Vegas, you kicked my butt. WPPI, you made the trip more valuable than I had hoped for. Where do I begin…
To kick off the week and set an amazing tone for the days to come was the PhotogUNITE Gathering. UNITE is a group of Christian photographers who believe in giving all glory to God, in their businesses and in their lives. It was powerful to join with so many others (standing room only!), in a city like Las Vegas, to lift up the name of our Lord in song, lead by talented worship leader Brian Wurzell, and then listen to a passionate message by Albert Tate.
Apart from the worship service, the most impactful aspect of the convention wasn’t the classes or platform speakers (although, Elizabeth Messina’s presentation still left me inspired and at times, brought tears to my eyes…LOVE her!), but the connections that happened as a result of the trip. The events that weren’t in the plan, the conversations that couldn’t have been predicted. Thousands of photographers come to WPPI and with so many people, its easy to get lost in the masses and struggle to connect on a personal level. So it was the small things and seemingly small gestures that meant the most. Like getting to meet Kendra, a talented photographer and really sweet girl from Texas, who I had connected with over my blog (again, THANK YOU for ‘interrupting’ our lunch :)
Another connection that was really fun to make was with Brandon + Kristin Kidd of Brandon Kidd Photography. I recognized them as soon as they sat down next to me and Shane at lunch. Jasmine Star shot their wedding and, like I told Kristin when I leaned over to say hi, their wedding was one of my favorites! From there we struck up a conversation around business, traveling, The Bachelor, and before we knew it, felt like we were friends. Be sure to check out their work, they’re another talented husband and wife team in the industry!
Speaking of talented husband and wife duos who have much to offer…Jasmine and JD. I’ve been honored to maintain a personal relationship with Jasmine over the last year, and I was so excited for Shane to meet her and JD, this amazing and humble power couple who has given me much encouragement. With Shane and his business/marketing mind who also desires to learn more about photography, I knew he and JD would get along great. And let me say, I feel so privileged to have Shane’s incredible support in my life, who dreams bigger dreams for me than even I do, with the determination to make them come true. Over a couple different conversations, JD offered insight from a husband and business partner’s perspective, and really, it was just so fun to reconnect with these two. Shane and I were even able to get in on a Showit Suite Photographer Meetup, a Q + A time with Jasmine. If you want, check out the informative video here!
Though Vegas sent me home with a nasty cold, it hasn’t stopped my mind from running over with ideas and projects I want to implement in my business. Thank you to all who said hi, gave hugs, and lent insight and support. Sometimes it overwhelms me how amazing this photography community is and how lucky I am to be a part of it.
Jasmine* says
LOVE you!!!! It was so great connecting and I can’t wait for you to come back to Cali soon! :)
JD says
So glad you and Shane got to meet Brandon and Kristin! Aren’t they such a wonderful couple?! Thank you for making this WPPI extra special!
the whyte house says
I had to take a brief pause from reading when I read that brian wurzell was there! :) so glad you guys had an enjoyable time…minus the gross cold!!
Dani says
Sounds like an amazing time, chica!! Feel better soon!
Andie says
Sounds like you had a great time. I am looking forward to hearing more about it xo
Shane says
Such a great time at WPPI! Already looking forward to next year!!
jamie delaine says
so glad you said hi, mikaela! you’re lovely and you and your boyfriend are so cute.
Matt Kennedy says
Hey plane buddy! It was great to meet you guys, lets get together sometime…I’m really stoked to build relationships with other Christian photographers in our area!