As posted on 21 Ninety’s website, “Summit 21 is a carefully curated gathering that will assemble the most influential black women of this generation from across the country to learn and grow together. This 2-day experience is designed to give women entrepreneurs, creators, and influencers the opportunity to hone their visions and gain valuable insights to achieving their goals – while exploring the latest tools and products from leading innovative partners.
For 2 days in the ATL, women from across the country will partake in celebrity panels, boss masterclasses, socio-political strategy by day, and of course, Blavity lituations by night.”
And what a lituation is was! First of all, it was my 33rd birthday, and secondly, I was selected to be an official conference photographer for the event. Thank you sweet baby Jesus 🙏🏾
Event photography is really how I got my working start. I covered local club nights and day parties and mastered the art of candid shots and disappearing in the background.
I very much looked forward to my trip and my assignment, as I felt it was a major way to celebrate another year on this Earth - doing what I love most.
I received my assignment and at first, was assigned to cover the fashion of the attendees. How cute, right?! Before I hit the road, I made sure to get my nails painted picture perfect well. Good conversation starter I was thinking.
The night before the conference comes and I receive an email that would make me do a double take… my assignment changed. I was no longer covering fashion. I was now covering the main stage featuring Tina Knowles-Lawson and Karrueche Tran + the $10k Pitch Competition 🤯
Although I was familiar with the type of work involved, this was something very different. I immediately called my mom, and she immediately told me to calm down. “Umm Miss Thing, those people put on their pants legs one at a time just like you. Why are you nervous?” And you know what? She was right.
I quickly turned that nervous energy into excitement and stepping into the confidence I had built over the years from shooting umpteen events.
I still took some fashion photos because I genuinely wanted to capture parts of the events for memorabilia, but as the moments came for me to cover my assignments, I worked them like the professional that I am. I made sure to get all the right angles, close ups, and full room shots, and sprinted back to the media room once it was over.
I was humbled by the experience, soon finding out the selection process was pretty tough. I made sure to connect with fellow Black women entrepreneurs and photographers - s/o to Samantha Clarke and King Chachiii! Most importantly, I felt beautiful, as one of the highlights of my career came on my birthday. I truly felt like I was stepping forward towards my destiny. ✨
Summit21 did not disappoint with the wealth of connections available and gems dropped by industry leaders and influencers who looked like me. Who shared some of the same struggles and obstacles that I face, yet are making great strides towards ultimate success. How inspiring!
View the full gallery here!
They announced the next conference will be in LA on October 5th. Looks like I’m going (going), back (back) to Cali (Cali) ✈️
If you’re looking for an experienced photographer to capture all the right angles and moments from your conference or event, I’m your girl! Just reach out here so we can work together! ❤️
