Last spring, I had the chance to host the very first Escalate LIVE Conference.
This fall, we’re raising the bar once again thanks to some key learnings from last time around…

First of all, I’m stoked to announce that in addition to our two anchor sponsors (thank you WHCC & Adobe), I have a new partner in producing this event: Kevin Kubota is not only a friend but was an integral voice to the Escalate LIVE idea long before anyone tuned in to our Broadcast in May. I’m thrilled that he and his team at Kubota Image Tools are partnering to help make this thing even more empowering.

Second, this time around we are focusing Escalate LIVE more tightly on portrait photography. We also just happen to have some of the best and brightest coming to show and tell their skills. That’s right. Not only will you hear from amazing instructors like Julia Woods, Vicki Taufer, Tamara Lackey, Lori Nordstrom and Julieanne Kost but you’ll see them in action too. CLICK HERE for the details on what these amazing ladies are bringing to the conversation! I’ll also be up front hosting and interviewing this incredible line-up.

Third, we’re taking the conference on the road… bringing Escalate LIVE to the midwest! If that’s not home for you, don’t worry… you can watch it from anywhere with an Internet connection! That said, we have a limited amount of In-Person seats available (about 50). If you don’t get a seat, there will be both both free and premium content viewable online when the event is LIVE and it will be available as an enhanced premium download afterward.

But, you must register to get access.

Finally, we are more committed than ever to you getting the most out of Escalate LIVE. This means we’re going to ask something of you… in fact, we’re convinced that people who watch passively like a consumer or a spectator simply can’t the best out of this kind of learning experience. Instead, we’re creating incentives for you to get tangibly in the game. We want this to be interactive, where your participation will really make a difference for everyone, regardless of where it is you’re watching from. Ultimately, we want what we’re bringing to have a transformative effect on your craft and your business. In that way, this isn’t just a conference. It’s a conversation.

For all the details on what is coming with Escalate LIVE this fall and how you can play a part from wherever you want, CLICK HERE!

The formal launch for all this will happen after the Labor Day weekend (here in the United States) but I wanted to give you guys the sneak peek and to try to get the word out organically. Would you consider helping me?

As thanks, I’m giving away a FREE Video-On-Demand Suite from the first Escalate LIVE in May.

One lucky winner of this Twitter contest will get immediate access to all the the presentations from Jerry Ghionis, Jasmine Star, Jessica Claire, Becker, David Jay, Jeremy Cowart, Julieanne Kost and myself.

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Weddings with style are always my favorite.

… and Laura & Jonathan are style’s epitome.

Throw in love and it’s irresistible.

The handsome one…

The sassy one…

Elegance and simplicity…

It was a family affair.

Man’s best friend was there for Jonathan.

Theirs is a match made in heaven.

Love was in the air.

The night was just stunning.

The first Piñata wedding cake I’d ever seen. Pretty fun. Laura killed it.

Gorgeous!

Bless you two. What a treat to be a part. Huge shout out to Josh and Emily for carrying the weight of the day and letting me coast in for the good stuff.

When I first started my photo business I had some core values that I idealized more than lived out. For example, my first podcast was called the “Simple Photo Minute” that was neither simple and rarely a minute long. Although I’ve figured a few things out, it was back then that I started my bad habit of spreading myself too thin and I’m still paying for it to this day.

Recently though I visited with a company called Vokle who I’m currently hosting my AskDane show with. What drew me to them was their bare bones elegance. I was nervous to meet them because I thought maybe I’d be disappointed if who they were didn’t match what they showed.

When I saw their “signage” though I was hopeful (see above). Why? Because it reflected who they were, their values, their culture of simplicity.

When I went inside and saw the substantive part of their work (the people, the conversations, the mission and actions of the company), same thing. Their outside matched their insides. It was refreshing.

That kind of syncronicity reflects a focus that impresses me and I crave more of for myself. And, of course, it just makes sense. By choosing to be modest with our metaphorical “signs” it frees up time for focus around things that matter most: how people experience us (aka… our real signage).

So, what can you and I learn from a shoddy little sign? Whether you’re a bride planning a wedding or a creative planning a business or a family planning a life, what do you say we all take a day (maybe even today) and ask ourselves if we’re in sync… if we’re keeping it real… if “cutting out” might free up time to focus on what matters most? I wonder if it might be just the kind of calibration we need.

Tyler and Mike’s wedding in San Diego, California had been in the works for over a year… and it wasn’t easy to plan either!

The couple had to plan the international event from Australia.

With that kind of distance, the Bowman’s (Tyler’s parents) were keen on making this event one to remember.

From little touches like Tyler’s Jimmy Choo’s…

… and putting greens.

It was champagne and celebrations for all.

Dr. Bowman was looking pretty proud all day long.

Mike, a former professional rugby player in Australia and now med student, was all smiles as well. Add in Tyler, a former University of Arizona volleyball player, and it is a sure bet that their children will be stronger, faster and better looking than all their friends.

The ceremony at the campus of the University of San Diego and it was just gorgeous. I love shooting there.

The girls were stunning.

The Australian boys were pretty popular too.

But none were more in love than these two.

Their getaway car was full of affection.

And getaway they did.

Stunning.

In love.

Made for each other.

Bless you guys. Thanks so much for letting me play a part. Can’t wait to catch up with you both down under!

- Dane

PS… special thanks has to go out to Michelle Woodcock of Before I Do for her fantastic coordination, Florist Annette Gomez for her amazing work (she was also on Tory and Dean last night!) and Cake Artist Michele Coulon… gorgeous.