Last week I attended the 2009 WPPI Conference in Las Vegas.  I don’t really know what I expected, but with over 17,000 photographers in attendance, I felt a bit overwhelmed.  Some of platform classes filled up 45 minutes before the class even started, and some of the classes were not worth my time at all, but overall it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world.  The networking and friendships made with photographers from all over the world was invaluable.  And what I learned at this conference, as with other workshops I’ve been to, is that as much can be learned from others photographers in attendance as from the “teachers”. 

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard or so much as I did last week with my roommates, Kim Green and her assistant Kelly Utz.  Such good times with such amazing women!  Anne Ruthmann took a video of one of my laughing bouts and I’m just hoping it doesn’t get published on her blog!     My only regret is coming home with the “WPPI Flu” that so many others have been afflicted with upon returning home.  I’m currently blogging from bed with a fever and a throat that feels like it has a tennis ball stuffed in it. 

We took advantage of our gorgeous roommate Kelly and forced her to bring her beautiful wedding gown all the way from Maryland and model for us while we worked the ring light and video light.  Here are some of my shots…

Kim brought her softbox and ring light.  We shot with Tracy Routh, Caroline Billman, Julia McInnis, and Candi Coffmann.

I’ve been waiting for this event since August and finally, the time has come.  In the morning, I’m headed out to Bald Head Island, North Carolina for the Love Affair Workshop with Lauren Clark, Millie Holloman, Davina Fear, and Kelly Moore.  All week long I’ve been checking the blogs of the 40 ladies who attended week one, which has made me all the more excited and a bit nervous I must admit.  It is a little bit intimidating to be surrounded by so many talented women.  My husband tried to calm me by saying, "Kelly, you can only hope that you are the worst one there, because then you’ll be the one who learns the most!  Why would you want to already be great?  No one is going because they are already the best photographer they can be!"  I suppose he’s right.

From what I understand, the island does not have very good cell phone reception, but I will still be able to check email.  Hopefully I’ll be able to blog some of my photos while I’m there as well. 

Just sharing a few photos from week one workshop…

The amazing instructors

The beach houses…

Have a great week!

K

One of my favorite photographers is having a contest to see how many blog hits she can get linked from another photographer’s blog. 

Help me win a $75 Sephora gift certificate by clicking HERE to visit her blog!  Thanks so much!  And just to show my appreciation, I’ll share some embarrassing photos of me goofing around with Brent last week…

Thanks everyone!!

K

I took on a fun little project today!  Besides finally being able to rent and watch "Harry Potter, Order of the Phoenix", I decided to take some photos of regular stuff in our front yard that was covered in ice from last night’s storm, then spruce it up in Photoshop a bit. 

Please leave me a comment and let me know which one(s) are your favorites!  I already have a favorite or two that I think I’m going to have printed and framed

Click on the photos to view larger.

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And I couldn’t resist one of the Christmas tree…

Happy Tuesday!

Kelly