great idea. It would be ideal to different locations, might make it more accessible for more to attend, but I know that is a lot more planning. I'd definitely try and make it though!

[gonzomama]

wherever it would be, i envision me being there : )

[mammaloves]

I was so disappointed to end up having to cancel my BlogHer plans. Hanging out with all of you was one of the things I was looking forward to the most.

[Heather]

Oooo... A Shutter Sisters retreat would be awesome! Maybe one in Canada, or at least close to it so that those of us in the north could get there?

[shelli - mama of letters]

Great photo!

[Liz//Tipping Point Photo]

Must haves:

-tasty food
-lemonade and cookies, and other awesome foodstuffs (maybe potluck style?)
-good conversation
-learning opps (so great to talk to Aurora and Blurb, and holy crap the Lensbaby walkabouts ROCKED!)
-swag free (but meaningful freebies are all well and good, and appreciated!)
-multiple photowalks taking in the local scenery
-good company--both pajama-ed and non-pajama-ed

Additional ideas:
-possibly a collaborative project?
-geography: I agree that a variety of locations would be good. Maybe simultaneously, maybe not? It would be so phenomenal to have clusters of wonderful women gathering on the same day in the same spirit.

I may sound like a broken record, but lordy was it AWESOME to meet everyone and talk about not just photography, but life. Something had been missing from my life and my work, and talking with all of you was exactly what I needed to jumpstart the creativity and put a smile back on my face. THANK YOU.

Photos from the event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/sets/72157621840411128/

[Tripping the light fantastic]

oooh Liz your ideas are fab!

[georgia]

fabulous photo! you all really do seem like sisters.

[claudia]

How about some regional get togethers, which might involve more local coordinators, but would make it more do-able for those that find it hard to fly/travel farther. They could all be the same weekend and we could all be on the same page for a short time via web cam? I'd be willing to do whatever if needed. You know, if Shutter Sisters could bring Picture Hope together - we can pretty much do anything!!

[kristin]

perhaps a tour around the world for SS meet ups. east coast , mid west , south, west coast, and abroad. and yes i agree we can DO many things, we are a force for good. :)

[Kate Inglis]

1) OH MY GOD I AM FOUR.
2) Maile, we missed you so much.
3) OH MY GOD I AM FOUR.

[palinode]

The Shutter Suite was one of my favourite events at BlogHer. Thanks for making me feel so welcome, even if that meant serving as an impromptu judge for the trivia contest. By the way, that event was totally rigged. Also, it was biased in favour of the people who knew the answers. For shame, Jen.

[Jen Lee]

So glad the pic turned out! Love it.

[Lu]

It was such a thrill meeting so many of you IRL. So many kindred spirits and love descended on that space. I have pictures to share and will upload in the next few days.

[Sarah - Ji]

I totally have to post our group photo's photographer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierraromeo/3759509847/in/set-72157621843425202/ (Jen Lee, I love you!)

Maile, I second Kate's lament, but fear not. This shall happen again and we will give you a big group hug. It's on my Mondo Beyondo list.

[Gwen Bell]

Love, love, love you girls, your suite & your energy so hard. Thank you for being you.

[Irene]

I still can't believe it happened!

ditto what Kate and Sarah-Ji said. thank you Jen Lee so much for capturing this moment and Maile, we WILL meet, laugh and hug very, very soon.

[Grace]

I said this at the time, but I will reiterate here. You all created the single most hospitable, welcoming, and comfortable space at BlogHer. My experience would have been radically diminished had it not been for you, and I really, really appreciate it. Cheers for the Shutter Sisters!

[Denene@MyBrownBaby]

So, so sorry I missed your suite this year—it was so crazy at BlogHer I could barely focus on where to go next. Ah, but thank goodness for websites/blogs. I look forward to getting to know you right here in this beautiful space. Good luck on the trip—can't wait to see the pictures and hear the stories.

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