and…A little “behind the scenes” peek!  Such a great session.

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!

• you get 1.5 hours of sleep the first night
• you still wake up ready to go
• you feel like you want to clone yourself (a few times over) – but are really worried about degradation
• your brain is on information overload and you still crave more (I definitely need a bigger memory card)
• 5 hour energy drinks make you loopy
• you are surrounded by so much creative energy that you are buoyant
• you get to see old friends…and make even more new ones
• you are inspired
• you are intrigued
• you are educated
• you are motivated
• you are encouraged
• you are energized (even on 1.5 hours of sleep)

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!

Welcome to the world, little man!

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!

Dig in..

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

Mohandas Gandhi