What IS WPPI? (cited from wwppionline.com)
The WPPI Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference + Expo is the premier industry event for photographers and filmmakers specializing in the creative and business aspects of wedding and portrait photography and filmmaking. Each year, nearly 13,000 professional and aspiring photographers and filmmakers attend WPPI to learn new techniques from industry leaders, build new relationships to grow their business, experience new products and solutions from major manufacturers to improve their productivity, and enjoy the many attractions in Las Vegas. WPPI is a week-long event combining educational seminars with a major industry trade show and networking events, all designed around learning the latest techniques, building new relationships and growing a business in a friendly, fun environment – all at one time, in one place.
WHY ATTEND?
Learn superior technical skills and new shooting styles
Build new relationships to grow your business
Experience new products and solutions from major manufacturers
Discover competitive and affordable ways to grow your business
Meet some of the world’s finest photographic instructors
Make an investment in yourself and your future
The 2017 WPPI Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference takes place February 5-9, 2017, with the Expo running February 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
BUT….. another WHY thats is NOT listed above is, because its FUN! It’s GREAT to be around other like-minded, creative, adventure seeking, innovative, amazingly talented people. You will make some of your greatest memories, friends and form some amazing ideas here. You will leave in overdrive…emotionally exhausted, but overwhelmed with ideas of where to take your business. FULL DISCLOSURE: I have never once attended a platform class at this conference. I just go for the break out shoots, the social events, the expo, (the food+ beverages : P ) and to RECHARGE before a heck of a season. If thats your goal too, RIGHT ON!
HOW? As in, how do I plan, pack, prepare, make the most of……
- Camera, flash, 2-3 lenses, lap top, ipad, notebook, lots of pens (great way to make a friend), comfy shoes, layers because rooms get hot and cold, water bottle to fill up (water costs more in Vegas than beer!), breath mints/gum…lots of talking…airborne, lots of germs…..tissues, you will get emotional at times I am sure…cereal or protein bars for mid day snacks, hand sanitizer, backpack, they give you a lot of crap to carry around, pants (you sit on the floor a lot), extra battery pack for phone!!!!
- PLAN to walk 10x more than you think you will. PLAN to meet a ton of people, step outside of your shell, eat lunch with strangers, rush around, have limited sleep, get tons of hugs, learn a lot and have a few drinks. I promise, it helps! Try to have empty hands (backpack!). If shooting in the dessert, it gets COLD QUICK…PACK A HEAVIER OPTION AND SNEAKERS you can destroy. WPPI is not a fashion contest! (But def pack a “hit the strip” outfit…not everything about Vegas is WORK, WORK, WORK!)
- Pack your own snacks, food costs can add up quick. Same with that water bottle I told you about.
- PLAN ONE DAY to do something you WOULD NOT HAVE THE CHANCE or opportunity to do or shoot at any point this year…don’t just sit with people you know, say hi to that “celebrity” photographer you follow…they are not scary NOR ARE THEY A GOD…they are people JUST LIKE YOU!
- WATCH YOUR GEAR! Put labels (address labels) on your hard drives, cards, gear, lap tops, etc….THERE WILL BE CAMERAS AND STUFF EVERYWHERE…You dont want your stuff lost or stolen!
ITS GOING TO BE GREAT! READY, SET, VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!! HERE IS A LOOK INTO MY LAST TRIP!
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