Today is one of those days where I’m feeling the heavy exhaustion of trying to hold up too many things at once, but before I continue I want you to know that this is not a sob story. In fact, this is something I hope will rub some cheer into your day.
I’ve been getting a lot of nice emails from readers of my blog and it’s great to hear that folks, first off, read this thing and then tell me they get something out of this. For some reason I want to remind you that you’re following an ordinary 20-something-year-old who is trying to survive as a photographer just like you may be, but that’s possibly why you’re here–because we happen to share that same reality.
This post will be a little more personal than I’ve allowed myself to be on here, but there’s no need to worry. I won’t share so much to cause you to uncomfortably close out my window and, lucky for you, this post will be short and sweet like a fresh out-of-the-oven cupcake. I want to give a quick background of how I started this whole pursuit of photography and how it ties into where I am now and what I’d like to see happen this year.
Four years ago I sat in front of my computer and wondered what I could offer as a new graduate from college and, out of curiosity, I designed a website with my photos and launched it into cyberspace to see what would come of it. It went better than I expected, so I gave my site a name, told the state of California what it was, and began one of the hardest challenges of my life: making a living out of something I love, and what I love is capturing, creating, and inspiring.
Normally, four years of being in business is a good sign that things are going well, but as this year progresses all I can think is that this is a sign that it’ll always be hard to keep up with dreams that just keep getting bigger. Good news is that I have no problem with that. The bad news is that this is tiring as heck. The better news–because there’s always better–is that I still have that same passion from when I first began. What I need, folks, is not more time, more energy, or more cupcakes…I need wisdom, mentoring, and to be surrounded by those who are ahead of me.
Next month there’s going to be the solution I need and it’s in Vegas. I’m not referring to the gambling or drinking until you don’t care what you’re no longer drinking kind of solution. I’m referring to what I had posted about earlier and that’s WPPI. You might have noticed a bunch of tweets and buzz about this event if you’re following the photographer crowd, but for those who have no idea what I mean know that it’s massive, hecka fun, and a place and time for those in the wedding and portrait photography industry to network. More importantly, a time to light each other’s flame so that the love of photography keeps going.
To recap and to list (because I love listing!) here are 5 reasons why I’m obsessed with WPPI:
1. Thousands of photographers and the like to rub elbows with
2. Education galore. Classes from the a.m. to the p.m. for a whole week
3. They’re celebrating their 30th anniversary which means lots of fun celebrations
4. Trade show with hundreds of exhibitors and products
5. Resources, mentoring, and lots of wisdom to tap into to help me in my walk
I’m hoping that this year will be my year to not only give another 200% at what I do, but to receive 200% back, as well. Right now, looking at my account, I honestly don’t know how I can make it out to WPPI. But, there are generous sponsors of WPPI who are holding several giveaways which leaves me no excuse not to try. I’m laughing out loud as I type this (for real), because I’ve tried all of them and feel a little silly. Then again, I always feel silly
In fact, this post is–for the most part–for Lawrence Chan aka Toforious and his little giveaway.
Will you believe with me that I’ll find some way to make it there this year? If you’re going, do me a favor and plan things with me as if I’m already going. That should help. And keep those lovely emails coming! jenmay@jenmayphotography.com
Cheers and much to love to ya. Hope this day is good to you.
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