The first time I was in San Antonio, Texas was in October 2015.
It was my first time at a photography conference.
And my first trip away from my littles.
This week I have been back in San Antonio, Texas.
I am at my first non profit conference.
And it’s just as exciting to have a few days away with people who speak your language.
The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is a new community of “my people” and I have so many takeaways I need to sift through on my flight home!
But first I have to share some images from my new Nikon Z6 II camera 😍
Pre-dawn image of the Alamo before the tourists descend. 
I spent a little time learning about the history of San Antonio, but really should have blocked an extra day. Note to self. 
This conference happened to coincide with the Day of the Dead festival. This tribute was at the Main Plaza. 
Unfortunately, the Spiritlandia River Parade was a dud, but there were so many details around town that caught my attention. 
And gave me an opportunity to play around with my new mirrorless camera body! 
I think this might be my favourite from wandering in La Villita.!
The Clickin Love blog post below is the original post from my first time in San Antonio back in 2015. Occasionally, I repost one of my old posts, it’s an opportunity to reflect on my development as a photographer and a storyteller. What I found really interesting is my response near the end of the original post to the closing keynote speaker, Sue Bryce’s question “What do I want?”
I want to tell visual stories. I want to tell my family’s story. I want to tell other family’s stories. I want to have a storytelling photography business. I am going to make that happen. It may not be this year. It may not be next year. But it will happen because I am telling myself and I am telling you.
Kristy Wolfe, October 2015
For those of you who don’t know me (yet) all of these things have happened!
I tell visual stories.
I tell stories with other families.
I have a storytelling photography business.
So it’s time to manifest something new.
What do I want now?
I want to co-create digital stories with people. I want to run digital storytelling workshops and retreats for values based organization. I want these organizations to walk away with six different stories based on why their people (staff, volunteers, program participants, board members, leadership, founders) are involved with their organization. Imagine the conversations that would come from that group of people coming together to share their why. I am going to make that happen. And in the words of Lori Jacobwith, “Because you love me you will hold me accountable.”
Kristy Wolfe, October 2022
Clickin Love – October 2015
If you follow my blog, then of course you knew I was going to gush about Click Away once it was over! I am over the moon that I was able to attend. And since today is Canadian Thanksgiving, I want to say a big THANK YOU to my husband, Harrison. He is the one who surprised me with my first DSLR four years ago. He recognizes how important photography is to me and puts up with all the time I spend shooting, editing, and blogging. And he encouraged me to go on this trip. This was my first trip without my boys. And though I missed them, it was so good to be Kristy for a little while instead of Mommy. Though let’s be honest, I went to a conference organized by Clickin Moms and I talked about Kane and Maverick at least once every hour!
My session with Kellie Bieser was all about capturing kids in motion, which is exactly the direction I need to go with Kane and Maverick getting faster and faster! These were shot at Mission San Jose.
The last few days have been filled with sessions. Some were geared to shooting and editing, while others were more inspirational. I am walking away with new ideas to try, a renewed passion for storytelling and seeing connections, and a number of new friendships.
But I’m also walking away with a greater commitment to myself and to my family. I know as I go back to teaching I will have to find a balance between time for my boys (Harrison included), time for myself, and time for my photography. I realize that this is going to be a challenge, but I think I’m up for it.
The final speaker for the conference was Sue Bryce. Sue happened to be staying on my floor and I was completely starstruck when I ran into her by the elevator. I may have blurted out, “You’re Sue Bryce!” and then continued to babble until she was able to break free of me in the lobby. Embarrassing! I thought I was so much cooler than that!
Anyway, in her amazing presentation, Sue said a number of things that stood out for me. She reminded us to be open to tell our story, which you have probably noticed is pretty important to me. I loved Sue’s comment, “Speak your truth, even if you’re voice shakes.” For those who don’t know me yet, I have included links to some of my previous blog posts where I share truths that make my voice shake. *It is mindblowing to look back through my posts and see how much my photography has improved, though it will always be a work in progress.
Voluntography – my first families from Ronald McDonald House Alberta
My Heart Warrior – Kane’s first heart surgery
My Turn…So Soon? – welcoming my second son, Maverick
A New Year A New Challenge – starting out a new Project 52
DITL Stollery Kid – a day in the life at the Stollery Children’s Hospital
Sue’s biggest take home message was for each of us to write down the answer to one simple question: “What do you want?”
What do I want? I want to tell visual stories. I want to tell my family’s story. I want to tell other family’s stories. I want to have a storytelling photography business. I am going to make that happen. It may not be this year. It may not be next year. But it will happen because I am telling myself and I am telling you.
Oh, and I want to go to Click Away again!
follow your dream, no matter the cost to you.
You are and you will continue to do so! Go Kristy!