My Trip to Beautiful Arizona

and oh how beautiful it was! I got the opportunity to be at the Imaging USA 2009 Convention in Phoenix Arizona. It is absolutely amazing, a must for any type of photographer! They had something for everyone. And not only was it an expo with hundreds of booths displaying all kinds of props, backdrops, software, workshops, camera equipment, lighting equipment, etc.... but they also had classes. An abundance of wonderful classes ranging from lighting techniques to how to market your business. I am only disappointed that I did not get to attend them all! Which is impossible actually, because I have still not learned how to be in two places at once yet! The most important of the classes for me was the three day prep course for the exam for certification. After the 8am to 5pm 3day course my brain was officailly mush, but I hope that it helped me for the 2hr. exam I took on Sunday morning. On a side note: I won't know the results from the exam for another month or so. But along with the exam I still need to sumbit 20 images to be approved and then if it comes back that I passed the exam then I can offically say I am a Certified Professional Photographer. nice title huh! But along with all the classes and the expo filled with booths there was also the guest speaker this year at the convention, and that was Anne Geddes!! And yes she is just as amazing as everybody thinks. Not only does she create beautiful art with photography but she is also very humble, she has not let her popularity go to her head, which is quite amazing actually. So yes, all in all it was a great trip, except that I missed my babies the entire time. But my husband and I kept pictures in our hotel room and on us at all times so that we could see them whenever we wanted! But enough of that, here are a few of my favorites from the trip...