Sometime last week, I arrived home from travel to Phoenix for Imaging USA. It was my first time in attendance and like all conventions, I went in nervous about what was to come and left feeling re-juvenated, inspired and full of new knowledge! What was different for this conference unlike any before was that I spoke at Black River Imaging‘s Trade Show Booth.
The topics I presented were “Marketing Without Advertising” and “How to Create and Run a Profitable Photography Business.” Over the past few years, in addition to realizing my passion for photography (especially wedding photography) I also realized my desire to help others with their business. I noticed myself having so many conversations with others regarding the pros and cons of specific business decisions, how to run things efficiently, and the concept of creating an excellent client experience.
I feel like as artists, we tend to focus lots of the creative and aesthetic side of photography. But the truth is…without learning the ins and outs of business we aren’t able to properly function as an entity (and therefore risk continuing to practice this as a long-term profession!)
Although I’m not shy. At All. And super outgoing, something about standing in front of others makes me super nervous, and speak even faster than I normally do!
This was my first time speaking on a larger than one-on-one scale (since my Creative LIVE audition). I really love the conversations that happen when two entrepreneurs get together so wrapping my head around a presentation style method of sharing information was a challenge. However, I made it through, and I’m looking forward to continuing on this journey.
Below is a photo that my friend Arica Dorff grabbed while I was speaking the first day. I can’t believe how calm I look on the outside! LOL
I’d like to offer a huge thank you to Black River Imaging for taking a risk on me and having me at their booth. It was a true pleasure; seriously.
If you are planning to attend the upcoming WPPI event in Las Vegas, please comment below! I’ll be there and would love to meet up on my visit to the city!
Catherine