Pro Photo Expo in Pasadena

Pro Photo Expo is the Professional Photographers of California annual convention. There you'll find great speakers, like Ken Sklute, whose full-day workshop concluded with a demonstration of how he shoots a wedding reception--complete with wedding cake and buffet!

My favorite workshop was by Greg Stangl, whose marketing tips showed me how to "Damn the Recession!" and take my business full speed ahead.

If you missed the convention, you have another chance in August, when the show comes to San Francisco. Stay posted on the PPC website.

While there, I took the opportunity to try my hand at the new fusion video capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark II. It's still a rough cut, and you don't get the full effect of the HD video online, but it'll give you an idea.

Pro Photo Expo 2009 from Kristi Garrett on Vimeo.

Handpainted backgrounds from Madcamp.biz

Todd Rigione of Madcamp Artistic Backgrounds sold me an awesome handpainted background. Here he is with another of his creations. (Look for mine in a senior photo coming soon!)

He drove all the way from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Pasadena for the Pro Photo Expo. 

Visit his website (madcamp.biz) to see more. You won't be sorry!

Speaking of engagements...

Nina and Micah's engagement shoot was lots of fun. We started at the fountain in front of Tower Cafe, where Micah proposed. 

Then we went to an "undisclosed location" where we'll do portraits of the wedding party on their wedding day. The sunset cast a beautiful warm light on a beautiful couple.

I just love how Micah is cradling her in his arms. So in love!