The world just got a little smaller

Well this past weekend I went out to the Midwest Horse Fair which is something I have never been to. The first day I was stuck in traffic for 1/2 hour; the second for 2 hours trying to crawl the last mile to the fairgrounds. No place I have ever been has had this kind of traffic congestion and walking around it was like an all horse version of Disney World with the way the crowds were. But despite what was supposedly 50K people who were there, I still found people who I knew, or knew me. Which was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. I went with my game face on determined to make the most of my weekend, and in the end only could muster up enough for 2 days not all 3. I was far too exhausted to do the 3rd day. But with thousands of reference pictures and having talked with dozens of breeders, handlers, trainers and vendors I had really made the most out of the weekend and have learned a lot about how far I have come in my perspective of my business and representing myself. I treat everything with the same respect I am given and in turn are respected for my perspective, decorum and understanding. From TV personalities to internationally recognized trainers and breeders, I was floored to be respected and appreciated rather than dismissed and turned away. It may have something to do with my attitude or maybe my talent speaks for itself but I noticed that to those whom I did drop business cards with I received wide eyed surprise and genuine compliments. Coming home with stacks of new contacts and potential clients was the bonus to having the opportunity to photograph such beautiful and powerful creatures that more than once I was choked up and moved to nearly tears. My long list of studies has always included horses and inane amounts of knowledge about breeds, training, dressage, gaits, tack, all became apparent as I was aware of what I was looking at, while many others were just stunned or confused.  Along with the personal gain I learned several things that I didn't know, but as always tucking it away for some later use. I smiled a bit while I heard about how everyone had been bugging the re-en actors about WW2 horses and horses like "Joey" from Warhorse. Mostly because the public recognizes what is popular, not what it true, which was a point that got repeated over and over though out the weekend. Many of my pictures did not turn out as I hoped but non the less I have hundreds to work from.

Busy Busy where did the time go...

So it's mid April and I keep trying to stay on top of this blog better but things keep cropping up. Got caught up on The Breakout which is nearing it's completion, and still looking for an outdoor tent for vending. Next weekend I am off to the Midwest Horse Fair to scout the show and get reference pictures. A newer project is heading up the Sheboygan Dog Run volunteer committee. I have four people that are heading up various areas within the park including surveying the usage of the park by the public. It may turn out to be a short project as I am hearing not a lot of people would like anything done with the park, and we may hit a brick wall with the town of Wilson about making improvements. It is proving to be a huge learning experience though even if I don't get any credit for any of the improvements. A totally art note would be that I am being invited to speak to some high school art kids about being a professional artist, using social media, agents and representing yourself. With all this going on plus 45 hr weeks I haven't had much time for doing the art part of my business, but having lots of art is no good if you have no one to sell it to. So all this networking will help out down the road.