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Angela Goes to WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International)

So you may have seen a little of what I was up to earlier this month in Las Vegas here on this post.  I talked a little about why a wedding photographer might enjoy WPPI, and a little of what goes on there, but I did not share exactly what I did. So here goes!

WPPI typically lasts a full week, however, I mostly attend for the tradeshow and independent events. This year, I had a 4-day whirlwind WPPI experience. Though my time in Las Vegas was very brief, it was very productive!! (And I managed to only gamble away about $40 on penny slots, just to say I “did it”.)  The days were long, and I packed every minute I could with new information and shooting, so the next couple of blog posts will walk you through my week!

Day 1: Monday

Monday morning was an early one. Up and out the door for the airport before the sun was up.  I am not a morning person. Let me repeat: I. AM. NOT. A. MORNING. PERSON. But the excitement of meeting up with some of my closest photographer friends had me excited enough that I managed to make it on only one very large cup of airport java.  Our flight ended up delayed, so it was a little dicey making it to my first planned WPPI stop: the Sunflower Wedding Shootout. I did arrive just in time, and I am so glad I did! About 20 fellow wedding photographer friends boarded a van with me to the location.

As mentioned in my previous post, the shootout was held at the Legends Ranch in Las Vegas, only about 10 minutes away from the MGM Grand, which hosts WPPI. It was amazing to me how rural the Legends Ranch felt, just a few minutes away from the lights and hustle of the Strip. It was like stepping out of the van and into the west. I was actually excited to see some horses, but sadly, equine portraits were not on the agenda. The grounds of the ranch were perfect and diverse for a styled shoot. We had a swimming pool, barns, stone staircases, shaded courtyards and so much more to work with. I only wish we had a longer day! (Silly sunset!!)

Emma + Josh did a fantastic job of planning every detail for this shoot. The models looked absolutely amazing, and the details were thorough. If a couple had the desire to, they could have been married right then and there, and had everything they needed! Invitations, place settings, escort cards, cake, signage, candy bar – nothing was overlooked! (There were even rings!) Despite the fact that I’d had a very long day of travel, I was excited to work with such a wonderful setting and theme. The photographers split up into smaller groups of 3-6 people, and worked our way around the ranch with the models. One thing that struck me after seeing some of my friends’ images is how different they all are. There was so much to shoot, and so many opportunities around the venue, there was very little duplication. It’s also fun seeing through their eyes, and learning from one another. We shared tips on posing, lighting, and even gear. One of the best parts of shootouts, besides lovely new images, is learning and sharing.

By the time the sun finally set in the mountains just outside the city, it was time to go back to the MGM Grand and grab some dinner. It was a great evening reconnecting with friends from WPPI past and present. And of course, I had to get back to the room to download my memory cards and look at all the goodies from the day. Thank you to Emma + Josh and all the vendors that made this shootout work. I know it’s a lot of effort to coordinate an event like this one!

**You will see that I threw a couple of black & white conversions in to the mix here – something I usually don’t do. But these shootouts are also about breaking out of your comfort zone (mine is vibrant color) and thinking in new ways. A few of these images I envisioned in monochrome while shooting. Let me know what you think!

CREDITS:

Concept and Art Director- Emma + Josh Smith www.emmaandjosh.com and www.coutureclicks.emmaandjosh.com

Las Vegas Event Planner/ On Site Stylist and Candy Bar – Dana Olsen and Lisa Madrigale – The Sugar Jar  www.thesugarjar2u.com

Los Angeles Concept and Event Planner- Tali Marchefka – www.pretty-lil-details.com

Venue- Legends Ranch www.legendsranch.vegas

Bridal Gown- Antonio Gual for Tulle NY www.tullenewyork.com

Menswear- Tuxedo Junction www.tuxedojunction-lv.com

Bridesmaid Gown- Rent the Runway Las Vegas www.renttherunway.com

Hair and Make Up Liz Gopwani www.sexyhairmakeup.com and assistants Frankie Lynn & Joseanne JJ Nguyen

Cake + Dessert Bar- Las Vegas Custom Cakes www.lasvegascustomcakes.com

Flowers – Gaia Flowers www.gaiaflowers.com

Custom Signs-  Well of Words  www.wellofwords.com

Vintage Dishes/TableSettings – Sue Radke Dirty Dishes  www.dirtydishesonline.com

Locket- Chasing Lockets- www.chasinglockets.com

Invitation Suite/custom escort card display-  Diana Jo Giebler – Special Letters- www.specialletters.net

Vintage Settee to Sue and Cindy at Affair to Remember by Finders Keepers Nevada  www.finderskeepersnevada.com

Models: Christy M, Maygen Brockway, Nicole Lenora Brown, LeAnn Howard, Colter Hardy Orton, Hector Lopez

All images property of Angela Powell Woulfe, Photographer