It’s not every day that you get to have chips and salsa with an icon.
On Saturday, the kids (yes, all three of them) and I drove up to Denver to have lunch with Me Ra Koh. The woman needs no introduction, but for those of you out of the loop, Me Ra is an artist, mother, and motivational speaker who has spent the last nine years blazing a trail for women in photography. She is a regular guest (and go-to photography expert) on the Nate Berkus Show and has been featured on Oprah, Lifetime, and VH1. She has partnered with Sony, founded the SOAR! Scholarship Program for women, and maintains a website about “Photography for Real People.” That’s just the beginning, and it’s a lot to live up to.
I had spoken with Me Ra briefly on the phone as we tried to nail down a meeting spot, and her infectious personality just bubbled through, but I still wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I walked into Chipotle. She met me with a hug and immediately got down to preschooler height to interact with the boys. They adored her from the get-go … and so did I. Imagine effervescence, inspiration, drive, and poise, and there you have Me Ra.
We were there to talk about women and photography – the objectives that Clickin Moms shares with Me Ra for fostering passion and learning among women photographers, the way that we might be able to work collaboratively to help advance our common goals … BUT I have to admit – it felt more like a comfortable conversation with an old friend. In between bites of guacamole and the interjections of a chatty five year old, we discussed the importance of encouraging women to explore the way photography fits into their lives. We talked about the special relevance of photography for women – as a documentary tool, as a therapeutic outlet, as a social instrument, and (for some) as a professional opportunity — what means to (as Me Ra put it) “Shoot Like a Woman,” and the invaluable advantages of empathy, intuition, emotion, and attention to detail that female artists possess.
By the end of lunch, I had never felt so certain about the possibilities before us. Women are uniquely poised to become even more prominent contributors to the photography world, and no one is more aware of the transience of life’s moments than mothers, who see how quickly children grow and change, who breathe in all the little details of daily life, who recognize the nuances of emotion and expression that go unnoticed by many. Isn’t that what photography is all about? Capturing a moment in time? Seeing beauty where others pass it by?
The ability to view and appreciate the world differently is at the heart of artistic vision. Beyond that, it’s just a matter of helping to harness that vision and bringing it in line with technology. This is what we are striving to do: to help women believe that they can do it by making knowledge and tools more accessible; to provide the motivation to advance; and – above all – to encourage them to embrace their passion as artists and documentarians. I am so excited to see what Me Ra has in store for all of us and am thrilled that Clickin Moms is working to be a part of it.
Thanks so much for the inspiring conversations and fun afternoon (and for tolerating my crazy children!), Me Ra — I look forward to doing it again soon!!
How does being a woman and/or mom make you a better photographer? Let us know in the comments!! One lucky commenter will receive a copy of BOTH the CMbook Volume 1 (inspire) and Me Ra’s brand new book Your Baby in Pictures: The New Parents’ Guide to Photographing Your Baby’s First Year (just released today)! Get your comments in by midnight (ET) on Thursday, March 18!
WINNER!
We had so many heartwarming responses that inspired us, made us giggle and even brought us to tears. Our favorite response had to go to Stephanie Deckard:
I have always had a passion for photography, but becoming a mom really helped me hone my passion into something worth shooting. My children are my greatest inspiration, and capturing each day in their lives helps me grow as a photographer of other children. I know when to click because I know how fast they move! I know to capture tears, because one day they’ll look back and laugh at all of the silly things they cried over. I know that a “good” photo is not defined by a pose or a smile. Most of the time, I can only get pictures of my son playing because he’s too busy learning to look up at me. I know that the baby years go by way too quickly and someday, there will be things that I don’t remember that I wish I could. And when that day comes, I will have solid, tangible memories that will make me laugh, cry, ask myself “why did I ever buy that?”, and for a brief moment, those memories in my hand will take me back. Yes, being a mom makes me a better photographer, but I think that being a photographer really makes me a better mom <3.
Congratulations, Stephanie! Please contact me at Kathryn (at) clickinmoms (dot) com with your contact information so that I can get your books out to you.
Becoming a mother has been the greatest gift given to me, not once but twice. Being a woman and a photographer make me a better photographer because I see firsthand how life passes us by in an instant and photography allows us to stop time, even if for a brief moment to capture a look, a smile, a frown, a lost tooth, a new tooth. We can never get time back. We are constantly moving forward so I am here to do my best to capture those moments you will never have again…
Becoming mother has broken my life down and allowed me to build it back. I found myself through blogging and photography, I admire women like MeRa who are there to help other women down this path.
Being a woman, exposes me to an environment that would not be as comfortable for a man. I can photograph mothers and children interacting, and feel instantly welcomed.
What an amazing opportunity for you and us, Sarah. I love how the face of photography is changing. It's more accessible than ever and I'm thrilled to be a part of helping people become better photographers. 🙂 Thanks to MeRa for all she's done for women photographers everywhere <3
Being a mom has taught me the value of getting down to the "preschool level" for kids. It also has helped in that I participate in P365, which has bettered my photography!
i've had the fortunate opportunity to attend one of MeRa's workshops and she is just like you describe, "bubbly and giving" and full of dedication. She DOES have a laugh that can put a smile on anyone's face. Would love to see CM and MeRa work together on a project!!! What a great opportunity you had Sarah!
How exciting that you were able to spend time with her and learn some invaluable insights.
As a mom of 9 and one who sees this world through a much different lens than most I couldn't agree more about that women have a beautiful place in the world of photography!
Thanks for all you do to encourage Mom's Clickin' Mom I appreciate you!
What an exciting opportunity Sarah!
Being a woman/mom has helped me in every aspect of my photography. I think in general, woman value photography – particularly lifestyle – more than men and as a woman I think I intrinsically know the basic needs and wants of my female clients.
I really am inspired by MeRa, not just her photography, but by her as a human being. Awesome article!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing the meeting/lunch with us! I think that, as a mom, I am a better photographer because I simply appreciate the little things everyday and want to capture that moment in time.
I think being a mom makes me a better photographer because I see the changes that happen almost daily. I notice the little things that my husband see. If I didn't try to capture those moments, who would? Also, having children of your own helps you to connect instantly with other moms…you already have something in common!
After having 4 kids I'm unflappable. I'm much better at rolling with it and understanding normal kid behavior. I also see the beauty in the moments in a way I never could before kids!
Such a great opportunity!
What an amazing opportunity! I'm so excited to see what's in store for us.
What a fantastic opportunity, and how incredibly inspiring! Being a mom and a photographer has made me not ever want to miss a moment – whether it be an ordinary, everyday one or an extraordinarily special one. Thanks for sharing your awesome outing and the fun photos with all of us!
I think being a mom and a photographer helps me to see the moments that most people would just let pass by. When I shoot, I'm not always looking for the perfect smile photo, I'm looking for the shot that shows who that child is. As a mom, the photos I love the most are the ones where their true personality and quirky looks come out.
Being a woman makes me more compassionate in my work, I think. Women tend to be more empathetic so I pick up on the feelings and personalities of my subjects and work to pull that out in my work.
Thanks for an amazing and inspirational post! I'm ready to go shoot.
Being a woman in photography allows me to bring emotion, empathy, and warmth into my photography where I feel it. I have always prided myself on being an intuitive person, someone who drives forward on feelings and tries to imspire others to do the same. While being a woman helps me in photography, photography helps me as a woman… forcing myself to notice the small details and take an even greater joy in things like perfectly manicured lawns, and giant puddles, and baby drool.
Somewhere along the lines the two are becoming one and I'm not sure which influences the other more.
I think it helps know what shots a mom would want. Since it is usually the mothers that make selections of images and such, we seem to know which images to capture, and in turn which ones the moms will love. Moms love the details, the in between moments when you catch that face when they look like daddy, or that smile that they only give to those they trust or love. That's what makes my day.
LOL, where do I start?
I think first of all, when you shoot with love it shows through your photos. And I think that being a mom teaches you to love in a way that is impossible to learn anywhere elses.
Also, I think it helps you to see beauty in the little everyday moments. Life is such a wonder to kids, and when you're a mom, you get to experience and see little glimpses of that wonder, and (hopefully) can catch it in photographs.
Finally, being a mom teaches you how to interact with children. How to bring out their natural selves that you can then caputre in a picture.
Being a mom is the best!!!
Being a mom has allowed me to recognize the moments that may not be exactly picture perfect but are the moments you definitely want to capture in your mind forever. The one-eyebrow lift, the pouty face, the belly laugh with their dress up to their waist…
Very cool! Being a mom has taught me patience and also a little more insight into a child's world and what typically makes them tick. This is extremely helpful during a photo session. Connecting with a child totally allows you to capture their world and their personality.
I think that being a mom and a photographer has allowed me to forever capture moments that many moms are too busy or harried to catch. I've also been able to advise new moms on how to photographer their young ones, get on their level, look at things from a different point of view. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Its the perspective I think. Being a Mom has given me empathy & perspective something I never really dealt with before I had my son
I think being a woman and a mom really helps to inspire me to capture all the little moments in life. The things that pass by so quickly – but that you want to capture and hold onto. One of my favorite quotes has inspired me to do just that: "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
I always wanted to be on the "front side" of the camera before becoming a mom. 🙂 I remember about 3 months after having my first child thinking how amazing the "switch" to behind the camera felt. Like I had control over which memories I could preserve forever. I find it such a privilege to document my kids lives!
First of all, Me Ra is a superstar! Love her!
As a woman/mom, you can ask your clients if you can stand on their bed and straddle them (to get a shot of the family lying together) and they say "yes." I learned that from Me Ra. 🙂
Sarah and Kathryn! I'm so honored by your beautiful post today, and by all the lovely comments women have left! Thank you so much!
This is such an AMAZING community! As women, we are so strong when we stand together. We are unstoppable when we know that we are not alone.
The last seven years have been such an explosive journey that you can read about on my website under About Me Ra. And in all the adventures, I've received crazy emails about what I'm "doing" to the industry and fellow pros. I would say that most of them are awesome, but there are a handful that have been full of anger. And I've often wondered, how can there be any room for anger when women feel empowered, stronger, creative, recognized, and most of all witness their voice–their beautiful voice–being heard. But not everyone shares these feelings, and yet, it should never stop any of us. I've learned that when you stand for something you believe in, you must expect the world to push back!
It's the "push back" that so many of us experience and then it causes us to wonder if we are in left field. Ladies, if you feel the "push back" from overly critical friends or negative Nelly's, close your eyes and look to the right and left of you. You are not alone. I'm with you and countless other women. And together, we are creating a new thing that is raw, beautiful and fulfilling for not only us but the ones we love.
Where are we going with it all? As women, we have this wonderful freedom to not need to know. We invite the creative process b/c our whole body was designed to create–we know that what is formed in the dark, is not threatening but full of mystery and wonder.
There is so much I could say, but most of all, I can't wait to get to know all of you better. I'm so proud to be part of such an awesome community like this, and together, may we continue to break sound barriers in the industry–and when the lies creep in and say we are losing time with our kids b/c we are pursuing dreams that are selfishly for ourselves, may we pull together and say "NO!" to that lie b/c the truth is that we are showing our kids the path to following a dream that has yet to unveil how BIG it can be! The path is hard at times, celebratory at other times, and always asking us to risk, risk, risk. But imagine our kids' generation, our babies, knowing that it's okay to risk for something you believe in–and they know how to do it b/c they saw their mama do it over and over again. And when she fell, they saw her get up. And when she cried and questioned everything that she was doing, they saw her start again the next morning. This is a gift that will change your babies' life. Don't let the lies have any say.
Much love and cheers to Shooting Like a Woman!
xoxo,
Me Ra
I have always had a passion for photography, but becoming a mom really helped me hone my passion into something worth shooting. My children are my greatest inspiration, and capturing each day in their lives helps me grow as a photographer of other children. I know when to click because I know how fast they move! I know to capture tears, because one day they'll look back and laugh at all of the silly things they cried over. I know that a "good" photo is not defined by a pose or a smile. Most of the time, I can only get pictures of my son playing because he's too busy learning to look up at me. I know that the baby years go by way too quickly and someday, there will be things that I don't remember that I wish I could. And when that day comes, I will have solid, tangible memories that will make me laugh, cry, ask myself "why did I ever buy that?", and for a brief moment, those memories in my hand will take me back. Yes, being a mom makes me a better photographer, but I think that being a photographer really makes me a better mom <3
"And when she fell, they saw her get up. And when she cried and questioned everything that she was doing, they saw her start again the next morning." This has me all choked up – and inspired. Again. <3
First of all I LOVE Mera. She has been a huge inspiration to me in the past 1 1/2 years. Not only because she is a great photographer. But, she infuses hope & courage in all she does! I am so blessed to have our paths cross!
As women, I think we are more in touch with emotions that give us the ability to see the world around us in a way that most men typically do not. Doors have been opened for us to capture this love through photography. Being a mom, only opens up more of these emotions. We experience so many feelings during, pregnancy, birth & holding our babies & staring at them for hours. Because of this, we know the little things we would want to capture & remember about pivotal times in life or in relationships. Women see the fine details and because of our sensitivity, we can have the ability to capture raw emotions of life that would want to be treasured forever.
ugh – THIS!
“And when she fell, they saw her get up. And when she cried and questioned everything that she was doing, they saw her start again the next morning.” This has me all choked up – and inspired. Again. <3
Posted by Sarah Wilkerson | March 15, 2011, 5:58 pm"
Great post, great women, great photos (love the b/w with Me Ra & your boys, Sarah!)
Being a mom allows me to bring what I would would want to the table. Pictures I wish I had or that I treasure now.
I live Me Ra! What an inspiration!
Me Ra is one of a kind…I'm fortunate to have attended her workshop in 2007 which was the first step towards thinking BIG with my 7 year old photography business. Since then, I've ran full page ads, had feature weddings published and found my confidence to grow beyond my imagination. Her energy can spark any little light you may have glimmering as a woman who wants to live more deeply, happily, creatively.
Me Ra is an amazing woman, mom and friend..and much more. She is such an inspiration and so genuine and real. She has met so many woman through her journey, yet when she meets you…she speaks to you and with you and it feels like you have been friends forever. She honestly cares and wants to know you. Not many people actually SEE you…Me Ra does. xoxo
Ok to answer I feel being a mom makes me the photographer that I am because as a mom you feel so much for your own children and families…you see how fast time slips away and all those moments that are gone in an instant…it inspires me to capture those sweet moments for the families I am lucky enough to meet. And being a mom I know how the crazyness of life happens and we sometimes over look those tiny moments in everyday life that mean so much when we do have a moment to SEE them. I love to capture those moments as well…to make their hearts stop and a happy tear fall that they have it on film forever. xo
I remember seeing Me Ra on The Nate Berkus Show a while back where she spoke of the simple things that mothers could do to take better photos of their children (I remember her going over the use of window light and turning off that flash)- in this day and age where websites keep popping up, telling people why they are not photographers, the negative tones towards MWACs, and the overall negativity of this industry, it is so, so refreshing to see someone like Me Ra speak out and truly ENCOURAGE.
As a mom/photographer (and also wife/student/individual!) I have been allowed to see the beauty of life and relationships. When you become a mother, your heart turns to mush. It's just a fact 😉 Every moment where I have my camera in my hand, I am searching for the beaty of relationships and moments. I'm not saying that men CAN'T do it, because that's simply not true, but being a mom has afforded us an advantage. Many men bring passion and power to their photography, but some of the most special, heart warming images come from women and mothers.
Being a mother has made me infinitely more patient.
Being more patient means I'm able to wait to find the right time to click the button.
Amazing interview!!
I love Me Ra and all she does. I would love to win. Being a mom helps me see little things that are important to my children and then I try to photograph them so they can always remember. Love both, being a mom and taking photos!
I think being a mother you know what it is that needs to be remembered. My older kids will quite often discuss things that happened years earlier that they remember because the photographs prompted them to, memories that would otherwise have been forgotten.
I don't need to win, I already have a copy. I just wanted to say I'm a little jealous. MeRa is so dear to me, but she lives to darn far away to have lunch with. And as all of the comments above reflect – she is one of the most amazing women I have ever met and every bit of her is genuine to the core.
And her book is AMAZING!!!
Ladies, if you don't win, go buy it. You won't be unsatisfied at all.
Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous lunch date with us! As a woman (and a mom) I think I am able to capture more emotional moments and use my appreciation of the little things and memories I don't want lost (ex. chubby toddler hands, bedhead, etc.).
Me Ra is such a beautiful person, inside and out! She has such a giving heart and passion for empowering women. She is the real deal!
As a woman and mother it makes me a better photographer to have eyes to see a very pregnant woman who wants to feel beautiful and not fat and bloated, to see a post-pregnancy mom that wants beautiful touching photos of she and her newborn with a body that has not had time to go back to "normal", and to see that every mom wants a visual of themselves loving their children and family. As moms we cuddle, love, care for, and serve our families the most, but usually get photographed the least. I LOVE for mothers to see themselves loving their families in photos.
Being a mom has greatly influenced me as a photographer. It has inspired me to want to learn to take better pictures of my children and others' children as they grow, saving each precious moment for years to come. And in return, photography has allowed me to find myself again, when it's so easy to lose track of who you are in motherhood.
Being a mother has helped my photography tremendously because I realize how short all the phases of childhood are. Taking pictures of my kids helps me to slow down life and appreciate how lucky I am to be a mom. Getting properly exposed images is one thing, but capturing the spirit of a little child is priceless!
Moms are in a unique position to be stewards of their family's memories, and having the ability to document our day-to-day lives in photographs makes us clickin' moms so incredibly valuable in keeping our family's histories alive for generations to come. While I still have a lot to learn technically, I know my photography has significantly improved once I became a mom because of my sense of obligation to document our lives.
Wow! What a great article! I've had the honor of attending one of Me Ra's Confidence workshops and I felt that your article perfectly conveyed what Me Ra is all about! She is such an inspiring, phenomenal woman!
Being a mother makes me a better photographer because I have the ability to discover the world anew through the eyes of my child. I get to share in the wonder and delight as she experiences new things.
As a woman I naturally tend to see the little things that make up life. As a mother of three I am given a million of those precious moments. As a photographer I am able to see and capture some of these moments in my life as well as others.
My boys are my inspiration – period! If it weren't for them, I would have never gotten an awesome camera, an awesome lens, and forced myself to shoot in manual only! So if it weren't for them – I wouldn't enjoy photography the way I do today!! 😀
I was always 'interested' in photography, but as soon as my daughter was born and I became a mom for that first time I suddenly started to see everything differently. Everything had more beauty to it, had character, my daughter showed me what it was to love and not judge and patience and all the other emotions that come with photography. Slowly friends and family started asking me to do their pictures, then i started taking classes and reading any books i could to better myself and get a business off the ground. I am so in awe with Me Ra and her work, not only photographs but the way she touches people. Me Ra inspires me beyond words.
I am ever inspired to keep reaching for my dreams whenever I read anything from MeRa!! Thank you for everything you do to inspire me!
As a mom I have a unique ability to bring a tender/emotional experience into the way I shoot, edit, create art. It isn't about the 'say cheese', it is about capturing the feeling of that moment, that stage of growing, and the unique qualities that bind our hearts together forever through an image.
I'm so excited to have MeRa energy and experience join CM! Thank you, Sarah, for the great interview. 🙂
I think being a Mom makes me a better photographer by having an innate sense of emotion, especially for children.
As a mom {and a woman} I think we are wired to see/feel deeper than average people. I think we can sense in children when something is fun/scary/exciting/boring and take from those emotions the raw and real child. None of this "say cheese" "look over here" "put you chin up" "put your hand here", not that I don't do bits of that, but bringing out the authentic child is easy when you have children of your own. Allowing kids to be kids {and being a kid around them} is a joy I will never get tired of! Every stage is fun and exciting and different, there is never a dull moment, every session is new {even at the same venue and sometimes even with the same family} … I love the dynamic of being a Mother and what it brings to my photography experience.
What a wonderful gift you had meeting and spending time with Me Ra … and thank you for documenting and letting us play voyeurs!!
I think just know what I wish I had photos of makes it easier to determine what might touch other people. Yes, I want to see the one-year-old smashing cake. But I also want to remember those baby teeth, and the way she crossed her legs under her high chair like a little lady, and the curls that were getting too long in front, because she had never had a haircut….
Before I was a mom, I loved photography, but I felt like my photos were for the sake of other people to admire. Now that I'm a new mom, I'm realizing that I'm taking photos for "me" to admire. If other people like them, then it's an added bonus!
Because my son can do anything and I wamt to capture the moment in time. I want to capture the expressions and the feelings of his childhood and I think photography does that. I am constantly looking at new ways to take his picture. I think he has almost gotten to the point that when I get the camera out, he runs. I love photography and motherhood and they both go hand in hand.
It gives me a multitude of adorable opportunities to practice!
Being a wife and a mother opens your eyes to real emotion. It is like spending your life coloring with crayons and then discovering oil paints.
Realising its the unusual moments which are also great to capture, any tantrums which happen on the shoot! Also its learning through your own children to let them play and capture more natural images. Mostly though it relaxes parents as they realise that you know exactly how they feel and you've dealt with it all before.
Photography has given me back a lot of "me" after feeling like I was only "mom" for a few years. It is only through finding the "me" again that I have been able to find the energy and dedication to improve my skills.
women are inherent creators – thats the way they are made – even before they are moms. And if they are mom's as well, it is an awakening to that aspect of creativity within them. With a camera in their hands and some inspiration from places like clickin moms – what else can one expect but stunning clicks 🙂
You learn that it is not only a smile that makes a good picture. It is the feeling and the moment that is important.
♥
I think women in general "see" with their hearts. Some of us can speak or write very well about what we see, but others may not be quite so good with words. I know I'm not. So when I found photography, I found a way of expressing what I see and feel in my heart through my pictures, in a way that I have never been able to before. It was a new and surprising outlet for me at this point in my life. I have two beautiful grandsons that make my heart sing every day, and to be able to capture them in pictures to show others the emotions they evoke in me is very rewarding.
As a mom, I not only recognize the beauty and joy in everyday moments but I have also become more connected to nature and humanity. I want to capture those precious moments and expressions in my family's life as well as our beautiful home, gardens, animals, and nature. I know that my passion for photography is positively influencing my children in many ways, too. Life is beautiful!
I only hope to capture a few of the moments of pure joy and energy my now 4 yr old twins possess. This is what has compelled me to become a better photographer since they were born.
As a mom, I have 3 subjects to practice my photography skills on!
Being a mom and photographer encourages me to inspire others to capture their children and families, because time passes so quickly and our minds forget so much!
I'm a better photographer (mid-motherhood) because I plan-plan-plan my sessions, but then go with the flow when a session doesn't go the way I originally anticipated. Parenthood has spurred me to look ahead, and then be more relaxed when there are little bumps in the road.