OMG, Ya'll, This is the Coolest Week EVER.

I knew this photography seminar would be great. Of course it would, right? Well, let me tell you.... It has exceeded my expectations on every front. It has been amazing. It has pushed my creativity, it has stretched my skills, and I am completely overwhelmed (in a good way!) with all the information, technology, project ideas and .... the list of equipment that I now feel like I can't live without. Holy cow, I thought I was pretty hot stuff walkin' around with my Nikon D300: NOT HERE. I'm the loser in the back with the shoddy lenses and the shutter release remote that is inoperable. *long, low whistle* You would not believe the equipment that a lot of these people have, we are talking absolutely gorgeous *full sensor* digital Canon and Nikon bodies and then these big, huge, shiny lenses. I am practically panting over this 105mm 1.8 Nikon macro lens and this big daddy 70-200mm f2.8 Nikon (that my new buddy Frank has been unbelievable kind and let me use most of the week), I want them that bad.

Of course, even with my crummy lenses, my camera body is amazing and I am more pleased than ever with it, since I now know how to use it in a dozen new ways that will keep me plenty busy shooting. Here are some more samples of goodies from this week.

All the flower pictures are from Caras Nursery, here in Missoula, where the Rocky Mountain School of Photography is located. The woodland trail is from Kootenai Wilderness Refuge, the rusty tires are from Garnet Ghost Town, and the sunrise photos are from the Lee Metcalfe Wildlife Refuge. We have been so many beautiful places this week.... I am just completely blown away and in love with Missoula. :)

One more thing: If you know my friend, Joanie, I have some bad news... her dear John is in chemo again and she is really starting to feel the financial strain from everything. She is such a ray of light to all the bloggers who know her and I would love to help her out right now, when she could really use a boost. Braja has very eloquently and kindly put up a post at Lost & Found In India, along with a Paypal button, for those of you that would like to help out, too. Thank you for keeping her and John in your thoughts and send them all the prayers and positive energy that you can spare!