These past few days have been full of wonderful people and experiences. I think I’m still processing. But I’m going to try and put everything that is in my head and in my heart into blog form…
Last year was our first year at WPPI and I’m happy to say it was better the second time around. Already accustomed to the craziness that is Vegas, prepared for the overwhelming number of fellow photographers eager to connect and to learn, and this time, we even had a few friends ;) This is where I want to stop and say how wonderful it was to meet blog readers and the like – thank you for saying hi! I got to meet some really amazing women and hear some pretty great stories and that sense of connection and mutual encouragement goes a long, long way.
We also got to connect with old friends, like our favourite wedding photographers ever, Jasmine & JD. Shane and I also met up with Karina of Verge Photography in Colorado and her husband Rob. She and I met at Jasmine’s workshop a couple years ago and I love this girl. So fun, so real. And to have a friend in this industry who you can trust with anything, can turn to with whatever question you’re facing, and have a blast with…is a little like finding gold. We started with lunch, which turned into the afternoon, which turned into worshipping together of Photographer’s Unite, which was (again) a major highlight of our time there. The room was packed out (again) with photographers and creatives praising Jesus, a pretty cool experience to be a part of, right in the middle of Vegas. There was great music by Brian Wurzell and Katelyn James, and a great message by Albert Tate. Um, great? It was amazing.
Platform speakers that we checked out included Becker, Lawrence Chan of Tofurious, Jasmine Star, and Jessica Claire. I’ve got a book next to meet full of notes and I can’t wait to review, re-process and implement! The importance of delivering a great experience, staying thirsty (commit to be better, experiment, step it up) an attitude of gratitude, growing your brand, etc, etc! Oh and Jasmine’s presentation? Began with a DJ! I think other speakers should take a cue to get the party started…
And on top of all that…in our three and a half days there, Shane and I also took a little time out for ourselves. We had what we referred to as our ‘Bachelor’ date day. Obviously, that meant starting the day with a helicopter ride! Neither of us had been on one before and we took the opportunity to see The Grand Canyon from 4,000 feet above the canyon floor…seriously, I wondered if my nerves would even let me get on the helicopter. I quickly scolded myself for not being braver because it was so much fun! And crazy good views! What else do you do on a ‘Bachelor’ date? See a Vegas show, such as Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis. If you ever have the chance – GO! And once you’re seated, ask about an upgrade…you might find yourselves in the best seats of the house.
I think I’ll end things there, rather than mention our much delayed flight home. But home we are, and getting prepared for our next traveling/photography adventure…which begins tonight! More on that later…
Whitney Lane Arnett says
Wish i could have gone! My husband and I want to do a bachelor helicopter date here in vancouver or in the rockies sometime we have talked about it lol. Glad WPPI was such a blast this year for all you photogs and fellow showiteers
colleen says
wow sounds great!…fab pic of the GC!
susana cristina says
Sounds like you had a fantastic time at WPPI, not that there would be any doubts about that! Enjoy your time away wherever that might be. Take your time and enjoy the moments!
Corinna says
Wow, sounds like an amazing time, Mikaela! So glad you and Shane got to go to this together! Nice work on the helicopter too!
Felicia says
What a lovely trip! It sounds inspiring and exciting. =) Hopefully one day, I will be able to introduce myself (in person) as a faithful blog reader. ;)
Kim Spears says
What an amazing time !!! Loved getting to live it through your blog ;) That is awesome you met up with Karina too, miss you ladies!