Nashville Highlights: Imaging USA

Home again and digging out of the exhaustion of averaging about 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night while away on my 4.5 day whirlwind jaunt in Nashville.  When I got home, sleep was my best friend.  I knew it was going to be a full on adventure with little sleep so I’m not surprised, just not all that accustomed to so much excitement in such a short amount of time!  After all, my life is fairly routine and steady these days.  It’s good for me to shake things up a bit every once in a while!  As far as mixing business with pleasure - I’m not sure where the business stuff ended and the pleasure began.  It was all pleasurable business.  The way it should be, in my opinion.   

Imaging USA hosted by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) was outstanding in its class.  I cannot say enough about the quality of this conference.  The classes that were available and the speakers within the expo were all exceptional and inspired me greatly.  It was fascinating to me to be amongst such incredible talent, blindingly amazing artists, seasoned photographers from all over the world.  I met another wedding & portrait photographer from western Pennsylvania whom I absolutely admire; could not help but introducing myself and telling her how much I love her work.  I would have never forgiven myself if I hadn’t.  Jen McKen was amazing and treated me like she already knew me - like we’ve been pals forever.  I love that about her!!  Check out her work! 

Here are a few shots I was able to get during the conference and in some of the classes.  

I wish I had gotten more!  Next time around!! 

Hanson Fong demonstrating to the crowded room posing skills. Number one rule in his book is, "The woman always looks good!"  And the man pays the bill.  

He had us laughing with his enthralling words of wisdom. 

The acclaimed natural light, children's photographer, Audrey Woulard gives us advice on social media tips.  I learned so much from her in a half hour - many thanks for the inspiration, Audrey!  Her work is incredible and to a photographer, mind-boggling blessed!

I also met a group of professional women photographers who shoot Sony/Carl Zeiss gear too!  This was the Holy Grail, I tell you!  Now, I’d have to say this was The Highlight of the conference for me.  We have chatted within a Facebook group for quite some time now and I’ve been following their work, so I knew I’d be honored to meet and share ideas with some of the finest photographers in the industry.  I was not disappointed.  These ladies were generously gracious with their time, industry tips, helpful advice and friendship.  I learned so much from them.  I can only hope that I offered them equally inspiring advice or, at the very least, my sincere friendship.  Thank you again for everything, Laura Harris, Heidi Melms, Noreen Nooner, Victoria Mason and Melissa Edge.  Although, Melissa is a Nikon gal, we’ll give her a pass!  *wink, wink*  I look forward to meeting up with you all in the future - maybe another Imaging USA or similar conference, and wish you much success in your business and family life.  Miss you girls already! 

I had mentioned before that I have family and friends in the Nashville area and I was able to see as many of them as I possibly could!  With such a short amount of free time, we were able to schedule everything that we wanted to do and see.  My first order of business was a dinner date with some girlfriends I went to grade school and jr. high with.  Here we are as we were wrapping up our night together.  

 Me, Renee, Michelle & Christy

I first met Renee in 4th grade and Michelle the following year at a Nashville elementary school, Rose Park.  I lost touch with Renee in 1982-83.  So, I was super excited for this opportunity to reconnect with these fun-loving, southern gals!  I love to hear the southern accent - takes me back to a place I once called home.  The conversation was broad and sweeping - from grade school to current day:  family life, health, work.  We spanned roughly 30 years of time over a delicious Mexican meal and drinks.  And memories upon memories were stirred.  I was a bit overwhelmed within my thoughts of days long gone by.  It’s amazing what the memory can store in our brains, deep in the recesses of time.   It was a fabulous evening of reconnection and I send my good thoughts of continued life-loving awesomeness to my old friends.  I’m reminded of that song we used to sing as Brownie troop members:  Make New Friends But Keep the Old, One is Silver and the Other’s Gold.  You girls are Gold to me.  

The theme for the weekend was: Reconnection.  I saw cousins I haven’t seen in many, many years - and met new ones, too!  It was refreshingly wonderful reconnecting with everyone, my beloved southern family members!  It was a soulful, good time.  I loved every moment.  

I met up for a lunch date with an aunt I haven’t seen in close to 25 years!  She was the “cool” aunt whom I always looked up to and admired fiercely.  A creative force to reckon with and smart business woman.  Thank you, Donna, for carving out a little time with me.  I hope our busy lives don’t keep us apart for another 25 years!!  Wishing you happiness, beautiful lady!

I was able to help celebrate my step-father, Ted’s birthday with my Mom and more Nashville family at their new home.  Thanks, Mom & Ted!  So wonderful to spend time with you and the “kids” and see your new home.  It’s just perfect for you!!   Happy birthday, Granpa Ted!

There was so much more, but I'm trying to keep this blog post under an hour long!  ;) 

On that note, I'll leave you with this video clip from PPA.  I can't wait for next year's Imaging USA conference, although it won't be held in Nashville.  It will be held in Atlanta from January 10 - 12.  I hope to meet more photographers then!   

We are PPA strong!!

Link:  http://youtu.be/nSd-8T6m2lg

Now, Go Out and Create Something

I’m getting ready for a journey of a thousand miles.  Well, actually, it’s more like 830 miles, or thereabouts.  Making lists (both mentally and physically), prepping to travel by myself to Nashville this Thursday for a long weekend.  I’m so excited for a new adventure.  I am trying to remember the last time I took a trip by myself — probably when I visited my sister and her family in the Miami area when they welcomed their second son more than 10 years ago.  Oi.  I am due!  

The ImagingUSA conference is happening at the Gaylord Opryland hotel beginning Sunday for 3 days of engaging speakers, invigorating classes, and information related to professionals in the photography industry, plus an expo filled with goodies to please every level of photo enthusiast.  Gah!  I am geeking out about all of the camera gear, gadgets, encouragement and new friends to meet.  I will be meeting up with a group of other professional women photographers from different parts of the country — who also happen to proudly shoot Sony!  Even better!!  My heart beats a bit faster just writing this — I’m ready to go! 

I’ll also be spending time with some of my dearest family members (including friends who are like family to me) who live in the Nashville area.  It couldn't have worked out better to be able to mix business with pleasure.  Score!  I am bringing some of my gear so I can chronicle and document my journey.  I’m super stoked, looking very much forward to seeing everyone!!  I'll write more next week when I get home and let you know all about my trip's highlights.  I won't be on social media over the next week and only occasionally checking in with email.  But I'm certain I'll make up for it!!  

This quote showed up in my inbox this morning.  It truly resonates with me, and I thought you all might find it inspiring, thought-provoking, and enjoyable, too.  

"You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversations you engage in. You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. You are every single second of every single day. So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence. Let the words run through your veins and let the colors fill your mind until there is nothing left to do but explode. There are no wrong answers. Inspiration is everything. Sit back, relax, and take it all in. Now, go out and create something." — Jac Vanek     

I’ll catch up with you all next week.  Onward and upward, my friends!  

Cheers, y’all!!! 

xoxo, 

Something New to Try

It’s a snow day and all the kiddos in the surrounding area are out of school on a “snowy holiday.”  This calls for much enthusiasm and jumps for joy!!  This is the first this year - I guess we should count ourselves as lucky!  As far as Pennsylvania winters go, this has been a relatively uneventful one … so far.  Although, we are facing blizzard warnings with more snow to come and gusts of wind upwards of 28 mph.  I need to write quickly before our power goes out!  Ack! 

I’ve been feeling a bit “stuck” lately; processing some things to come; and wondering what my next move should be.  I took some advice from a fellow Facebook friend and organic living enthusiast, Maria Rodale ( I’m still in shock that I have the privilege of her online friendship - she’s such an inspiration to me! ).  In her post, 10 New Things to Try This Year, she suggests having an "opposite day."  I gave it a go.  I cleaned out a back corner in our sunroom/porch this morning; organized the girls art supplies including their ever-expanding collection of markers, pencils and gel pens; their board games and puzzles.  I then cleaned off *my* art desk (the girls had overtaken it - with my loving consent) and moved my computer from my small corner office without much of a view (I won’t complain, I’m glad for the pretty space in which to call my own) out to the porch with a terrific view!  Here, I write.  

I’ve got a beautiful, snow covered view of our neighbor’s Christmas trees.  Baby conifers all wrapped in white.  There’s no sun, but I’ll take the view any day!  I watched a hawk chasing off some sort of large buzzard earlier and I can hear the birds at the feeders.  Ah, just what I needed - and I’m writing, too!  Thanks for the inspiration, Ms. Rodale!!  

~~~~~~~ Pay it Forward Update ~~~~~~~

As I prepare to trek off to Music City USA (aka Nashville, TN) this Thursday for a photography conference, Imaging USA, I thought to give everyone a quick update on my Pay-it-Forward initiative and hopefully spur some additional donations.  I am thrilled at how well this has been received, for all the donations in support of my crowd-funding idea.  You all should know how much this means to me - I am humbled and grateful to everyone who has contributed thus far.  My goal for donating $100 to 5 different charitable, non-profit organizations is in need of a few more helping hands, hearts and generous souls, please.  We have reached roughly $65 for each, however, I know we can increase that number!  I really want to make the $500 overall goal a reality.  If you are un-trusting of online donation forums, you may send a donation directly to me instead.  Simply send me an email (my3girlsphotography@gmail.com) and I'll let you know the details of where to send your contribution.  I will then submit your donation as an “offline donation" to keep track of on the fundraising page.  AND … I’ve decided in lieu of a random prize drawing, I’m putting together a luncheon at my home, in your honor.  It’s going to be a fun get-together for us; all my treat!  Bring your camera along.  If you have questions you’d like to ask, feel free to do so and we’ll make it a camera club style luncheon in appreciation for your support.  Or not.  If you'd just like to come and enjoy the fellowship, you are welcome!  All that’s needed to receive an invitation to this special party is a $5 Pay-it-Forward donation.  The deadline to make a contribution is Valentine's Day to receive a special invitation.  This party will be hosted in the springtime - mid to late April - when all the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding (think spring!).  More information and details will be forthcoming.  I hope this alternative idea helps to inspire us along and we make this goal, together.  I look forward to seeing you all this spring!  

As Robin Williams said, “Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!”  :) 

   

>Click Here to visit and make a donation to the Pay it Forward Initiative<