Ah, Vegas—the Disneyland for adults! It’s a magical world of guilty pleasures and sleepless nights. Where glitz and glamour meet trashy oblivion. It’s also where 16,000 photographers meet every year for WPPI — a huge photography conference and trade show held at the MGM Grand.
I’m here with my friends Ashley Barnett (see her amazing work here!) and her boyfriend Jeremy Mitchell who’s getting into videography. We’ve spent the first few days “getting the Vegas out of our systems” and enjoyed nights out and days exploring. Now that’s officially time to buckle down and absorb all that is photography, Vegas becomes a whole new world. It’s a really eye-opening experience as a photographer to be put in a realm where you are forced to define yourself in a sea of talented professionals.
Intimidating as it may be, it introduces me to other people who are already living my dream job. It IS possible to find creativity in yourself and make a living doing it—and my mentors even show me how! We’ve seen some of our favorite and inspiring photographers speak, including Mike Larson, Bobbi + Mike, and the incredible Jasmine Star (she’s literally got a rock star following). She spoke at a concert venue in the MGM and had at least 70 people approach her after the show. (I was one of them–ain’t no shame in having a girl crush!) Jasmine’s presentation really made me realize that it’s not about where you end up–it’s about how you get there. You’ve GOT to see her promo video about how work should never take over your life . . . because how else are you going to get inspired if you don’t stop & smell the roses?
I think my favorite thing about her talk was how important it is for YOU to write your life story–and give it a title only at the end. It’s important not to be defined up front of what you do.
Being here has also made me realize that I want to blog more. About EVERYTHING and anything that inspires me. Not only for the future client to see how photography comes into my day to day life, but simply for myself. I forgot how much I love to write, and so that’s what I’m going to do. So expect more blog posts!
The saying “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” certainly does not apply here. I have every intention of taking everything home and building my business UP! 😀
Beautiful words and pictures Carly! I want to start blogging more too!!! Can't wait to read more of your posts 🙂
Hi Carly,
Love these of Vegas — unfortunately I wasn't able to shoot much – I was helping out at a booth most of the time.
It was great meeting you – try to make it to Mystic Seminars next year and keep in touch!
-Lauren