Toledo Photographer, Jennifer Mott

Yep, it was true and no fair!  You would think you could go someplace warm in the beginning of March for a working vacation and escape the cold weather!    Here’s a quick iPhone snap from my trip…and honestly I didn’t think to take too many pictures, I was so busy the whole time I was there!  This is at the NY NY right across from the MGM where I stayed:

I did take some night shots with some local Photographers:  Sarah, Echo, and Jaylene.  I’m not sure if the pictures will ever make it off my memory card to the blog, but it was so much fun!

Highlights of my trip to WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International):

Hanging out with my husband and his friends that he rarely gets to see

After he left, hanging out with neighbor and WPPI roomie Sarah J

Finally meeting six of my friends from a small, close-knit group that has been discussing business and more for about 3 years now.

Meeting favorite newborn photographers Carrie and Britt and being up front for their wonderful presentation.

Being front row and one of only 35 to see my absolute favorite wedding photographer, Jose Villa, teach his masterclass. He was so nervous, it was adorable…and he had the best stories…and his images, while amazing online are even better in print.

Watching the judging of prints, especially when Jesh de Rox was arguing for images that made him FEEL even when they weren’t technically correct. It was all so entertaining and taught me so much.

Other inspiring photographers I got to see talk or meet around the tradeshow: Jasmine Star (and later got a hug when I saw her out walking, she is so sweet), Nichole Van, Audrey Woulard, Millie Holoman, Dane Sanders, John Mireles…so many of my favorites willing to share so much.

Meeting my goal for the tradeshow part of finding new products, especially albums that blew me away…can’t wait to get some samples

Going out and having fun, the parties, piano bar, dancing…I don’t get a chance to get out much

And the not-so-great:

The smoke everywhere…I changed clothes twice a day most days, and went out and bought more…my closet at the hotel smelled…my eyes were red every time I walked through the casino to get to the conference…thank goodness for the Ohio ban!

Lines…the popular classes would have lines start 2-3 hours before…but some classes only had an hour in between, so often it was impossible to get in a class you wanted to see.  And I skipped lunch most days so I could sit in lines.

The time difference…it hurt to come home after staying up late and then taking a red eye.  I should go to bed now to get back to normal, but I am so used to being up until 3 or 4 or 5 Toledo time.

Internet connection…wifi was only free in a very small area that was always packed and the AT&T 3G access was really bad.  I didn’t have the time to take my lap top to the wifi spot or spend enough time in my room to pay for access and my iPhone rarely connected.  So I have a lot to catch up on now that I’m home.

So…over all I am so glad I went, and I can’t wait for next year!  I have so much inspiration and new ideas, new products and software, and I can’t wait to get going with it all.

I have emails and calls to return, but the kids are out of school tomorrow and I am without a sitter so it may be a little slow getting to everyone.

Hope you all enjoyed the warm weather, I am ready for Spring!