I just returned home this evening from a professional photographer’s conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and had a great time. The highlight of the conference/tradeshow was hearing our keynote speaker, world renowned baby photographer Anne Geddes. She spoke for an hour and a half about her humble beginnings (selling the famous baby calendars out of the back of their car) and hearing “no” from a famous greeting card company when she approached them with her images. One man told her that she needed to add more variety to her portfolio, that she couldn’t JUST take pictures of babies. Can you believe that? I enjoyed her speech immensely.
I also got a chance to preview lots of new hot products and can’t wait to introduce 1 or 2 new things to the already fantastic Bugs and Butterflies Photography product line up.
Another great thing was being picked up at the airport by Kent (husband) and my kids (Max, almost 4 and Tanner, 8). As they pulled up to the curb, I saw Max’s eyes completely light up with the biggest smile and Tanner jumping up and down as he waited for the car to slow to a stop. Actually, I think he was already out of his seatbelt before Kent stopped at the curb. I can’t tell you how my heart leapt as I saw their reactions through the window. Of course I missed them while I was away, but I was completely focused on taking everything in and was busy enjoying all my ‘adult meals’ with a good photographer friend Leslie who traveled from southern California to meet me there. While we drove home, Max told me he had a kiss for me and so I had to lean back between the seats for my kiss (and yes, I undid my seatbelt to get back there, any mom would).
When we pulled up to the house, I happily noted our Christmas decorations were still adorning our home. You see, we are trying to be the first family on our block to have lights up for next Christmas. Not only were they still up, but they were blinking happily for everyone in the neighborhood to enjoy.
2009 has already become an exciting year and I am looking forward to meeting and photographing lots of new families and babies….
