This couple is so fun I could do far more than just two posts on them!  (Have I mentioned how much I love Ed Pingol for sharing his couple?!)

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved these two!  Lisa and Paul were fortunate enough to have the amazing Ed Pingol as their wedding photographer just a short three months ago, and since Lisa was so excited to do a “Trash the dress” after session with her new groom, the wonderful Mr. Pingol was happy to put us in touch with each other for the Napa session. Little did I know that Lisa and Paul were as much fun and as loveable as Ed himself! So Ed – anytime you want to share your wonderful, fun and beautiful clients, feel free to call! haha

Lisa and Paul were up for anything (my favorite type of models!) and I have so many fun ones to show, but here is just a quick sneak peak until I finish working on an album. So as a teaser:

Well, after 6 grueling weeks of last-minute planning and coordinating (sweat and tears), I’m off to meet up with fellow planners, Chris and Jen Stewart, Melissa Ochoa and Beth Daane at our labor of love: OSP West 2.0 in Napa!  We will be meeting up with about 75 other photographers from all along the west coast for 4 days of shooting, speakers, wine tasting and more shooting.  OSPW is actually an annual event that was originally being planned by another person.  Unable to to complete the planning, Jen Stewart jumped in and saved the event.  I soon became involved and little did we know we would be up late most nights, typing over 200 text messages, 600 emails and countless minutes on the phone. 

While I will still be working and taking lots of pictures for your viewing pleasure, I am going to use this time as a much needed vacation from the computer, enjoying the beautiful 70 degree temperature in the breathtaking wine country among great company!!   I will return all emails & phone calls when I return on Tuesday. 

 Have a great weekend and check back soon as I’ll update my blog when I return. 

When I started in this business, I was intimidated by the responses I got from local photographers who are of the “old school” mentality; those who thought any new business was competition and any newcomers weren’t worthy of their time. At that time, I mostly kept to myself and tried to learn quietly. I was fortunate to have had the guidance of my own family photographers, the Sidleys of Kandid-Kids, but it was still daunting to actually enter the local community as a professional – with so much perceived negativity. I continued to attend local meetings, participated in online forums and became a member of many different professional organizations. You quickly learn that there are two types of people in this business: those that have a disdain for competition and networking; and those that welcome new friendships and creative learning. I am happy to say, that after putting myself out there – and searching for others who view the business as I do, I have been fortunate to have made some great connections and new friendships with some great photographers who, luckily subscribe to the latter form of thinking.

Last Friday I met up with some local talent at Round Table Pizza for a night of laughter, inspiration and encouragement. We had a great time and formed some great relationships. I’m very blessed to be able to call Beth Daane and Jen and Chris Stewart my friends, and am excited about the many other people I met and will continue to get to know.  The beauty of a night like that, is we are all portrait and wedding photographers, but all run unique businesses with different products, different philosophies, different methods.  They are all talented and kind, and that is such a refreshing change in this area. 

Here is a great picture taken from the Stewart’s blog of all of us. The morale of the story, for those who waste so much time worrying about competition, sheltering yourselves from networking and meeting new people – you are missing out! Networking, (to quote Martha) “It’s a good thing.” 

We’re so excited – the response has been overwhelming and we’re SO happy to say that Leavin-Las-Vegas is sold out!! 

I’m so honored to have the opportunity to participate in helping with this event and feel so humbled among the talent surrounding me.  This mere mortal is still learning – still starting out – so I’m just here, soaking up every ounce of knowledge I can gain and all of the energy that just exudes from these great veterans. You and I are in for such a treat. Mark Eric and Jason Domingues have been working hard this week to line up a stellar group for our gawking pleasure – look at this All Star lineup: Sofie Louca, John Michael Cooper, Anne Rutheman, Mike Fulton, David Beckstead, Jason Groupp, Ross Tanner from Flosites and a few more still in the works.

I can’t wait to meet you guys in Vegas ~ it’s going to “Rock” (okay, really bad Red Rock pun… I know, I know – don’t quit my day job!!!)