Back home from WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Professional International)

I always wondered what the big deal was, why so many photographers became sooo excited come the annual convention in Las Vegas. This year I was one of 12000 photographers to attend the event, and now I understand. I used to think that maybe they just all wanted to party, that maybe it had to do with the location… I know Vegas is not the draw, the city, although amazing (it’s just one of those “out of this world” experience), certainly isn’t one of my favorite spot. It’s the convention itself, the fascinating speakers, the gigantic trade show (everything remotely related to photography is available, to see, touch, feel, it’s such an inspirational source). The whole thing happened in the MGM, HUGE hotel! about the size of at least 3 Pensacola street blocks, I had my workout of the day, just walking from our room to the conference center..
I did missed the judging of the competitions prints, not enough time, but next year I will be sure to watch or at least wonder around the exhibit room where all the master pieces hung, study and enjoy each image. I only whipped through, and was blown away, they’re all fine art pieces, thoroughly valued by a panel of 10 judges, all master photographers, the attention to detail is remarkable.
I returned home refreshed, pumped up, full of new ideas and products to offer, and inspired by all the wonderful lectures I’ve attended. I’m confident that it will all reflect in my upcoming work, I have some exciting news and lines to develop. I’m also finally going to put together some collections (some like to say packages, but I think collections is more appropriate as they will offer higher end products). All this to come soon.
Aside from the amazing learning experience the convention gave me, I had a wonderful time with my friends, Dorene, Beth (the best room mates ever), Tim, Terry Roel, the whole Scott Robert crew, and so many more. In such a short time I met so many talented people, made so many connections, working the network, it was just unbelievable to be part of such a large group all sharing the same passion: photography! A little heaven in Vegas! I was dazzled every step to be amongst my idols, to get a chance to hear them and speak to them. We kept a very busy schedule, packing our days, stretching them to 18 waking hours to make the most of our trip.
A few pictures to go with this post:

3 days prior to the convention, Scott robert had one of his next level workshop, so conveniently in Vegas. It was again a wonderful experience and so nice to see many friends from past workshops. I’ll post soon some pictures taken during that portion of the trip. For now, these are from an evening walk from the Venetian Hotel (where we had a grand photo shot fallowed by a delicious dinner) back to our hotel.

The Bellagio holds the most fantastic and majestic show of foutains, it’s a combination of music, water and light. It’s simply spectacular, the rushing water choreographed to the music delivers a very emotional impact to the large crowd.

We were staying across this extraordinary hotel, my girls would have loved it!

The Eiffel Tour, the Statue of Liberty!
I even saw a small replica of the Arc de Triomphe,

I had a total misconception of Vegas, I though you had to go to a casino to see the gambling, and I also though it would be more to the style of “casino royale”, with the glitz… I was so surprised to see the slot machines everywhere, in every hotel, even in the airport!