So. I have news. Big news. Exciting news. News you may know, but I have not yet blogged about. When I first started my photograph business I kept hearing about this amazing convention+tradeshow hosted in Las Vegas every year called WPPI. It looked AMAZING and I immediately started dreaming; saving for the day when I could attend WPPI. Let’s be honest though… 18 year old girl in Las Vegas?? Maybe not the best idea. ;)

What. Before I go further… Here is a little background info on WPPI and United:

WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) is a conference and expo specializing in the creative and business aspects of wedding and portrait photography. There are nearly 16,000 photographers who attend each year. I will be taking a variety of classes from business, to marketing, to lighting techniques, product info, etc.

United 2013 is a conference for wedding and portrait photographers taking place in Santa Barbara, California for photographers desiring to connect and grow together. It is strictly with Showit- the super awesome company I host my website through.

Who. Flash forward to 2012. In September I went down to see Nicole Conner for her “Find Your Light” workshop. Nicole and I immediately connected and I have been so blessed by her encouragement, insight, and challenge in my business as well as my life this year. We had talked about going to WPPI when I was down in Wenatchee, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. It was still a ways a way and you know… life happens. But, Nicole was just as serious and passionate about it as I was, so between the two of us, it was going to happen. We would make it happen.

November. On November 1^st, I launched my new website. It was a busy week with lots of finishing touches, fixing glitches, etc. A couple days before, I received a facebook message from Nicole. All it had was a link to the United 2013 website saying: “this is a MUST!!!!”.  So, on November 1^st, we had FIVE computers going trying to get tickets. 75% of it sold out in TWO minutes. Huge thanks to Nicole’s hubby Kris, who got through.

When. Long story short (ish ;)), we had another stop on our list. What started as “hey, we should go to WPPI” turned into a 23 day adventure. So… I will be travelling in February/March (away February 21-March 15). First stop, California. Nicole and I will be down there a few days before+after the actual United 2013 event to travel, work, for photo shoots and to meet up with other photographers. I will be home for a few days in between to catch up on client meetings, shoots, and do a few loads of laundry. ;) Then, I will be driving back down to meet up with Nicole to head to Nevada for WPPI. I will definitely have my computer and phone along to work while I am down there. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns about/when I am away. :)

Why. One thing I love about the photography industry is there are so many things to learn… and so many talented photographers, industry leaders, graphic designers, etc to learn from. I love learning, growing, and serving so I am oh-so-excited to learn from many incredible photographers and industry leaders, not only how to improve on my photography skills, but in business and how to serve and provide an awesome client experience as well.  

PS. I would LOVE recommendations of your favorite spots. Coffee shops, restaurants, beaches, running routes, tourist attractions and great photography spots ;). Anything would be great! We will be mostly in the Santa Barbara and Las Vegas area.

Nicole, I am looking forward to the adventures, the laughs, and all the memories 2013 holds. I could not be more excited and I am so thankful for your friendship, wisdom, and continual encouragement and advice to help me grow. You are the best, girl! 21 days! 21 days. :)