Saturday, October 22, 2011

Forever sisters

Welcoming

What happens when 70 women converge in one place, hearts open, cameras in hand?

Magic. Pure magic.

That's the only way I know to describe the experience I had this week at the Shutter Sisters camp. We all arrived, not knowing anyone, not knowing what it would be, but just trusting. We believed that whatever happened SHOULD happen--and it was so much more than we ever imagined.

We quickly learned that it wasn't about the equipment, or our technical knowledge, or even our previous experience. It didn't matter who had the most expensive camera or the most impressive portfolio; what mattered was what our eyes could see and how we chose to express our point of view. It was the bonding of kindred spirits, of finding people who "get" you even though you've just met.

In the end, it wasn't even so much about the photos, though they give us a tangible way to remember the magic. It was about having permission to be who we are, to express our wishes and our fears, to know we are beautiful--and we belong.

P.S. Thank you Tracey, Jen and Myriam--and all the other sisters--for leading the way!

7 comments:

Mae said...

oh leslie i love this. thx so much for sharing. i felt much the same way and am so glad we could spend some time together. {hugs}

Siobhan Wolf said...

Yes, indeed. Perfect.

Kristin Zecchinelli said...

so good leslie. and i was so happy to meet you in person after all these years. XO!

Hillary said...

you are so right, pure magic! and pure seeing and being seen. thank you for this!

Corinna said...

Permission! I'm starting to think that's the key. Love your thoughts.

Vicki Knitorious said...

Very cool. A sisterhood is a pure treasure.

jackie said...

wow, oh wow, oh wow! i didn't realize that you got to participate in this!! i have no doubt, especially after reading your words that it was an experience of a lifetime! so glad you went!