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?

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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In the back of Megan and Kevin’s car on our way to the gas station after their engagement session…………. I’ve said it before, but I LOVE my clients. When my car runs out of gas on the way into the parking lot at the winery, they don’t judge, or criticize- they just laugh at the comedy of it all, shove me in the back of their prop packed car, and rescue me. Thank you for understanding you guys…. oh my life sometimes is just one comedy after another and I love it.

A little sneak peek of Jessica and Brett’s snowy NYC session today.. more as soon as my toes thaw out!