March 31, 2010

PPA Tour 2010


My very first networking event, by myself, 5 hours from home.  I was really proud of myself.

I’m a very sociable person but since I had no idea what to expect, I was terrified. I like to know what I’m getting myself into.  Also, because I was unsure what I was doing, I followed the lead of others who were walking in. I was going to bring in my camera but then I was wondered, Am I allowed?  I left it in the car. Really, all I needed in my moment of distress was to really LOOK like a “newbie”.  Although I would have loved to take pictures (now looking back it would have been beneficial), I fumbled around with a million things I was carrying around.  It was probably best I left it in the car. Plus very few of the 200 people there had cameras with them.  I’m completely comfortable being different with my work but when it comes to large groups, I’d rather blend in.

It was so much fun.  I crammed in a quite a bit of information on how to run a photography business and how to pose to compliment particular body types (Clients: you can thank Hanson Fong later!).  Allison and Jeff Rodgers started off the event.  They both were filled with knowledge about running a photography business.  So to not let my knowledge go to waste, I’ve made a list of things I want to accomplish. Starting small, my next step is to make a creative wall. Instead of bookmarking all my admired photographers, I’ll post some of their work for inspiration.  I’m going to subscribe to a few magazines so I can learn from other people’s work and mistakes.

The hilarious and very talented, Hanson Fong gave a presentation over posing which I truly benefited from. I traditionally stray away from posed pictures, because I love the more natural look, but I realized even in a more photo journalistic style, the rules of “posing” apply.  Plus, many couples still request traditional wedding portraits.  I was excited to get back to tell my husband all the new things I learned!

I would say I came back from this event with much more confidence in my work and an idea where to go next.To say the least, the Chicago PPA tour was a wonderful decision. I’m considering attending the one in Detroit also, so if you are considering going… contact me!

So here is my photoless photog blog post about PPA Tour 2010.  Please forgive me… I’ll post things very soon considering I just shot a wedding this past weekend. I can’t wait to show you!

Here is a sneak peek of what’s to come:

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