On the Fasttrack // One Year Later

It's been a little over a year now that I attended the Dane Sanders Fasttrack Roadshow - now the Fasttrack Workshops. I decided not to blog about my experience right away because I felt - and feel - that an experience like I had would take time to show its fruits. I mean I could have written something like "Wow, I had such a great time at the Fasttrack Workshop! Dane is a really cool guy. I am so glad I went to the Workshop. You should go too." I felt that saying something like that would have been without heart and a bit empty. The Roadshow meant a whole lot to me and I wanted to share just a bit of what has happened in the last year.

This Is My Life/My Business

The biggest reason that I'm a big fan of Dane's Workshop is that it centers around "you" - well, in this case "me." So many other workshops or seminars are centered around f/stops and posing. The technical stuff is essential, but at this point in my photography career I needed more: more substance, more insight, more business savvy, etc. And this Workshop delivered on that, and then some. Seriously, it was a game changer for me in terms of how I viewed myself and my business. It helped me to mature and to view myself, business, and peers differently and with more respect.

These People Are Awesome!

I love the Fasttrack community. I met some really amazing people at the Workshop, and have since met a ton of them via the Fasttrack Forums and WPPI. It was cool meeting other photographers that were like me - wanting more and wanting change.

What stood out to me about this community was how open and willing everyone was to share about their life/business/art, etc. And I firmly believe that Dane Sanders attracts such people because he is such a person. His honesty and openness were refreshing, and his love for people was unexpected.

On The Fasttrack - or at least the Righttrack

So have I "arrived" at a better place in my photography career because of the Workshop? Well, life is a journey and the Workshop was an amazing stop for me. My goal in life is never not "arrive", but to constantly grow, change, and get better.

So with that goal in mind I have to say that the Workshop did help with my photography business. The Workshop is worth every last penny, and then some. If you are on the fence about going, then just get off of the fence and go. I know that I could have written so much more about my experience, but no one would want to read that much. Feel free to contact me and I will gladly share my experience with you or even answer any questions.

Dane, thank you for sharing so much with the photography community. I appreciate what you are about. You really give of yourself unlike anyone I have ever met in this industry. I hope to see you again at either Skips Summer School or at WPPI 2011.

Thank you.

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By The Way: Continued education and networking are such vital parts of our photography business. I encourage you to check out workshops like this one, but do your homework first and make sure that it is what you need. There are so many workshops out there, but not all are what you need right now.

WPPI 2010 - Party In The USA

Here is my WPPI 2010 experience in a nutshell:

  • Enjoyed flying Southwest Airlines
  • The Signature at MGM is fantastic
  • Having 5 roomies was amazing - I love those guys/gals!
  • Splitting food costs with roomies was one of the BEST ideas - highly recommended
  • Should have bought more groceries at VONS - definitely more beer
  • Party In The USA is the best song EVER
  • The MGM Grand is HUMONGOUS! Should have worn my running shoes more often.
  • Scheduling classes before arriving at WPPI was super helpful
  • Budgeting for food and gear saved me from being overwhelmed
  • Should have done more photo shoots
  • I LOVE JASMINE STAR - JD is a stud
  • Honored to have met Jamie Delaine
  • Should have said hi to The Becker (walked by him like 5 times)
  • Sarah Petty, Mike Colon, and Dennis Reggie are SUPER TALL
  • FINALLY met Christine Tremoulet - wish we could have hung out more :'(
  • It was great seeing Dane Sanders again - the world needs more guys like him
  • Kenny Kim is a major connector and stud
  • Bambi Cantrell is a posing DIVA!
  • Have to get a photo booth
  • Love Collages.net even more - Abbey rocks!
  • Should have slept more - had more quiet time to reflect
  • Pictage knows how to throw a party!!!
  • David Jay and Mike Larson are amazing photogs and spiritual leaders
  • Met a ton of fantastic people
  • I have major iPhone envy
  • WPPI 2011 - I want to go to there!

→ Here are a few pics to help me remember all that took place at WPPI: [gallery columns="1" size="large"]

There is so much more that I could write about. But it would probably bore you. Plus, I still need to write it all down and make sure that I don't forget all of the great stories and business ideas that I learned. One thing I can share with 100% confidence: I love the wedding/portrait industry! I am so glad I made it to WPPI.

Rock On! info@ottorascon.com | my portfolio | facebook | twitter | 773.430.4785

By The Way: I should have remembered to bring my point-and-shoot camera. I could have captured a lot more of my experience at WPPI. Lesson learned.