What happened in Vegas "can't" stay in Vegas!

Say what? Well, I've just returned from an amazing trip to Las Vegas. This was my first time visiting Vegas! As I think about it, I haven't taken a trip alone since 2004 (and that was an official business trip), I haven't had "roommates" since my Air Force days, and cuttin' the rug on the dance floor...boy that has been ages! And that is just part of the story. This was also my first time attending WPPI which is a huge conference and tradeshow for photographers. The experience was one that still has me buzzing with ideas and inspiration. I arrived on Sunday and as soon as we touched down my roommates and I went to hear Audrey Woulard speak. She's an amazing children's photographer out of Chicago. I caught up with Audrey later at the tradeshow and grab a quick snapshot with her.

Each day was filled with programs from 8:00am until 8:30pm, with the tradeshow in between and a few late night "receptions" and parties. There were so many speakers I wanted to see, it was hard to pick sometimes but it was certainly a blessing in disguise when on Monday I couldn't choose between Kevin Kubota and Jasmine Star. I stood in line to see Jasmine Star, but the room was filled to capacity. I quickly got in to hear Kevin who I really wanted to see also! He is a very talented and artistic photographer with an amazing heart. I'm so glad I was able to get into his class. The icing on the cake was when they announced that Jasmine Star scheduled an encore of her class the next day. So I was able to see her after all. She is so sweet and so talented. I love her and I love following her blog. I was able to catch her at the Leather Craftsman booth to chat a bit. She is such a fun lady to meet.

This is a very short list of speakers I saw and met. However, the best conversation I had was with Clare Kubota (Kevin's wife). Kevin played a powerful slideshow at the end of his program. It was images from their Rawanda trip last year. During the slideshow my eyes were (as they are right now) filled with tears I could barely see. Clare and I talked for nearly a half hour at their busy booth about their experience and the experience of the people they were helping. It's really an eye opener and motivator to get involved.

Hanging out with my photog friends from the Twin Cities was an absolute blast and making new friends from all parts of the country was the added bonus to the week. I have so many pages in my book filled with ideas and inspiration. I can't leave that all in Vegas! This is the one time that "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" does not apply.