Back again.... for a day...

Whew! The world of being on the road is almost coming to a close. We will be heading to Ohio tomorrow, and then back on Tuesday. We've been on the road for so long that coming home for just a day is seriously refreshing.

Well I did it. I have to explain here a bit....

I've been doing workshops for the past few weeks..but this was my first speaking engagement. My program was at 7pm. There were programs all during the day that began at 8am to what I thought was a packed house. (...yes.. I had to take a peek!)

So I silently thought (well...not so silently at times!) that I wouldn't have nearly as many people.. I mean.. it was 7pm...it was an evening bonus program. No one would stay. Well.. there were over 500 people there. WOW!

I've been thinking about this blog entry for the last few days...and if there was anything I learned from this experience was to really be myself...I usually do ok when I take that route! haha! So I will approach this entry the same way...

There really are no words for me to express how completely inspired I feel right now. I have never been around such a diverse...and I mean diverse crowd of photographers where EVERYONE is encouraging.

I'm sure when there are those that think of the PPA..think of photographers who produce nothing but traditional work..and if you don't follow the "rules"..then your wrong. I thought this at one time..and the atmosphere is SOOOOOOOO not that way. They love and encourage photographers with new ideas...thoughts...processes...and you all KNOW I am a rule breaker! haha!

I have never in my life been greeted with such warmth and encouragement amongst SOOOO many photographers.. men and women...some with TONS of experience..photographing the president...to those just starting out. The vendors.. I mean... wow. They ALL want you to succeed. They ALL want you to be the very best that YOU want to be. They ALL want those who work in our industry to be the very best from beginning to the end.

My speaking engagement didn't go as I envisioned. I originally thought I should approach it as a lecture. Then it dawned on me during the middle of my presentation that I need to just approach it as I would do anything else..and bring as much energy and laughter as I would a small group of people since crowds don't intimidate me. After my speaking engagement I was greeted with encouragement...and just well.. I can't even explain. Then the next day.. I felt a tiny bit sheepish since it didn't go as planned, but Im a strong girl, and walked in.....

So many women, but LOTS of men greeted me with such kind words, and encouragement...wanting me to keep moving forward..just wow. I know there were many who wanted to talk to me.. but I didn't get a chance to.. so I wanted to publically thank you. You all greated myself..and my husband with such encouragement. We left inspired, and excited about this wonderful profession.

A special thanks to my dearest Andrea, and Lenore..who would give me that special smile, and those quick words of encouragement before I started, and the next day....and definitely my friend Lori N.

For those who are just starting in the business..join the PPA. It will be one of the best investments you can make for your business bar none. Join *both* the national AND your local PPA. Visit and network with as many photographers from all walks of life that you can. Its great to find inspiration from those that photograph the same things that you do... but the business advice, and inspiration that you can gain from those who don't do exactly what you do is simply invaluable. Seriously...there are no words. Participate as much as you can so that you can make the most of your membership. Messageboards are great for chit chat amongst those that do what you do and for new ideas... but it is a WHOLE different world in photography outside the internet...and I encourage all of the photographers who visit my blog to join the PPA if you haven't done so already.

Eventhough it didn't go as planned, I wouldn't change that experience for the world.

Until Next Time,

~A

Comments

[Cher Salo]

Congrats Audrey!!
This is FABULOUS!!

Rock On!!

Cher

[j's mom]

Audrey.
How exciting, that you now realize what we already knew....that you are a gift. That you possess incredible talent, creativity and are so full of life and ideas. How wonderful that you feel so inspired and how lucky that you have inspired so many. Enjoy....
j's mom

[Carol]

Maybe we'll see you at the next PPANI meeting next Wednesday? Margie Kukuc and I belong and we make most of the meetings throughout the year. They are inspirational as well as educational. I LOVE our PPA! They do an AWESOME job of getting awesome speakers, and I am fortunate to be a part of this group! Everyone shares and gives. Welcome!!!

[Richard Grainger]

Hello Audrey,

Thank you very much for sharing with us in Memphis. Your work and your words are very inspiring. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future; maybe Imaging USA.

Take care,

Richard Grainger

[Miz Booshay]

Your enthusiasm and encouragement is refreshing.
Thank you for your words of advice, sharing your art, and words of encouragement!

To me, you are the very best at what you do, and I feel honored to listen in and learn from you...even just here at the blog.

[Prema Buck]

Congratulation on your successful speaking engagement! You are a strong women and I admire that so much about you!

[Gloria Meredith]

Thank you. Gotta join ppa soon.

[candi]

congrats to you. wish i could have been there to hear ya. :)

[Michelle Rasmussen]

Audrey - I wish I could have been there, but I am so excited to meet you later this month at your workshop! Congrats on everything and I admire you for all that you do and can't wait to learn more from one of the best. I love your blog too...thanks so much for sharing so much with us and for inspiring me.

~Michelle Rasmussen

[Rachel]

How awesome! I wish I could've attended one of your workshops. I just got into children's photography and am still learning so much. I feel photographers should network with one another but I have not found this easy. If I had been there among all that support, I probably would have fainted. Being self taught, I have approached many photographers looking for advice and support and have not had a very positive response. It is like most photographers don't want to help anyone else or reveal secrets or I am not sure what they are protecting. I hope that someday this changes for me because I could really use some advice! You are an inspiration to me and so many, Audrey. I hope you come to Portland someday!

[Linda Wiley / Seattle]

Audrey, I loved reading what you wrote. You write so honestly from the heart and you do nothing but inspire me. THANK YOU.

[Vicki]

Great for you! And how wonderful for your dh support.

Have you ever posted photos of your studio??? Dying to see them.

[Andrea Shirey]

Of coarse they all loved you are amazing at what you do and you are a sweetheart!! It's so great to see someone who has come so far in this business still being inspired by other photographers!

[Lu]

I could not be more proud of you if I tried. Congratulations.

[Carrie]

Awesome! Can't wait to learn from the BEST! See you in a week!!!

[Kathy]

Congrats A!

[Jen Wood]

Audrey -
I've been an avid follower of your work for about a year and you truly are an inspiration! I was one of the lucky ones to be at your presentation in Memphis. I was unable to be at the entire conference, unfortunately, but made sure I was at your session. I drove to Memphis from Nashville on Sunday and then back to Nashville that night just for you! :) You didn't disappoint! I did get to come back later in the week - I made the trip again for the Tuesday evening/Wednesday sessions. Thanks for your willingness to share. You were fabulous :)

[Karen Alcalde]

Your Amazing....CONGRATS !!!!!

[lisajulia]

*CLAPPING**STANDING OVATION*
You are THE most inspiring and gifted photographer I have had the pleasure to 'know'...add a generous heart, and the right dash of everything that makes someone *extra* special and you get YOU.
I will always, always be in awe of you, and always thankful for your willingness to share your gift. I am so happy and proud of you...nothing can stop you now!!!
Look out world..I can't imagine what's next for you!!!!
Lisa =)

[tara]

thats awesome audrey-im happy it went so well!!!

[Alette]

This is just amazing Audrey, congratulations on everything. Just some silly question, What is PPA, I don't believe we have something like that overhere in the Netherlands

Alette

[lori nordstrom]

yay! i'm glad it went so well. can't wait to talk to you!! :)
love ya!

[lori nordstrom]

yay!! i'm glad it went so well. i can't wait to talk to you! :)
love ya!!

[Martha Bravo]

Congrats Audrey! You rock and I am glad that you did so well.

[Molly Jerman]

Audrey,

You're lucky you got out of there alive! At one point they had you backed into a corner in the hallway, but I'm glad I got to hear you share. And thank you sooooo much for shooting JPG! Some people make you feel that RAW is a religion and if you aren't shooting it you're not saved. But you said be yourself. I like that about you. Take care,

Molly