Veronica is one of those people that is kind of quiet when you first meet her.  She listens with a smile on her face as people carry on around her. It’s not that she isn’t engaging in the conversation; in fact, it’s that she’s so in tune with what’s going on that she waits for the right moment to share what she has to say.  And when she does open her mouth, you know it’s gonna be good. Whether it’s the perfect quip, a word of encouragement or one of her many pearls of wisdom, she is someone that always leaves a conversation better than it was before she spoke. She exudes a warmth and humility that is disarming, but delivers with a conviction that leaves an impression.

When Veronica speaks, I listen.  And the joy of those that spend time getting to know V, as we call her, get to experience her laughter, radiance, and insights on a regular basis. Not only has she become a dear friend, but a resourceful voice in the photography community here in Chicago.  Tomorrow night (Wednesday) she will be giving the first session of her two-part Second Shooter Seminar. It is geared towards photographers who are interested in developing and contributing their skills to primary photographers during weddings and portrait sessions.  Whether you want to build your career as a freelancer or gain more experience to eventually start your own business, Veronica will share many of the perks and guidelines of being a Second Shooter.  Veronica has built Hinojosa Photography into a successful and wedding and portrait business over the past five years and credits much of her growth to her years of experience as a second photographer.

In my own journey as a photographer, I can attest to having gained priceless experience and knowledge from the primary photographers who had the patience to pour into me over the past few years in developing my skill. Not only was I able to hone my craft while working with talented photographers such as Brody Wheeler, Daryn Backal, and Kenny Kim, but I had the opportunity to see how a business works from the inside before I took the plunge myself.  They spent time teaching me how to best help them, but I can only imagine how much more value I’d have had to offer from square one had I attended a seminar like this to prepare me how to be the biggest possible asset to the primary photographer. I am so excited to attend tomorrow’s informational meeting, and looking forward to the educational seminar Wednesday, April 14th at 6:30pm.  It’s not too late to register. Come to Calumet Photographic (1111 N. Cherry) in downtown Chicago tomorrow night at 7pm for the  411 and see what it’s all about! Cannot wait to see everyone there!

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!