A 1st

Tonight I went to a marketing seminar for professional photographers. Debbie Allen, the author of a number of books including "Confessions of Shameless Self-Promoters" was the speaker. I always find these types of seminars helpful and motivational. Even if I hear some of the same things, it helps me to actually eventually ACT on them. Anyhow, I'll share something I got out of the seminar in the near future. But I just wanted to write real quick about something that happened to me for the first time in my life.

I showed up a little after 6 for the seminar that was supposed to run from 6-9 and sat down in an open chair on the isle. Two seats away from me sat a friendly-looking girl. Usually I introduce myself right away but for some reason I didn't. About 15 seconds after I sat down she asked, "Are you Melissa Jill?" I responded affirmatively and we proceeded to talk for the next hour until the seminar ACTUALLY started (I learned my lesson about PPA meetings :)). She turned out to be a good friend of a bride whose wedding I am shooting in December. She will be a bridesmaid in the wedding. And she is also very interested in getting into photography herself. It was fun getting to know her. But it was such a strange experience being recognized by someone I have never met. She had seen my photo on my website and recognized me purely by that. It also showed me the advantage of having my face on my website. But that was a first for me. I've never been the type of girl to crave fame or want to be in the public eye. And I'm not saying I'm the LEAST bit famous. But it made me think about people who are recognized daily by those they don't know. What a weird thing. I don't envy them. Not that I minded tonight but I don't think I would enjoy that on a larger scale.

Well, off to implement some new things I'm motivated to do...