I’m so excited! Today I officialy booked our airfare and hotel reservations for the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) Convention in Vegas for February. As quoted from my blog last year:
I have to say, I get it now…..I use to look at all those conventions-take the Star War’s Convention for instance, and think, “What a bunch of quacks” (no offence…tee he he) These guys flock from all over the world to check out light saber memorabilia, they wear costumes and it’s like a Star Wars party 24 hours a day during those conventions. Well, I’ve gone to the dark side-so to speak. I’m going to a geeky photography convention in Vegas for all of us “quacks” that love cameras. We’re going to be dressed up as photographers, walking around looking at all sorts of “photography stuff”, and I’m going to get the chance to listen to some of the most amazing people in the industry talk about technology, how to see the light, equipment, work-flow and biz-nas stuff………and I can’t wait…EEEEK!!!
I’m not sure if some of you understand but THIS convention-the WPPI convention is on my bucket list of things I wanted to do. I know it sounds dramatic, but look at it like this, I’m from an itty bitty town, I came from a family with itty bitty money and my camera has really opened up opportunities that would have otherwise been soo out of reach for me. I’ve been able to travel to places that were once just a thought, I’ve been able to meet some incredible people through my lenses and I’m going to this conference knowing that it’s not just going to boost my creativity, my networking ability and my business to a whole new level, but that I’m going to have the chance to meet the photographers that I look up to and that are prominently known world wide. Like I said, I’m a photographer in an itty bitty town but I have big town dreams-Slap my arse and call me cheesy, but it’s true.
So in a nutshell, I’m sooo very thankful to even be going to Vegas to participate in something like this. I already have a few photo-shoot opportunities lined up, some parties to attend that are being thrown by some of the industries BEST photographers and I’ve already met (via facebook & my blog) other photographers that I’m sure will become “my good photographer friends from Vegas”
So000000000000, let the sinning begin! Oh and remember, WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS—-GET’S BLOGGED!! Holla!!
Last year was my first year to attend (you can see those images by clicking the links below), and I have to tell ya, I not only learned sooo much, I met so many amazing people that I still keep in touch with AND I got to cross quite a few things off my bucket list but I truly believe this trip changed my business remarkably!! There is so much more I want to learn about the craft/art of photography, this conference is so inspiring and creatively rejuvenating…..AND the late night gambling/shows/and parties help too. Mostly, I can’t wait to bring back new techniques and ideas for my 2011 clients.
If your reading this and YOU TOO are going, shoot me an email and maybe we can get together. Myself, Greg and a few friends rented a car last year and drove to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, this year we are going to rent a car and take a road trip out to Hollywood!
This photo of Greg and I was taken by my best friend Erin (who is not a photographer-she’s a lawyer!!) at the top of the Stratusphere. Below you can see all the city lights of Vegas. This was just after we rode all three of the rides. Talk about a RUSH!!!
