The 4Cs Convention

“What if I told you a simple Photography process with three letters could change your life forever?”

That was the first line of my presentation to the 4Cs Convention during my HDR Mastery Course.  As silly, surreal, or maybe even to some, stupid as that sounds it’s the truth.

In the simplest frame of thought, I am where I am because of a photography process.  A little over 5 years ago I started EverydayHDR with one main goal.  My goal was to teach the everyday Photographer that they too could make awesome images with a variety of HDR processes.

I had a dream back then that one day I would be teaching at seminars and workshops around the United States.  It was far-fetched as many with a sound mind would believe.  But was it really?  And what is a sound mind?

I am writing this as I fly back from Walla Walla Washington after a wonderful weekend at the 4Cs Convention.  The 4Cs Convention is a gathering of  camera clubs in the Pacific Northwest (Columbia Council of Camera Clubs, 4Cs).  This is a gathering of some of the finest photographers and photography I have ever seen.  The talent in this group far exceeded my expectations and led me to question why they wanted me there! Really, their work is that exceptional.

I was greeted by everyone with unprecedented hospitality with much gratitude going to Lori, one of the event coordinators whom I have been in contact with over the last year about the conference.  She even went well out of her way to pick me up from the airport and escort me to and from the convention, amidst her intense schedule.

It was a bustling weekend that seemed to go by very quickly.  On Friday I went on a photo field trip to a winery, Tero estates.  Then spoke for an hour on the basics of HDR Photography, followed by a photowalk in Downtown Walla Walla.  The night ended at a phenomenal Italian joint, Jacobi’s, where I ate Halibut for the first time in nearly 5 years!

On Saturday morning I spoke for another hour.  This time about the basics of editing HDR images.  Shortly after the talk I took off on an impromptu trip to the Palouse with HDR Insider’s, Rick Diffley and Jerry Johnson.  This was an awesome photo excursion that took us on all kinds of back roads through the Palouse that very few have ventured.  Much appreciation to Jerry for his selfless acts of driving and sharing his photo locations.

So as I stated before, a photo process changed my life.  I am shaking my head as I write this thinking that something so simple could never be possible.  It is possible.

I don’t know what your goals are right now.  I don’t know what your dreams are either.  However, I do know, and can firmly attest, than anything you truly want is possible and you have every ability in your nature to make it happen.

While it is possible, I never said it was easy.  It will not just magically and whimsically happen with a bow around it surrounded by rainbows and butterflies.  It will take tons of hard work, hours of sacrificed sleep, and relentless tenacity toward your goal’s achievement.  If you truly want this goal you will stop at nothing to accomplish it.  I will also attest that this is much easier said than done.

I am where I wanted to be five years ago, but not where I want to be five years from now.  Cheers to relentless tenacity and another five year roller coaster!

To be continued…

Blake Rudis

f.64 Academy and f.64 Elite are the brainchildren of Blake Rudis. While he is a landscape photographer, he is most passionate about post-processing images in Photoshop and mentoring others.

For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!