In January I had the privilege of attending Imaging USA in Nashville, TN. Imaging USA is Professional Photographers of America’s (of which, I am a proud member) photography convention and trade show.

While at the conference I had the opportunity to attend many classes on photography and marketing from some of photography’s most successful industry leaders; all of which, were extremely inspiring. The majority of classes I attended were focused on wedding photography, with a few technology, marketing and portrait classes thrown in for good measure.

Here are a few paparazzi photos of photographers I ran into while walking around the tradeshow.

The Bebbs (with funny background expo-attendee) & Allison Rodgers

Celebrity wedding photographer, Joe Buissink

California photographer Becker (see my friend Karen’s blog for a picture of his actual face :p)

The tradeshow was great too! I grew up as the daughter of a “professional fisherman” and have attended many Bassmaster’s Classics, which all had their own tradeshows and were, obviously, focused on fishing paraphernalia. It was the first time for me to visit an expo full of gadgets/gizmos/companies that I actually had a major interest in. It was amazing! Whatever your hobby/interest/love/passion – imagine going to a large convention center FILLED to the brim with items and ideas that were solely focused on your interest — it was THAT awesome.

I had so much fun rooming with another photographer that I admire, Karen Jacot. It’s always nice to be able to talk with others who are as obsessed with photography as I am (and I learned a lot from her, too!) I sure was glad to have her as a ‘partner in crime’ with which to roam the halls of (*cough*guide me through*cough*) the huge Opryland Hotel (resort!!)

Below are a few other photos from the convention/parties I attended.

“Bill Clinton” and “George Bush” at the WHCC sponsored, “Photographers in the White House” presentation.

A waiter that was happy to pose for me in front of an awesome light during the “Ole’ Party”, a homage to next years convention site, San Antonio, TX.

After the Imaging, I flew with Karen (on the left – and I’m right) back to Houston to visit a friend of mine and attend a wedding in Austin, TX.

It was such a wonderful experience and I was deeply inspired during my visit. I have many new goals to accomplish and hopes and dreams for my future as a successful photographer! I am so thankful for my husband (CIO of Blonnie Brooks Photography, LLC for “sponsoring” my trip and taking care of the house and family while I was away. Without his appreciation of my abilities and belief that I can do anything, none of what I’ve accomplished or hope to accomplish would be possible. Behind every great woman there’s a great man.