The SmugMug connection

Back in January of 2010 I was fortunate enough to be a guest of  Scott Bourne at his workshop in Tampa Florida. His special guest, Trey Ratcliff. When I introduced myself to Trey he just smiled and said, “So you are Vanelli, R.C. told me all about you!” I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or bad thing I told him and we laugh. Little did I know the connection I made with Scott Bourne at Photoshop World and the flattering words from R.C. Concepcion would add Trey to my list of friends.

At lunch, Trey was asked about his online photo gallery. He explained it was a custom design from SmugMug and how he  incorporated it into his work-flow. A few weeks later, Trey called and asked if I was willing to have SmugMug donate a ticket to Vacation With Vanelli that would be given away at a contest that Trey was holding . I was excited that he thought enough to include me in his contest and SmugMug to do such a generous thing. Trey wanted to introduce me to Markham Bennett, VP of BizDev for SmugMug. He said he felt we both have a lot in common and together we can brainstorm on a few ideas.

That connection with Markham Bennett made me look like a super hero at Photoshop World in Orlando. (By the way, for those who went to PSW, did you notice I wore a different super hero tee-shirt each day?) SmugMug, through the help of Markham, donated 300 camera straps that were given away to attendees that “Found Vanelli” or was caught doing a good deed. He also arranged for me to give away 3 free SmugMug Pro accounts and one fully custom SmugMug Pro account!

Choosing the lucky attendees wasn’t an easy task. In casual conversations, I would ask what type of work they do and how an online portfolio could help them. Little did they know I was vetting them! I had the great pleasure to award 4 very deserving people with a SmugMug Pro account that they can use in their charitable works. I have created a special SmugMug Spotlight section that will announce each of the winners.

Although I got all the credit and hugs, the real credit goes to Scott Kelby for having Photoshop World that lead me to RC, Scott, Trey and now Markham!