Annually, I jump in the Honda & head south to New Orleans for a week to attend Pictage’s PartnerCon. It happens to be one of the most anticipated weeks of my year. The experience lends itself more to a reunion of all your college friends rather than a work conference. It is at PartnerCon that I have developed some deeply meaningful relationships with some of the best photographers in the country & I inevitably leave with solid business advice & ways to offer better service. Most importantly, I leave further enriched with friendships.
There were many highlights from the trip. One of my favorite sessions was one evening with Ralph Alswang & Paul Morse as they shared their stories & photos of when they were White House Photographers for Presidents Bill Clinton & George W. Bush. It was so intriguing to hear them recall their daily duties & highlights of shooting behind the scenes of our nation’s presidency.
Also, I’m rather partial to my dear friend, Melissa Jill. I loved having the opportunity to spend time hanging with Melissa & to hear her present on “5 Key Lessons” she has learned thus far in her business. She never ceases to amaze me with her generosity & honesty coupled with her business acumen. Great job friend!
There were many others who I thoroughly enjoyed meeting or getting to know better. If I were to mention all the names & all the reasons I’m grateful for them, it would take days. Until next year PartnerCon friends, here are a few pics to document the trip.
This year, I stayed several blocks away from the conference (hosted at the Astor Crowne Plaza on Canal St.) on St. Charles St. Each morning I would catch the trolley, settle onto it’s old wooden benches & enjoy the 15 minute commute.
This year I rarely brought out my camera. I focused rather on learning as much as possible & taking advantage of conversations. The following picture (along with the first pic in this post) was taken at sunset from the sundeck of my hotel.
Another highlight of my trip was the opportunity to share coffee with a family friend, Sarah Rhodes. Sarah is from Scottsboro, AL & a recent graduate of Auburn University who just months ago moved to New Orleans to pursue her dream & use her degree in Fine Arts. Check out (& buy!) her work at From My Bookshelf Etsy store & her Sizarah Etsy Store. We met up for coffee at Rue de la Course, opted for a spontaneous photo shoot & visited a used bookstore. It was super-fun!
by Ben Finch
1 comment
Jared - Great to meet you in New Orleans! Consider me a new blog stalker.