Creative at Heart

This time last week, I was packed in a car with an absurd amount of suitcases caravanning with other creatives to Charleston, SC for the Creative at Heart Conference. It’s crazy to think that just this past January I was an attendee at this business-changing event and was already returning, this time as a conference photographer (I still laugh when I think about how much I geeked out after getting the e-mail request from Kat — I immediately called Rob and screamed into the phone before responding with a YES and about 1,000 exclamation points!!!). I felt like I had a really unique position this time around; I got to listen to many of the wonderful speakers along with the attendees, but also got to work behind the scenes with Kat’s incredible team of women who make this a reality.

Initially, I was doubtful that I would take home much new information this time around; after all, I had just attended a few months ago! But I truly could not have been more wrong. New speakers. Different speeches. Unique panel groups. I scribbled notes furiously as Krista walked us through SEO and Natalie explain the neuroscience behind how our 5 senses can control our brand. I cried as I listened to Mary and Bonnie passionately talk about their “why” and as Katelyn described how she built her dream community. Maybe even more important than the various speeches was the time spent in panel, connecting with like-minded creatives and asking the hard, ugly questions to some amazing leaders who freely shared their knowledge.

But beyond the tangible takeaways is so much more, it’s the reason this conference was started in the first place. Creative at Heart is an opportunity to meet other creatives and form new relationships. The hours spent at lunch, walking around the city, and during late night pizza parties were some of my favorite from the whole weekend; we laughed, we cried, we barely slept, and we bonded over our love of biscuits and wine. That time was invaluable and cemented new relationships into lifelong friendships.

I can’t stress enough — this is not just for Washington, DC wedding photographers! Yes, there are a lot of us there, but there are also creatives from every facet. If you’re interested in attending, they have 3 more conference lined up for 2016 in Maryland, Colorado, and Tennessee!! Registration for the March conference in Maryland opens up on November 30th, so be sure to follow along on their Instagram for information on how to register!

And because no post would be complete without pictures, here are a few from last weekend!