Friday Five: The Jessica Loves UNITED Edition

People. #ShowitUNITED is in 65 days!!!

To help get us pumped up for this amazing conference, I enlisted the help of wonderful Showiteer, Jessica Wong of JessicaQPhotography , to give us her experience from last year's UNITED, and what she is excited for with the upcoming one.

1. How Many UNITED Conferences have you been to? If more than 1, which one was your favorite?

“I've been to one United and that was just last year's! =)”

That means that was her favorite. Easy. I have a feeling this year's is going to be even better though!

Photographers make great photographs in more ways than one!

2. What was the best part of UNITED last year for you?

“The best part of United for me was getting to meet other photographers I've admired online and being able to pick their brain. I love how Showit is all about community and at the UNITED conference, you could really feel that! Everyone is super friendly and being able to get so much knowledge from some of the best photographers in the industry is priceless. I also love that Showit makes you meet 3 people and take a photo with them.

Oh! And I was on the cover so that was a bonus! =)”

3. How did going to UNITED last year impact your business, and your personal life?

“Going to UNITED last year emboldened me to go full time! I was being pulled in two different directions working a full time job at ASU and doing photography on the weekends. My wedding season was getting more and more booked up and I knew something had to give. I was so inspired after Amy & Jordan's and Katelyn James' speech last year that I said to myself, “Jessica – quit your day job and follow your passion!” and here I am! Full time and LOVING it. If you're thinking about going full time, I say go for it! Take a risk! Don't look back years from now and tell yourself….”I should have done this…”

Warning: If you come to UNITED this year, these speakers will motivate you to take your business seriously!

A little BTS of Jessica getting her picture taken by the incomparable lighting genius, Justin Marantz.

“I am really looking forward to both Mary Marantz and Katelyn James! Mary because her and Justin are just amazing people. Katelyn in part because of her cute accent, and also because of how accomplished she is while staying so cool and humble. =) They are both AMAZING speakers!”

5. What is one piece of advice you have for people coming to UNITED in November?

“I am naturally really quiet and shy around people I don't know. I recommend making friends via the UNITED FB group (Showit United 2016) and planning to meet in person at the conference, or even beforehand. Try to get out of your bubble and really put yourself out there and meet as many people as possible!”

Therefore, even if you are an introvert – you can still have a blast and meet amazing new people!

How many words can you make with the letters in UNITED?

As you can see, Jessica and her new friends had a great time, and are probably really great Boggle players! Please do not take this sign to mean that clothing is optional. Definitely pack clothes and wear them every day. Every. Day.

Thank you Jessica for your time! I have a hug for you in 65 days.

Thanks for stopping by to read my friends. I hope you guys are getting so pumped for UNITED! We are working on so many different things to make this the best conference that leaves the biggest impact on you and your business. Stay tuned!