Seville is a beautiful place but the food and service is really bad, at least that was our experience. On the other hand, the workshop was probably my best and a huge success! Not because of the images I produced or the location but because this workshop impacted people at a deeper level, heck I even went deeper than expected!
I wasn't sure how my new lecture "7 Principles for Living the Extraordinary Life" was gonna go over. This was the first time I spoke on life skills but after doing workshops for over a year now, I noticed the need for vital life tools to help many of us get to that next level which have nothing to do with photography. Once I began to share about my wife and extraordinary relationships... it all hit me like a ton of bricks, all within 2 seconds while giving my presentation. I realized that just a few years ago, I felt so alone and in the very dark pit of life (
www.scottrobertstory.com) and then suddenly realizing the present- I was having the time of my life, earning a living with my passion and sharing it with amazing friends in a beautiful and foreign place like Seville. I couldn't believe the complete transformation of my life and I felt like the most blessed man alive and I owe it all to my wife- her love, support and sacrifice, I was there in Spain, France, London, Korea, Canada, NYC, Miami, Mexico, etc. living my dream. The blessing I felt was too much for me and I started to break down and weep tears of joy. I was so moved to see that there wasn't a dry eye in the house and I knew the workshop was going to enter a new level. Heck, that was part of only principle #3 and was wondering how I was going to get through the rest!
Bandele surprised me by speaking at the end of the lecture on behalf of the class and said some really nice words about my family and how much he enjoyed seeing that side of my life.
I am very privileged to help people in their life journey in very significant ways and when people tell me that the week has changed their life, it is one of the most rewarding experiences along with seeing them succeed and produce images of quality, many times better than what I could have produced. It is nice to make people feel good but I also need to see fruit, to know that I am a good teacher- people producing stunning images, doing well with their business, living the extraordinary life.
I learned something about myself in Spain. On the plane ride home, I thought about my direction and where I want to go with my photography. I do like creating art and striving to be a great photographer but what is even more rewarding to me is making other people great. I think that is my overall calling in life. I see myself as an educator that happens to be an artist. The two were pulling and tugging in my soul- my need to be a great artist and my need to make others great. What will I choose, how can I do both? I have come to the realization that I can't focus on both, I have too much on my plate like most of us- a husband and father of two, soon to be three, a wedding photographer, an educator, a fine art photographer, business owner, visionary, etc.
My direction is now clearer- I want to be a world class educator first and artist second. I feel I can do both at a high level and one will feed the other but I needed to figure out what is first in my life. Yes, I will continue to strive to be a great photographer but my biggest passion is to help others live the extraordinary life we all dream about- follow your passion and fly. I am so proud of many of my students who have come a long way in their development! I know for a fact many students are more talented than I and starting to produce work that is completely amazing.
I am so looking to a better and bigger year of workshops in 2009 and you can just ask those who have attended many of my workshops- they just keep getting better and better. I want to thank everyone who sacrificed so much to be in Spain with me, even the spouses and family who stayed at home to make it possible for their loved ones to go to this workshop. A special thanks to our models: Vanessa (self proclaimed #1 groupie), Nina (self proclaimed #2 groupie), Johanna, Yelitza, Kitty, Kate and Mandi our fab make-up and hair artist. How I get beautiful and talented women to follow me around the world is amazing to me and feel eternally grateful!
We had such an amazing time in Spain, it is hard to describe the bond and community we lived in for one glorious week. The community that we are creating will be a force to reckon with I believe, slowly but surely. When people start to cry when we say our goodbyes, I know there is something special with our group. The perfect environment for learning, sharing, being inspired. Somehow the adventure of discovering new things together is an incredible bonding experience. Thanks to everyone for giving me another week I'll never forget!
To read more about my workshop from the perspective of a student, go to
Lyssa's blog!
MORE PICTURES AND SLIDESHOW ON THE WAY SOON!!!!
new pics!
MyFREEstuff
Comments (17)
Just beautiful!!
Hey Scott ,
As I metioned on my blog!! Paris was phenomenal Spain just hit the mark on a deeper level..Your lecture on the 7 principles of living an extraordinary life was ( I am still looking for words) --I cried so much during and after the session .. Tears of pain being release but tears of joy realizing that i was at the right place at the right time finally -- I did not want to be anywhere else ..I was engaged and living fully in the present ..I asked some people around me when I got back.. most told me that they NEVER EVER felt this way in their lives...
... THANK YOU SCOTT .. When I met you initially I knew that I was going to be mentored by an amazing artist well in Spain I discovered that Scott Robert was also an amazing educator, mentor, life coach etc..
As you know ....I am going through some major transformation in my life .. I am so glad that our paths have crossed ..I feel stronger and a lot more confident about the new direction in my life ..In addition I also feel like I am becoming a better person .. with every single exchange I have with you and this outstanding community .... I know for sure that 2009 ++ years are just phenomal years to come for the SR community I am so glad that I will have the privileged to contribute and be a part of this REVOLUTION!! Thank you Scott .. and thank Stacey for believing in your man .. you too are an inspiration and role model for us
L
I missed out on Spain but I echo everything Lyssa has said!! I too am ready for more....
Thanks Scott - Spain was a phenomenal trip! I believe we all came away from that trip with new inspiration and ideas regarding our future and how to realize our vision. Kudos to our models, and especially Mandi, our stylist who made everything pop! Great memories with exceptional people - can't wait to see you all again.
Kudos to everyone who learned and came away with so much from your seminar trip. Now the hard part...making a living and trying to survive in our economy that is sucking the lifeblood out of every single American here.
So far all the images I saw on the sites of your students were all amazing and I can see how they not only learned lighting from you, but to also feel the mood when they were shooting. They created rather than just snapped away.
You are a great teacher and artist and we always need great teachers. Here's to whatever tomorrow brings!
R
@Borelfoto - Do you want to know the truth?? My students are doing WAY better than their peers and are getting book all over the world. Business is tough on everyone but my students are doing well above average, some have been only photographing less than a year and doing WAY better than what I was doing and getting booked in exotic destinations like Italy, Cuba, South of France, Hawaii, etc. Yes, we are in a tough market but my workshops give them the tools to succeed in hard economic times. Thanks for your concern Randy and your kind comments!
@scottrobert - Thats great news Scott. I wish them all the best. Here in Northern California there are some doing just ok, and then others with no work or calls at all. I think your students learning from a high end artistic shooter such as you, will do well and I think we all need to work on getting destination weddings and having clients book us over the phone. These are going to be some really hard times over the next few years and those who can ride out these economic problems will be the next generation of shooters who will be teaching and getting all the work. Some will succeed and some wont, thats a fact, but they all have one big thing in common....they are much younger than you and I and they have time to grow. I can't wait to see more images from your students on yours and their blogs!
R
Like I said Scott, you are an extraordinary person and you have an extraordinary gift that you are willing to share with other people! It has truly been an honour getting to know you as a photographer but even more so as friend. I've had the privelage of attending all your workshops this year and witnessed how you've changed around peoples lives in the same way you did mine. Spain was an unforgettable experience for all of us and I think we all learnt something new about ourselves. I know whatever direction you decide to take from here on in will be the right one and as ever you'll have the loving support of your family and all your friends, me included!! Keep living the extraordinary life!
scott,
I am at lost for words on how blessed I am to have you in my life. I love that you share not only photography and your passions but you share your LIFE, you struggles, you become more so REAL where people can truly relate and it bridge a gap for people who meet you for the first time. They connect with you and you with them. You are God sent for many of us in this life. I'll never forget many of the converstations I had with you. I still remember the talk you were giving me about how others are relying on my passion and success for their inspiration. By me pursuing my dream I am in other ways influencing and change ohter peoples lives too. Its so true. The story, struggle and accomplishments of one man (that being you) can affect a world of people. God has so much in store for you and so much more for many of us who want and seek that extra-ordinary life. No matter the cost, the struggle, the joy, whatever it is I know it will always be worth it in the end. Too many of us settle for the status quo. I know God has so much more for us if we ask and are receptive to listening to Him and following his voice in FAITH. I am still learning all this but as far as I know I wouldnt trade any of my life experiences for ANYTHING. I am forever changed. I came back from Spain a different person. I never saw so much of what I experience coming and I now see for the first time in my life a clearer direction. I have more courage, self confidence in my career and just in life. I've never felt so right about what I am doing in life. Its really a beautiful thing and I thank God for bring you into my life. Ive met so many extra ordinary people on this journey and have never lived the way I am living now. I feel so alive. I feel free. I feel at peace. Even though I don't know what the future maybe later I know God will always provide and its something I've only come to realize now. Thank you. I have so much I need to write about and think about but I thought you and the rest of the world should know how much you have impacted my life.
Hi Scott,
Your frankness and honesty are inspiring. Beautiful image too.
Christine
Thank you Scott.
It's a pity that I was not there to hear you share... seems like a lot of fun and growth and just mmm a complete package of everything from your blog as well as facebook photos. I hope one day, I would be able to attend one of your workshops
)
As you might have realized when visiting my page a couple of weeks ago...(how I put you on my inspiration list :p). You've woken up the artistic side of me that I've been trying so hard to shut inside and try to focus on things i really need to do. But after looking at your images...and few others very talented photographers as well... I just could not resist but to take my camera and start snapping random pictures...
) I'm still trying to finish off my degree, which is totally unrelated to art/photography...but now I am happy because I know what I want and can do... I'm slowly doing more to feed my artistic side and not try to "shut" it like before...because doing it makes me happy and i can even focus more when it is time to study hee hee. So, really... thank YOU (^^) It's "funny" how I've crossed your path on xanga 
just amazing...
I believe that for success to be achieved, there would have to be a few falls... I will never forget your stories, and will continue to "stalk" you hahaha... both on xanga + facebook
)
I also want to thank you and your wife, Stacey...for being such strong beings and hung in and not gave up during the toughest times! You guys are great people!!! hee hee.
For many great blessings in the future... Cheers! (^^)/
C
Hey Scott!
Congrats on Seville!
You should consider doing a workshop in Asia *cough* Korea*cough* and I would totally attend. xD
@BandeleZuberi -
@tdaddie -
@saphoto -
Just wanted to tell you how blessed to have you as my friends. I know together we are starting a revolution, a force that will change the face of status quo. I look forward to our future together!!! Thanks again for your encouragements and wonderful words!
Hey Scott...that is a beautiful image and a great entry. I would have to say that for as long as I have known you, you have always dreamt of being an educator. And with the jouney that God has brought you through I would have to agree that your number one calling is to be a great teacher and mentor. I know that you always strive for excellence and I know that you put this along with your teaching efforts. I am seeing how you are truly impacting the lives of so many. Showing people not only how to create great images and art but really how to live a life of meaning. So keep moving ahead...you are creating a great wake behind you!
Scott, it is amazing how God brings people together. I had no idea the depths to which this workshop would go. I keep on having to tell people that it was about so much more that just creating awesome imagery. With your teaching, the models and the backdrop that was almost to easy. But how do you put into words the community and passion of every individual there. As well, trying to describe the passion you have for us as students to pursue that extraordinary life. To be the best. To not compromise. To not let anything stand in our way. I don't find it surprising that you have come to this realization regarding what God has in store for you. You are an amazing teacher, mentor and life coach. You instill in us the skills and passion to be great. This is one of your gifts. And of course your imagery. Thank you so much for an incredible week. Thank you so much for your openness, honesty and desire to take me and all of us to the next level. Until the next one.
wow, that is a magnificent photo. beautiful.
Inspiring! Praying I can attend one of your workshops next year
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