Large celebratory group gathered in golden field at sunset with white horse visible in background.

Into the light workshop and photoshoot - Santa Ynez, CA


I have said this before and I will say it again, I am amazed at the opportunities that I had in 2021 after finally deciding to take the plunge and start my photography business. It was something that was always in the back of my mind, but also that I never thought I could do. I don't know why! I talk about taking risks and doing hard things all of the time to my kids, but for some reason it never occurred to me that I could do it. But I finally stopped making excuses and I am so glad I did!


This one day educational workshop and styled shoot was hosted by Lauren of Lauren Maeve Photography. Earlier in 2021 I was really wanting to connect with other photographers and wanted to find a styled shoot to attend. Not long after that I happen to find Lauren on Instagram. AND she was talking about the workshop she was hosting to be held in November! It must have been fate!


Lauren's photography education has been amazing!! She now heads a group called The LMP Collective, an educational group for the equestrian and ranch photographer (if you are a photographer, look her up!). The people I connected with during the workshop are amazing and I am so glad to call many of them part of my tribe. We cheer each other on and support each other in a world where it can be a little scary to put yourself out there.


Below are a few of my favorite images from the Into the Light Workshop held in November 2021. I can't wait for the 3 day workshop to be held in November 2022!


Romantic outdoor table setting with floral centerpieces, candles and yellow table runner at sunset.
Elegant wedding table decorated with burgundy and peach floral arrangements and golden table runner.
Rustic wooden table with yellow runner and floral centerpieces in glass vases for outdoor dining.
Rural outdoor dining setup with wooden table and chairs under an oak tree in golden field.
Lush floral centerpiece with pink, burgundy and white blooms in concrete vessel with trailing greenery.
Person arranging items on a brown blanket outdoors in a field with sunlight.
Rustic wooden chair with woven seat holding a romantic bouquet of burgundy and pink flowers with greenery and ribbon.
Wedding stationery and small gift boxes arranged on dark surface with pink ribbon and rose petals.
Person organizing papers and items on brown blanket in sunny outdoor setting.
Yellow fabric napkin artfully draped across light blue stacked plates on wooden table.
Vintage wooden chair with floral bouquet against a dreamy golden field with oak trees in soft focus.

Above: Lauren is, in my opinion, the flat lay queen! I snapped a couple photos of her in her element, demonstrating how she arranges a flat lay for a wedding.

Below: Models: Abby Sanchez, Cole Nelson, Charlie Taupin, Weslie Kirks, Lane Lowry, Jenna Smeenk Clothing: Devine Supply Red dress: Coffman Couture Wedding Dress: The Wandering Dresses Location: Chamberlin Ranch Classroom Location: Eco Mama Farms Makeup: Tami Bernard Makeup Table: Wild Arrow Designs Andalusion horses: Amanda Rivas

A western-themed couple poses with their horses against a cloudy sky.
A romantic couple embraces near their horses in a sunlit field.
A couple in western wear stands intimately by their horse under a large tree.
A western couple shares an intimate moment while horseback riding at sunset.
A couple poses with their horses in a sun-drenched field with trees.
A romantic western-themed photoshoot with a majestic brown horse in golden sunlight.
A white horse rearing dramatically in a sunlit field with western-styled fashion and warm lighting.
A majestic white horse stands beside western fashion in golden sunlit field.
A white horse rears up gracefully in a sun-drenched field during golden hour.
A white horse leaps gracefully in a golden sunlit field with trees in the background.
A majestic white horse grazes in a sun-drenched field with oak trees in the background during golden hour.
Beautiful white horse stands with companions in a golden sunlit meadow with oak trees.
White horse poses majestically in a golden California meadow with rolling hills and oak trees.
A gorgeous white horse stands gracefully in a sun-drenched field at sunset.
A stunning bridal portrait in a dreamy golden meadow with oak trees at sunset.