Several months ago I was invited to be a guest at a special Disney Social Media Moms On The Road Tour slated for Phoenix this summer. To say I was excited about being included in this event is totally understating it. I was over the moon thrilled.
Growing up I had only been to Disneyland once, but since becoming an adult and a mother I have remedied that situation and have gone multiple times to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. Seriously where else can you get pictures with everyone smiling like this, but at Disneyland!
Last week we gathered as social media moms at the beautiful Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for a power packed half day information fest.The second I walked in and saw this sign I knew it was going to be good.
Our speakers ranged from the fabulously talented Tracey Clark one of the Disney Sisters who taught us some amazing mobile photography techniques. There was so much good in her 15 minute lesson, but if you are worried your blog is being adversely affected by your photography skills here are just a few of her tips:
Be deliberate in your photos and always observe first!
Your mobile camera is your tool, use it as such.
The light is your friend, use it and make it your ally.
Make sure to work with your subject. Capture the everyday moments, don’t just take the staged status quo photos. There is magic in the mundane.
Capture unexpected moments (her lessons helped me capture this pic, now one of my favorites!).
Tell a story & edit, edit, edit.
Tracey offers a class and I am seriously considering taking it.
We are also able to hear from an amazing panel of female innovators and creators.
Lisa Cash Hanson, @Mompreneurmogul, Snugg Wugg
Romy Taorima, @psibands, Psi Bands
Allyson Phillips, @tiltycupmom, Tilty Cup
Moderated by: Maria Bailey, @MomTalkRadio, MomTV.com
Here’s just a few of the lessons I took away from the experiences of these women:
Have a plan.
Never burn bridges. You never know when you might need that same bridge!
Don’t say no to publicity.
Take pride in yourself.
Learn to be a public speaker as more opportunities come to those who can.
You can try to do it all alone, but you can’t do it all well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Have tough skin and learn from your mistakes.
Forgive ourselves and realize we just won’t always be 100% balanced.
Take risks.
These women all started their journey with an idea and the help of the Huggies Mom Inspired Grant Program. The program helps inspire moms from all walks of life to channel some of their best moments of ingenuity into products that help improve the lives of all moms.
So do you have an idea? Yes! Then go for it, submit your idea for an opportunity to see your dream become a reality. Applications are being accepted NOW through September 30, 2014.
Being a PR professional myself I was very interested in hearing from Michele Himmelberg@mhimmelberg, Disneyland Public Relations Director and Erin Glover @gopluto, Disneyland Social Media Director. These women work with an immense organization and their tips for teamwork, time management, balance, fun and creativity were inspiring. I especially loved Erin’s behind the scenes look at making a video with the renowned Grumpy Cat.
We also were privy to some exciting news and happenings at the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s brand new ride The Seven Dwarfs Mine Tour just opened and has a fantastic giveaway going on now where you can win prizes and a chance to Be The 8th Miner. The miner who shines the brightest will win a 7 night Walt Disney World Vacation for four!
Did I mention we have our entry in the works………
There were moments of fun as well:
With superhero and princess fans in the house I had to cover all of the bases.
I met so many talented bloggers and entrepreneurs who are mothers and wives trying to find balance and yet follow their dreams! Thank you Disney On The Road for inviting me to this very special event.
Oh and did I mention our very special guest? I loved her and she was so cute I just wanted to snuggle her, but….
Stay Happy! Stay Informed!
Love,
Jen
Comments
Looks like a wonderful trip. Lots of fun! :) I like the happy picture. :) I tend to snap snap snap and then snap some more with my camera.
becka recently posted…Welcome to the 42nd week of Turn It Up Tuesday!
So true, just snapping away makes for such fun pics!
Jen recently posted…That Day I Met The Grumpy Cat
I am always snapping away and my husband laughs at the pictures I take, but I agree you never know when you are going to get that awesome shot! Sounded like a great experience and thanks for sharing :)
Janine Huldie recently posted…Can’t Believe It Has Been 8 Years…Happy Anniversary to Us!!
It was fabulous. So grateful to have been able to go!
Jen recently posted…That Day I Met The Grumpy Cat
How fun that you got to go! I love the photos tips and I am a firm believer of capturing all the moments of life! And I take way too many pictures lol. Also your arms look freaking buff in that picture of you and grumpy cat. Woohoo looking good lady!
Leilani recently posted…12 ways to annoy your six year old boy (because sometimes revenge is sweet)
Wish I could say my buff arms are from the gym, but when you have a baby/toddler that can’t be separated from you it’s like an upper body workout on steroids!
Jen recently posted…That Day I Met The Grumpy Cat
Awesome! Disney, photography lessons and Grumpy Cat? What could go wrong?
It was fun to see the video. I had never really seen her move at all, much less walk.
She’s cute.
Tamara recently posted…One Small Voice.
Erin the Social Media Director said it took 10 people to get her to move that far. The Grumpy Cat prefers to take life one very small and slow step at a time.
Jen recently posted…That Day I Met The Grumpy Cat
This is so awesome! I remember you posting on instgram when you were there but the grump cat picture? AMAZING. I am such a bad photo editor, I rely on my husband a lot for that. Hey, come to think of it, your photos have been really great lately…!
Rebecca recently posted…Confession: I Can See the Future
Your husband does an awesome job! I suck at it and am trying so very hard to be better. Tracey’s tips really helped.
Jen recently posted…Guest Post: My Mommy Reality by Leilani
These blogging meet ups that I am often reading about sound really helpful in helping to expand knowledge and contacts in the blogosphere. They must be quite inspiring too, although I am not sure I would have been able to concentrate so well on learning about improving my blog whilst being in the middle of Disneyland….I’m a big child at heart!
Now meeting Grumpy cat would be a claim to fame I’d be proud of too…Is Grumpy cat the very Same Grumpy cat I read about in the papers a while back? Did it become an internet sensation just for looking grumpy? It should meet my Dad though, he’s pretty grumpy too!!…
Glad you had a good time at the Disney Media Mums On The Road Tour and thank you for sharing what you learned.
Debbie recently posted…Three Good Reasons Why We Should All Be Eating More Nuts…
The Grumpy Cat started as an internet sensation and Disney just recently aligned with the Grumpy Cat brand. She really is the sweetest little thing, just with a Grumpy Cat face. That’s funny about your Dad, maybe you could make him an internet sensation?? :)
Jen recently posted…Soy Latina and a Supernatural Believer
Oh Jen! I just adore your posts. I love grumpy cat too and am praying for the day that I get noticed to be a Disney Social Media Mom! Thanks for linking up last week to Friday Favorites, hope to see you this week too!
Laura Funk recently posted…Colorado Renaissance Festival
You are too sweet! It was a fun day. Although my kids thought it was immoral that I went to something Disney without them :) I love your Friday Favorites. I find so many great posts!
Jen recently posted…Week 9 Link-Up Of The Mommy Reality Challenge