CHECKLIST...CHECK

Batteries charged...check.
Memory cards formatted...check.
Lenses cleaned...check.
New outfit...check.  Heeey, a girls gotta look the part!

I can't believe tomorrow is the day!  I'll be second shooting my first wedding and another step closer to my dream.  I'm a ball of nerves and each emotion is battling its way to the top.  Fear.  Happy.  Nervous.  Excited.  Scared.  And I'm only second shooting I can't imagine what it'll be like when I finally do this on my own.  I sometimes find myself pinching my arm to make sure I'm not dreaming.

When I went to Photo Tech fotosource, a local camera shop downtown, this morning to grab a few supplies for the big day tomorrow, I couldn't resist telling them the good news!  I think they could tell I was walking on Cloud 9 so it would have felt weird if I didn't say anything.  And plus, they're my homies.  They were so supportive and gave me some tips - which there can never be too many of - then we joked around for a bit and then I was off to prepare for the big day.

I just hope I can calm these nerves enough to get a decent nights sleep tonight.  With the state I'm in now, I have a feeling I'll be up all night.

Wish me luck!

A CAMERA AND A DREAM

Remember a while back in this post when I talked about having some very exciting news to share within the next couple of months?  Well, friends, that time is here!  And I am beyond excited to finally share this very exciting news with all of you!!

Back in January, I began networking with photogs around the island and within the Greater Vancouver area - which is so very important, and often overlooked by many.  To be honest, it felt a little weird at first - emailing people I don't know at all, asking to hang out because we all like taking pictures - but I was greeted back with so much love it made me wonder why I hadn't thought to do it sooner.  It has opened the door to so many new opportunities and experiences that I know will only grow myself and my business to places I'd only ever dreamed.

Through my networking process (which is on-going) I stumbled upon Wren and Rook Photography; owned by the most lovely girl, Adina.  Once I navigated my way through her website, I knew we just HAD to be friends!  Instantly we had a connection and set up a Skype meeting for the following week so we could talk face to face.  And it was there where the most amazing thing happened.  She offered me the opportunity to second shoot/assist  with all her weddings this year, and of course, I graciously accepted.  Our first wedding together is this, YES THIS Thursday and I seriously cannot wait for these next few days to pass by!!

Although it has been a few months since then, I am still in a state of shock that all this is happening.  I am at a loss for words and I cannot tell you how excited I am for this wedding season to pass my way.  And Adina, I know I've said it before, but I seriously cannot thank you enough for all that you've done for me.  I was just a girl with a camera and a dream and you gave that girl a chance.  I promise I will not let you down.

Now, let's make that girls dream become reality, one picture at a time.

CANADA PHOTO CONVENTION: WORKSHOP WITH JASSER + JAMIE DELAINE

First things first, I couldn't find any parking.  I drove around aimlessly for about ten minutes until I threw my hands up in mercy, screw it!  I ended up parking about a block down the road and paid for parking.  I don't have time for disss!

Second things secondly, after I asked reception where the workshop was being held, I made my way up to the third floor.  But wait, what room was it in again?  Oh Gawd!  I walked around the third floor (which is a tiny cirlcle of closed doors) for about ten minutes, trying to figure out which room was the one for me.  It was kind of like my very own Monty Hall Problem, without the goats and no chance of winning a car.  That was until I noticed little monitors beside each door that said what each room was being used for that day.  Duh, Julie.  Make note, and remember for next time.

Thrice things third (wut?), I walked into the room and was the first one there *facepalm*  Way to look like an even bigger nerd, Julie.  I introduced myself to the only two other people in the room, Jasser and Jamie - the presenters - as I tried to act cool and pretend that I knew exactly what I was doing.  Fake it 'till you make it, riiight?!  

Then it was time to learn.  And boy did we ever.  The workshop began with Jamie Delaine as she discussed the business of blogging.  Which makes sense because she is practically a blogging genius.  I've always enjoyed and look forward to reading her posts every week.  Topics included finding a balance between personal and buisiness, thinking up new blog topics and why to have a blog in a world of social media.  I'm still going through my notes and integrating her tips into my blog.  And for those of you who don't know, Jamie is one of the founders of The School Sessions, along with her husband Randy.  Truly a wonderful lady, inside and out.

And then there was Jasser.  I want to start off by saying Jasser is hilarious and his dedication to helping others be the best the can possibly be is incredibly supportive and humbling to say the least.  He is also the founder of the Canada Photo Convention and is often referred to as the Oprah of the photography world.  Nobody went home with any cars though.  I guess the information and invaluable lessons and tools we learned was his version of a new Mercedes.  Marketing.  Referals.  Cash flow.  He was an open book about everything from his fallen photography empire (which takes balls) to giving everyone an inside look at how he runs his business on the daily.  He is truly one inspiring human being.  There was so much good advice given my head was spinning with new ideas by the time I left.  I can't wait to implement all that I learned into my business this year.

The best part of the whole workshop: meeting new people who love photography just as much as you do.  And they were hands down the most genuine, friendly, loving people I have ever met.  When the workshop came to an end, a few of us met for lunch/dinner at E.B.O in the Delta Burnaby Hotel where the workshop was held.  And can I just say their wild mushroom soup is to die for.  They even made it into a little presentation as the server poured the creamy soup base atop a bed of wild mushrooms and other goodies (only God knows what it was, I only know how delish it was).  I seriously cannot wait to get to know each of you better at CPC next month!

As I drove past the hotel on my way out to catch the ferry, I spotted the parking garage for the hotel.  It was literally in front of my face the whole time.  I shrugged it off knowing to remember it for next time as slipped on my shades, cranked Taylor Swift on the stereo, pulled onto the free way and made my way back home to the island.  Oh, life is sweet.

Happy Long Weekend Y'all!