Phoenix, Arizona is like spring this time of year. While pipes were freezing in Indiana, birds were singing and the grass was green in Phoenix. I was fortunate enough to attend the biggest photography convention in the US in Phoenix a couple weeks ago. Imaging USA is the annual convention for the Professional Photographers of America (I’m a member). So, imagine getting to immerse yourself in your passion for 3 days. It was so much fun and so inspiring! I attended many classes where the “superstar” photographers shared their secrets. And, the trade show was so BIG, I never did see it all. I returned to Indiana with some really good ideas and new products for my customers and my studio, for example:
New frames – I can now offer customers wonderful frames from 2 very different companies, including whimsical hand painted frames (the corner samples just arrived!) New design ideas for albums, memory books, and storyboards Ideas and software to improve my workflow Posing, lighting, and photo editing tips Oh, I bought a wonderful big, fluffy tutu for photographing little girls – so fun! And lots more…
Perhaps the best and most memorable thing I did while at the convention was attend the talk given by the famous Australian baby photographer, Anne Geddes (http://www.imagingusa.org/geddes.php). You know her work on calendars and in books, I’m sure – babies in flower pots, in flowers, even in cabbages, etc. – amazing, touch-your-heart, make-you-smile images that compel you to appreciate the miracle that life is and how amazingly beautiful babies are. She talked about how she was driven to photograph babies and how her career has progressed to the present. I was mesmerized by her talk and the beautiful images she displayed on the screen at the theater. She is a fabulous and humble speaker.
Here are some images of beautiful 3 month old babies taken recently at my studio:
So, I’m working to make 2009 the best year yet at K. Weatherwax Photography studio. Juggling two jobs has been a challenge, even more so than I expected. I have worked at Purdue University (supporting computers) for 19 years. I’ve worked full time at Purdue until the last couple years when I switched to a 4 day work week while building my business at the studio. A few weeks ago I dropped down to 3 days a week at Purdue. I should be able to do a better job of keeping up now – another day to be immersed in my passion – photographing people!
