With the photography world arriving en masse to glowy Las Vegas for WPPI 2011, the excitement mounts. But like me, not everyone can be in attendance taking more than 700 booths full of what’s new in wedding and portrait photography goodness in person. Instead, I’m 1986.31 miles from the heart of the strip and MGM Grand host to the famous trade show feeling the electricity from afar though social media feeds on Twitter and Facebook. We have rounded up a few generous photographers to share their sights, sound, and perspectives from their show experiences this week.Focusing on the hot new addition to the show’s lineup WPPI U (sponsored by Adorama), newborn photography specialist Jennifer Wilcox shares her experiences with us. She recounts her day at this information packed, two-day workshop tailored for new photographers with inspirational, game-changing business advice from Dane Sanders, Jerry Ghionis, Tim Meyer, Jason Aten, Craig Heidemann, Julianne Kost, Scott & Adina Hayne, Cliff Mautner, Doug Gordon, Sondra and Jerry from Buzz Worthy Success, and Joe McNally. And now a word from a WPPI attendee, Jennifer Wilcox:
“I think it speaks volumes that an organization would go through such great efforts to create an experience like WPPI U for all of the fresh creatives pushing at the door of the photography industry. This is much better than abandoning all of us “newbies” to scratch and fight to make our way on our own in the field like freshly-hatched baby turtles clawing their way from the sand struggling to make it to the sea.”First, I can’t believe WPPI U has brought us industry leaders, like Jerry Ghionis. My biggest take-home from Jerry was that you have to stretch yourself and expand your vision. I loved Jerry’s response to the potential customer comment that makes my skin crawl: “You’re too expensive.” His reply: “How important is cheap to you?” I love it!”What a wonderful opportunity WPPI U was. There was no scrimping. Every possible detail was carefully modeled to show its students opportunities. Knowledge, networking, exposure, technique, motivation, products, tools…everything was at our fingertips! “You would have to be someone suffering behind an impenetrable wall of indifference not to have been inspired, uplifted, re-energized and educated!”This weekend blew my mind. I am so grateful to have been part of it. Ten years down the road, when everyone knows my name (because that’s going to happen, right?), I will still enroll in WPPI U. It was just that good!”
Thanks to Jennifer for taking the time to provide her vantage point from WPPI with us. Be sure to check back in to the Adorama blog daily for more perspectives from your fellow attendees. This is going to be exciting! And, please…share with us your Vantage Point from this year’s show in the comment section below.
WPPI-U returns Sept. 25-27! To see more about the upcoming WPPI-U event in Atlanta, GA just click here and sign up!-Leigh
