When I was a junior in high school I took photography 101 with Mr. Talley. We shot with 35mm black and white film that we developed and processed ourselves in the dark room. It is one of the few classes I remember *loving* in high school, but there was one part I absolutely hated: every other Friday we had to have 1 final print ready for critique. Mr. Talley would pin everyones prints to the board and go over what was technically right and wrong about each image, and as students we could choose our favorites and say what we liked and didn’t like about the collection. Even thinking about that now gives me anxiety. You’re really vulnerable when you put yourself and your work out there for everyone to see and critique, and that’s scary!

I used think those photography 101 critiques were the equivalent to photography meet-ups. SMUGs, PUGs and Shootouts induced the same amount of anxiety as pinning my image to the front board. Except now people weren’t just comparing what was technically right and wrong they were comparing boots and bags and gear and as soon as you exchanged business cards they were looking up your website and blog on their fancy iPhones. Talk about being vulnerable!

I am SO grateful to have found a group of local photographers at the South Bay PUG who do not fill me with anxiety every time I think of our monthly meet-ups… anymore. ;] Because of the community I have found in that group I was able to get together with my friend Lindsey of Laurel Isle Photography a few weeks ago to wander around Hermosa Beach and photograph a gorgeous couple just for fun. So, really it’s because of those Friday afternoon critiques that you get to see Hana & Chris up on the blog this morning, right? ;]

Happy Monday. ♥

It’s impossible to see their smiles and not smile. Right?