While I was in Vegas at WPPI I had the opportunity to check off another life list goal! I got to meet five photographers who I admire and who have inspired me to keep working hard and being the best I can be at photography. When you’re at a conference attended by more than 10,000 photographers from around the world, it’s bound to happen! Let me tell you a little bit about these amazing people.
1. Becker : Website | Blog
I came across Becker’s blog for photographers one day while surfing the web. At the time, he was posting ridiculous amounts of video lessons for wedding photographers – everything from workflow to personality to branding. They were only 1-2 minute videos, but the information he provided was priceless and I thought it was amazing that he was offering all of his experience for free! I, of course, kept coming back for more and eventually learned that he would be starting a new network opportunity on the web called the [b] school. Kind of like a Facebook for photographers. Now it’s about a year later. Chris and I are both involved with [b] school (yes, the one I talk about all the time!). We’ve connected with tons of photographers; have already met, photographed with, and made relationships with a lot of them; and have learned so much from Becker and the photographers “enrolled” in [b] school. Because of his love for photography and willingness to teach photographers everything he has learned the hard way, we’re able to connect with our industry in ways we never thought possible. And we couldn’t thank him more.
Becker invited us to brunch one morning while we were in Vegas. We weren’t planning on going to drill him or ask him more questions, we just wanted to hang out with a photographer who has inspired us and who’s idea has offered us a chance to connect with so many more awesome people – and that’s what we did. Thanks for everything, Becker!
2. Joe Photo : Website | Blog
Joe is the coolest photographer you’ll ever meet – awesome personality, big heart, and bleach-white hair! I started following Joe’s blog when I found it through Becker’s site. His photos are what caught my eye, but following it more I learned he attended off-the-wall workshops like Burning Man and also posted lots of information and advice for photographers. His distinct style inspired me to find my own.
When we met Becker for brunch, Joe came along. And we’re so glad he did. He has such an infectious laugh and you can’t help but smile when you’re around him. We asked him what he would be doing if he wasn’t a photographer, and his IMMEDIATE answer was, “Working with kids.“ Such an awesome guy.
At brunch during WPPI. Joe’s on the very left, Becker’s on the very right

Me and Chris with Joe :

3. Dane Sanders : Website | Blog
Not only is Dane an awesome photographer but his book, Fast Track Photographer, inspired Chris and I to go full force into this business together. He tells you exactly how it is and even offers a special type of personality test for photographers. To make a long story short, Chris and I found out from taking it that our weaknesses are each other’s strengths – and that we’re perfect for each other.
We had the chance to meet Dane in Vegas at the [b] school party. I knew from reading his blog that he was incredibly generous with what he has learned about photography. I won’t be able to tell you enough how incredibly huge his heart is, however. Meeting him in person was humbling. We got to share our story with him and how his book – and he - had inspired us. After we were finished, he looked at us and said, “But it wasn’t me, it was you.” Love this guy. It made my week to have met him.
5. Gabriel Ryan : Website | Blog
When I was reading the Mammoth Men blog one day, I clicked on Gabriel’s link because I thought he seemed like a cool guy – turns out he is! His style and enthusiasm is exactly what I am drawn to in terms of this new age of photography. I don’t know much about him, except that he’s one of the awesome guys in Mammoth Men and has brilliant photography skills, but we had the chance to sit down and eat with him when our roommate, David, introduced us to him at In-N-Out Burger (yummy!). He literally gave Chris and I each a hug instead of just shaking our hands and saying hello. We need more people like him in the world. Thanks for hanging out with us for a while, Gabriel!
5. Sara France : Website | Blog
Chris and I actually learned who Sara was from a profile we read on the Apple website. We got to talk with her at the [b] school party about Aperture (software we use). Not only is she an Aperture guru, but she has totally rad photos to boot. She offers her wisdom to other photographers on Photography Mentor and has the best personality. It was a pleasure to be able to meet her!
Other photographers
** Rachel LaCour and Mark Adams from LaCour **
Amazing Atlanta wedding photographers we always seem to run into while eating lunch at Edgewood (Willy’s and Five Guys! Mmmmm!). We also found out they are owners of ShootQ, a great program we’re starting to use to help us manage our contacts and workflow!
** Josalyn and Jerome Spivey of King and Spivey **
Wedding photographers of yours truly! We were able to meet up with them for lunch one day at WPPI. It ended up being such a great conversation. Jerome has such a huge passion for photography that it sparked mine. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, you two are such an inspiration!
** Jaclyn and Nate of The Image is Found **
Ok, so I didn’t get to meet them even though they were at the [b] school party. I was a little bummed, but maybe one day I’ll be able to let them know how much I think they rock. Seriously. I wish Chris and I were half as cool as this couple. I admire everything about what they have going on – their photographic style, humor, and much, much more. Maybe I’ll get to say next year.
So to sum it all up, all of these photographers pretty much have one really important thing in common – HUGE hearts. As I’ve said before, we’ve come into this business at the right time with all of these people offering their passion and leadership to us “newbies.”
Make sure to keep checking www.thereasoniblog.com for photos from WPPI and Vegas!
allie