This month’s TCPPA (Twin Cities Professional Photographer’s Association) meeting was held up at the North (Brooklyn Park) HTC auditorium, again, due to the remodel of the South (Eden Prairie) HTC location. Having attended Joe Buissink’s program, on Monday, I now know that I would have traveled any distance and I encourage you to do the same when he comes to a town near you to speak. While he and his agenda were weighted heavily in photography and largely wedding photography with ties, now, to countless celebrities…I went in looking for inspiration in those arenas but came away with a much different feeling. You see, Joe Buissink makes no bones about being a human being first. His life has been peppered with challenges yet he rises up and creates immeasurable richness for he, his family and clearly extends this to his clients and to those that make the time to attend his speaking engagements.

I enjoyed the program on Monday so much that I traveled to Minnesota’s GraphiStudio location in Oakdale the next morning to hear him speak…yet again. I must say that even though Joe doubled up on much of his lecture from the day before, I felt more in the moment as I sat in the front row amongst a much smaller, more intimate group of photographers. You see, I’m one of those individuals that loves to hear the message again and again. I find myself catching things I missed the first go ’round. Invited into a group setting where someone pours their heart out and opens their soul you cannot help but feel the passion that drives that person. I felt it spill over.  I know that I will photograph all things, from now on, with my life’s influences and experiences…past and present to guide me. Thank you, Joe Buissink, for reminding me of why I do what I do. So great to finally  meet you. Hope you enjoyed your first trip to Minnesota!