United was so much more than a conference. It was a game changer. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, step outside of my comfort zone by teaching a class on Working with Editors + Getting Published (as well as speaking on a panel about Tools of the Trade), photograph three gorgeous beach-side shoots, explore a part of the country that took my breath away, and join a community of Shoot + Share photographers that are looking to help one another succeed.
I will never forget this experience. I’m returning for this wedding season as a different person and photographer. Inspired, excited, and refreshed – I am so excited to make this year the best yet!
Thank you Kristyn Kimball for capturing a few shots of me teaching behind the scenes!
I was a little nervous to teach my very first class at a conference, but the incredible support of my roommates in the first row (and Katelyn James in the back!) my worries faded almost instantly! Seeing familiar faces gave me the comfort I need to rock it out and speak straight from my heart! Thank you to the Shoot & Share leaders for giving me such an incredible opportunity to open my heart + speak on a topic that I’m passionate about! And an extra special thank you to each and every person who came to hear me speak… You all are the best!
In addition to hanging out with the incredible ladies above – I also had the chance to photograph a few sessions while in Santa Barbara! You’ll recognize the lovely Abby from yesterday’s post – and I hope you get excited to see Anna + Katie later on this week!
I want to personally thank all of the hardworking members of the PASS + Showit Teams that made United a reality. Â Especially Kevin Sturm + Andrew Barlow who never stopped working (seriously, I’m not sure if they slept once!), Chris Poisella for hosting the Tools of the Trade Panel + asking me to be a part of it, and all of the people who hosted shoots, taught classes, and welcomed us to Santa Barbara! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
March 4th, 2014 at 9:56 am
Looks like such an incredible week Natalie! When are the moving trucks coming to take us all out there?!
March 4th, 2014 at 9:57 am
Love this post!! I had so much fun with you this week!! Xoxoxo!!
March 4th, 2014 at 10:03 am
Natalie, every single one of these photos is amazing and the heart that you have for what you do is so evident! I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know you last week and I know this trip was only the beginning! Xoxo!
March 4th, 2014 at 10:12 am
Love it girl, So glad to have met you and I cannot wait for what this year will bring for you and your business! 🙂
March 4th, 2014 at 10:45 am
I feel so blessed to have you as one of my very best friends Natalie. Your talent, your drive and your good heart are things I admire so so much.
PS: It’s a tulle skirt revolution!
March 4th, 2014 at 11:37 am
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.
March 4th, 2014 at 11:38 am
I love all the images!!! You’re so talented and so humble; I’m so lucky to have a friend like you!!! Miss you so much!
March 4th, 2014 at 11:54 am
As always, GORGEOUS pictures. You all look like you had such a blast! 🙂
March 4th, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Amazing post! 🙂 Your pictures are so beautiful <3
March 4th, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Would love to meet you sometime and hear you speak! United just sounds WONDERFUL- and I hope to make it next year or the following year! Can’t wait to see the rest of your shoots! (Abby’s shoot was just amazing!)
March 4th, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Marvelous, wish I could have been there!!
March 4th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Beautiful photos Natalie! I know you rocked your presentation at United. Abby’s photos were gorgeous and can’t wait to see the rest! 🙂
March 4th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
I really hope to be able to attend next year!
March 4th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
WOOT WOOT! Go ‘head with your bad self girl! I especially love that photo of Abby!
March 4th, 2014 at 3:35 pm
These are amazing, Natalie! Thank you so much for all your generosity and sharing. It was truly a pleasure to meet and learn from you. Can’t wait to see you again! 🙂
March 4th, 2014 at 10:34 pm
Natalie!! These are absolutely gorgeous images!! Even the ones of you teaching!! LOVE THEM!! And what an incredible week!! I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with you and hope we get to do it again soon before having to wait another year:-) xoxo!!
March 5th, 2014 at 4:22 pm
I. Just. Love. You.
March 30th, 2015 at 5:30 am
[…] with friends! It was exactly one year ago when we all gathered together in Santa Barbara for the United Conference and we wanted a chance to recreate that same experience closer to home! A work-cation centered […]