SHUTTERFEST 2016, my third year. Let me tell you it was another amazing conference filled with lots of learning and seeing friends from last year.

One of the things I heard, over and over again, in all the different types of classes I took, was be likeable, be nice and the golden rule. Common sense right? Well read on and you'll find out how this works out for me.

I was able to shoot, for the second year in a row, at the St. Louis Car Museum and Sales, where I was able to Photograph Mary for the second year in a row and was able to meet her husband Stan.

Mary came right up to me and congratulated me on my engagement to Norilyn. That made me so happy and put me in the right mood to photograph all these awesome cars and great models.

Stan had a new Nikon D810. One of my camera bodies is a Nikon D800 which are pretty much the same thing. He had a few questions and I was happy to answer them the best I could. We hit it off and he's a great guy. My session was winding down and had my fill of shooting for the day. Stan asked me what do you have going on the rest of the night? I didn't have anything planned. He invited me to there dance studio to photograph one of there dancers Mandy. This worked out on so many levels for me. One of them was to photograph someone that wasn't being shot by 100's of photographers that week.

I set up a studio light and softbox, put Mandy in front of the lights and started to work. Stan helped me on posing for a few of the beginning shots to help Mandy relax. Then I started to pose her in non dance moves. I was able to capture some beautiful portraits of Mandy, that shows the strength and elegance of a dancer.

So as you can see, being nice works out for everyone on every level. I was able to get some different photos for my portfolio, Mandy was able to get some portraits that she was not expecting that day, Stan was able to learn some more about his new camera and we all walked away at the end of the day happier for the experience.

That is one of the things you get when you are photographed by me. It's not just picking up a camera, aim and shoot, but it's an overall experience. At the end of the day I hope it was an experience that brings out great emotions when you look at the photographs.

The photographers I look up to bring all sorts of emotions out of me sadness, laughter, happiness or all the above. I hope the images below bring out some emotions in you whatever they may be.

Until next time, take care and be kind!