Help me, help you
Well...we're back from PatnerCon Chicago where we spent three of the most amazing days ever! One of the many reasons this conference is so incredible is because it's so small (i think there were just over 200 people there this time, and Pictage always sets a limit on the number of people attending) that you can really get a chance to sit down and get to know some of the most amazing photographers in the country.
Two incredible people we got to spend a lot of time hanging out with were our rockin' mentors, Nathan & Amber Holritz. Wow, I'm telling you there just aren't enough words to describe these two! From the very first day we met them they just went completely out of their way to include us and make sure we were having fun. And I only hope they know how much we appreciate that. They simply radiate the love they share for each other, their friends, and their family and it casts a warm glow on everyone lucky enough to be near them. If you ever get the chance to hear them speak, please please do this for yourself. They possess that rare ability to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat waiting for the next word...you'll laugh with them and cry with them and just come out of it better for having had the experience. Thank you guys... for everything!
So, the big message we came back with from this PartnerCon (LA was: be open and sharing...and give lots of HUGS!) was that networking= helping the most people you can without regard for what they can do for you (both Nathan & Amber and David Jay talked about this in their sessions). This really hit home with us and so we decided to come back and put it into action.
So the next time we see you, we're going to ask you what we can do to help you. Whether it's something in your life, your business, your goals...whatever you're working for, think about what we can do to make it even just a little bit easier for you. If it's anything in our power, it's yours!
To kick things off, here's a little "help me, help you" inspiration from Mr. Maguire (**tushy warning: please do not view if you at all mind seeing Cuba from behind)
23 comments:
You guys have hit the nail on the head, and I know for me that approach has made a huge difference. Not that we don't all want to make money, but that is no longer my focus when I shoot a wedding or event. Instead I try my best to look at it as an opportunity - not only to give the couple something special, for for myself to really get something photographically satisfying out of it. To not view it as 'just another wedding' but to see it for all the small, cool ~sometime hidden~ photo-ops that present them selves when you look for them.
Great meeting you guys!!! I had a blast hanging out...btw loved your travel outfit so cool. Loved the video choice!!! we must hang out again soon!
Hi Mary & Justin!
It was great meeting you both in Chicago. We were blown away by all of the great speakers. Wish we could have seen them all. What a warm and generous group of people! Hope we can get together sometime and get to know you both better! Love the colors on your site!
Amy
mary thanks for the comments on my blog! i am sad i didn't get to meet you too...but yes i will be in LA and we'll have to meet then! any friends of the holritz's are friends of mine!!! :)
Hey Robert!
That's so true. And I think that kind of approach is how people end up loving what they do.
Thank you so much for your comment on the PH post too...that's so awesome of you! It means so much to us to have great people like you getting so involved. You're the best!
M:)
Hey Sofia!
hahah thanks! I always end up traveling in a hoodie, so I thought I'd shake things up a little this time. It's amazing how much better I felt..just more awake or something. We do def have to hang out again soon...will you be up this way at all?
xoxo
M:)
Hey Amy!
Thanks so much! You are such a sweetheart. When is the big move? Let us know if you need a hand! And once you get settled we should def meet up!
xoxo
M:)
Alison,
Oh that's awesome! We'll def have to plan on meeting in LA then...if not sooner! :)
M:)
Wow... Humbling... Thank you guys for what is going to be an incredible friendship!!! I hope we can see you guys soon! (You should come out with us to Santa Barbara before Partner Con in LA!!!)
- Nathan
MARY AND JUSTIN!!!!!!!!
:)
We love you guys SO much! I haven't had so much fun with "new people" in a LONG time!!!!!!
You guys are completely amazing... come see us, and SOON!
loves!!!
amber
Hi Mary, thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I enjoyed meeting you and Justin too and felt sad that I didn't meet you prior to leaving. bummer! I loved perusing your blog--it's awesome! I'll be bookmarking it (wink). Be blessed in all you do and as you prepare for your own wedding!
Carole Foret
Justin and Mary,
I loved meeting you and getting to know you better. That's a fun shot of you with the Holritz from a fun night. You guys are awesome and I look forward to keeping in touch with.
N&A,
OMG!! We LOVE you guys too!!
We just had the best time ever. I was telling Jus that I could tell right away we were going to have the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime.
We would love love love to come visit you/go to Santa Barbara with you! Honestly, let's make that happen...and soon! We're sooo having Holritz withdrawal!
love you guys!
M:)
Regina!!
There's my girl! We had such a blast with you...you are HILARIOUS! Do you have any pics of us together...we'd love to put em up on the blog! Ooh maybe I'll go steal one from the Holritz's! :)
xoxo
M:)
Hey Carole!
Thanks so much for your incredibly kind words! We look forward to keeping in touch with you...off to bookmark you too!! :)
M
Hey Mary. We'll be moving in August and we'll definitely get in touch with you after to get together. Hope you have a great B'day!
Amy
Justin and Mary!!
It was SOO great getting to meet you both last week!! I really enjoyed just getting to hang out! You both are so adorable together!
Hey Amy!
For some reason I thought it was like next week that you were moving! We Should definitely get together before August!
xoxo
M:)
Sarah!!
I know! I LOVED hanging out with you and the gang! I can't wait to see you guys again...are you going to be in LA?
xoxo
M:)
Aren't we all hanging by a very thin thread?? I dig that about us all too! It's funny b/c Jean and I constantly quote Jerry Maguire's very telling line: "It's wasn't a memo, it was a Mission Statement!" This is how I am approaching my photography, my weddings, my clients: we are all on a mission to make a statement! Now, what are we gonna say?
carla! ooh! I LOVE how you push the envelope...what ARE we gonna say? deep stuff, man, deep!
M:)
Hi sweet Mary! Thanks for your nice comment on my blog. I really enjoyed meeting you and Justin too and I wish we could have spent more time together hanging out. I hope our paths cross again soon! Keep in touch!
Hey Scarlett!
I know! I knew right away when I saw your awesome pink heels that you were someone I could be friends with! :) Are you gonna be in LA? Can't wait to hang out again!!
M:)
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