Sometimes the universe works in funny ways… Case in point: being the big tennis fans that we are, last January He-Pobke, my friend Casi and I all flew to Melbourne together to watch the Australian Open. That evening, I received a message from a friend who was attending Jon Canlas’ Film is Not Dead workshop (also in Melbourne), extending an invite for me to join the big group for dinner. I’ve always been a big fan of JC, so went along without much hesitation (but a lot of nerves at meeting Mr FIND himself).

There we sat at dinner, Jon on one side, me on the other, and we chatted and bonded over being American, mutual friends, and our fond individual memories of Japan. He flew back to Salt Lake the very next day to shoot a big commercial job in Hawaii, and I left Melbourne feeling rather inspired, extra tanned (thank you outdoor tennis seats!) and excited about film.

That was all without having attended Jon’s FIND workshop.

You see, some people have an uncanny ability to leave a great, lasting impression on you in a matter of seconds. Jon is one of those people. You spend a second in his sphere and suddenly you feel inspired to write a book or pop out a few kids or run a marathon or cross off any number of things off your “To Do Before I Die” list.

So when I received an email from the very same Jon seven months later asking me to help him organise a FIND workshop in Australia, I didn’t even bat an eye. OF COURSE I’D DO IT. Are you kidding me? Three days of spending time with Mr Inspirational AKA Mr Human Light Meter AKA Mr Film himself? Heck yes. We emailed, we talked about food and film and locations and models and weather and accommodation and babies and light and Japan. And from there, a beautiful friendship blossomed and I counted down the days for his arrival to Canberra the following January.

Film Is Not Dead came and went a month ago. JC and his awesome assistant/buddy/mentee/student/possibly-my-brother-from-another-mother Joe came and stayed at Chateau de Pobke for five magical nights and it is with great sadness that I cannot seem to come up with the right possible adjectives for this whole experience. So instead I shall gush for the next few paragraphs about FIND and all of its glory.

FIND is unlike any other workshop I’ve ever been to. First of all, it can’t really be summed up in a matter of words, nor can it be described as a “photography” workshop. It’s an experience that has to be felt firsthand, as it’s one of those all-encompassing, slap-in-the-face kinda workshops that can’t even be described as a “workshop” per se. (Wow, for someone who claims an inability to describe it I sure have been quite wordy already!) :) FIND is about film, yes. It’s also about shooting. It’s about being a photographer. But moreover, and perhaps more astoundingly, it’s about a lifestyle, a motivation, an aspiration, a balance. It’s about treating yourself right.

Jon came and went like a tornado that shook up all my insides. My brain felt like it was dislodged and shaken about and then placed back (albeit gently). I see things differently post-FIND and I treat people around me differently. I don’t discriminate between “personal” and “professional” work anymore. I have an open heart and try to fit everyone in. I have taken judgment and thrown it off a cliff. I laugh more and want to be a nicer person. And I want to live and breathe film like it’s the last remaining bit of oxygen left on this planet.

You see? An all-encompassing workshop that can’t really be surmised in a matter of words.

If you have a chance to go to one of Jon’s FIND workshops, I urge you to please go. I mean, I STRONGLY urge you to please go. The friendships you make at FIND are just the icing on the cake. Because when you have an inspiring mentor who walks the walk and talks the talk, it’s hard not to absorb that positivity and energy and re-radiate it to those around you… and that’s precisely what me and the rest of the FIND – Canberra group did.

Jon, thank you for your friendship and kindness and warm heart and beautiful soul and inspiring nature. Thank you for being such a great house guest and for making me and Clinton feel so dang comfortable around you. Thank you for laughing at our not-so-funny jokes and for always being a ball of positive energy and hope. Thank you for staying over at our home – you made it a warmer and lovelier place. And thank you (a billion times over) for the photos of us and our little growing bump… they’re images that will be framed around our house and moments that we will never ever forget. You captured such a special time in our lives and it was such an honour being photographed by you. Thank you doesn’t seem to quite cut it but… Thank you. :)

And Joe, dear darling Joe: thank you for being YOU. You are hilarious and awesome and strange and lovely and like my brother. :) I heart you and can’t wait to hug you again, awkwardly. :) Thank you for thanking me and for being such a great wingman to Jon. And for being such a clean guest! You are both welcome at Chateau de Pobke, anytime!!! (You know where we hide the key!!)

I’ll end this rather wordy summation with a few images I took at FIND… All shot on my Contax 645 + Kodak Portra 800 or Kodak Portra 400 films.

[PS If you're interested in signing up for FIND, Jon is coming back to Australia in three months (MAY!!)... Check out all the FIND - Brisbane details here. Good luck getting a spot!]