Collaborating Is Magic

I’ve been blogging for a really long time. The things I’ve shared and the way I’ve shared them have changed over time, but a few things have stayed the same.

1. I love the creative outlet
2. I love having documentation of so much of my adult life
3. I love connecting + collaborating with great people through my blog

A couple weeks ago I had a chance to wrap myself up in all three of my favorite blogging things by attending a #CatchMeAtLuxe Shootout.

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to sign up at first. For one, I’m a tiny blogger. Like, barely worthy of the title “micro-influencer.” Maybe “super-micro.” It still feels weird to pay to attend blogging events of any kind, since this is still a hobby for me and not remotely a business as it is for so many.

David talked me into it, though, and I’m really glad.

Here’s the premise:

• A bunch of photographers + a bunch of bloggers show up at a super cool location
• A bunch of brands provide product + swag + food + whatever else they want
• The photographers take pics of the bloggers (and, in the case of this event, their kids) and products
• Everyone has access to the photos afterward to use for:
  • blog posts
  • social media
  • portfolio building
  • marketing
  • whatever else they want

There are specific details at the end of this post. But basically I paid a very reasonable registration fee, showed up with my two littlest ones + a few props, played with them for a couple hours, and knew I’d end up with at least 40 images (5 each from the 8 photographers) that I can use however I want.

Plus now I know some new photographers if I need more photos down the road or if local friends are looking for recommendations.

Plus I got to meet + hang out with some really cool people.

Plus we got to eat delicious food AND went home with swag bags filled with yummy treats, t-shirts, notebooks, coupons, and more.

Y’all. Bre, the creator of these events, is a dang genius. Getting people + brands + so much creativity in one place is BRILLIANT. I can’t remember the last time I was in a room with so many hard-working, talented, genuinely delightful people who just want to make pretty things together.

It was awesome. Exhausting, but completely awesome.

You know I don’t buy into the competition mentality. I think if we all encourage + lift one another, everyone benefits. There’s room for everyone’s creativity, room for everyone’s unique voice. This event reminded me of that.

We are so much better together. What I bring + what you bring can be combined into something so much greater than the sum of its parts.

Collaborating is magic, y’all.

If you’re a photographer or blogger or influencer, you NEED to convince Bre to bring a Shootout to wherever you are. She said this will be her last round in Phoenix but not if I have anything to say about it! Her website says there will be events in Reno, Denver, and SoCal this year, so keep an eye on that.

It’s worth it. Trust me.

 

 

Behind The Scenes:

Event: #CatchMeAtLuxe

Founder & Coordination: Her Hashtag Life

Event Space: Mini Social

Brand Sponsor: Bumkins

Photographers:

Kathleen White with Kathleen Elizabeth Photography // @_KathleenElizabeth_

Becca Gutierrez with Rusty Metals Photography // @RustyMetalsPhotography

Lara Salvo with Vienna Hayden // @ViennaHayden

Lauren Iwen with Lauren Iwen Photography // @LaurenIwen

LeeAnn Stromyer with LeeAnn K Photography // @Leeann_K_Photography

Sarah Hoag with Sarah Hoag Photography // @SarahHoagPhotography

Malia B with Malia B Photography // @maliabphoto

Tavey Barrett with 1G3B Photography // @TaveyBarrett

Bloggers:

Camille Whiting with Friday We’re in Love // @FridayWereInLove

Zoe Hawkins with Born Geek // @Moonstormer

Jen Bosen with Real Life, on Purpose. // @JenBosen

Jenn Loyd with Jenn Loyd Life & Style // @JennLoydLifestyle

Ashley Sterusky with Sunshine & Lullabies // @SunshineAndLullabies

Tammy Gabel with Momma Tammy // @MommaTammyAZ

Jessica Dowd with Mom Life Exposed // @MomLifeExpo

Jessica Becker with Scottsdale Moms Blog // @ScottsdaleMoms

Swag Bag Sponsors:

“I am a Creative” Swag Bags: AdLipps

Journals: Adlipps

Bibs: Bumkins

Arizona Art Print: LahontanLetterworks

Kids Cups: Nuby

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Megs Cookie Crate

Workout DVD: Sara Haley Fit

“Have Fun Little One” Patches: Mila James

Calendars: Rifle Paper Co

Deodorant: Schmidts Naturals

Camera & Cactus Cookies: Sweet Frost Bakery

Hexagon Tiles: Pink by Peach

Confetti Bags, Dream Chaser Print, & Event Shirts: Her Hashtag Life

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