Today I wanted to share with you my personal adventures in Las Vegas while attending WPPI! WPPI is the highlight of my year (I say that with only two years under my belt – but it really is!) and this year did not disappoint. I’m already excited at the thought of next year! It was so amazing to reconnect with old friends from last year and make new friends this year… More then anything, that’s why I go! This year I couldn’t wait to see and spend time with so many amazing people, the list made my heart swell. I don’t know how to put into words how incredible it is to think that I have that many cherished relationships in the photography industry. When I decided to start this journey three years ago… I was alone.

My first day in Vegas was not about the convention or even photography, it was all about connecting with three of the most incredible women I know! We’ve been friends for years and got to know each other at BYU Hawaii. When we met, none of us were talking about photography — today 3 of the 4 of us are professional photographers. Stephanie (who I can always count on to have her trusty P&S – thank you!!) was the only non-pro, who just happens to lives in Vegas. Every time we come to visit she always takes us to a show. This time, after a fabulous dinner at Jonny Small’s, Stephanie took Carrie and I to see Penn & Teller, which was my first magic show! I couldn’t stop smiling all night… It felt that good to be with these girls. I just kept saying over and over, ‘I’m just so happy right now!’ And I was, it was a great night!!

The next day it was time to get into convention mode and I was pumped!! One of the best nights for me was the night of the Go{4}Pro get together! We all met and made introductions and got to know each other outside of Rouge, it was such an honor to meet the readers of my blog! After a large handful of us were left, someone suggested a PJ Party!

Just before heading off to change we wanted to get a picture taken… So I spotted someone with a WPPI badge walked up and asked if he would take a picture for me. I was immediately asked by his entourage if I knew who he was. Honestly I hadn’t even notice the entourage until that second, I quickly responded with a smile, “No, but I’d like to!”. Turned out – CM is amazing! No – like the real deal – a.maz.ing! This became even cooler when one of the girls pointed out that I’m making this a tradition… “This” being that I get some incredible world renowned photographer to take my picture each year. Last year it was Jerry Ghionis and this year, CM Leung. Wonder who I’ll get to accost next year?

In case you were wondering about the quality of the below image, it’s a picture of the back of a camera – I know that’s super high quality!

So everyone got their PJ’s on and came to my (and roomies) room. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so incredibly hard – I was crying! We decided to make SNL style and posing how to videos because isn’t that what a photographer pajama party should be? Ummm… Yes!! We did a flannel PJ Boudoir Session where “steamy” was pulling off a sock. Our model was none other then the stunning Spanki Mills who you will remember guest blogged on Go{4}Pro about finding the perfect location!

The ever adorable Carrie Rainey (one of my roomie’s) was pretending to be the DJ for our video. Her one line was “weaky weaky”, you know acting all DJ cool and instead it came out, “w —i-ckit-y? w–iiiiii-ckity ….. wack?” I was definitely laughing out tears at that point!

This image again by the incredible Lisa Heuer is proof that I’m ha-larious -and for the record, Kelli France (who is super smart so we should all trust her) thinks so! See? See? There is the proof!

And of course what is a girl’s night without a pillow fight… And no Kelli is not kicking my butt, me hysterically laughing is what was kicking my booty!

WPPI was an absolute blast and I would definitely encourage all photographers at any level to go! I’d be remised if I didn’t tell you that my favorite speaker was the awe inspiring Sue Bryce and my starstruck moment was sitting down and chatting with Tamara Lackey for a few moments (that women is the genuine real thing and I adore her for it, actually both of them are which is why I’m so drawn to them – no false pretenses, I love that!!). So here I am I am with  so much inspiration that’s just bubbling inside me… I feel as though the lid might just POP off, but that’s what WPPI does to a girl.

On a side note… I’m happy to repot that this weekend was very productive! I even had time to get the Go{4}Pro Newsletter put together! It’ll be going out on Tuesday and it’s got my own packaging examples and source list so if you’re not signed up for it yet, just click HERE.