WPPI Post…Finally

It’s been over a week since I returned from WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Convention in Las Vegas.  Whheeew, was I ever overwhelmed!  So many great conference speakers, lots great information and ideas were shared, as well as a tradeshow.  I was really blown away with the massive amount of talent present, but most of all the generosity they all showed to share and encourage the rest of us.  Attending this event will definitely be a staple in my business plan for the future.

I think I was most touched by what a close knit, supportive community I am a part of.  I was even inspired by and taught a thing or two by the lovely ladies I met for the first time and shared a room with.

Jessica http://dossiea.com/

Leilani http://ellegoldenphotography.com/

Denise http://www.deniselin.com/

Can’t wait to see you girls next year!

I also went on some cool photo shoots (which I’m still mulling through and editing, but here is a small peek) I learned a few cool techniques and got some great business advice, all of which I’m in the process of implementing into my business (hence the delay in this post!)

If you are a photographer and thinking about going next year (which by the way is February 16-22 2012).  Start making your plans and saving your money now!  It is truly an experience that you cannot put a price tag on and a necessary investment in you and your business!

I can’t wait for next year!

Here are some random photos, from my trip…

Me and the tremendously talented Jerry Ghionis.  I have a huge crush on Jerry and my husband ok with it. 😉  I also got a big hearty hug from Jerry’s wife Melissa (a very talented photographer herself) and what a sweetie!

Me and Kevin Kubota

Attended a womens luncheon generously hosted by MeRa Koh.  Mike Larson and his family modeled for us 😉 http://www.merakoh.com http://www.soarwithmera.com

A HUGE thank you to Anthony Vazquez for an amazing, fun, inspiring shoot!  FYI Anthony does workshops, check out http://theclicknation.com/ for more info & http://anthonyvazquez.com/

 

Storytelling

Whenever I go on vacation, I like to document each day, every activity with photos.

When I get home, I have my photos processed and put them in an album, I like them to tell a story. First I start by putting them in order, to have them chronologically correct, is critical to telling my story.  This drives Saul (my husband) crazy, he wants to shuffle through the stacks of photos I bring home immediately, but I make him wait.  He has to put up with my constant shouts, honey did we meet the two blondes before or after we found that great little ice cream shack?…sweetie, did we go to the pyramids before or after we went on the snorkel tour?  I need to start keeping a thorough journal as well, I usually keep one, but there tends to be a few holes in the story.  I’m never without my camera, so my photo story never has holes.

Maybe a little OCD…but it gives me some weird satisfaction knowing all my memories are tucked neatly away in order.  And anytime I want I can look through my albums and relive those memories again, just as they originally took place. (Side note, the neat and orderly, only applies here, the rest of my life is in complete disarray!)

The only downside (if there is one), is that sometimes my husband has to tell me to put the camera down and enjoy the moment.  I need a reminder every once in awhile to live in the present and enjoy it!  I thought he knew he married a paparazzi…and although it’s sometimes a drain on his patience following me and my camera around, he LOVES showing off our finished albums!

Every person has a story and every photo tells a story.

Here is a ‘day in the life’ on our vacation to the Dominican Republic…