My most recent assignment sans partner took me to Atlantic City, the Vegas of the eastern US.

I was sponsored as the photographer for the Source Media-arranged conference "Workplace Benefits Renaissance", and had the somewhat unique experience of staying and attending in the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel. The conference was attended by individuals who are responsible for managing payroll benefit programs for small and large businesses, whose jobs have been recently complicated by the looming and impending requirements of the Obamacare act, among other topics. As the photographer, My job was to 'get in the face' of the speakers and presenters, as well as to mingle with representatives of companies offering benefit packages and some well-known insurance companies. Wearing black and brandishing a camera gave me the boldness to meet lots of interesting people.

One of the more onerous of my assignments was to record the displays and representatives of the 60 or so companies who had products or services to advertise or display in a great hall of the hotel. On a frustratingly tight schedule, I met dozens of bright and interesting individuals.

On the third and last night of the conference, there was a mixer, where I could be less professional, and found time to meet some attendees and found them to be cordial, intelligent and kinda cute. As one might expect, the attendees make their living by assisting businesses in offering programs to keep employees while maintaining a positive financial balance, the group turned out to be rather conservative in political orientation, fitting well with my own. My husband is the owner of a small business, and JustJeri is an even smaller one.

I made several acquaintences that I hope to foster, and am anticipating the next Source Media conference in Chicago in July. I have sorted thru about 1500 pictures, edited almost 1000 of those, and have posted them for attendees and speakers to see. Response has been gratifying, and I am somewhat surprised that this niche of professional photography is not already jammed with camera-bearers. It was truly an honor to meet, and a blast to party with, people of this caliber and quality, especially in such a great venue as the Trump Hotel.  

I am and will always be,

Just Jeri