When I was young, I was always told by my Dad how important traveling is to do. We didn’t get to go to too many places on family vacation; Colorado and Kansas City were the biggest and best trips we went on. As I got older though, I was able to save up money and head to new places with my friends. Still, being in the Midwest usually meant places like St. Louis, Chicago, and South Dakota, but traveling is traveling to me: all is good.
I never dreamed I would be able to travel to a place further away than the Midwest, but that changed when I got to visit my sister in Seattle last year! Then came this year, when I actually got the opportunity to travel to New York City for (and this is by far the coolest part) a PHOTOGRAPHY JOB!
It’s not like these people found me through complete luck, my sister worked for the company (FSTA) that I got the job through, and suggested my name to her boss, but STILL. I sent over a portfolio to the media manager and there ya have it…I got a job in New York City to take PICTURES! A total dream come true.
The FSTA (Fantasy Sports Trade Association) is a Nonprofit Association that serves as a voice for the Sports Trade Industry, and is a pretty loud voice at that.
Twice a year, the FSTA puts on a conference for fantasy sports entusiasts; members and non to come together and talk about the ins and outs, the upcoming and declining of the industry. To me (a non sports enthusiast) it was eye opening to see how many people were so invested in the Fantasy Sports Trade.
Most of the days consisted of documenting various speakers, the crowd listening and researching, and attendees networking with one another, which was definitely a new experience for me. Event photography is stressful, but extremely rewarding as you progress more and more throughout the day! Check out some of my favorite shots I got for the FSTA:
OF COURSE while I’m in New York I have to do a little sight seeing and documenting for myself, right?
I got a little obsessed with how many dogs I saw out on the street…
Since my sister worked for the company, she got to go too! THEN we managed to throw my Mother into the working package at the conference, so we thought, “Why not make this into a little family vacation?” And so we did. Gotta get a family photo while you’re there! Pictured here of course is my sister, Mom, Dad, Myself, and our Italian exchange student Josh.
You could say I got a little bit obsessed with angular architectural photographs while in the city…
The trip was a super great experience, and I still can’t believe I went. Here’s to hoping I’ll be able to go again soon!
