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I made it through…because of you.

March 12, 2013

I’m Catherine.
A New Orleans based wedding photographer and educator. We are excited you are here and cannot wait to connect with you!.
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I hung up the phone and sat at my computer. For a moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of stress, nerves, and anxiety. And I cried.

My mom (always in the best of intentions of course) simply asked about the upcoming creativeLIVE audition. What time? Where? Was I ready? …. and I hung up the phone and let it out. Brad got up and walked over, assuring me that everything was going to be ok.

I finished my presentation and spent the next few days preparing.

Yesterday morning, the morning of the audition, I woke up. After having spent the night before backing up the files from Sunday’s lovely wedding for Kelley + Josh, and packing for Las Vegas, I had gone to sleep on an empty stomach with very little sleep. 6:00AM rolled around rather quickly and I woke up feeling nauseated and defeated.

For the first time in my entire life….I really wasn’t sure if I could do it. I can honestly say that even after playing in a state championship game in softball, speaking to thousands on the national mall in D.C., and defending my thesis to a roomfull of professional architects and builders…I have NEVER been so nervous.

I forced myself to eat a nutrition bar and headed out the door. In the course of my flights to Vegas, a bit of sleep and 6 pepto-bismols never worked so well! I arrived in Las Vegas about 1 hr prior to my presentation and had a seat to watch the last two presenters speak on their topics.

I had texted my best friend that I wasn’t sure I could do it. Could I really stand before a room full of talented creatives, and an internet full as well…to present on how to create an excellent client experience?

I mean, Jasmine Star was hosting and Sue Bryce was judging for crying out loud! Oh! And did I mention that the entire creativeLIVE staff was there?

Jasmine welcomed me…and without hesitation I began. I can honestly say that the past 2-3 weeks have been a whirlwind. In addition to photographing engagements, bridals, and weddings, I was preparing for one of the biggest opportunities of my life.

The judges gave incredible insight and although I did not technically “WIN” a creativeLIVE seminar, I did learn so much from this experience: I pushed myself to a place that I had never been before. I met a room full of wonderful people that I feel proud to have met and I received valuable critique from established professionals that I respect.

WOW. I don’t know where to begin in saying thank you…but all I can say is that I TRULY, SINCERELY, without a DOUBT appreciate the outstanding outpour of love from my friends, family, clients…and even people that I have never met. If anything, this experience has taught me the value of relationships and the power of a support system.

So, to each of you: thank you. Thank you for your support and for believing in me. (Thanks to Chrissy for these next two screenshots)

Screen shot 2013-03-11 at 8.08.57 PM

Kenna mentioned that she liked my Southern accent…and this was my response? Complete shock! I had no idea I even HAD an accent!

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I just love these two and their fun personalities! Thanks to Amelia for not only coming to the presentation but for taking fun photos like this one!

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After watching so many creativeLIVE seminars, it was really neat to meet Susan + Kenna in person!

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The crew at creativeLIVE is phenomenal. There is so much work going on behind-the-scenes to make this happen.

DSC_0743 copy I also had the honor of meeting Sue Bryce. And she gave excellent advice to everyone during the critiques.

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Congratulations to Arica Dorff on winning her very on creativeLIVE seminar!

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This is the entire crew at the auditions….I still can’t believe I stood up in front of this many people!

Screen shot 2013-03-12 at 12.06.50 AM

 

 

 

 

Thank you to creativeLIVE for hosting this awesome event! I am thankful to have been a part of it!

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  1. amy says:

    So proud of you !!!! Go Catherine GO!!

  2. Rosemary says:

    Seriously you were amazing and I am baffled about how brave you were and graceful you were. I honestly choked up watching you, because I would have melted with gratitude at Sue Bryce’s praise {and recommendations- I don’t like the word criticism} because she was so right on. You are so impressive and you are going to grow so so much because of this! I’d love to watch a class on Client Service right here on your own website or blog! Please please please teach me about the charms of the South in business! You’re adorable.

  3. Wani says:

    I actually just watched the spotlight, which is how I found your website. You were totally one of my favourites and I wrote lots of notes from your 30 min presentation. I have no doubt we’ll be seeing you with your own course on cL soon. Keep up the fab work Catherine 🙂

    • admin says:

      Thank you Wani for stopping by the blog. Speaking on the cL spotlight was an incredible learning experience and I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Keep in touch!

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