In planning for my favorite week of the year as a photographer - WPPI (next week!), I realized I had drafted a post about last year's conference but never posted it because I was waiting to receive an image to include with it. I am just going to post the old draft now anyway so you can all see how amazing this conference was for me both professionally and personally. It's going to be even better this year! So many exciting things in store! I can't wait to get to share it all with you!
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Wow, what a whirlwind the past couple of weeks has been! I came away from WPPI feeling completely inspired, encouraged and feeling like I could take on the world!
Here are a few highlights:
First off, I have to thank Maura Kate of Irma Lou Photography for paying it forward BIG time. I had planned on attending the Business Institute and just going to the Trade Show, or taking baby steps since last year I only went to the trade show and thought next year I would be able to attend the classes too. Well, after atending the Business Institute I realized I was left with this yearning to learn more and be a part of all of the action. In comes Irma, who suddenly wasn't able to make it to WPPI this year and through Leigh of Fleur di Leigh Photography, offered to give her Full Access ticket away! And, she gave it to me! Oh my goodness, I can't even begin to express how grateful I was for this generous gift. You two ladies made my year! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn more about my craft and continue pursuing my dream!
The most inspiring class I took had to be wedding photographer Jasmine Star's Ghetto Fabulous Marketing. I was most excited to hear her speak, even though I really didn't think I needed to learn anything else at the show about Marketing. Her first class had sold out, but I was fortunate enough to have just picked up my ticket for WPPI to hear an announcement of her makeup class. I ran straight up to grab a seat. She definitely didn't disappoint. While I already knew her story, I found her to be utterly inspiring in staying true to yourself and putting more of your personality out there. One of the most important things she said that stuck with me is that it's okay if not everybody likes you. I know this, but as a perfectionist I fight this all the time. Hearing her say that actually repelling some people though is a positive thing since you don't want to waste your time on the wrong people anyway, resonated with me deeply.
I LOVED seeing the Print Gallery of the finalists in the print competition. So inspiring to see such great work all in one space. Although, I was a bit disappointed to see that boudoir images were lacking in presence there.
The Trade Show was awesome since I got to meet my vendors in person. I was especially excited to meet Casey who handles my account with Forbeyon - they produce my Luxury Albums so beautifully.
And, of course, there were the parties on Tuesday night. Well, there were parties every night but I limited the ones I attended to just that evening. First up was the Boudoir Get-together that I coordinated at Rouge inside of the MGM. There was a pretty decent turn-out. Thank you to all who attended! We all network with each other online, so it was so great to see so many amazing boudoir shooters in person finally! After that a few of us all headed over to the[ B] Party which Becker of The [B] School was throwing at Mandalay Bay. Becker was such a gracious host. I was impressed by how he greeted everyone at the door himself and let us all know where the goods were...the goods being fantastic mexican food (delish tacos etc) and drinks (yummy margaritas and sangrias). I was so glad I went with my own group of fellow photographers though, as people seemed to be sticking to their own little groups instead of networking and mingling. I would have felt completely awkward trying to meet people in a situation like that!
Another highlight that evening was actually getting to meet Jasmine Star! The ever-so-popular pin-up photographer Robert Alvarado even snapped a picture of me with her! Thanks for being so kind and generous Jasmine!
Towards the end of the festivities I was fortunate enough to get to do a boudoir session for another boudoir photographer! Talk about fun! I was sooo glad I was able to work that into my schedule, as I had turned away a couple other boudoir photographers, not knowing if I could find the time during WPPI. But, it worked out for this one, thankfully! She was just as pretty as can be too. She reminded me of Kate Beckinsale!
I am both a bit relieved WPPI has ended so I can get back to business as normal, but a bit sad also. There was so much that I feel like I missed. Next year I am thinking of actually taking the week off (maybe even staying at the MGM) since I had a hard time trying to tackle all of that plus my work load. And, because my phone signal was just awful there I decided it would be better to plan on meeting up with other photographers way in advance. So, next year I will be painstakingly planning out my schedule with classes, activities and meetups.
I am more devoted than ever to becoming the best photographer and business woman I can possibly be. Thank you WPPI and to all the cool people I met for making me even more passionate about what I do. Because of WPPI I am excited about implementing some changes to Haute Shots for better workflow, marketing, etc.
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