I’m just back from an amazing week in Las Vegas at the WPPI convention. It was my first year attending and I admit I was a bit nervous. Like a freshman going to high school on the first day nervous. 20,000 photographers all in one place, of every level of talent imaginable. I was afraid I would be swallowed up by talent and ego, I admit. But my fears were quickly quelled when I discovered most of the attendees were just like me. Anxious to learn, grow their businesses, meet others who think like them, and have a little fun while they were there, too. All of the above happened for me. I took classes from some of the most talented photographers in my industry, and turns out they are kind and genuine and generous in their sharing of information. Leaders such as Brian Smith, Sue Bryce, and Sarah Petty. I felt rather giddy when I would see each of them on the tradeshow floor or at the Starbucks – like I was seeing a celebrity (I know I’m a dork, I’m ok with that). The tradeshow floor almost overwhelmed me completely with creative ideas, clever products, and my new photography-crush Jesh de Rox. He may well have changed my entire approach to photography…stay tuned on that one…it’s going to be epic.
Then there were the other, more personal and just as major highlights of my trip. Hanging with my beautiful friend Erin, who thankfully travels the same way I do (and enjoys late night dessert just as much as I do). Meeting one of my on-line friends, Cindy, in person and discovering she’s most likely a soul I was supposed to meet in this life (and watching her take away 3rd place for her portrait category at the very stiff print competition!!). Having a gorgeous portrait session with the beautiful and talented Denise Birdsong of Modern Love Photography (seriously, do check out my portraits she did of me – as I told my husband, I’m smok’n in these pics, and honestly I have never seen myself in the way she showed me). Dancing into the wee hours in my pink sequined Betsey Johnson dress at the annual Airplanes and Blazers party with my dear, sweet friends…
And then finally, at the end of the journey, walking into my cozy home late on Thursday night, discovering a huge “welcome home!” card from my 3 favorite guys, and sneaking upstairs to give them each a kiss as they slept, and realizing, once again, that it is because of them that I found my passion and my voice in photography in the first place. I’m ready for all that lies ahead, and I owe it all to them.
ps – I’m BEYOND excited that Done Brilliantly: The Blog of Two Bright Lights featured one of my sessions on their Website! Go check it out – what an honor!!
Girl! You look amazing!!!!
I am really just so proud of you! I remember the first family session we had with you, when you were just “trying out” professional photography, and already your images were amazing. Watching you grow your business and your art has been such a pleasure!
thank you both! xo