40 under 40 in Vegas

The 40 under 40 Awards recognize not only the determination and commercial drive of the nominees but also the philanthropic pursuits that balance their corporate achievements and as such acknowledge their less public contributions to the welfare of the state of residency.
Whew!  This may seem like a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time, but for myself, I know how quickly a plan can come together for great success.  For example: in my twenties i was working in advertising. I received many prestigious awards for my creative work, both on a state and National level.  Although I never really took it for granted, I did not seek these accolades either. They just came with the territory, write a great commercial - win a CLIO.  Cross promote with a non-profit that aids in their fund raising - win an NFPB. Become a top female account executive in advertising - wards from RAB & NAB. The list goes on, but I am not here to look back. Quite the contrary, I am here to look forward.
 I invested in my future to gain a technological edge - to stay on top of the tidal wave prior the crash to shore.  With an ever changing media like digital photography, it is silly to think this can be self taught.  However, the business savvy, ability to communicate with others, express your ideas, do things for the greater good of a community; may be taught in a class but the comprehension and implementation comes from experience in the field. Also, the valuable network group that surrounds you, only grows as you become older, wiser and more successful.
Currently, I see myself growing in the next 10 years, to an award winning, Master Photographer.  Throw in a Pulitzer Prize to the mix and I will still keep striving for more.

Photo Challenge: Barber cuts in

Elvis cuts in 2012© Keri Neal

After viewing the movie, "Roman Holiday" I was inspired by a scene where the characters are attending an outdoor dance and a local Barber cuts in while the two lead characters are dancing. Not to be rude, but rather to join in the festivities and, naturally, to woo the attention of the pretty girl.
Here. I took this image when a Flash-mob broke out in the square at Trivolli Village in Las Vegas. The dance group (including the show girl) that practiced the choreography were pleasantly surprised when Elvis, popped in.
I found this to be newsworthy for several reasons; the flash-mob itself, is always a surprise of spreading joy, the location is a newly opened shopping center in town - the event to celebrate the Grand Opening, and anytime Elvis makes an appearance it is newsworthy.
I took this photo using my "drop" camera; a Canon Rebel on f/16 @1/500 sec with a 75-300mm lens.  It was hard to hold still with all the excitement around me.
Rock on, Elvis, rock on.