Started off at my favorite bridge downtown, along with about 10 others who decided during the 1/2 hour we were there, that yes, it is the best bridge in town. Steve cracked me up by telling each person that they should watch TV tonight and see themselves since they were now famous. These guys have the BEST smiles–quick and honest. No need for me to tell them to smile–I love it!

We then stopped at an old mill building I’ve been looking at for a long time-and who would’ve thought there’d be a guy walking around on a Sunday, picking up stuff, so we didn’t hang around since I didn’t want to be arrested for tresspassing

Made a quick stop at the tracks and Steve got into ham mode

I love this old alley in Putnam.

And finally, some time at the post office since Steve is a Postal worker.

We had to reschedule this session about 3 times because of the rainy weather this spring–and some one did the anti-rain dance since it held off all day.  You guys are great, and we’ll have even more fun next month!

Thanks!

]]> http://www.karenleaf.com/putnam-and-pomfret-ct-engagement-sessionkatie-and-steve/feed/ 2 http://www.karenleaf.com/dwf-conference-phoenix-az/ http://www.karenleaf.com/dwf-conference-phoenix-az/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:46:06 +0000 Karen Leaf http://www.karenleaf.com/?p=314 Had lots of “where have you been” for the past week–and all I can say is that my head has been in the clouds, my heart has been touched beyond measure and that my brain has been overloaded with the most incredible education I’ve ever received.

Spent the last week in Phoenix with 450 of the worlds–yes, worlds–most incredible photographers who shared shooting techniques, branding, album designs, and mostly their hearts. I took 15 different classes in 4 days; a day at the PPA trade show lusting over new albums, software, lenses, etc etc etc;  formal and informal sessions and lunches with my heros of the photographic industry: David A Williams, TriCoast Photography, Boudoir Divas, The Bebbs, Storey Wilkens, AltF (of Trash the Dress Fame) and too many others. I could have chosen the other 15 classes offered and still walked out blown away by such talent.

Lots of new session options will be coming, including boudoir, enhanced seniors, Day After sessions. Stay tuned!

So where are the pictures? A photo conference without pictures?? Seriously, the learning was mostly classroom, but my absolute favorite 4 hours was with TriCoast who reinforced the idea that you don’t always have to find shade to get great pictures:  All these were taken between 11am and 12noon –making day into night!

and shooting into full noon sun. SO COOL!

I was particularly gratified that my own reasons for being in the business are validated.  All the fancy techniques and processing ad heavy posing don’t mean a thing if you can’t capture the soul.

Meeting lots of new friends was priceless.

I came home to no heat (40 degrees inside) and subsequent pipes bursting but with a lot of help from a lot of people, am fully functional now (except for kitchen plumbing.) Thank you Sara, Barney, Lois and Armand. A quick one of Armand as we were discussing some of the convention:

I am richer for the people in my life.

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