I'm not gonna lie. When he emailed, I was excited. I turned to JD and told him Chase Jarvis asked for 30 minutes of my time while we were in New York. He probably wants to grab coffee, I told JD after pressing the send button of my confirmation email. That's cool…and whatever happens, make sure you pick up the tab. I agreed. For Chase's overwhelming support, the least I could do was buy him coffee.

Two days ago, I received another email from Chase confirming my appearance with him at his keynote presentation at Photoplus Expo. And then I was confused. I turned to JD and read the email aloud. Bewildered, JD asked, So, did it read “Dear Jasmine”…because it might have been sent to the wrong person. After some clarification, I discovered Chase didn't want to meet for coffee, but, rather, wanted to share the stage with Vincent Laforet, Rob Haggart, Joey Lawrence, and Zack Arias…and me. Or should I write, and me?

We discussed the idea of Social Photography, the state of the photography industry, and to actively find ways to be creative. To be there–in that moment–was one of the most special moments I've ever experienced and will be a carefully archived memory.

The keynote presentation was broadcasted live to thousands of people worldwide…

I'm just gonna come out and say whatever everyone is thinking…I was not having a good hair day.

Later that afternoon, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting my presentation and I couldn't have been more thankful for those who showed up. At first I was inordinately nervous because everyone was quiet. Like, library quiet. And if you know me in person I'm loud. With a high-pitched and chipmunk voice. Once we got through breaking down communication walls, everyone was talking back to me like they were at CHURRRRCH.

A special thanks to my good friend Becker for showing up to the presentation. He was one of the first OC photographers who supported me and still stands by my side. He introduced my presentation and stay afterward to snap a few photos of the SHOOTSAC giveaway winners…

Special thanks to Leather Craftsmen for sponsoring the presentation!