What is WPPI you ask?   Its a lot of things to many photographers.   Its a place to be inspired.   A place to  get lost in the creativity of men and women from all over the world who choose to use Photography as the way they express themselves.  Or its getting to hug your favorite photographer…make a fool of yourself and act like a teenage girl with their latest crush…that could have happened.  Sorry Jose Villa…I promise I’m not as crazy as that tackle hug I gave you.  Ummmm, what happens in Vegas?? 🙂  On a serious note, I met a lot of people…so for me it was mingling.  Its not my normal go to.  I’m actually a pretty shy person when I don’t have my camera wrapped around my neck.  Meeting people…SCARY haha.  But my goal for 2016 is to stretch myself and challenge my comfort zones.  Goal accomplished with this trip.

OR maybe you go to WPPI to see all the latest gadgets, the newest props, backdrops, cameras, lens…really, my eyes were SO overwhelmed with how many options there were.   I found it interesting that some photographers were so wrapped up in their gear that they missed out on great connections with their clients.  And you could see it in their work…there was a missing spark.  I was listening to Jesh De Rox for one of the classes and he talked about how there are two people in each photograph.  The subject and the photographer.  If you aren’t feeling what you are photographing, if you aren’t connecting with your client it will show in your images.  That…that is what I want to get stronger at creating.  Showing that connection I’m feeling with my clients through my images.  I want you to see what I’m fascinated by.  2016 Weddings…so excited to get to work on that.

This was my first year going.  My sister Jen had asked last year if it was something we should do…and we agreed it was time.  🙂  Haha…oh the adventures we have in life.   Random side note, if you walk around Las Vegas be prepared for people not to see you.  Literally felt invisible as we were walked into several times.  People had their cell phones up in front of their face and just assumed we would move.  Kind of fascinating actually watching the weird things people do.   We played tourist the first day we were there and saw the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel tower, and walked about 10 miles everywhere.  We also toured the Neon Boneyard…which was pretty cool.  I really want to go back and bring a couple at Sunset next year.  I think its just so visually unique and really why not?   It was so good for us to go and listen to other talented photographers.  We had a ton of conversations about what we can get stronger at this year.  About what we are doing that is all ready a strong part of our career.  It was encouraging and challenging all at the same time.  And I think that is the point of Wppi.  To grow, make new friends, experience new things, get out of your comfort zones and see what everyone else is doing to change the industry.  I have a lot to still process.  And I have many changes I need to make for 2016 that I’m excited and nervous to implement.

“Give the gift you were created to give this world.  Shine a spotlight on others.  Work hard every day.  Be Authentic. Ask Why?” This was from Justin and Mary’s class…telling photographers to be a generation of story tellers.  Ahhh, so much inspiration.  Now to go through and process this past week.  Its a good thing to get out of your comfort zone.  Happy Thursday peeps.  May you continue to grow and challenge yourself to be better then you were the day before.

Here are a few moments from my WPPI 2016 trip with Jen! Oh and several of these are from my instagram feed…so if you are on insta check out @lizweitz