I spent much of the past week at the Pictage Partner Conference in Los Angeles. This was my second year attending since they started these conferences about 3 years ago, and it is always good to meet and share with other professional photographers who are committed to growing their business. There was a good lineup of speakers again this year, many of whom shared useful business strategies. I also enjoyed seeing what the sponsors had to offer this year as there were a few new ones with products I'd like to start offering, like beautiful, large canvas prints.
Some speakers that stood out: The uber-successful David Jay is always inspiring to listen to, and he has made such a name for himself through his photography, creation of Open Source Forum and ShowIt Slideshows, and by just encouraging the photography community in general to share and learn from one another.
Lauren Hillary gave some great tips for getting published, and the always entertaining Davina Fear delivered a good presentation on keeping your sanity while juggling a family/personal life. I saw her last year when she spoke for the first time and she really inspired me because she is also a mother (but she has FOUR!) who seems to balance the fine art of running a family and a successful business at the same time. I also attended my friend Melissa Jill's session on the benefits of blogging. This was her first year presenting and she did a great job! Her blog has been consistently growing over the past year or two and I think she is up to 500 visitors per day now. Go Melissa!
All in all, it was a good week...here are a few snapshots from the point-and-shoot.
Buddy Kim Jarman and I hanging out in the lounge with the Phoenix crew.
Melissa Jill showing us how she can solve the Rubix Cube.
Fellow Phoenix PUG'ger Jared Platt trying to take credit for Melissa's handiwork.
And a personal highlight, getting to see my younger sister Shannon (middle, with her friend Vanessa from Barcelona, Spain on the right) who was also in California during the week. We had a fun evening in Hermosa Beach and a great dinner at Union Cattle. Since she lives all the way in Florida, we never get to see each other enough. Can't wait until she and family move back to Santa Barbara!! 1 Comments For This Post ~ Add A New Comment...
