Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Conference 2024
This was the first time I've had the opportunity to attend this conference hosted in Las Vegas back in March. I had seen photos shared by photographers in my community, and so I kind of knew what to expect, but it was so much more than I imagined. And, it felt almost perfect to have the opportunity to be there in the Mirage as it will be changing next year. So fun to see the Beatles celebrated before it's turned into a Hard Rock Cafe.
This year it also included the Portrait Masters Conference, which I did attend in 2022 when it was hosted in Arizona. The combination of the two brought so much opportunity for photographers to practice with various sets - including backdrops, models, wardrobe, lighting, and some mentors to assist. There were some with long lines, and some with shorter ones. And no mater the line, it was so enjoyable to talk photography among so many other photographers whether standing in line with them, or checking out gear or sitting next to someone while waiting for a workshop to start.
While there was a lot there for Wedding Photographers, I focused mainly on the portrait opportunities, and attended several workshops on creative portrait styles. Here are my top favorite portraits from the Photographer's Playground as part of the Portrait Masters area of the conference below.
Creatives who made it possible
All of these "playground" stations were made possible by a creative team! Giving credit where credit is due:
- Kristy Gronseth: Silver Hair woman
HAIR: @velvetandlaceglamour MUA: @abeautywalkwithtalie @melissevansmua
- Reshonda Parker H: Short Black hair goddess
MU: @jaliadp
- Abbey Steinman: Sunset with sunhat and dress
HAIR: @bri_oro MUA: @patikartstudio
- Fernando Fernandez
- Tee: Glamour Gown
HAIR: @bri_oro MUA: @jaliadp
- Darian Fluker: Yellow and Gold Smile
HAIR: @velvetandlaceglamour MUA: @patikartstudio
- Luca Porter: Plastic backdrop
HAIR: @bri_oro MUA: @abeautywalkwithtalie
- Ayaka Taylor: Pink floral ladder
HAIR: @bri_oro MUA @patikartstudio
- Rachel Q: Evening Godess with crown and fan
HAIR @velvetandlaceglamour MUA: @melissaevansmua
- Dane Halo: Angel Wings
AIR: @velvetandlaceglamour MUA:@jaliadp
- Elle Drane: Black and white portrait, unedited
HMU: @jaliadp
- Jackson
WARDROBE STYLIST
@jesswengermcp
WARDROBE ASSIST:
@unknown_fairygirl
Always Learning
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been able to attend this year. I learned so much from the key note speakers to the workshops to my fellow photographers! And, I didn't even attend any of the extra photo walks or hands-on workshops. There was simply too much to choose from, so I focused on areas where I knew I could directly apply the lessons. I can see how if you are beginning your business journey, you may feel overwhelmed.
And yet, I'd still recommend going and sampling all of the various opportunities to explore!