 I've had a whirlwind two days in Auckland for the NZIPP (NZ Institute of Professional Photographers) 2017 Summit! Day 1 included the AGM and I was fortunate to be asked to represent the Otago/Southland region for the Policy & Planning meeting too which was interesting and lots of fun. Day 2 was a full on day with NZIPP Grand Master Jason Naylor for an inspiring wedding photography workshop! Anyone who has had a chat to me about the photography community I work in or the NZIPP, will know that I am immensely proud to be part of this organisation. The NZIPP is New Zealand's only qualifying body for professional photographers but that is not why I am an advocate. I'm a member because I have found my people & I know this is where I belong. The people I know through the NZIPP I consider as 'workmates' or my photography family. When you think about how isolated it can be as an entrepreneur working from home most days, it is a pretty cool thing to have this sort of community. And from just two days in Auckland I have gained so many more new friends! The workshop was an interactive, conversational day with Jason. He talked to us about where he draws his inspiration from, how he does business and so much more. Regardless that Jason has an entirely different style & approach to his photography from me there is always something amazing to take away from these workshops. In fact one of the first things Jason talked about was how awesome it is that we are all different. My biggest inspiration from the day was getting to hear Jason's thought process as he set up shots and created images. It was also a privilege to hear how he made his Iris award winning images, he has a level of creativity that I am in awe of! If you don't already know Jason definitely go check out his award winning work here. I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity to be involved in the NZIPP Summit, to have made new friends and to spend a day being inspired by a Grand Master! Fabulous memories made.  Thanks for the group photo Chris Traill! |