Wow what a week!  This is my fourth year of attending Imaging USA.  For those that don't know, Imaging USA is hosted by PPA (Professional Photographers of America).  Each year its in a different location, this year we went to Louisville, KY!  I attended 3 days worth of inspiring sessions, classes, talks, networking and trade shows!  I can't wait to apply the new skills and techniques I learned to my future senior sessions.  

It all started with a bang when I entered the conference to go check in and saw my work had been displayed, what a shock as I didn't know in advance that my image was chose to be a part of Imaging USA's signage!  

Another exciting moment was finally seeing my name up on the Certified Photographers list of names.  I have wanted this since my first conference and it was so awesome to see may name on the list with the others that got certified this year.  

Sorry for the fuzzy images shown here, but they are uploaded from my phone and show different aspects of the conference.  As you can see, I did get some 'cheer' instruction on posing, lighting and the overall way to approach and connect with cheer and sports teams as well as several other aspects of photography.  

I am a firm believer in continued education.  This conference has SO MANY LEVELS of photographers from beginners to 30-40 year photographers to many well-known names in the photography industry.  Its a testament when you see nationally recognized photographers (top dogs!) taking classes right along side of you.  Even the 'big wheels' believe in the power of continuing to hone in their craft.  I think we can all agree that doing so helps us bring the best to our clients and our clients experience is #1 on our list.