One of the biggest things I’ve learned in this business is the importance of networking. Learning from more experienced photographers, sharing the knowledge I’ve gained with newer ones, and making friends along the way has probably been the biggest factor to influence my business.

A few weeks ago, a photographer that I met at Jasmine Star’s theFIX passed along an opportunity to photograph a Living Social Event featuring one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history, Dennis Rodman. Growing up, I had the cup that changed colors of Rodman’s Hair. My family would host Bulls game viewing parties. I listened to my basketball coach all throughout high school reference Dennis Rodman’s ability to box out and rebound, despite his height of only 6’6″. To say that I was thrilled about this opportunity is an understatement. I cannot thank Jordan of JordanQuinn Photography enough for sharing this opportunity with me. I am so very grateful to have non-competitive relationships with some amazing photographers, whom I’m also lucky enough to call my friends.

The event was held at Arrow on Ogden, just a few blocks from the United Center. It was jam packed with fans so incredibly excited to see “The Worm” himself. He signed autographs, took pictures, chatted with a few fans, and even gave us insight into who was the biggest trash talker in the NBA (answer: Michael Jordan).

Overall, it was an incredible experience and I am so glad I was able to be a part of it. Definitely one of the cooler things I’ve been lucky enough to photograph. I even got to shake his hand. I’ll admit, I was a little starstruck 🙂

The guy with the tatoos, Kris Glenn, drove all the way from Oklahoma with his buddies. They were all THRILLED the entire night. Literally pumped. Everytime I took a picture of one of them with Dennis Romdan they would hug me and thank me for being awesome. Ha, I love people like that! He got his arm autographed and got it tatooed just the other day! The Redeye Chicago wrote a story on it. Awesome, to see my picture in there, too! Check it out here.