I took the red eye home last night so that I could spend some time with my family before heading to Kenya in a few days. My dahlia workshop was another success. We had so many different weather conditions, with light mist, rain, cloudy skies, sunshine-you name it! That resulted in raindrops on the flowers, interesting lighting and the best thing—cooler weather! I am not a fan of sweating my buns off while photographing.

I also had another really nice group. Everyone had a good time and we all had a lot of laughs too. I actually had a cramp in my gut from laughing so hard on our last dinner together!

The folks at Swan Island Dahlia have really fixed things up. They added a fancy she shed to house their dahlia bouquets. The test garden area has been redesigned for better flow and ease for photographers. I appreciate the families willingness to allow photographers there. We are always respectful to only enter and leave the parking area and display gardens while they are open.

It was nice to see “A Bloom a Day” photographer Diana Teeters who had taken this workshop 5 years ago with me return again for a second workshop after a long illness—she is doing great and her images reflect that. Take a look on her sight, she has already posted some of her dahlia shots. My friends Alan and Pay Lillich showed up for a day to lend support and visit. Marian Bodart from the Olympic Peninsula came for a few days too. Marian and her husband Michel edit my eBooks. Lori Moilanen, also from the Olympic Peninsula who has traveled with me a few times was there as well. I also got to finally meet up with Simone Kauffman from Toronto. Her friend Clare Coco, an accomplished singer joined the group as well and the two of them were a hoot! First timers Cathy Manning, Sonja Metius, Judy Musgrove and Billee Metz rounded out the group.

I’ve included a small sampling of the images that I created during the workshop-hope you like them.