Jennifer Kathryn Photography Blog

Chicago Fast Track Photographer News

Tonight marks our third local Fast Track Photographer meeting in Chicago, and I’m still reeling from February’s gathering. On a brutal Chicago night, almost 30 of us crammed into my tiny Lakeview apartment the night before a snowstorm for one purpose: community. With so many things going on in our lives and businesses, it’d be tempting to write FTP off as one more meeting to attend…..except those of us there realized we can’t afford NOT to invest into a network of fellow creatives who support one another in our passionate pursuit of our careers.  We talked that evening of how some of us have made (or are making) the transition from one full-time career to full-time photography. It was a lively discussion that touched on business plans, to vision, to second shooting with experienced photographers. I interjected occasionally, but mostly I listened to individuals share with conviction the things that had most helped them.  From some just breaking into the industry, to those of us who’ve been doing this a few years, to seasoned experts in the industry like Dawn Davis, Ted Suss, and Bill Skinner from Calumet Photo, almost everyone had something to share. I was simply amazed at the willingness and eagerness to share. Even more, I was blessed by seeing the connections that were made afterwards.

So as a photographer, cinematographer, artist or wedding professional, what value does Fast Track hold for creatives in the Chicagoland area?  In one word: community. Relationships keep us accountable and motivated, deepen our experience, and allow us access to more resources than we could ever gain on our own.  Even in our age of independence and getting it done ourselves, the old phrase, “No man is an island,” still holds true.  In an industry that is always evolving and growing, whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro, we all have something to offer to each other.  Fast Track serves as a vehicle to bring together industry professionals who share the same values who are committed to investing into each others businesses as we see ours grow.  To paraphrase one of Dale Carnegie’s principles, as we become genuinely interested in people, they will be genuinely interested in giving back.

Dane Sanders, author of Fast Track Photographer and founder of this movement takes some time to touch on our FEO- “For Each Other” values in a short video:

Only days after WPPI in Las Vegas, an annual conference and tradeshow for wedding and portrait photographers, has come to a close, I am more energized than ever this year to have connected with an international community of photographers committed to being For Each Other.  Among many of the events that took place last week were several Fast Track gatherings as well as the inspirational UNITE groups formed by David Jay.  Dane also hosted numerous guests on Fast Track TV to share resources with the industry worldwide.  I had an opportunity to share a little bit about our Chicago crew, and I have to say, I am stoked on you guys! I am just so proud of our group and thankful to have a such motivated and inspiring colleagues in our area.

Tonight we’ll be gathering at Calumet Photographic downtown at 7pm (1111. N. Cherry Avenue, Chicago, IL) thanks to Bill.  (More details here.) We’re so thankful he’s made this venue available to accommodate our quickly growing group! But he took it one step further and secured approval through the VP for a special 20% Calumet products from 5:30-6:30. Talk about being For Each Other! Thanks so much, Bill!! We are so grateful for you!  Looking forward to seeing everyone later!

Tags: Bob Davis, Calumet Photo, Calumet Photographic, Chicago, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Photography, Chicago Wedding Photographers, Dane Sanders, David Jay, Dawn Davis, Fast Track Photographer, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Las Vegas, Photography, Wedding and Portrait Photographers of Chicago, Workshop, WPPI