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.

Whoa, I haven’t blogged in awhile, huh?  I can’t believe how busy February has been with…LIFE.  Doctor and dentist appointments, meetings, volunteering, tax preparations, trips, and just catching up from all that was neglected in October, November, and December.  I was just starting to catch my breath and it’s already taking off again.  My calendar is filling up with spring sessions already and add that to trips to Las Vegas, North Carolina and Florida, and I’m already looking at June!  It’s just crazy how time flies by, isn’t it?

It makes me sad to see how fast the boys are growing, but it’s also so fun to watch their personalities grow and develop into not just repeats of Jason and me, but their own little people. 

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share some photos of my loves.  Some of these were part of our 2009 holiday card.

I’m heading out on Sunday for the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) conference in Las Vegas.  I’m so excited to see my Love Affair girls again and meet all the amazing photographers I’ve admired for years.  I’m planning to come home with new inspiration and ideas…can’t wait! 

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your loved ones this weekend…Happy Valentines Day!