I have been thinking a lot about the goals of Inspired Designs for 2009. I want to have a list of a few things that seem unattainable and work towards them. It’s scary to openly announce goals because I immediately set myself up for failure if they never happen. However, I will share just one! I would LOVE to have my images published somewhere this year! It can be on the web, a local wedding magazine, etc. That would be such an accomplishment and an exciting new step for me and the business.

This past year I have been working with the President of CNU to try to come up with a design for the stained glass window of CNU’s new chapel that will be built in the next few years. It has been a long process but we have decided on an idea and the design was recently presented at a large fundraising event that took place a few weeks ago.  This week, I received a call that the design was sent to the DAILY PRESS and made the front page! Very exciting! While this isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I made it a goal to be published, it’s a start and I’m thrilled!

When I think of compromise, my first thought normally refers back to high school shopping trips with momma.  The dressing room experience always starts off with a mound of clothes (that I don’t need in the first place) and then piece by piece it dwindles down to a “keeper” pile and a “I don’t need it but I LOVE it” pile! After trying everything on at least 4 times each, coming out and modeling it for motherly approval, and then giving my pitch about why I REALLY do need a 17th pair of jeans, the end results in a compromise. Momma always brings my sister and I back to reality during our shopping sprees!

As most of you know, I spent the last 4 days across  the country in LAS VEGAS for the WPPI conference! WPPI stands for Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. There were over 10,000 photographers from around the world that came together to learn new techniques, new business strategies and to meet other photographers. I’ll admit that at first glance, it was a bit overwhelming. I traveled along side my good friend Jessie Smith. After the first day of sessions we both flopped down on the hotel bed, completely and totally bombarded with all the new info we had received!

I still can’t believe I’m in Vegas! All I have to do to be reminded is look out the window and see the glow of the city lights that literally illuminate the ENTIRE city! It’s been a great trip so far. Jessie and I have learned so much… almost too much! We have sat through sessions and listened to some of the world’s top photographers share their tips and tricks! It’s incredible!  I think I have enough brochures and pamphlets to keep me busy reading for a year! The trade show is compiled of two gigantic convention halls filled with incredible vendors. Canon is EVERYWHERE and sponsoring everything! (totally dominating Nikon:).