Mystic 4 | A Meeting of Minds | January 18-19, 2009

From what people have told me about past Mystic events, it seems like a really cool gathering of minds sharing ideas about the art, technique, and business of photography (mostly from the wedding photography perspective) in a very stripped-down setting without all of the hoopla and advertising that comes with traditional conventions and tradeshows (though there will obviously be some, since vendors just can't resist an opportunity like this).

I'm incredibly honored that I have been invited to present alongside some of the very same people who I've admired since I got started in this industry. As many of you know, I enjoy sharing my personal thoughts and experiences with others in the hopes that it can help them, and I'm really excited to have this opportunity to do it in person, in a format where we can then have follow-up discussions in person.

The organizers have told me that Mystic 4 is already booking so much more quickly than it has in years passed and there are a really limited number of seats. Who can blame people for signing up early? At the cost of only $150 to attend, with lunch included, it's one of the best deals in the industry!! (Note: presenters are not being paid for their presentations.) To see many of these presenters individually you'd have to shell out a heck of a lot more than that... believe me, because I have.. and yes, it was worth it. I'm really excited to see what the other presenters will be talking about and I'm just incredibly honored that I can be a part of it!!

Here's a brief intro to what I'll be talking about: (the title is a JOKE people - relax!)

Anne Ruthmann
"How an Ugly, Fat Girl became a Popular International Photographer"
She didn't get lucky photographing celebrities. She isn't skinny enough to fit into designer clothing. She doesn't have a portfolio filled with lavish, over-the-top weddings. Yet, clients are willing to book her sight-unseen, fly her across the world, and even pay 5 figures for her work. Anne has learned what clients want most and why they will go out of their way and break their budget just to have it. She'll share her secrets to branding, pricing, and client care that have contributed to her rapid success in wedding photography.

Bio:
Anne is a self-taught photographer who started photographing weddings in 2005 while living in Detroit, MI, went full time in 2006 while moving to Terre Haute, IN (a rural farm city) and just recently moved to Lowell, MA in 2008. In those few short years she has gained an international following of wedding clients, won awards in AGWPJA and WPJA, been published in several different wedding magazines and was recognized as one of PDN's Top Knots for 2008. Before realizing her passion for wedding photography, Anne spent 10 years working in finance, marketing, and management for everything from large corporations to small non-profits. She regularly shares her extensive business knowledge and experiences on various forums, in private consultations, and on her business blog PhotoLoveCat.com.



I have to admit that I'm really nervous about being the last presentation on the last day because that means there's even more pressure to make it fun and interesting!! I have to end things on an AWESOME note so people feel like they had the best experience ever!! No pressure! *Taking a deep breath* I'll be working hard on my presentation over the holidays and will probably be practicing on anyone who will listen to me!! HA! Did I mention I'm a perfectionist (and much better at writing than speaking)? If you didn't click on one of the links above, here's the link to see the other presenters and to reserve your spot before it sells out!!! I look forward to seeing you there!!

-> CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! <-