Oh what a day. I’m sitting here at my desk, with a thousand images, words, and ideas running through my mind. Today I had the opportunity to hear and glean knowledge from some very talented, very successful, and very genuine photographers. I attended Image Quest at the River Rock Casino in Richmond. Okay, so the day didn’t exactly start as amazing as it turned out. While I couldn’t help but smile, by myself, in my car as I drove home, I was cursing as I drove in. Maybe that’s too harsh a word. Regardless, the stop and go traffic + too much coffee beforehand + not really knowing where I was going + rushing in with just one minute to spare…well. You get the picture. I also didn’t know what to expect. I just hoped that walking into a room full of other photographers – presumably experienced, established, and therefore perhaps intimidating photographers – I’d get to make one friend out of the day. Make one connection. With that being said, let’s skip to my favorite part of the day. Not that the morning’s session with Blue Olive Photography wasn’t great in and of itself. First of all, I didn’t have to eat lunch alone with my nose in my book :) I met three great girls – Heidi, Emily, and Rose – who I got to connect with over sushi. And then there was the reason I heard of and came to Image Quest: Jasmine Star. If you don’t know who she is, check her out. Please. I’ve been following her blog for quite some time and through it, Jasmine continually offers inspiration and incredible advice. Seriously, I saw she was coming and I didn’t care what she would be speaking on, I knew I had to be there. I was hoping for the chance to just meet her. And thank her. Imagine my delight and starstruckness(?) when I not only got to do that, but also join her and her hubby/business partner JD for lunch! Well, their lunch, my dessert. Rose and I randomly ran into them and another lady, Philomena, from the convention and so there we were, the five of us sitting around the table, chatting about this and that. Jasmine and JD are two of the warmest, most genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. The Jasmine you get to know online, is the Jasmine you meet in…
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