It’s crazy to think that this year will mark my 6th year in a row of attending WPPI – the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention that goes off in Vegas at about this time every year. I remember when I first attended (with my mom! 🙂 I was really kind of nervous and unsure of what to think about it. I came home totally overwhelmed by what this industry was all about and how many amazing photographers there are in the world. The next few years, I went always with the goal of meeting new people and learning something new- researching new gear, hearing new tips from the big wigs, finding out about new album companies… I actually just ran into the notebook I took to my second WPPI back in 2008 and was amazed to read all the notes I took that year. It was actually really fun going back through them to see just how far I’ve come and how much I know now that I didn’t know, or was completely new to me, then.
I now attend with a new mindset. I don’t go to soak in all the knowledge I possibly can like I did those first few years. I now go to connect with other photographers, see the people I’ve become friends with over the years and have real conversations about our businesses, our work, etc. These kinds of connections and conversations can help to motivate and inspire me in ways that a platform speaker just can’t and that motivation and inspiration is really what benefits me most now at this stage in my career. Having said that, I wouldn’t be in the place I am now without those platform speakers and tips and tricks I picked up along the way…
I say this every year, but if you’re a photographer and you’ve never been to WPPI– go. It’s educational and inspiring and really so much fun. And if you see me walking around, say hello! I’d love to meet you!
And because I am currently working on an edit, I thought I’d post a quick photo. This shot looks nothing like my usual work, and that’s why I love it. More from this San Francisco engagement session on Wednesday!
