The Fount Workshop Review

Last week, I spent 3 days with an incredible team of artists at the beautiful Serenbe, right outside of Atlanta, being inspired, catered to, and coached. The Fount Workshop was a photographer's dream getaway (honestly, Tiffany Farley confessed it was based on her idea of a dream workshop) and I am so very glad I made the investment to attend. 

Fifteen other motherhood photographers and I spent our time together observing while professional stylists and photographers collaborated to bring their visions to life. Between each of the five separate styled shoots, we also had the opportunity to learn that business money management isn't so bad from the very knowledgable (and sought-after) Shanna Skidmore. In addition, we gained valuable insight into the creative process of photographers as artists. This workshop leaned more towards relaxation, inspiration and encouragement to consider yourself an artisan versus equipping and training on the business and marketing side of things. Athlough, there truly was a bit of everything thrown in. I knew ahead of time that this workshop would be different. And in my case, different was oh-so-very good.

It is easy to lose a bit of your artist self when you have to approach your work from a business standpoint. Balancing numbers and customer service is a quick way to help you forget why you started doing this work in the first place. The Fount Workshop took me back to the heart of why I do what I do. The team embraced the differences of each attendee and encouraged us to continue being true to our own voice. They shared practical tools we can use to bring us back to the heartbeat of our work again and again. 

Some of my biggest takeaways were: 

• Rest is best... sometimes you have to take a step back and regroup in order to continue producing your best work.
• I'll be painting my studio walls white... not grey. 
• I'm going to beg my husband to let me also stain my studio floors white (ha!).
• Journaling is truly all it is cracked up to be.
• Client experience really does go a long way... (not that I ever doubted)... and I will be adding even more elements to the experience I offer my clients in the very near future.
• More session styling also coming to the Liz Cook Photography studio in the very near future.
• I've also already purchased a few more pieces for my client wardrobe as well.

Below are some of my favorite behind the scenes images from our time together. In the coming days I will be sharing images from each of the styled shoots we worked on. And also... this blog is coming back to life! :)

Doesn't it look heavenly? It really was. If you are looking for a workshop that will renew your artisan spirit, encourage you to keep being true to yourself, and equip you to reach your goals, I highly recommend The Fount Workshop. Tiffany, Rylee and Abany are skilled in their crafts and are passionate about encouraging other artists to find their why. This was the perfect blend of a momtog getaway and an inspiring retreat, with sprinkles of business wisdom on top. :) 

I am so grateful I made the investment to attend... and I totally plan to attend again in the future!

Liz is a wedding, family and birth photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph fun and easygoing couples in love as well as emotional and discreet birth stories and just about anything in-between.

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Lynchburg Mommy & Me Mini Session | Baby O

Meagan & olivia

mommy & me mini session

Can we say ginger?! Ah! I loved photographing these two beautiful ladies together! Baby O is such a sweet little girl and, as you will see, SO very loved! I had a great time getting to know her even if I did have to work extra hard to entice some smiles out of her. I love those babies that bring me a good challenge! :)

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together:

Liz is a wedding, family and birth photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph fun and easygoing couples in love as well as emotional and discreet birth stories and just about anything in-between.

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There are still a few spots available for the Mommy & Me Mini Sessions in May! Mini sessions make a wonderful Mother's Day and/or Father's Day gift! If you'd like more information, contact me!

My Postpartum Story | Maternal Health Matters

If you've been following me for a while, you are probably no stranger to The Motherhood Collective. This local non-profit is changing lives and I am one of their biggest fans. :) This month (through Mother's Day, May 8th) they are running a campaign to help raise funds to continue the great work they are doing. 

“Every day women around the world give of themselves to nurture and grow the next generation, yet statistics report as many as 1 in 8 women feel ISOLATED and ALONE in their journey from preconception to postpartum. By giving to our campaign, you will be investing in the very foundation of our community. ”

— Maternal Health Matters Campaign

I have set a goal to raise $500 through this campaign and I hope you will help me achieve my goal! Please read my story below about how TMC has personally helped me and deeply affected my life. If you feel led to give to this organization so that they can continue their impactful work, simply click here. 

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My Postpartum Story

Because of The Motherhood Collective, I had a safe place. 

I had a place I could go and connect with other moms. In this safe place, I didn't carry the burden of worry about breastfeeding in public, or letting a few tears of solidarity fall while listening to another mother discuss her new-mama challenges. I could ask for advice and not fear a condescending response, but rather receive support and encouragement. This group was truly a treasured place for me. 

For years, I attended The Motherhood Collective Cafe and enjoyed camaraderie, asked and even answered questions, and didn't feel quite so alone. 

But my story really begins years later. 

Four and half years after I first attended the cafe, I gave birth to my second child. After a few weeks of pure bliss and enjoying every moment of my brand new babymoon... my happy hormones faded away. I found myself in a constant state of anger... lack of patience... using my "cranky" words, as my then three-year-old would say. Sure, I was exhausted. And no, I wasn't sad. Just... impossible. My family was walking on eggshells and my husband began to lean more into his hobbies than his family. I started to become scared for our future together. My family was struggling because I was struggling.

My years at TMC had prepared me for this. 

Their informational panels, small group discussions and even recent blog posts had left more than a few important facts in my arsenal. Because of TMC, I knew sadness wasn't the only symptom of Postpartum Depression. After more than a few weeks of my family doing everything they could to help cheer me up, something triggered a breakdown. On the third day of (almost) non-stop crying, I called my midwife's office. I was able to be seen the very next morning and my midwife confirmed my fears: I had Postpartum Depression. I promptly received the help I needed. 

More than offering me a safe place, The Motherhood Collective saved me. 

Quite frankly, it saved my marriage. The power of knowledge and the cherished friendships I gained from attending the cafe and playgroups are, for lack of a better word, priceless. 

Motherhood and those early days of the postpartum season is a passion of mine. As a birth photographer, I have a unique opportunity to connect with moms during this fragile and short season of life, and you better believe every single client of mine receives a direct invitation to attend the next TMC cafe on my calendar. :) 

My goal for this campaign is to raise at least $500. If my story touched you or if you found it relatable in any way, I would love it if you would spare a few extra dollars to help continue to support this incredible non-profit. 

The work The Motherhood Collective is doing is saving lives.