A Room Full of Light: Inside a Women’s Empowerment Convention | High Desert Photographer
The High Desert welcomed over 100 people at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville, California. No, it wasn’t a wedding. And, it wasn’t a 50th anniversary. It was the 6th annual Women’s Empowerment Convention.
I was asked to photograph the event by Suzan Wilcox, the president of the High Desert Boss Moms, a business networking group for women.
I attended last year as a vendor, but when she asked me to photograph the event this year, I said YES without hesitation! And, I’m so happy I did.
Honestly, I normally don’t like event photography. I’d rather clean toilets. However, I know many of the women who would attend, volunteer, and give speeches. So, I was okay with saying yes.
Often, as the photographer, you miss out on speeches and the feeling of community. You’re too busy adjusting camera settings for lighting, getting the angle, using the tripod, then ditching it. And trying to be in 5 places at one time.
It’s hard. I won’t sugarcoat it.
But, after all was said and done, and I started editing the photos (and videos), I was able to re-live it. I could watch the snippets of laughter. Listen in on the speakers. And see the hugs that I captured. Which is rewarding in itself. I was lucky to relive those heartfelt moments, the tears, and the joy.
I wanted to share a little glimpse with you. And maybe talk you into attending next year’s convention.
** I don’t have photos of the people here, only detail images. I don’t know who’s in the witness protection program. ;)
Welcome Sign
Getting things set up
Boss Moms Motto
What It Felt Like to Be in the Room
The energy was full!
When I got there, everyone was setting up. The air was a little calm, a little chaotic, but not frantic- if that even makes sense. Ha!
The vendors were getting their booths set up. Tablecloths were being laid out, displays were coming together, and balloons were being blown up.
The theme was purple. Purple everything! Purple everywhere.
There was going to be a fashion show and performances, so the models were busy getting their hair and makeup done.
I loved snagging photos and short video clips of everyone and their smiles.
When the convention started, I found little pockets to hang out in and take candid photos. (I’m really big on staying out of the way.)
Vendors interacted with customers, answered questions, and made sales
I grabbed photos of friends smiling and enjoying the afternoon
The convention started with a relaxing sound bowl session
Lunch was served, and then came the speakers
There were dance performances between every few speakers to break up the day
It was a room full of warmth, connection, encouragement, and it had major “we’re all in this together” energy. Every speaker spoke from their heart, and I’m sure each attendee left with nuggets of info and a heart full of love.
Delicious food
Stock image
A Speaker I Won’t Forget
You might assume the most impactful speaker was a woman—but for me, it wasn’t.
Suzan’s son went up on stage, and he got the audience laughing because he started out by saying how it feels weird to be speaking at a women’s conference. Then, he spoke about the hard times they went through as a family. He said his mom bleeds “Boss Mom” and always has.
That’s all we really want, as moms.
We want our kids to know what we’ve been through to make their lives great. We simply want to be acknowledged and thanked. He isn’t my son, but his words meant a lot to me.
I grabbed short video clips of him speaking, too. Photos are great, but the video was magic for me, because I got to relive it. I was able to listen again.
Raffle prizes
Events Like This Matter, Here’s Why
Community is not what it used to be.
We all have communities online these days. We’re in Facebook groups. We belong to Instagram channels and groups. Zoom conferences have become a thing. We follow people on YouTube, X, Substack, and many other online platforms.
We don’t attend in-person events as much as we did 20 or even 10 years ago. It’s decreased 50% accroding to Google. We just sit in front of screens. Or, stay home because…??
I recently joined a photographer business coaching group, and part of it was checking in on Discord every day. I quit the group after 2 months because I soon realized I didn’t like being in an online group. It’s probably why I’m not on Facebook. Ha!
I would much rather meet people in person and socialize. In-person events are where real, genuine connections happen. Meeting a stranger for coffee to talk business sounds intimidating, but I’d rather go out of my comfort zone to do that than talk to 50 strangers online.
And, listen, I really don’t care if you’re introverted, extroverted, socially awkward, etc. We are all people, and we yearn for human interaction. You can’t complain about not “finding your people” if you never leave your house. #hardtruth
I’m the queen of social awkwardness. An Irish goodbye is my love language.
But I can usually find someone to talk to at an event. These past few years, I’ve found myself going to conventions alone. I’ve made lifelong friends and business besties by meeting strangers.
A convention like this, full of empowering women and their stories, might even pull you out of the corner and shine new light on you.
So, sign up and attend something in person. If you go to one and feel like it didn’t pass the vibe check, fine. Sign up for something else. You don’t know unless you try it, right?
Certain rooms feel a little brighter the moment you step inside…
These moments deserve to be remembered and celebrated. And, so do you!
If you’d like to book an empowering photo session to celebrate who you are! Just hit the button below. I’m waiting.
Cheers,
Annette
Hi, it’s me!
