A different kind of Monday

For the past nine weeks my life has revolved around diapers, feeding schedules, and sleep-walking. (You know this- it's all I've had to blog about!) So that's why this past Monday was so totally awesome.

My photogBFF Sara Parker flew in and spent the weekend with us. We played with our cameras and my baby and ate a lot of cookies. It was awesome, but here's where the story gets even better.



When Monday rolled around, the alarm was for me, not my husband. (Nevermind that the baby woke me up 30 minutes before the clock anyway- I still got to set the alarm!) I took a shower, BLOW-DRIED my hair, put on makeup, and wore a new shirt. Sara and I headed out the door and left Little Monster (did I tell you that's Brody's newest nickname?) behind to spend the whole entire day with his daddy and a stash of bottles.

We hopped in the car, grabbed some Starbucks, and headed down to WPPI Road Trip in DC. It's one-day version of WPPI's super-awesome annual photography conference in Vegas, and I couldn't pass up the road tour stopping in my neighborhood. Each of the presenters had some great information, but I'm not going to lie- I was totally there to hear Jasmine Star speak. She's one of my all-time favorite photographers, not to mention one of the top wedding photographers in the world and a branding genius.

I spent this past Monday as Karin the Photographer instead of Karin the Baby Feeder and it was so refreshing! I came home with a brain full of ideas and inspiration. I was also thrilled to meet some photographers in the area. After moving to a new market last year, I suddenly felt like I didn't know anyone in the industry. It's great to get to know local peers and friends! I wish I had grabbed more photos while I was there, but here are a few from Sara.

Sara and me:




...and with j*:




I heart Katelyn James and basically stalked her all day to get this shot. (Yep that's right.)




I left feeling totally energized and I am super excited about the upcoming fall portrait season and some BIG changes coming to the business. I can't thank my sweet husband enough for taking the day off work to watch Brody and give me this opportunity. I'm a better photographer for it. And thanks Sara for flying up to hang out and go with me!!