I really can’t imagine running a business that delivers products that serve to preserve my clients’ legacies without trying to up my skill and craft every single day. This is too important to just wing it. It’s too important to just be good enough. It’s too important to provide an average experience. I want my clients to receive the best images, the best products and the best experience that I can possibly give them. I want these things to be better each and every time they pay me to document a milestone.

Part of my journey to grow and learn is by attending professional-level workshops, conventions and clinics. On average, I physically attend at least two every year and purchase another two or three online. My goal is to continually learn new ideas, new techniques, and new avenues for providing my clients with the best photography experience that I can. (I’m also attending Sal Cincotta’s 2nd Annual Shutterfest in St. Louis in a few short weeks! I can’t wait!)

One of the photography conventions that I attend each year is the Wedding & Portrait Professionals International, also known as the WPPI. I’ve been a member of this professional organization for the past two years and I plan to be a member and attend this convention for as long as I’m a professional photographer. I always come back with so much energy and inspiration! The education, inspiration and insight I gain is invaluable. I get to listen to and learn from the most successful and most talented photographers in the world—photographers like: Jerry Ghionis, Sue Bryce, Rocco Ancora, Scott Robert Lim, Tamara Lackey, Joe McNally, Susan Stripling, Cliff Mautner, Blair Phillips, Lindsay Adler, Nick Ghionis, Two Mann Studios, Gary Fong, Sal Cincotta, Yervant, and Roberto Valenzuela. I get to witness the launching of brand new products and contemplate implementing them into my own workflow. I get to network and converse with other photographers who are just like me—like-minded individuals who are on a path to being the best that they can. Again, I cannot put a price tag on all the sustenance I gain from attending the WPPI. If you consider yourself a professional photographer, this is a no-brainer, must-go deal. You are really doing your clients a disservice by not becoming the absolute best that you can be! Make plans now to attend the WPPI 2016!

Here is a short, 2:45 video I put together of my experiences this year. Please watch and feel free to leave any feedback on this blog post!

Until next time, be positive, happy, healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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I am a professional wedding and senior photographer based in South Texas near San Antonio. I pride my business in offering a premier and personal service coupled with an unforgettable photography experience. I cater to clients who appreciate quality photography and help them to create family heirlooms that will last for generations. As a full-time professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide amazing, memorable and full-service photography.

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journey and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love to spend my spare time hiking, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and Prince. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents would be proud of!

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