2025 was a transformative year, packed with exciting milestones. New relationships blossomed, I settled into a new home, launched my LLC, and made the leap to join the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). My favorite photography podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras, was the catalyst, touting the benefits of PPA certification. I joined at year's end and, as a new member perk, gained access to Imaging USA and the Expo Hall in Nashville, TN.

I wanted to share my experience as both a brand-new PPA member and a first-time attendee of Imaging USA — and my very first trip to Nashville, TN. Travel has always been difficult for me, both financially and because of my full-time job as a veterinary assistant and family responsibilities. But when I stumbled across a deal to attend, I knew I had to take the leap.

Imaging USA was being held at the Gaylord Convention Center — a 12.5-hour drive — and somehow, I felt confident I could do it solo. Since cost was still a major concern, staying at the Gaylord wasn’t an option, so I found Fiddler’s Inn for a whopping $45 a night and went for it. I packed my bags, charged my battery jumper and mini air compressor, and hit the road with my camera gear riding shotgun. The drive was long and soaked in rain the entire way, but I arrived with enough time to check in, toss my bags on the bed, and walk to a nearby restaurant — and I’m so glad I did. Music City Bar did not disappoint, with live local bands, a pool table, cold beer, and solid food. I’d happily go back if I’m ever in Nashville again.

The first morning of Imaging USA, I was nervous. I knew the event was massive, but I had no idea what to expect. The Gaylord was just a four-minute drive from Fiddler’s Inn, and walking inside felt like stepping into a tropical oasis — palm trees, waterfalls, rivers, and what looked like an entire town built inside the hotel. You could wander for days and still get lost. The sheer scale of it all was breathtaking.

When I finally made my way to the Imaging USA event space, I was awestruck all over again. Seeing Delta Island filled with thousands of photographers — all there because of one shared passion — made me feel like a small but essential piece of something much bigger than myself. I grabbed my badge, a notebook, and some goodies, then wandered around to get familiar with the layout (because anxiety 😅).

Thankfully, the event was incredibly organized, with signs and volunteers everywhere to guide you. From there, the days were packed with classes, live demos, networking, and making new friends — many of whom I now follow on social media to keep learning from long after the conference ended. Everyone I met was kind, approachable, and genuinely excited to help. Two speakers in particular completely captivated me: Jeff Carpenter of Readylight Media and Ian Spanier of Ian Spanier Photography. Both took extra time to answer my questions, and I’m forever grateful for their patience and insight.

Each day was overflowing with valuable content, and I highly recommend bringing a fully charged phone or camera to photograph slides — plus a notebook to capture the golden nuggets speakers drop along the way. After morning classes, I wandered the expo hall like a kid who just stumbled into Santa’s workshop — surrounded by tech, gear, and tools I didn’t even know existed. My shopping list grew fast. I even got to hold my dream camera (and hopefully next upgrade), the Nikon Z9. It was incredible. Part of me wanted to cry just touching it — and the fact that they trusted my caffeine-shaky hands with that beast was honestly heartwarming. That moment really hit me. A year ago, I never would’ve imagined I’d be standing in Nashville, looking through the viewfinder of my dream camera, surrounded by thousands of people chasing the same dream — and actually making it work.

I didn’t get to stay for photo judging or the goodbye party because of my nearly 13-hour drive home, but I can say without hesitation that I will be attending future Imaging USA events if I possibly can. What I was most nervous about — being around so many people — ended up being my favorite part. The sense of community was unreal. It felt like meeting 10,000 family members I didn’t even know I had.

I can’t wait to see them all again.