I have good news and bad news. What would you like first?

Bad news: The weather is not very desirable in my corner of the universe. Last weekend we have 30cm of snow in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and it is still chilly. I was hoping for apple and cherry blossoms; I have plans for some shoots I want to do!

Good news: Only 7 more sleeps until I fly to Ottawa for the 2017 Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) sponsored conference! The International Photography Conference (IPC) takes place from Friday, April 28 to Wednesday May 3, 2017 at the Ottawa Conference Centre. 

Bad news: The scheduled is PACKED which I guess is actually good news because there is educational sessions pretty much for 12 hours a day PLUS networking events, meetings, and the trade show!

Good news: I get to listen to some of my international photography idols such as Jean Chartrand, Joel Grimes, Dani Miller, Drake Busath, Scott Forsyth, etc. etc. etc. I also get to meet Joe McNally face to face. I interviewed him for the winter Gallerie Magazine. Now I can apologize for sounding like such a tool on the phone.

Bad news: I hate morning and I am scheduled for 4 of them at 7:00AM

Good news: Well, it is Eastern Standard time...which makes it 5:00 AM Edmonton time...which means I have to be up at 4:00 AM Edmonton time...so actually I just have to stay up really really late...right? When life gives you lemons...right?

I'll be the girl crying in the corner.

Good news: Awesome trade show!

Bad news: I always leave broke (but never regret my purchases).

Good news: Hospitality suite that goes late into the evening

Bad news: At the ripe old age of 30, I can't keep up and will be asleep by 10:30.

Good news: It is a great networking opportunity with fellow photographers!

Bad news: I get shy around all these amazing photographers even though they are perfectly nice people!

Good news: I always leave the conference inspired and ready to work!

Bad news: I have to be patient for 7 more sleeps...

If you are interested, there are still some spots in the conference available! Check out the very packed schedule here. Another perk is that Ottawa is beautiful right now and full of festivities for Canada;s 150th birthday! 

In the meantime, I am photographing a cheerleading competition tomorrow, and have a maternity shoot on Sunday. I also have some personal projects to edit!

Suppose I should put some photos in this post. Here are some bison from Elk Island National Park (one of my favourite places). No specific reason; I just like bison.

Happy Learning!

Chelsea