Its my first convention! I'm going to WPPI in VEGAS this weekend! Ok so most people don't get too excited about going to work conventions but this is probably THE coolest convention to go to if you're a photographer. Here's why: 1) its in Vegas. Now, I've never been to Las Vegas (i know, right?) but I hear its stimulation overload! I'm stoked to be experiencing all of this in the middle of such energy. 2) I'm staying at the Mandalay Bay, which I hear is lovely AND has an awesome pool. The downside to this is that its only supposed to be about 60 degrees and rainy all weekend. Desert FAIL. and 3) (and this one's a doozy) Its the biggest opportunity of the year to hear and see some of my favorite photographers in the country share all they know and have learned in their careers! Not only is there a TON of classes and seminars to see, there's also the Trade Show where I can see and sample and try out all the latest and greatest from the best product vendors out there. Double bonus.

Another bonus for me is that I get to shoot an engagement session for one of my stellar clients while I'm there! How cool is that!? So expect some love amazingness from Sin City when I get back. SO EXCITED! I'll be tweeting as much as I can from the convention and trade show, so if you haven't already, follow me on twitter here! I'll be checking email too, so if you need anything immediate over the next few days, you can get me there.

Dear 2009,

Well here we are at the start of a new year and I have to say that you and I had some great times and some not-so-great times. I mean, I had some amazing weddings and portraits to shoot, attended my first workshop, got a new nephew... all fabulous things! The un-awesome ones we won't get into, but I think we both know that its best to leave the past in the past. :)

I won't say I'm sad to see you go, 2009. I see a lot of people are going to miss you and if I'm not one of them, I think you'll be ok. But as for me, myself, personally... I'm looking forward. Looking forward to more balance, more creativity, joy and contentment. Looking forward to making this girl and her ideas better than ever. Onward to new adventures, new goals and a new vision of what this coming year could be for me.

Oh my... don't cry. Its not you, its me. I need to do this for both of us. It'll be hard at first, I'm sure. Lots of uphill battles and learning from them. But I'm so ready. So so so ready. And if you run into 2010 with a smug look on his face, don't be offended. We're just really clicking right now and its a good thing. I really think we'll go far.

Thanks for being a good year, 2009. I'm sure I'll never see you again, but I'll keep our fond memories on my backup hard drive. :) ♥

Love,
Stevie

P.S. and since posts without pictures are boring, I'll leave you with this CA-RAZY beautiful ring from a wedding coming up.. stay tuned for THAT full post!

SEEN is an annual local photography competition in St. Louis sponsored by Studio Altius in Maplewood and I was lucky enough this year to be chosen as a finalist! They picked two of my absolute favs from this year and I am so lucky to be on display in the studio alongside such AMAZING local talent! Last night was the big opening gala and awards ceremony aaaaaannnndddd both of my photos placed! SO EXCITING!!! I received 2nd and 3rd place in the Wedding category and I couldn't be happier! It was an awesome show and if you've got time, stop on by the studio to check them out! The whole show will be on display throughout December.

2nd Place Wedding - Floating (from Beth and Scott)

Really, this time! I have a lot of friends with kids and I sooo enjoy being 'Aunt Stephanie' to all of them. Kids are the best and I've gotten good at playing with them and wearing them out for mom and dad. :) Its awesome. but NOW!! I have a real, honest-to-goodness, actually-related-to-me nephew! My big brother, Jeremy, and his wife welcomed little Brad Michael into the world on Monday, October 26th (which is Jeremy's birthday too! What a gift!). We're so happy to have him here, especially my mom. Brad is her first grandbaby so she is just over the moon to finally meet him. I'm pretty excited too, in case you didn't notice. :)  I got to go over to their house to meet our newest addition this weekend and get some first baby pics. We didn't really have time for a full session but I managed to squeeze in a few, of course. Welcome to the world, Brad, and you better get used to Aunt Stephanie having the big black box clicking in your face for years to come.

Ok I know I promised more on the couple that modeled for us at the Jessica Claire Workshop some time ago so I'm sticking to my promise and ready to deliver! Gena and Jeff were the loveliest models a girl could ask for. Although they've been married for 4 years already (!) they were just as sweet and cuddly as if it were their own wedding day. We got a chance to get some time with the Gena and Jeff to do portraits around the BEAUTIFUL wedding scene you saw earlier, and this is what came out.

I really had the best time, learned so much and got some fantastic new ideas and motivation and inspiration for my own work. Its making me think about the way I do most things in my business and how I can improve and put out nothing but the best for my clients. Because ya'll are my favorite. :)  Enjoy.