So much has changed since my first WPPI 3 years ago. I am no longer that doe-eyed little red-head who practically felt like crying in every class because she knew there was no way she could possibly figure out how to make this work. I no longer agonize over which album company I like the best (FINAO) or what print house is right for me (WHCC) – my notes are more about passion, authenticity, and creativity instead of f-stops and depths of fields. I have a clear vision of who my client is and who I am as an artist. I no longer try to convince myself that this is temporary- that in a few years I’ll get my fashion portfolio together, start selling fine art, start getting “serious.” I struggled early on with the voices of my college professors, “You should only shoot weddings if you absolutely have to.” I’ve embraced the truth that I simply love being a part of love stories- real ones- and that working with real love has touched me in ways that editorial and fine art just couldn’t. I’ve learned that what I do is editorial- that it is art and that I love it.

I walk through the trade show, not like a lost lamb, but with confidence. I see big welcoming smiles on familiar faces, followed by, “Hi!!!! It’s so good to see you!!!” Friends! I have friends here now. I am no longer timid- no longer intimidated by meeting new people. I am walking with my arms wide open, welcoming as many new relationships as I can handle. I am so happy and am realizing just how blessed I am and just how amazing our industry is.

I still sit in on the speakers that particularly touch my heart, like Elizabeth Messina, and still listen to pertinent business advice like how to not work 24/7?!?!? (“I am closed Mondays.” – wait, really? When you have your own business you can tell your clients you’re closed??? How does THAT work??”) So much has changed since my first WPPI. So, if this was your first year there- and you’ve returned w/ a notebook full of to-dos and must-haves that send you diving under the covers and praying for a magical fairy who will build your portfolio/business/blog-site/manage your twitter account/facebook for you/etc. etc. .etc …. know this: it gets easier. It gets less over-whelming. But it stays just as fun. Next year you’ll know more people; you’ll have more questions but find you’ll need less answers.

There is turbulence on this plane as I write this, which doesn’t feel right since my heart is so calm. Maybe it’s a reminder that there are always storms ahead- that nothing will always sail smoothly. But you know? For now, I am just going to sit back and enjoy the ride with a huge goofy drunk-happy grin on my face.

To those of you I met: HI!!! I am so excited to be friends

To those of you I missed:  Can we be friends anyways?

To those of you I will meet next year: CAN’T WAIT!

Off to shoot Lex and Lee’s destination wedding in Costa Rica tomorrow. It’s my first official international wedding and I am going to be honest: I’m freaking out. All I know is that I am carrying on all my equipment and if my body and my gear are the only two things that make it there- I’ll channel this smile I am loving right now and make it work! I am so excited to take on this new challenge and feel incredibly blessed to be heading to paradise for work. I mean, pinch!! Right? This time next week I’ll be hopefully relaxing on the beach, waves crashing, skin warming, tropical drink in my hand, and my future husband by my side.

Life is good.

IPhone | Airhorns and Lasers | Me and my new real-life-not-only-twitter-friend Brianna of Last Forty Percent Photography

xoxo

ps. I love her so very very much.

I’ll be in Vegas for WPPI Sunday-Tuesday this year. You’ll find me roaming the tradeshow floor, Airhorns and Lasers party, as many platform classes as I can fit in (bc after all, it is about learning.. )… So excited for the inspiration that is about to ensue. If you see me, come say HI!!!!

Heather and Me last year… Pictage party, I think?

Picture this… you’re driving on HWY 17, singing along to the soundtrack for Spring Awakening, clean air’s blowing in your window, through your hair, you’ve got your camera by your side and two amazing clients waiting for you to shoot their engagement images and then:

…ding ding ding, your gas tank suddenly drops to ZERO! You know that sound in movies when something stops the party and the DJs record scratches? Add that sound in here. Imagine an audible gasp, immediate sweaty palms, and disbelief. How could you let this happen? You are a professional! This is a JOB, these clients are counting on you… where the HECK are you going to pull over if you run out of gas???!?!? The liiiight, you’re going to lose the light!!! Panic.

Then acceptance. Okay, so you’re going to run out of gas. Not much you can do. I hope they understand that you are not a complete eff-up and that you would never ever let this happen on a wedding day.

Then relief.. you make it to the driveway of the location, call the clients, and all they say is, “Oh my gosh! We’ll just drive you down to the gas station when we’re done, DO NOT WORRY!” WHEW!

Megan and Kevin, you guys are seriously the best! I absolutely cannot wait to shoot your wedding this summer- thank you for bringing such smiles, love, and creativity to your shoot. Xoxoxoxo

Check out Burrell Winery if you are local- seriously such an adorable tasting room!

Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I knew it’d be cold, I anticipated wearing a hat, scarf, coat, gloves…. I had been checking the weather for the better part of two weeks hoping the bulk of the storms would be over by the time I arrived to shoot Jessica and Brett’s Manhattan engagement shoot. But nope, the snow was relentless and so were we. We embraced the weather like it was a blessing and enjoyed frolicking around in the, for me, never before experienced photographic atmosphere and as Tim Gunn would so eloquently say, we made it work!

With Jessica’s teeth chattering and Brett’s head freezing we kept moving to stay warm and I think the final product is better than I could have ever imagined. It was so refreshing to have the chance to shoot in a new environment as lately, I’ve been craving a change of pace. (I can hear all you east coasters groaning… what you wouldn’t do for a little California sun flare huh?) I have to thank Jessica and Brett for trusting me and embracing the weather so fully and to Heather for coming out with a 2nd set of professional eyes!

Can’t wait for Jessica and Brett’s October wedding in Southern California… something tells me the images will look very different …..

We started at this lovely little place called Cafe Gitane at The Jane Hotel in the west village…we asked permission to shoot a few shots … but I think when we started moving chairs they got nervous and we were kicked out into the streets. Renegades!

So I don’t necessarily think this next shot is a winner .. I just wanted to show you guys just how much snow was falling!

Brett brought along a camera that belonged to his grandpa- made for a fun little prop!

Thanks to Heather for this last one of me working ….whew! I’m cold just thinking about it

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My little sister Emma and I used to have a pact that one day we would live in Manhattan, share an apartment with a claw foot bathtub and a lovely doorman who would greet us by name and ask us how our day had been. We might have achieved this dream, had I not met and fell in love with Tim- but Emma still has a chance to live it and I still hold it in my heart. Since Tim has family in NY I’ve been blessed with a trip once a year for the last 5 or so years so when Jessica and Brett (more on them in a future post!) asked if I could head out to NYC for their engagement shoot I immediately emailed Heather.

I’ve spent many an afternoon wandering the streets of Manhattan with my camera but Heather, Heather had NEVER been. Please come?? Pleaseeee, pleaseeee? It’s only fitting that I spent this trip ignoring most of New York and focusing my lens mostly on Heather. We had such a blast shooting in the snow, roaming the streets during the day, lunching with amazing friends and photographers, seeing sites, and for a short time, we even had our very own doorman. (Thanks to Joe and Charna! ) Here are a few of my favorites…

Onward!

The Jane Hotel

Heather took these

Snowy Central Park….yum!

Check out Heather’s images here!

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