Only a few more days until I am packing my camera, extra batteries for Las Vegas, Baby, site of the Monster Vegas Tweet Up, June 5th!!

I will be photographing many of the Twitterfolk while I am there and wanted to have the pre-shoot info available for them and any other willing participants :)

T H E D E T A I L S
You, the Brand
Shoot with @fleurdeleigh
VEGAS, JUNE 5-6

What you can expect
First off, thanks for opting into the fun. This Vegas shoot will be fabulous as it will be sure to provide us with very interesting, robust images. Can’t wait!! Thanks to Hernan Valencia (my cool Vegas local :) I am looking into rocking spaces like the Neon Graveyard (see below) to serve as backdrops for our shoots. What your $150 session fee gets you: me chasing you around with my camera for about 45 minutes, a collection of images post processed in a vibrant variety of color and black & white in a web gallery with a link for you to share, a disc with all the images formatted for print and digital use along with the original files. Additionally, I’ll make any image you want into an avatar, lickety split.

What you need to bring
Your sense of humor and your true self. Easy enough, huh? Those I have photographed had fun, a willing smile and walked away with images that they felt express their personality and individual spirit. That’s my job. Also, my photo sessions are active, lively, busy, power-packed with laughter and fun. WARNING: I have been known to be armed with Nerf balls to catch you off guard. Back to business. Bring that which suits you. Let’s discuss props, outfits, your goals in advance individually. Shoot me a note for my cell phone number. Definitely, bring a “costume” change. Vegas will be hot, so I recommend you bring a towel to dab the face, and make-up just in case.

A few potential shoot sites
And I am I coming in a bit early to get some Urban settings under my belt. Trust me when I say, this is the coolest backdrop I have ever had to work with!! (Not that Dayton, Ohio doesn’t totally rock...) Here are few spots:

Neon Graveyard
El Cortez

Your homework
You heard me! Every shoot begins with three little words...about you. I ask that you provide me with three describers to help me visualize how I am going to capture you. (ie; me: sporty, creative, bubbly) Email your words to leighcaraccioli@gmail.com the sooner the better. Also, if you refer someone else to join us for the shoot, I’ll take $50 off your session fee. I like new clients and I believe the more fun folks we have the better. JACKPOT!!! (few spots available...)

Can’t wait to meet you all & capture your images. I already feel lucky!

I rarely (o.k. never) go a day without Twitter impacting me. I tell a tale of the positive, educational, Tour de Force of this social networking land to everyone who will listen. A few people have asked me to help them to understand Twitter simply. So, I will remind you how to enhance your Twitter experience by using what you already know...from your Mom!

1. Hold Hands
Get out and get to know people. Take the initiative to meet new people, high five someone who deserves kudos, lend a hand to a follower in need. I started with people that I admired in the photography industry and branched out from there. Do searches on your interests to find cool folks to follow with common interests and like mindedness.

Awesome Twitter search tool: TwitPwr (link via @AlexKaris)

I typically peruse the person's Twitter homepage to be sure they are positive, engaging, and interesting. Then I "hold hands" and follow. If you need help, send me a Direct Message and I'll advise or watch Follow Friday happen for awesome suggestions of great follows.

2. Play Nice
My mom always said "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Which side of the of magnet are you?" The side that draws others in to stay or the side that repels? Scott Stratten (@unmarketing) first taught me that each day you should take some time to stop listen and reply to others in an engaging manner. Send out a few @replies to tweets that catch your eye. That type of playing nice makes Twitter rock!

3. Share
By all means, share with us your photos, your funny stories, your heartfelt causes, your hilarious links, your creative ideas and your sound opinion. There is no better global show & tell than Twitter. Don't forget to pass on through a retweet (RT) something that you find helpful or moving. Endorse your friends. They like that. It shows them you're listening while caring.

4. Never Arrive Empty Handed
Don't get stymied by having something super important to say. I have tweeted about cheese, Scooby Doo, and calling my cellphone to locate it. But Bring Something to the party. Providing value is the key with a good recipe of self expression, friendship, professional information, and promoting others.

5. Have the Best Intentions.
If you wander Twitter with good intentions, your followers will grow organically and your experience will be enriched. Ask yourself periodically what's important to you Tweet with that honest intention in mind. People who are self-serving and all about self-promotion have no "hidden" agenda. I unfollow that type of Twitter taker. Most of all, have fun with it! Right, Mom?

Leigh
@fleurdeleigh
ps. Even my MOM is on Twitter. You can do it!