This year over 10,000 photographers attended the conference and trade show marking another year of growth. Occupying around 200,000 square feet of space the show was another two hotel monster taking place at both the Paris and Bally's. Virtually every major supplier to the industry was represented and I picked up a few baubles. I also made sure to check out the 1D Mark III, Canon's newest flagship body. I might be able to find some room in the camera bag for this incredible DSLR ;) Look out for Canadian photographer Jesh de Rox. He probably needs to check some extra luggage getting all those awards home. Also worth noting, Australian lensman Jerry Ghionis won the album competition yet again. That is something like 4 of the last 5 years! Come to think of it, the bulk of this year's winners were either from Canada or Australia.
Inspiring is the one word that comes to mind each year, both artistically and business-wise. All the speakers are models of success and professionals that many of us strive emulate. This year I decided to sit in on talks by Hanson Fong, Art Wolfe, Liana Lehman, JB and DeEtte Sallee, Lou Jones, Kersti Malvre, Gene Higa, Andy Marcus, and Jay Maisel. They are a diverse group of photographers spread across the U.S., and every one of them was interesting. I was not disappointed. Keep an eye out as I apply some of the ideas and concepts I took away from the show.
I did a little shooting as I explored a bit on my last night in the City. Also found the time to put a bet down on the NCAA Final Four while at the Venetian.
Mark your calendars for WPPI 2008 from March 13th to March 20th. If any future clients are interested, I do offer a Las Vegas prewedding shoot straddling WPPI week at no extra cost. First-come-first-served. There are few places on Earth as extraordinary and over-the-top as Las Vegas.
Can't wait until next year!
