What is wppi?

The WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) conference last week provided many opportunities to learn and practice to inspire photographers from around the world. It was a lot of fun for me at attend this year with my friend, Lena, who is a childhood lifestyle photographer.


why wppi?

One morning while I was riding the elevator down to the first Seminar style class of my day, I found myself in the company of two men. One of them wore the conference lanyard like me, and the other was just at the Rio for fun. And the one guy in town for fun (I assume), asked what conference we were there for, and I replied that it was a photography conference. That guy said, "So, what, do you just like show each other your pictures?" Like he couldn't imagine why or how there could be an entire conference dedicated to photography.


While my fellow conference goer didn't chime in, I carried on with, "Much more than that, there's new gear to see, and styles of lighting and cameras to learn too!" At that point, the elevator doors opened up, and I walked out, eager to get to my first Seminar of the day a little early so I could get a good seat.


I thought the whole thing was kind of funny, and shows just how much many people outside the photography world might not ever consider that photographers around the world invest in continued learning, plus new cameras, lenses, lighting, printed products and software that comes out ever year.


Where was WPPI?

This year the conference was hosted at the Rio in Las Vegas. While it was super convenient to stay in the Rio and walk to the day's classes and expo rooms, I did take a break with my friend to explore some of old downtown Las Vegas. I recommend doing this if you go too! Here are some photos from our afternoon out of the conference along Fremont street below:

Photo Lessons

I took a 2 day summit class, and then 7 Seminar classes, one Photo Walk (hands-on class), and then also learned from 4 different stage talks sponsored by big names in the business. There was so much to learn, and I'm still processing how I can put those lessons into practice in my own business! The best part of this week is the opportunity to be among your peers in an industry that's really made up of mostly small, solo-business owners! I really enjoyed talking with others in my field too.


One of the biggest lessons for me was that I need to make time to play, experiment and explore. The photo bays that the conference provided to try out new lighting, having everything set up and ready to roll with models was just so fun! I will be dedicating one day per month for creative play! I kind of did this last year with my 40-Wonderful Project.

Inspiration

For me, it was really inspiring to see and hear directly from professionals who I admire and have looked up to in Photography - some as far back as my childhood! I know, I know, it's no fun to call out how old someone is, and I think that while they are older, age is a gift. Seeing someone like Ann Gedes share her journey and talk about her career fills me with inspiration to think about how my own creative business can continue and grow no matter my age. I hope to be as lucky!


It was really a treat to see some demonstrations of both lighting, camera work and retouching too. All of the elements of creating portraits that I use but in different ways leaves me inspired to play more and experiment with a cinematic or Hollywood look and feel.


I did enjoy exploring the photo bays and was so impressed with the models too even though the look and style was outside the range I usually offer my clients. Here's the series of portraits I enjoyed creating with the talent at WPPI:

Recommendation

Learning is a value of mine for life and in my business. If you you are a photographer looking for inspiration, and play, then I recommend the WPPI conference!


A few notes for those who may be attending for the first time:

  • This is hosted in a Casino/Hotel, so there smoke in the environment. It is irritating and for those with asthma or reactive to fragrances, so I'd wear a mask! Or plan to stay outside and come through the convention center entrance.
  • The food is limited to the restaurants and cafes inside the venue, so if you have any food allergies, plan to bring your own. There was only 1 place that listed gluten free or vegan. Hopefully more will become accommodating. Or, plan to eat outside at other places.
  • This is a large convention so walking a lot is to be expected, wear comfy shoes!
  • Do bring: your camera, memory cards, charging sources, something to take notes with.
  • Do bring: layers for warmth. It was colder in some Seminar rooms and warmer in the expo area, so layers are a must!

I'm glad I was able to attend this year and grateful my friend, also a photographer, could join me. It's more fun with a buddy!