I've Come a LONG Way!!

I've had the photo to the right in my blog folder for months and was just waiting for an opportunity to use it. As far as I know, it's one of the first photos of me taking a photograph. I was about 11-12 years old and was with my father at a wedding in Ahoskie. He was helping me set up a photo of the bride's mother straightening her veil and someone else took a photo of the whole scene, including me. My photo turned out just fine -- my father was a wonderful, thorough teacher -- and the rest, as they say, is history.

I thought it was appropriate to share that photo today because I just got home last night from the PPA 2010 Imaging Conference in Nashville, TN. I've been a member of the Professional Photographers of America for years but have always been much more involved in my state association, the PPNC. I believe in professional organizations primarily because I think meeting with others and attending classes and sharing information is the best way to grow. (I'm also a member of WPPI and NAPP). This conference exceeded my wildest expectations and I've come home with my brain literally churning with ideas. All of the speakers were world class, the trade show had extraordinary products, and I loved being in the company of so many other dedicated professionals. The speakers were so esteemed that I hardly knew which programs to attend. I emailed my talented young friend, Allison Satterfield of Sandfoot Photography, from the conference and told her that I was in a wedding orgy. In one day I had been to classes by Yervant, Joe Buissink and Denis Reggie. The names may not be ones you recognize but, in the photography world, these are some heavy hitters. I also went to a dynamite program by Jane Conner-Ziser on facial retouching so look for MY fabulous new photo soon on my Facebook page. I'm going to use every little tip she gave us to make my own photo remarkable. I'm looking forward to getting back to work now and using some of my new ideas and skills. By the way, my husband took the photo of me above between sessions at the Gaylord Opryland Resort which is a whole 'nother story!