Most of my wedding photographer friends are probably familiar with a chap by the name of Jonas Peterson, and of course his beautiful and emotive photography. Stumbling across his destination wedding photos a few years ago was absolutely instrumental in my decision to pursue wedding photography full time. His way of documenting and crafting a unique and authentic wedding story for his couples was something I instantly connected with. It wasn't his editing style, the amazing locations, the gorgeous brides or their stylish wedding gowns... It was simply the way his photographs made me feel.  

I've tried not to look at other wedding photography for inspiration, while I continue down my own creative path and find my own voice... I've never had any formal education in photography or attended any workshops in the hopes of learning some new trick or business strategy. I'm just not that interested in what the rest of the industry is doing. But I am often interested in why people choose to document weddings and what it means to them personally. So when I heard that Jonas was offering his 'A Greater Story' workshops around the world to share his story and ignite a passion for storytelling in others, I tried desperately to align my travel dates around one of his workshops. I couldn't quite scrape together the funds to his travel to his Sweden workshop. I missed him by two days in Vancouver. New Orleans clashed with a wedding, and travel plans wouldn't allow me to get to the workshop in my hometown of Adelaide.

Alas, our paths finally crossed on the beautiful North Island of New Zealand. 

I had never been to Auckland (or at least outside of the airport). So I figured attending the workshop would give me an excuse to go somewhere new and get back to what I first loved about photography - exploration, solitude, and time to reflect. All of which, I desperately needed. And I couldn't imagine a better place to do so.

As for the workshop portion of my trip... it was kind of like this...

Wooden boards creaked under the feet of fifteen or more like-minded creatives. We huddled around a table made from recycled pallets in the centre of an old weatherboard house. A large bay window pulled the outside in, and the soft New Zealand morning light filled the room. The bluish hue from the window clashed with the orange glow of tungsten bulbs that hung near the antlers of a mounted deer. Hot coffee in hand, ears perked and ready. Excited. So very excited, we waited. With enough nervous energy in the room to power the city of Auckland for a week, the low chatter fell to near silence as everyone was finally seated. Some on couches, some on salvaged church pews. Then, he spoke, softly but with confidence and enthusiasm. We heard his story. We nodded our heads as we listened, and forgot to blink at times. We laughed, some cried, but we all understood. That was the best part... understanding what it all meant. 

We ate too... oh man, did we eat?! Nothing brings people together like a family style meal. We passed around plates like we'd known each other for years. Aussie's, Kiwi's and a particularly proud Swede. We poured each other drinks and bonded. The word 'kinfolk' came to mind as we watched the sunset. It was perfect.

I can't speak too specifically on what I learned at the workshop, because everyone's experience is totally unique depending on how they connected with Jonas' story and philosophy, and the stories of others who attended. Plus, I'm still decompressing from the overall experience, which was a lot for me to comprehend considering how much it meant to meet someone I've considered my mentor from afar. What I can say is that it had very little to do with the 'how' of photography and business, and very much to do with the 'why'... which is vastly more important, I think. I learned more about myself than I thought I would, too. I found some validation in the choices I've made so far, and I also got the push I needed to commit to some personal projects I've contemplated for far too long.

My goal was to leave the workshop a better storyteller, but in all honesty, I think I left a better human being. Thank you, Jonas. I also must thank Si and Sophie of Bayly and Moore for being the raddest hosts ever. Their kindness knows no bounds.

I spent the next day alone with my camera, scouring the rugged west coast of New Zealand, searching for images, and for pieces of myself.

I believe I found them. 

The next day...