WOW – what a fabulous Conference!!  For those of you that didn’t go – the Professional Photographers of Colorado Annual Conference was this weekend and it ROCKED.

The weekend started with an all day, hands-on workshop with Graphic Authority.  This was a spin-off of Graphic Authority’s popular Design Roadshow.  Let’s face it, we all learn by “doing” and that is what this workshop was all about!  Jaron, with GA, was PHENOMENAL!  Honestly, he has a fabulous knack for managing a room full of people at all stages of their Photoshop lives – from beginner to expert.  I consider myself to be really darn Photoshop saavy, but even this old dog learned some new and helpful tricks (ahhhh, holding alt while transforming is the BOMB).  Photogs, if you get the chance to go to a GA Roadshow, and you are interested in the design side of the business – DO IT!   You’ll be glad you did.

Print Competition – what can I say except WOW!  We had so many awe inspiring, goosebump inducing images submitted this year.  So very proud of everyone who entered!  It was fascinating to watch the judging.  It definitely gives me food for thought for my own images – and inspires me create competition prints!!  A very very special congratulations to my friend and mentor, Jeff Johnson, who received the highest honor their is in PPA and was awarded the National Service Award – The highest honor granted by a PPA Affiliate, it recognizes those whose support for photography goes far beyond any regular expectations or contributions.  So, my friend, a very deserving CONGRATULATIONS, once again.  Your dedication to the profession and to EVERY photographer you meet is tireless and I am blessed to have you in my life.

John Allyn’s presentation on the “Subtle Art of Persuasion” also blew my mind.  Holy cow.  What an insight into business,yes, but into my own personality as well.  I feel like I walked out of the room with an entirely new, shiny, packed to the gills toolbox of skills to make me a better business person and to give my clients even more individualized attention!  John, thank you, for honoring us with your presence and sharing your vast knowledge of human behavior with us!

Behnke’s – Bert and Cindy – Blown away!  If you have never seen Bert and Cindy speak, you are missing out. Their program “A Family Circle” was motivating and enlightening.  As the program notes foretold,  instead of asking why, I now believe “why not!” Bert and Cindy covered so many topics I thought my head might come unscrewed – but presented everything in a casual, understandable format that made me want to take my dreams even further.

And, finally, last but CERTAINLY not least – A HUGE shout out to my fellow board members!  We act like a big, crazy dysfunctional family sometimes (in a very good way) and, like a family, we pull together with all the love and support we have for each other when it counts —– and we put on a fabulous show!

So, I’m a bit late on posting for day 3 – between the exhaustion, travel, and wanting to spend time with my kiddo…OK, enough with the excuses.  Day 3 proved to be just as inspiring as days 1 and 2.  Having the opportunity to shoot with and learn from the best photographers in the industry is beyond compare.  Sometimes it is the little things (thanks to Chuck Arlund for the dodge and burn tips) and sometimes it is a whole new way of thinking (thanks to Riley brothers for opening my eyes to better Lightroom techniques).  Sometimes it is just hanging out with friends – old and new – and simply talking shop.  My brain is on serious overload with all of the amazing things I want to bring to my clients this year – I love this feeling!!  I love learning and growing and evolving…of having the knowledge and the desire to reach higher. So, with that, I’ll leave you with a few images from day 3 (many more to be posted to Facebook in the coming days).

And so it begins…many of you know that Katie and I are in Las Vegas this week attending the AMAZING, INSPIRING, CREATIVE CHAOS that is After Dark EDU.  Photogs, if you do not already know about this convention – find out about it now~  www.afterdarkedu.com…it will blow your mind – in a good way.

The first question on the Official Day 1 – why am I up so early – seriously, this thing goes til TWO in the morning – I should still be asleep, but that darn infernal internal clock wouldn’t listen to reason…so it may prove to be a LONG day.

We actually got in in time for a couple of “pre-convention” classes yesterday, which was a great way to jump start the creative and learning  juices.  We got to play around a bit with some off camera flash … so I’ll leave you with a few of those images…gotta love behind the scenes with all the flashes in the images!

I was so honored when Tennille asked me to be the guest speaker in the TK Business & Design Classroom this week! I can’t wait to dive in and share all I can about the High School Senior Portrait business – well, my take on it anyway!   I love having the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with others!!  So, Tennille, thanks again for this opportunity.

Tennille has developed an amazing resource for  photographers that “Have been in business a while now, but tend to fly by the seat of your pants? Or maybe are new to business and don’t know where to start?”  Her online Classroom and business “course” for photographers is invaluable to those who love this industry but might not have the “businessperson first, photographer second” mindset that it takes to be successful.  AND, best of all, she has generously DONATED an all access membership to the Classroom (which includes the Mind Your Own Business online course, and other online lessons and videos) to one of my blog readers!!!

To find out more about the Classroom and Mind Your Own Business Course, visit her site:  TK Business & Design

But just to get you excited … here is the MYOB Course Outline:

MYOB COURSE OUTLINE

Plan Your Business – See It, Believe It, Make It Happen | The Foundation – Licenses, Insurance, Taxes, Retirement | The Details – Terms, Policies, Releases, Information/Investment Guides

Analyze Your Business – Accounting & Record Keeping | Managing Data for Profitability | Pricing

Grow Your Business – Sales & Marketing 101 | Finding Your Target Market | Creating Relationships & Networking

Manage Your Business – Time Management | Workflow | Overview – Compete, Grow, Succeed

OK…..excited yet?  All you need to do to be in the running for the All Access Membership is leave a comment letting me know that you are ready to take your business to the next level.  I will select a comment at random on Wednesday, February 9th at 4PM Mountain Standard Time!