One of my goals for 2010 was to get connected with other local photographers in the area. Thanks to the [B] school, I'm already succeeding at that goal:) Two of the people I have met locally via [B] school is Leah Haydock and Erik Patton. Both of these photographers are super nice, encouraging and knowledgeable. I met with Leah over Passion iced tea at Starbucks where I talked her ear off about business, photography and more. She patiently answered my questions and I left that get together feeling so motivated encouraged. Thanks Leah!

Several weeks later I met up with Erik, at a local pastry and coffee shop. (as a side note, I've been going to this coffee shop since it opened, as I had a good friend that worked there, and have watched it grow and flourish. I was excited when Erik asked to meet up there because I love being able to support a local small business!) Anyways, Erik and I are at very similar stages in our business, so it was nice to be able to talk about problems, frustrations, goals and accomplishments with someone who knew what I was talking about.

Erik is into fashion and setting up fashion shoots and invited me to tag along to one over the weekend. While I LOVE fashion, I have little to no experience working with models or doing fashion shoots. I just wanted to watch and see how Erik worked, set up lights, etc., but in between set ups Erik allowed me to get the model in front of the camera! Thanks Erik!

It has been really exciting to get connected with other photographers in the industry. Leah and Erik, a special thanks to you guys for being so open and friendly! And again, a big thanks to [B]ecker for creating a place where this kind of community can come together. I know that the [b] school has and will continue to grow my business and help me grow as a photographer!