I've just spent the last 4 days (seems like 4 weeks) in Las Vegas with 12,000 other photographers. Please pick up your jaw from the floor. Yes, 12,000 other photographers. In one place, at one time. Phew! That statement alone should give you an idea of how I'm feeling at this particular moment. Just a wee bit overloaded yet full to the brim with ideas, thoughts and improvements, so much so I can barely formulate a logical sentence!

Ideas aside, I feel so blessed by the speakers, trade show people, and other photographers in general who gave their time for a profession they truly believe in. I'm so truly thankful to have had days with local photographer friends join together in Vegas and to run this business along side me while at home in Portland. One thing I've been mulling over (besides the expected products and ideas) is the client experience. I've been asking myself these few questions over and over, wondering how to improve them; How do my clients fell when they are with me, how do they feel about my product, how do they feel in 6 months when they look over their photographs? How do they feel in a session? How can I provoke those feelings without asking for them? How can I make every aspect of this experience happy and enjoyable so that when they look at their family/child/husband those same feelings of joyfulness return and more importantly stay for years to come.

I don't have tons of answers, yet. However, if you are a client (or when you become one) feel free to let me know how you are feeling from the beginning to the end, what I can improve on and how to make this a fun and enjoyable time together. Because, after all, what's life if laughter and smiles are not present?

This image below was taken from my hotel balcony. I am completely intrigued by the geometric shapes, so much so I caught myself staring at it for minutes! Happy Friday!

vegas-100.jpg

WPPI overview

March 12, 2010

I've just spent the last 4 days (seems like 4 weeks) in Las Vegas with 12,000 other photographers. Please pick up your jaw from the floor. Yes, 12,000 other photographers. In one place, at one time. Phew! That statement alone should give you an idea of how I'm feeling at this particular moment. Just a wee bit overloaded yet full to the brim with ideas, thoughts and improvements, so much so I can barely formulate a logical sentence!

Ideas aside, I feel so blessed by the speakers, trade show people, and other photographers in general who gave their time for a profession they truly believe in. I'm so truly thankful to have had days with local photographer friends join together in Vegas and to run this business along side me while at home in Portland. One thing I've been mulling over (besides the expected products and ideas) is the client experience. I've been asking myself these few questions over and over, wondering how to improve them; How do my clients fell when they are with me, how do they feel about my product, how do they feel in 6 months when they look over their photographs? How do they feel in a session? How can I provoke those feelings without asking for them? How can I make every aspect of this experience happy and enjoyable so that when they look at their family/child/husband those same feelings of joyfulness return and more importantly stay for years to come.

I don't have tons of answers, yet. However, if you are a client (or when you become one) feel free to let me know how you are feeling from the beginning to the end, what I can improve on and how to make this a fun and enjoyable time together. Because, after all, what's life if laughter and smiles are not present?

This image below was taken from my hotel balcony. I am completely intrigued by the geometric shapes, so much so I caught myself staring at it for minutes! Happy Friday!

vegas-100.jpg



Comments
Michelle Howard says:

well melissa, as a brand new client, i can confidently say that you have been amaz-za-zing to work with thus far! I can't wait to see the pictures from the engagement session which by the way, your personality made that session so much less nerve wracking for a person who has no clue what to expect! Thanks for making it so much fun!

 (03.12.10 @ 06:15 PM)
Danielle says:

As a client and as a friend, I can also say you are amazing! One of the best things I appreciate you for is that you give direction! As a client there was no awkward standing around trying to guess what to do. You provide a comfortable environment and you give great guidance!

(03.13.10 @ 09:13 AM)
Lauren says:

Well, as your number one fan, I can also confidently say that you are simply... what was that word that everyone's been using? Oh yeah, AMAZING! Times a thousand. Not only was our entire experience a joy but we will DEFINITELY will be returning for belly, baby, and family portraits in the many years to come. Its that intoxicating combination of charm and sincerity that puts your clients at ease. Can't wait to see how the business is going to get even better with your new WPPI ideas!

 (03.14.10 @ 02:41 AM)
melissa says:

can i just take a moment to say i have the most A.MAZE.ING clients?! I really should say client/friend cause really, that's what you are to me.

thanks so much for your kind works. really, thought. if there is anything i can improve on i would love to hear it from you. after all you are the ones that know the nitty gritty. :) muah to everyone on a monday AM.

(03.15.10 @ 10:56 AM)
Amy says:

Hello! I was the girl you met while getting your baggage in the airport! I recognized your logo when I saw your business card, but couldn't remember from where. Now I found it was on the into the dark room website. Ha! Anyways, glad to have met you and I hope that you had a blast in vegas!

 (04.02.10 @ 11:27 AM)