my life » Hanssie Trainor | Southern California Wedding Photographer

Category Archives: my life

Jan 31 2012

The Queen of Everything

Posted in my life

I’ve always joked that I am anxiously waiting for a knock on my door with a decree from the royal courier of Her Majesty the Queen that they have finally found their kingdom’s long lost princess, put a tiara on my head, shower me with jewels and whisk me away into happily ever after in my very own castle and very own Prince Charming. Well, Internet, to be honest, when I say it, I’m not really joking. Hey, it might happen.

So, until it is made official, I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands. I’ve accepted a position doing something I love, in fact it was my first (of many) majors in college. Remember way back when I posted a product review of the ONE bag? (If not, well, hurry up and click on the link, I’ll wait for you). Apparently, the team at UNDFIND decided they liked my brutal honesty (Finally, someone who does!) and wanted me to help them with new covers, getting the word out about the awesomeness of the new V.2 bag (more on that soon!) travel to far off lands, organize the studio, do some laundry, redecorate, pick up the dry cleaning and a myriad of other odds and ends that needed to be done. So, they hired me and gave a me a fancy, boring title, “Director of Marketing,” which I promptly scoffed at and proclaimed myself,” Her Royal Highness, The Queen of Everything.” I mean, come on, I am doing a little of everything, right? And my job title should reflect that.

Does this mean I’m quitting photography? Absolutely not! Being the Queen will only take up portions of my time and my brides will always be my first priority. I’m just opening myself up for more adventures.You might see some minimal changes, like I may start signing my name after each blog post like this:

XOXO,

P.S. Here is the official decree on the company’s website.

Jan 13 2012

Vegas

Posted in my life, the places

Family vacations are a rarity when your parents own their own business and work seven days a week. But when they happen, you learn to hang on tight and remember every moment.

A few times, we loaded up our tan GMC van and with my brother and I playing on the pull out bed in the back, and took a family road trip to Las Vegas. I remember walking through the casinos, eyes as round as saucers and feeling the excitement swirl around me, hearing the clanking of the slot machines and the ringing bells of the games. We would walk through Circus Circus and my dad would hand me a roll of quarters. On the way home, we would have trash bags full of cheap stuffed animals. We would be tired, spent and be filled with memories of happiness and togetherness.

As we got older, we took less and less vacations as the business became more and more stressful, my parents had to work harder to provide and we got older and started choosing to hang out with friends over family. When I was sixteen, my best friend invited me to go on vacation with her family to Vegas. I remember playing cards in a dark dingy hotel room, braiding each other’s hair, and walking around with that air of juvenile arrogance where we act like we know it all, think that we do, but really haven’t the slightest clue.

I didn’t go to Vegas again until I was twenty-seven. I spent New Year’s Eve on the strip with my 6-week-old baby and a married couple that hated each other. I would NOT recommend that. EVER.

Every year, one of the largest photography conventions, WPPI is held in Vegas. So, for the last three years, I’ve gone –you know, for work purposes. Some of the best times in my life have been in Vegas surrounded by friends, having fun and meeting people. If you are a photographer, you definitely should seriously consider going. Here’s my tip for you. Yes, the classes are great. There are some great and knowledgeable teachers in the photography industry and it would be wise for you to sit under their tutelage. Yes, the trade show is huge and you’ll get to see a ton of new products, so much so that it’ll all be a blur. Yes, there will be parties. Lots and lots of parties. But my #1 tip for WPPI, is to meet people. Make connections. I’ve spent the last three years at WPPI, not attending classes, but walking the trade show floor and going to parties. I know some of you are rolling your eyes and judging me right now about me liking to party, but hear me out. The connections that I’ve made at parties, get togethers, the trade show floor, and all those events I have to wear a cocktail dress to, those are the ones that have foraged the path to where I am today in my business. Building relationships, friendships and comradery have opened the doors to new ideas and opportunities. Hey, don’t get me wrong, it’s about fun, too.

I have spent the last two weekends in Vegas (and seriously considering going for the third weekend in a row). My friends think I am crazy but I love it. I just love that all the people there are happy, ready to have fun and enjoy life. It’s nice to get away from reality for a while. And yes, I realize it’s the “City of Sin” and full of debauchery and I’m okay with that. I’m not judging