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THE BEST NEW YORK CITY WEEKEND

just happened a week ago. Look what some of you missed!

I was most opportune to be in town for the annual PDN PhotoPlus Expo and ShootNYC Student Forum. I had the best time seeing currently enrolled RCC students as well as some of my fellow alumni who made the trip up for the event.

Temptation was in the air with new product announcements and tons of booths displaying them in all their wonder.

The best of all the photo-geek quirks however, was the inspiring lectures by various renown professionals who I greatly admire for their creativity and business success.

The ShootNYC Forum introduced 4 of the biggest names who discussed the beginnings of their careers and inspired all of us who are just getting started.

Mr. Chase Jarvis started out the evening speaking not only about his big break and beginning, but telling us how to pursue career opportunities along his ranks. He described that attitude makes a greater impact than your portfolio, and that there are thousands of different paths to success in this industry.

As those who follow him know, Chase is a social media king when it comes to promoting his business and the way he describes it's effect is "like the aperture scale; twice as much exposure with one click." Give people something to "follow" or "like".

The next motivational voice was the incredible dance photographer, Lois Greenfield. Starting out with "you don't have to be tall to be a photographer", Lois sold me with her lecture on the importance of relationships and passion. She stressed that people are hired, not portfolios, and that the time is now to create relationships and shoot what you desire. She inspired me not to worry about rejection, but to keep my overhead low and stay hungry in my business building.

My mentor, Sarah Silver, also shared a lecture at the event. One of the memorable points Sarah made (that I see active in her business everyday) is that part of being frustrated is learning how to be a problem solver. Sarah also informed the audience of dreamers to make friends with artists on their level, like beginning makeup artists, hairstylists, etc. because she is working with the people that have grown with her along the way.

Henry Leutwyler, amazing portrait photographer, encouraged us to look in the streets for inspiration, and to always shoot personal work. Henry represents a seasoned professional who still contains so much passion for the light and the people that he invites in front of his lens.

He wrapped up the night with this appropriate Michael Jackson inspired slide....

HEY JUDE

Introducing the most handsome New Yorker, the studio dog, Jude.

ONE DECADE LATER

I could not believe it had been 10 years yesterday since one of the most tragic events of my generation.

No I wasn't there, no I wasn't even a decade old, no I didn't know anyone who was directly affected by it; but I remember the day like it was yesterday and I remember seeing the two massive towers just a few months before they fell.

10 years later, here I am in the city again reminded of the past by the huge rip in the skyline.

The moment I stepped onto ground zero, emotion smacked me right in the face, and the city streets had never seemed so silent.

God bless, comfort, and protect the families and heroes affected by that Tuesday.

THE STUDIOUS STUDIO

OKAY, SO THE GLORIOUS INTERNSHIP #3 HAS FINALLY COMMENCED.

Currently, I am one of three interns. From all over, we young folks are here for the same dream... to work and learn under one of the best photographers in the industry.

From the energy, to the organization, to the physical space itself... this studio is awesome.

I am definitely looking forward to all I have to learn and experience here with these people.

IF I CAN MAKE IT HERE, I'LL MAKE IT ANYWHERE.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

Hallelujah, I've finally made it! I am a resident of big fat New York City.

The past few days have been pretty surreal walking outside to a huge playground of culture, food, art, and craziness. The only con so far would absolutely be the lack of fresh brewed sweet tea in restaurants. What are these people thinking!?

Anyway, the pros outweigh that con tremendously.

I have met my roomate and fellow intern, Kendall (with me in the instagram below), who I will be spending 4 months with. It's been refreshing getting to know her Texan self and hear about her accomplishments with fashion designer, Tory Burch, who's corporation she will be working for this fall. Go Kendall!

Walking everywhere is pretty lovely too. I have been doing as much local exploring as possible before my time will happily be consumed at Sarah Silver's studio next week. (I keep passing Sephora stores anxious for the beauty shoots.... it won't be long.... )

Thanks again to you guys for being amazing and following me through this madness. <3

VICTORIA LUTHER - MODEL TESTING

I've been looking forward to working with Miss Victoria for quite some now, and finally had the opportunity to as she delves into the professional modeling industry.

It was a blessing creating these striking images and exploring her potential.

Good luck on this pursuit, V!