Wedding and Portrait Photographers International- I’ve been to this conference several times over the past 10 years and this year is truly over the top. I don’t know if the speakers are better than I remember, or if I’m just simply ready for what they have to say (probably the latter!), but I took nearly 25 pages of notes over the course of the day. Every speaker was an abundance of wisdom and tips. I especially appreciated Mitche Graf’s focus on “balance.” Focusing on structuring your business to create time for your loved ones so you don’t become your work.

I know this is a challenge and ongoing struggle for most photographers and entrepreneurs I know who are up at all hours editing and/or working on one aspect of the business or another. Matt Hill blew me away with his abundant knowledge of SEO, marketing, google analytics… not only is he tech brilliant, but he shared his “cut-paper art” and film making skills… very inspiring. He also had one of my favorite Portland talented-couples on screen- (small world) Kim Nguyen & Kjell Van Zoen. The WPPI conference/ trade show doesn’t really get rolling until tomorrow- looking forward to seeing what’s on the horizon for new gear, printing capabilities and resources. The goal is to make the business more efficient so I can spend more time on relationships and creating new work!

Last thing I want to share- last week I signed up for training to become a NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep) photographer- it’s a nonprofit, providing free bereavement photographs for families who have lost their newborns. Synchronicity: I arrived at the Business Institute kick-off a little late on Friday night (after driving 9 hours)- walked in to hear Sandy Puc, one of the founders of the nonprofit, talking about what this service means to families. She showed a video of a mother talking about what the photographs have meant to her and had me crying within the first half hour- confirmation that this is something I want to do.

Photographers on break between WPPI Business Institute speakers, in the MGM lobby.

Puc has the spirit of passion and service behind her business which I resonate with and hope to weave into my own foundation. Like myself, she started photographing people professionally at 18 and hasn’t looked back. It’s truly a gift to be surrounded by talented, driven inspired photographers. More to follow…