This year’s Partner Conference was the first one I wasn’t really able to attend. I didn’t get to hear many of the presentations or photographers lounge lessons so I didn’t walk away thinking, there is this one thing I am going to do to change my business.
What I did walk away with is inspiration, inspiration beyond explanation. It’s being surrounded by friends from across the country and learning how they have become so successful. It’s about seeing the work of photographers I have never met and realizing the amazing talent that is out there. It about meeting local New Orleanians and hearing their stories about the storm, stories that bring big ol’ tears to your eyes. Being inspired by the smile on their face as they explain their new life and their new hope.
I guess hope is what I walked away with. Hope that my work at the conference in some way helped someone. Hope that my business will someday influence and inspire people. Hope that New Orleans will continue to re-build and shine.
My favorite photos barely describe my trip, but they are a brief depiction of what I saw.
And for the lower ninth ward photos…
This woman is the only one that lives in her neighborhood. They are building new houses all around her so she sits on her porch all day and watches. I guess I would too.
This is my favorite photo. During the storm, he lost his wife and baby for two days!
There were a couple locals that I will never forget, one being our bus driver Lionel. He made my trip in so many ways – meeting his adorable grandson, him telling us about his 4′10” wife and how she is the love of his life, and the best thing he ever could have said, “y’all come back now, ya hear?” I think I hugged him a bit longer than I should have for that. Anyway, he is speaking on this video and that’s why it’s here.
9th Ward November 2009 from emily engle on Vimeo.
by Emily
no comments
link to this post email a friend