wppi : las vegas 2011

wppi : wedding + portrait photographer’s international.

it’s a convention, for photographers. and it is HUGE.

I think there were something like 16,000 photographers there from all over the world. needless to say, it’s easy to be a little intimidated.

and because it’s important for me to be real with you guys, i will say that at times i was totally intimidated. listening to some of the most successful and being close to some big name photographers, i had times were i felt totally small.

the hard thing was i totally wasn’t expecting this. last year i went totally alone, and was anticipating that feeling, and forced myself to make friends. this year, i had this idea that because i have more friends in the industry, i wouldn’t feel that insecurity again. but i realize that no matter where you are, being confident is a mindset. it doesn’t have anything to do with who you know or what you can do. it comes from knowing YOU are a UNIQUE creation. beloved by God.

I guess a part of me wants you to know that there is so much freedom sometimes in smallness. Being small does not mean powerless.

I had a heartbreaking, a really good kind of heartbreaking, moment while in Vegas, where God chose to remind me that the power in each of us is the power we have to love and inspire another.

It was in the form of encouragement from a friend that I had actually never met before. She came up to me and reminded me that I am on the right track. That’s it really.

Kathryn, thanks for touching my heart in the best possible way. You are powerful.

there were so many other amazing + inspiring moments in the midst of a hectic and frazzling week…. here they are.

for you as much as for me. a reminder.

…getting to hear from 2 photographers I deeply admire as much for their creative vision as for their passion for what they do – elizabeth messina + jose villa.

jose inspired me to focus on my craft, find my inspiration, and allow the art to flow from there.

elizabeth reminded me that it is okay to simply look for beauty in the world. because it can be a difficult place at times.

 

….an opportunity to chat about life, love and success over early morning tea with my dear friend jamie delaine.

jamie, i forget sometimes that you are only 20. you have wisdom and courage beyond your years, and i heart you.

 

a unique an amazing portrait session with jeremy, ashley, justin + mary marantz!

I was so grateful to learn from Justin + Mary. They are amazing leaders in this industry.

Not only are they amazing at what they do, but I so admire their approach to this community : “Real leaders are inclusive.”

I was also so thankful to get to reconnect with beautiful friends Karen and Catie and get to know better a girl who I think is doing amazing things with her business, Katelyn James.

Katelyn, I was so BLESSED to get to know your heart a little more this year. I am so grateful for what you shared about realizing that your business is in the Lord’s hands, and you reminded me to let go. Your heart is beautiful.

 

Monday night was just a really really fun time to dance with some sweet friends. Angel, Jihan + Michelle and I met at Jasmine Star’s workshop this past April.

It was so fun to reconnect!

 

Michelle, you were the best roomie ever. Thanks for cuddling with me when I needed it.

 

 

Wednesday night I had a chance to connect with sweet Robin. Robin and I have known each other since the good old days at UCLA. I am so thankful that we could reconnect over a delicious meal at the Cosmopolitan hotel. Robin, you are right where God wants you. Even if it’s difficult, he is bringing you through with purpose. You are strong. and beautiful.

I couldn’t help myself from snapping a few pics here. The Cosmopolitan just opened recently and I love all the textures they used in their design…

I LOVE YOU ROB.

Meeting friends at the Venetian…. Caesar’s palace…. Serendipidy….

Thanks for great heart to hearts,Gladys + Anda.

Last, but not least, an amazing afternoon with Gina.

Gina, thank you for taking new photos for me. I love all of them so much it’s going to be way too hard to wait for the new website to show them off (yeah, so a new website is in the works for 2011!!)

Thank you for reminding me to breathe. To let go of my disappointment in myself at times. For making me laugh, and for being an inspiration.

Grateful.

That’s what I am. I may not be the best at simply living in each moment, but I am so thankful to know that through each trial a new humility grows in me. I need that.

I am grateful for that.

Let’s do this, 2011.

 

xoxo,

Em