WPPI 2010 - Party In The USA

Here is my WPPI 2010 experience in a nutshell:

  • Enjoyed flying Southwest Airlines
  • The Signature at MGM is fantastic
  • Having 5 roomies was amazing - I love those guys/gals!
  • Splitting food costs with roomies was one of the BEST ideas - highly recommended
  • Should have bought more groceries at VONS - definitely more beer
  • Party In The USA is the best song EVER
  • The MGM Grand is HUMONGOUS! Should have worn my running shoes more often.
  • Scheduling classes before arriving at WPPI was super helpful
  • Budgeting for food and gear saved me from being overwhelmed
  • Should have done more photo shoots
  • I LOVE JASMINE STAR - JD is a stud
  • Honored to have met Jamie Delaine
  • Should have said hi to The Becker (walked by him like 5 times)
  • Sarah Petty, Mike Colon, and Dennis Reggie are SUPER TALL
  • FINALLY met Christine Tremoulet - wish we could have hung out more :'(
  • It was great seeing Dane Sanders again - the world needs more guys like him
  • Kenny Kim is a major connector and stud
  • Bambi Cantrell is a posing DIVA!
  • Have to get a photo booth
  • Love Collages.net even more - Abbey rocks!
  • Should have slept more - had more quiet time to reflect
  • Pictage knows how to throw a party!!!
  • David Jay and Mike Larson are amazing photogs and spiritual leaders
  • Met a ton of fantastic people
  • I have major iPhone envy
  • WPPI 2011 - I want to go to there!

→ Here are a few pics to help me remember all that took place at WPPI: [gallery columns="1" size="large"]

There is so much more that I could write about. But it would probably bore you. Plus, I still need to write it all down and make sure that I don't forget all of the great stories and business ideas that I learned. One thing I can share with 100% confidence: I love the wedding/portrait industry! I am so glad I made it to WPPI.

Rock On! info@ottorascon.com | my portfolio | facebook | twitter | 773.430.4785

By The Way: I should have remembered to bring my point-and-shoot camera. I could have captured a lot more of my experience at WPPI. Lesson learned.

Impromptu Portrait Session - Vegas Style // Christine & Iaan

I was so excited to be going to WPPI 2010. I knew that I would be learning a lot about my wedding photography business. I knew that I would meet some amazing people. I knew that I would see some amazing products at the trade show. I also knew that I would go to a few parties. But the one thing that I was really looking forward to was taking pictures! I pretty much had all of my gear - all of it. So imagine my elation when I saw Feuza Dos Reis photographing Christine and Iaan - a fabulous couple I had just met earlier in the day. You see I was on the 9th floor at The Signature (at MGM Grand) talking to my wife. When I looked down and saw the portrait session in progress. I told my wife I had to leave and RAN downstairs to where the shoot was taking place. I asked Feuza if I can shoot and she said yes. Sweet. I was so excited that I neglected to bring my lens bag. I only had my 80-200mm f/2.8 lens. Good thing that Feuza also shoots Nikon, so I was able to borrow one of her lenses.

Christine Meintjes and Iaan Van Niekerk were an absolute blast to talk to and photograph. They are from Cape Town, South Africa, so I made sure to shut my trap and ask questions that would make them talk. I loved their accents, but ended up loving their warmness even more. I wish that we could have spent more time together.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from that portrait session:

[gallery columns="1" size="large"]

My many thanks to Feuza for setting this up. She followed her photographers instinct and because of that I have 2 new friends. Christine and Iaan, I hope that our roads cross again. Rock on guys!

The Signature at MGM Grand 145 East Harmon Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89109 (877) 612-2121

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 891-1111

Rock On! info@ottorascon.com | my portfolio | facebook | twitter | 773.430.4785

By The Way: This shoot taught me to follow my instinct and approach people with confidence. There have been a lot of times when I see people that I want to photograph. A simple question to photograph them might turn up into a great time.