Throughout the year I attend conferences, workshops and other training events in order to learn and grow as a photographer and so I can better serve my clients.  Last week I attended Imaging USA in Atlanta, GA.  This was my first national Photography conference.  I drove up to Atlanta, stopping in Savannah to pick up Alison (Alison Epps Photography) and grabbed a treat for the road (love "back in the day" bakery in savannah.)

We spent the next 4 days waking up early, making our way through the chilly morning (much colder than Florida) grabbing our coffee and hearing some great fellow photographers speak on a number of subjects.  

Some of my favorites were:

Art and Emotion of Newborn Photography- Julia Kelleher    I could have listened to her all day, she was an engaging speaker and the things she shared were great.

Photographing Children, Mastering the connection - Audrey Woulard  Very informative and gave great examples on connecting with different ages.

Creatively Lighting every part of the wedding day - Dave & Quinn Cheung  They are a delightful husband and wife team. Not only did they share some of their amazing images they shared the shots that didn't work out when they were experimenting.

How to shoot the perfect wedding every time - Ed Pingol  Oh my word was this guy entertaining! His class went by so fast and I was furiously taking notes!

 At the conference there is also a Tradeshow where you can see all the latest products and equipment.  I spent plenty of time at Canon testing out lenses I eventually want to purchase :)

It was also a great time of networking,  I ran into several photographers I know from Florida and North Carolina and got to spend time sharing and catching up.

Now that I am back home I am processing all the information, typing out my notes and excited for all I learned!  It's so important with any job  that you are always learning and growing.  Being a photographer I spend the majority of my time by myself with my imac, it was so nice to be around others in the same field and share so that we can all become better at what we do!

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"Taking a break between classes"

One night I pulled out my camera and was experimenting with the reflection of the city lights from our hotel room.

The closing party was at the Georgia Aquarium, we had full access to the whole Aquarium.  So much fun! I love aquariums.