I recently returned from my 3rd trip to WPPI in case you are not sure what that is, it stands for Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.  A ginormous convention hosted by the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.   There are incredible speakers who host workshops, master classes, platform classes( free to all who register) and after hours networking events and parties.

This, as I said was my 3rd year going and I did things a bit differently this year.  I primarily attended master classes which are smaller ( 35 people)  vs the platform classes which can be 900+ people and often times its so full you cant even get in.   This year I attended 3 master classes.
~David Beckstead
~Cliff Mautner
~Jose Villa

I chose these 3 photographers as they are people I admire in different ways and felt I would get the most out of their classes.   Stay tuned for part 2, where I will talk in depth about my experiences in their classes and what I felt I learned.

I didn’t attend the platform classes I really wanted to, because I didn’t prioritize my time well and had too much going on.  I also wont lie Tuesday I just couldn’t bring myself to get up.  Not a good thing and I wont be doing that next year.

Besides the master classes I attended A few parties ( Airhorns and Lasers) and (PIF) I am a member of the PIF team so it was more working then “partying” but I had a great time and I love being part of that family.  That I will also go into details in my 2nd wrap up post.    I also hosted and organized two photoshoots, as well as attended the Victor Sizemore Mentor Shoot ( photos to follow).    I think partly I overextended myself this year and tried to do so much in such a short amount of time.  I know that next year I will really think through my timeline.  (something I recommend to anybody going)

I was able to spend time with some great photographers at all of these events and I also must thank Mike Wise who who an integral part of helping me with the shoots.   I met Mike last year at the Neon Boneyard Shoot that I organized and we have remained good friends ever since.  I also couldn’t have done it without  Eric Guideng who hosted one of the shoots at his studio and really helped pull it all together.  I also met Eric last year at the Boneyard shoot where he was a model, little did I know that Eric is a great photographer and business man as well.    Its great to know that I have people in my corner I can count on and I couldn’t have done it without  either of  your help.   Thanks to you both.  

WPPI is one of those things I look forward to all year, and when you are there the time goes by so quickly.   Once I get home, I often find myself a little sad that its over so quickly and more so overwhelmed with the information I have learned, the inspiration I have picked up, and the photos I have taken.   Don’t get me wrong, I would do it again tomorrow in a heart beat but I often liken it to planning a wedding.. there is this huge build-up and then its over…   back to reality!

So while I try to compile all the information together from my extensive notes and apply this to my business, I will leave you with photos from my Trash the Dress Session and Photos from the Victor Sizemore Mentor Session…
ENJOY and feel free to comment and share your stories also!

Trash the Dress session- MGM Signature Suites Pool and surrounding areas.

Victor Sizemore Mentor Session
Styled by Grey likes weddings

Emma
emmajane photography
425-791-4086
emma@emmajanephotos.com
www.emmajanephotos.com

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of joining a small photo get together in Downtown Seattle by Seattle Bus Terminal. We were able to work with a gorgeous couple Stephen and Taylor. It was a blast and we had a alot of fun. Its nice to get out now the weather is changing and we get more drier days then rainy days. ( which in Seattle is a great great thing)

Taylor really knows how to model and the camera loves her. Stephen being her willing boyfriend made the perfect accent to the shoot as they posed together. I feel like some of the photos could be ads for a clothing company…