Sorry for the lack of updates lately! I wanted to share a little about our latest adventure. Every year thousands of photographers from around the world gather for WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photography International) conference and expo that always happens to be in Las Vegas. It’s been a few years since I had last attended so Samantha and I decided to take a break from the snow and freezing weather that we have had all winter and head west. The conference is full of classes that are taught by some of the best photographers in the industry that cover an array of different subjects. There is also a 3 day long trade show with tons of different vendors that carry anything from camera equipment to print labs services to all types of lighting and much more. I decided to not take my camera with me on this trip. I know that is kind of a weird thing for a photographer to say, especially one going to a photography convention but I did have a good reason behind it. There are so many times when I wanted to be present and pay attention and a lot of the time when I am photographing places and people I zone off in my own little world. So I figured the iPhone camera will have to do for this trip. Here are some of the highlights:

Top left is from a novelty shop on the strip. Top right is awaiting our luggage at baggage claim. Center left is the glass ceiling at The Bellagio.
Center right is the WPPI 2014 logo. Bottom Left is the gardens at The Bellagio. The bottom right is my view from the pool at The Signature.

Top right is my window reflection from our room at The Signature where you can see the Vegas Strip. Top Center is the only picture that I took during photographers Ben and Erin Chrisman’s talk that I absolutely loved and found so inspiring. Top right are some ladies that were just hanging out on the strip. Bottom left is the one and only camera company that I use Canon. Center bottom is a slide from Cliff Maunter’s Class. Bottom right is Samantha and I at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign that was the half way point during the WPPI 5k fun run.

Top left is a little stylish french bull dog that was taking a break from the black jack tables outside of a casino. Top right is the one and only Elizabeth Masina. Bottom left is Sam in the background making fun of my poolside selfie. Bottom middle is a cool light fixture in the MGM. Bottom right is my desert from the buffet at the Wynn.

That’s what we have been up to! It was such a fun trip that I got so much out of. I never thought that I would say this but I got back and couldn’t wait to pick up my camera. Every now and then it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, especially if you work in a creative field where is it expected that you can just turn it on. This trip helped re-energize my passion for what I do and help me redefine why I love my job.