WOW! We recently returned from our annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers, International (WPPI) Convention in Las Vegas! This was our 3rd year to attend, and each year we gain so much. This year we really enjoyed the opportunities to network more and more with photographers from around the country. This was the first year for the convention to be at MGM Grand…the convention keeps growing in attendance, and over 10,000 photographers come to WPPI yearly! It really is a crucial piece to our own studio here since we are committed to offering the highest quality of photography and products to Colorado Springs. Attending WPPI keeps us learning and growing and is part of our commitment to YOU that we truly care about what we do!
Here we are at WPPI and the MGM Grand…
We arrived early to attend the Business Institute for our second time. It’s basically a fantastic day of speakers to provide great tips and tools for the business side of things. We feel it has been an essential part of our studio’s growth since we arrived here just over 2 years ago!
On Sunday evening, we enjoyed the official opening of WPPI. It included a “mock wedding” where 5 of the top wedding photographers photographed the events and provided insight to everyone there on their own photographic style and approach to a wedding. Two of these photographers were Bambi Cantrell and Joe Buissink (both pictured below). Also, with them were Yervant & Denis Reggie.
Our daughter, Natalie, makes sure to read up on all the classes offered…
Throughout the week, there are many opportunities to attend Platform classes covering a wide variety of topics like photographic techniques, marketing, blogging (which is why we are going to do our best to be better at it!!), posing, and business structure.
Outside of the Platform Classes, the Trade Show is a HUGE part of convention. It literally spans multiple ballrooms and includes HUNDREDS of vendors. We love the trade show because we get to meet in person with the various vendors we entrust with our work, and it also keeps us up-to-date with all the coming trends and products so that we can continue to offer our couples and families the very BEST available!
Natalie enjoys all there is to look at during the Trade Show (she also got quite a lot of attention from all the people)…
We really enjoyed attending the forum on the future of photography, moderated by Mark Zucker, President of Zookbinders (who we trust with our albums). Below, Skip Cohen, president of Rangefinder Magazine, talks with Tony Corbell.
On Monday night, Nikon hosted their BIG EVENT in the MGM Grand Arena. Blues Traveler gave a concert for all the WPPI attendees! It was really fun! We did leave early since Natalie was getting tired and it was also quite loud, but we definitely enjoyed the first part of their concert!
Just before the concert, we attended the VIP party and met a lot of well-known photographers. This is Cliff Mautner…
We look forward to WPPI 2010!!
I have always thought that it would be wonderful for you guys to get involved in this organization. You have touched my heart today thank you!