Everything from conferences, talks, events, seminars etc.
Out + About
Next Thursday, May 25th, I am excited to be a speaker for PDN’s Focus on Wedding and Portrait Photography Virtual Event. The two-day virtual event for photographers is designed to be very interactive, informative, and inspirational. This expo is full of excellent speakers, very well versed in the world of promotion, marketing, and what it takes to be a successful photographer. Even better, by being a virtual event, PDN’s Focus on Wedding and Portrait Photography is accessible to anyone logging in from any location.
I really like the idea of creating an online space to provide free and informative content to a large and deserving audience. The webinars, virtual booths, and speakers really provide a well rounded and truly exceptional event requiring literally nothing but a desire to learn and improve your approach to photography. I am looking forward to sharing my business and marketing philosophy about building relationships with clients, branding, and niche marketing. I am also really excited to learn some great tips from the impressive array of professionals that will be speaking. I hope you check out the expo and even stop by my virtual booth for a chat. *My speech is sponsored by Digilabs
Viceroy Anguilla | Paradise Found
From The Studio, Out + About 
0
Fri 05.07.2010
Beautiful view from the bedroom of my Villa 
Me with extraordinary host Virgil Napier (he could write a book on it!)
A gentle breeze blew a lock of hair across my face as I stepped onto our villa patio to gaze at the sparkling turquoise water. I breathed in deeply, enjoying the fresh scent of an ocean mist lingering in the air. My mind, being in perma-photography mode, instantly honed in on the stunning blue hue of the water. I thought- “wow whoever photoshopped the water did a great job!” I laughed, catching myself at my own mind game. True this setting embodied every notion of art, a snapshot of a far off tropical island resort, but it was also the reality in which I was currently residing.
Nothing prepared me for the phenomenal Viceroy Anguilla resort. My host, Virgil Napier, insisted on many occasions, “I can’t describe it. You won’t understand until you come.” He was beyond correct. Despite traveling to many places in the world I was still absolutely stunned by the gorgeous scenery and skillfully designed resort.
The beaches and tropical island setting are unrivaled. Stunning views of crystal clear water and long stretches of white sand beaches are hard to beat. But more than anything, the resort itself defines ultimate luxury. The design is innovative, so detailed and truly artistic beyond just great architecture. No expense was spared, no corner left untouched with tasteful decor. The resort flows into the landscape flawlessly and enticingly luxurious.
The resort truly captures every desire. There is ample space for enjoyable social mingling in the exquisite restaurants and bars. Days can be filled with bike rides, kayaking, and beach lounging. Viceory Anguilla also perfectly capitalizes on the luxury of seclusion. The spacious villas embody the ultimate private retreat. They boast personal pools, plush rooms, and are stocked full of amenities.
Even more, the customer service is impeccable. Virgil Napier is the most hospitable host I have ever been taken care of by. Every guest is met with an intimate experience catering to his or her individual needs and desires. This attentiveness and kindness defines the Viceroy Anguilla as a top of the line destination resort located in a tropical paradise.
Viceroy, Anguilla | A Luxurious Paradise
From The Studio, Out + About 3
Sat 04.24.2010
Image from the Viceroy, Anguilla website
I had just finished presenting at Wedding 360 and I was more than ready for lunch. Waiting impatiently for my food at the St. Regis buffet table, I secretly prayed that I would not have to engage in any form of conversation. I saw someone approaching me. I clung tightly to my plate, looked down and hoped for an escape. When I realized I was being approached by Virgil Napier of Viceroy Anguilla, the idea of talking to someone suddenly didn’t seem all that bad. The next thing I knew I was engaged in an interesting conversation. I put my plate down like it was no big deal– food didn’t even exist anymore.
I was familiar with Viceroy of course, but was not that familiar with their new flagship location in the Caribbean. As Virgil described the luxurious Anguilla property I was swept away by visions of a beautiful resort on the edge of endless white sand beaches flowing into crystal clear turquoise water. Virgil encouraged me to take a look at the resort and even consider a visit. He spoke about potentially placing me on their preferred vendors list to shoot there in the future.
Excited, I ran back to my computer to do my research! When I saw the resort my jaw just dropped. I was staring at a tropical paradise. Not only are the beaches gorgeous, but the breathtaking building is truly a work of art impeccably decorated by Kelly Wearstler. I was not surprised to learn that the resort was placed on the Conde Nast Traveller HOT LIST for 2010. I immediately emailed Virgil asking when I could come.
Now, having just arrived in Anguilla yesterday, my exceptionally high expectations have already been exceeded. Details to follow – I need a little pool time right now.
Photographs copyright Mike Larson. Above are the Wedding 360 Panel Speakers: Youngsong Martin, Gene Higa, Grace Ormonde, and Catherine Hall.
Something special was happening at Wedding 360 but I couldn’t put my finger on why it was such an inspirational event. I spent two days at the St. Regis in San Francisco last week surrounded by exceptional talent from all avenues of the wedding world. Wedding 360′s The Academy for Wedding Planners and Designers was much more than the sensational design showcases, fabulous parties, and incredible speakers. As Wedding 360 came to an end I realized why I felt so excited and awe struck by this outstanding event. Although I was a speaker, the participants were in fact many of my inspirations. I was surrounded by brilliant people excited to be there and for this I am both honored and humbled to be able to collaborate with them.
Jean Marks and Jubilee Lau created something remarkable – they created a two day event bringing together some of the world’s leading professionals. I enjoyed every moment and left profoundly impressed, my heart yearning for more time with so many talented people. It was so exciting to be part of a group that understands the importance of education when it comes to staying fresh, inspired, and a leader in our oversaturated industry. Wedding 360 became a must attend event for all designers and coordinators. I am so grateful that Jean and Jubilee invested their hearts, souls and finances to raising the bar in our industry. These two remarkable women truly inspired me and many others.
I’m thrilled to be a guest speaker at MacWorld 2010 for the talented Mikkel Aaland’s workshop on the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom! The workshop is part of a two day Power Tools Workshop with great information and an impressive range of professionals and speakers at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Photoshop Lightroom is an awesome tool for photography and I’m so excited to share my insights with other photographers. Plus, working with the award wining photographer, workshop guru, and outstanding author, Mikkel Aaland is such a treat.
