Notes from Las Vegas
Posted by: admin on June 9, 2009
In March I attended the largest photography convention every held by Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. Since I write for their magazine, Rangefinder, I thought it would be educational to include some exerpts from my notes and articles for the conference. I’ve always wished I could just take all my clients who love photography with me for the whole week of study and lessons with the world’s best photographers.
WPPI Convention 2009: Chicken Soup Cure
For an Ailing Economy!
By CharMaine Beleele
The stories in Jack Canfield’s book, “Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable soul” include teachings to “motivate you to pursue your goals, comfort you to know you’re not alone in the struggle, encourage you to reach out for support, and empower you to remember you can make your dreams become a reality.” For the last nine years, I have searched WPPI Convention, for just such teachings, which I call “Chicken Soup,” for the photographer’s soul. This year, due to the economic crisis, I thought perhaps my approach to the conference should be more analytical. I wondered if I should apply my commentary to financial gloom like so many of my associates in the media. A little bit dispirited by the prospect, I began my pilgrimage through the elegant hallways of the MGM Grand.
0ver 11,000 photographers lined up here!
This is an image of the calm before the storm; the registration booth served thousands of attendees under its ornate golden roof at the MGM Feb. 14-19, 2009
I fully expected to meet downhearted teachers, distressed speakers, and 12,000 dejected members. Much to the contrary, I found the speakers, teachers, and members of the WPPI organization, full of passion, positivity and pumped up with practicality! Skip Cohen, president and Steve Sheanin, Founder/CEO created a menu of 130 different programs from which to choose. The Canon mock wedding, the Nikon Big Night and Miller’s Town Hall brought unique flavors to the soul soup recipe of this conference.
(Figure 2 ) CAPTION: Was the on stage champagne delicious? Ask the bridesmaids from the Mock Wedding!
Therefore, just as in previous years, my ninth convention wrap-up article is a recipe for “chicken soup” for the photographer’s soul. For 2009, it comes in the creative, WPPI Economic Stimulus Package!
Photographer and speaker in the Spanish program, David Taylor put the financial condition into perspective for me. He said, “Some people are challenged because they are listening to media and spreading too much negative talk…Instead, they should spend that time marketing and self-promoting! Where there is motivation, education and will-power, you’ll find money!”
Later in his lighting class, Frank Dispensa explained the magic of the WPPI education. “The Science of photography is the journey; the art of photography is a gift.”
Caption: Frank Dispensa’s model strikes a pose as he demonstrates perfect lighting.)
Strike A Pose In Perfect Light!
Frank Dispensa enjoined us to serve our shooting “uncooked! RAW is your best friend; 35 % of the information is thrown away when you shoot Jpegs.”
The tradeshow floor held a rare type of magic this year. With room to spread out the exhibits, there seemed to be so much more to see and do, even if you were on a budget.
Like America's Top Models, Living Beauties Adorned the Show!
49 sponsors and 400 exhibitors brought beauty to the showroom floor.Teachers, famous and new, taught within the mini-classroom settings of the extravagant exhibits. Super heroes, pretty girls, and fun freebies brought a lighthearted giddiness to us all. For more education in beautiful photography at the convention, view and read Best of Times, the big article to be found in the archives of www.rangefindermag.com