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Two weeks ago I joined 15,000 of my closest photographer friends in Vegas for the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) Conference and Expo. I try to go to this conference every couple of years because it is a great way to get inspired and put my hands on all of the latest photography products.
I took some excellent sales classes from some of my favorite photographers. One I loved and one felt like an infomercial. So I really learned what NOT to do in THAT class! After taking those classes, though, I realized I really needed help getting my name out to new families too so the next day I attended classes on social media marketing and how to improve my website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization). I came out of them feeling woefully unequipped but at least I have some new directions to go.
The final day I attended a fantastic class on being intentional with my business. I loved this one because it reminded me that while I love photography and working with my clients, I really need to think about how the business fits into my life with my family and to remember what is most important. I often find myself reintroducing myself to my kids and husband at the end of my busy season so this was a much needed reminder!
One of my favorite parts of this conference were the two huge ballrooms that were set up with booth after booth of items tailors just for photographers. Whether it was canvases and metal prints that you could see up close and touch, or websites that were drag and drop (I got one of these so stay tuned for my new improved website!), beautiful albums with matte paper, lovely bags and boxes for packaging, and equipment galore.
There was a definite difference between the ballrooms. One side was all about beautiful design with reclaimed wood booths and mid-century lounges and even an airstream trailer set up as a photo booth. The other side was huge equipment booths, slutty bride models and photographers screaming as if they were at the stock exchange. ‘I’ll take that lens! I want the strobes!’ Uh oh, I fear that I am showing some bias here. Can you tell which ballroom I liked better?
I came away with a new website, a new program for my school photography, some lovely new client gift ideas and some beautiful art prints I can offer my clients. I also found a neat stool that I can fold up flat and fit in my camera bag. No I am good to go for photoshoots with my new knee. (The bonus is I shouldn’t have to have any of the parents pull me up off the ground! It’s the little things that get me excited people.)
I am so glad I attended this year and I can hardly wait to implement all my new changes. Be on the lookout!