Nancy Steele, Education Florida: West Linn Portrait Artist/Blog

It is that time of year again when I get to travel and become more educated in business and photographic community, learning from the brilliance of educators and the SYNC family.  Nancy Steele, Education Florida: West Linn Portrait Artist/Blog

Time to learn, adjust, reflect, play, make new friendships, and stay connected with others in the industry.  As well as attend a fantastic trade show and checking out new products.  This year I was very divided to go or not.  It’s been a very difficult few months post Amtrak incident with my daughter Kylie.  I have been traveling quite often to Seattle help her with Dr’s and therapist appointments.  There is lots of work to get her on the path of health and recovery.  But my life as a creative continues and finding that balance has been challenging, and I am finding I need a routine.

At the last minute, I decided to take the leap and go to Florida.  I began with a side trip to Seattle (apts with Kylie’s Dr’s and team), onto NOLA and meant up with my sister for two short, fun filled days!   I stayed at an amazing BB called Chimes for two nights.  Lovely hosts and the breakfasts were outstanding, I’d highly recommend.  My sister and I happened to be traveling at the same time and in the same city (she lives in Montana) so it was double fun with Gentry sisters visiting the great city. The stresses of the past months were present, but I worked hard to just enjoy it.

Nancy Steele and Education Florida: West Linn Portrait Artist/Blog

After adventures with my sister, I drove to Destin, FL to SYNC.  From the beginning this was different for me.  I have been exhausted from the emotional and physical past few months.  I had fabulous friends as room mates and the support of friends in the industry from all over the country.  ‘Embrace the Journey’ was the theme and was rooted in both educational work and spiritual beliefs.  What I will say, is I had a few naps between conference classes, deep conversations with friends, a tremendous amount of hugs, and bits of Florida sunshine and rain.  The support from photographic friends was outstanding.  It was just what I needed to feel refreshed again creatively.

What did I learn?

So much, nothing, a lot, and it seems everything at once.  One exciting speaker set was Kevin and Cathy Harrington from Wisconsin.  I had actually meant them many years ago at a conference (apx 2005) and we have seen each other at SYNC the past few years.  Always great to connect and renew our friendship.  They are honest and real on stage, just as they are in person and made me remember who I am servicing as my client base, why I am serving, and how I am serving them.   Thank you both for the refresher on why I live a creative life.  Many other talented photographic artists and educators graced us with their voice and presence.  Sunday morning worship was direct and pointed it felt like just to me (Trust the journey!).  Love this family from SYNC.

I am back, trying to organize and feeling a little more refreshed.

It was great to see friends from TX school ’17 and the 2017 Fusion Tennessee Retreat.  I did not pick up my camera the entire time (other than cell phone photo’s) but that’s okay.

Oh, did I mention the 80’s dance party to close the show?  It was amazing, dancing for hours.

Until next year….

Nancy Steele and Education in Florida: West Linn Portrait Artist/Blog