Imaging USA 2022

My social butterfly cup is FULL TO THE BRIM!  Last week I made my way to Washington DC for Imaging USA to learn from and connect with photographers from all over the world.  Not only was I there to learn I was there to receive my second degree from the Professional Photographers of America. The event was a blast! Over 6,000 attendees, an amazing trade show and a few cool parties, not to mention fun times with new and old friends in the industry.  

In 2017 I received my Master of Photography degree from PPA, which was a huge milestone, and ever since then I have been working towards becoming a Photographic Craftsman.  I finally made it!  What does that mean?  Here is what I found on the PPA website, "The Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) degree is awarded to photographers for their service as a speaker, author or mentor.  This degree shows that you have gone beyond the creation of images and dedicated your time to move the industry forward and encourage education."  I LOVE teaching photographers how to better their business and craft and I can't wait to jump in and speak a lot more in the years to come.  I have learned so much from the connections I've made in the industry and I fully plan to pay it forward.

At this event there are tons of classes and networking opportunities. Here are my top three takeaways from my time at Imaging USA 2022:

Be Different

If Imaging USA 2022 had an overall vibe or undertone, this would be it. Almost every class I took mentioned being different and standing out as the best way to get your name out there and further your reach.  I already feel like I march to the beat of my own drum and have preached authenticity to my audience since the beginning, but I'm accepting this challenge for 2022.  I'm not sure yet what it means exactly but I'm going to try and look at things from a different angle to make the client experience even more amazing than it already is.  

An Old Dog Can Learn New Tricks

I've been in the photography industry professionally for over 15 years and I've been around the block a few times. I feel like my posing skill are pretty strong but I attended a senior posing class with David Beckam none the less.  I couldn't be happier that I attended that class.  I took away a few things that will take my work to the next level and can't wait to try some new tricks with the class of 2023!  Remember, you've never learned it all.  If you have an open mind you can learn something from almost anyone.

Your Actions Are Bigger Than You

Believe it or not, Iowa is saturated with amazing photographers.  We have a strong state affiliate, Professional Photographers of Iowa, and we are like family, not only to fellow Iowans but to anyone we meet on the road or invite to our state conventions.  This has earned us a reputation.  I can't tell you how many times I introduced myself and the person I was meeting was so excited I was from Iowa because they had heard how amazing our "Iowa Group" is.  This hit home for me while at Imaging USA this year.  Maybe it was because I was missing so many of my Iowa friends who couldn't make it, I don't know.  But it made me consider what that means for me and my clients.  I do believe that what I do goes way beyond me and I absolutely LOVE working with and getting to know my clients.  As well as being there to hype them up as they discover their own adventures in life after high school.

If you are a photographer who hasn't attended Imaging USA, I better see you there next year!