WPPI’s Awards of Excellence Now Accepting Entries

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) is now accepting submissions for its annual Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print and Album Competitions. In related news, professional photographer Ken Sklute has been appointed Consulting Director, WPPI Print and Album Competitions, and will oversee the competition rules, submissions, judging and the Awards of Excellence ceremony during the WPPI Conference and Expo.

Photography competitionKen Sklute has been honored as one of Canon’s Explorers of Light, a designation shared by only 60 top photographers worldwide. During his 38-year photographic career, Ken has been named Photographer of the Year a total of 32 times between Arizona, New York, and California. Ken spends much of his time teaching and lecturing, both nationally and internationally.

Photographers are welcome to submit their 16×20-inch Print entries for consideration in the following categories…

Wedding Division: Bride and Groom Together (Wedding Day), Bride and Groom Together (other than Wedding Day), Bride or Groom Alone (Wedding Day), Bride or Groom Alone (other than Wedding Day), Bridal Party; Engagement, and Wedding Details.

Portrait Division: Children, High School, Senior, Individual, Group, Animals/Pets, and Glamour/Boudoir.

Commercial Division: Scientific/Individual, Illustrative/Editorial, Advertising/Fashion, and Landscape/Nature.

Photojournalism Division: Wedding and Non-Wedding.

Composite Division: An entry comprised of multiple images or layers to create a single image.

For more information and to enter the WPPI 2013 Award of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition visit: www.wppi16x20.com.

Photographers are also encouraged to submit a series of digital images presented as a story for consideration in the WPPI Award of Excellence Album Competition. The categories include: Event/Informal Division, Engagement Division, Wedding – Multiple Photographers Division, Wedding – Single Photographers Division, and Videography Division.

For more information on the Album Competition visit: www.wppialbum.com.

The Grand Award for any given division of 16×20 Print and Album Competitions will receive a $2,000 cash prize (U.S. dollars), a complimentary Full Conference Pass for WPPI 2014 Conference and Expo, and complimentary entry into next year’s Awards of Excellence Print Competition (10 print maximum). Grand Award, First, Second and Third Place winners will receive custom-designed, engraved crystal awards.

Entry fees are $40 for WPPI Members and $60 for non-members. Return postage fees are separate and based on geographic location for the option of having prints returned. The deadline to register images online is Jan. 25, 2013. All prints and albums must be received at WPPI headquarters by Feb. 1, 2013. Judging will take place on March 9-10, 2013 and is open to all WPPI 2013 Full Conference attendees.

All WPPI 2013 classes, events and the expo will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev., from March 7-14, 2013. Registration (http://registration3.experientevent.com/ShowWPP131/?flowcode=ATT) for WPPI 2013 is open now.

The early bird registration rate for access to the WPPI 2013 Conference and Expo is $199 for WPPI members and $379 for non-members through Dec. 14. On Dec. 15 registration rates increase to regular prices online: $275 for WPPI members and $399 for non-members. These rates include one free guest, all Platform classes, special events and a three-day pass to the expo. For more information about WPPI 2013 and all of its workshops and events, visit: www.wppionline.com.

Registration for WPPI Now Open

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced today that registration is now open for the WPPI 2013 International Conference and Expo at registration3.experientevent.com/ShowWPP131/?flowcode=ATT 

Photography trade showAll WPPI 2013 classes, events and the expo will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from March 7-14, 2013. Last year, nearly 16,000 registered attendees and over 180 speakers from throughout the United States as well as from 46 foreign countries as far away as Latin America, Australia and Russia gathered in Las Vegas for WPPI.

The 2013 conference will feature specialized education programs like Platform Classes, Master Classes, Plus Classes and WPPI U. WPPI U is a university-style, two-day workshop providing the fundamentals of photography to help today’s up-and-coming photographers strengthen their shooting skills, learn to market their photography services and how to run a profitable business. Also, the 16×20 Print and Album Competitions provide additional recognition during the event, culminating with the Awards Night extravaganza.

The early bird registration rate for access to the WPPI 2013 Conference and Expo is $199 for WPPI members and $379 for non-members through Dec. 14. On Dec. 15 registration rates increase to regular prices online: $275 for WPPI members and $399 for non-members. These rates include one free guest, all Platform classes, special events and a three-day pass to WPPI 2013.

For more information about WPPI 2013 and all of its workshops and events, visit www.wppionline.com.

WPPI University Continues in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Portland

WPPI University, the traveling two-day workshop from Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), just concluded its first summer stop in New Jersey and moves on to Atlanta (July 24-25), Las Vegas (Aug. 13-14) and Portland, Ore. (Sept. 5-6).

Photography seminars and workshopsThe workshops are $149 per person and include a mini trade show, a portfolio review, seminars on a variety of topics, lunch and refreshments, a certificate of completion, and a free expo pass to WPPI 2013 in Las Vegas, March 7-14.

Educational tracks include Lighting, Portrait, Business, Business/Marketing, Social Media, Workflow, Seniors and Portrait, all taught by industry experts.

The portfolio review is a one-on-one or group review with one of WPPI’s judges, who will critique portfolios by identifying strengths and weaknesses and then will give advice on how to best showcase your portfolio.

For more information and to register, go to www.wppionline.com/on-the-road.shtml.

Dates and Locations Set for WPPI U Pro Photography Workshops

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced today that registration for WPPI U is now open. The two-day workshops will take place this year in Fairfield, N.J., June 25-26; Atlanta, July 24-25; Las Vegas, Aug. 13-14; and Portland, Ore, Sept. 5 -6.

Professional photography workshopsWPPI says that WPPI U is a comprehensive, university-style two-day seminar providing essential education and training on multiple aspects of photography to help today’s up-and-coming photographers not only strengthen their shooting skills, but also learn how to be successful in their business and marketing practices.

“What began nearly three years ago as a one location educational seminar has grown into the ultimate learning experience that hits the road this summer to bring WPPI-quality education to four key cities in the United States,” said George Varanakis, Show Director of WPPI U and Publisher of Rangefinder. “Ideal for emerging photographers who envision a successful career in photography, WPPI U allows attendees to sharpen their technical skills, teaches them how to run a profitable business and break out on their own using marketing tips they learn from the renowned industry leaders who speak and teach at WPPI U.”

Featuring several guest instructors, WPPI U class topics will include:

  • Lighting & Posing Techniques
  • Wedding & Portrait (now including Children & Pets)
  • Business Planning & Accounting
  • Presenting & Marketing Your Business
  • Postproduction – Lightroom & Photoshop
  • Social Marketing Panel
  • Portfolio Reviews

Professional photographers scheduled to speak at WPPI U include:

  • Fairfield N.J.: Lindsay Adler, Sal Cincotta, Anthony Vazquez, Christa Meola, Blair and Suzanne Phillips, Jared Platt, Susan Stripling, and Doug Gordon
  • Atlanta: Lindsay Adler, Sal Cincotta, Zach and Jody Gray, Tim Meyer, Sarah Petty, Jared Platt, Doug Gordon, and Moshe Zusman
  • Las Vegas: Sue Bryce, Sal Cincotta, Zach and Jody Gray, Blair and Suzanne Phillips, Jared Platt, Lori Nordstrom, and Lindsay Adler
  • Portland, Ore.: Sue Bryce, Sal Cincotta, Kevin Kubota, Scott Robert Lim, Jared Platt, Kirk Voclain, and Jim Garner

Each class is estimated to run two hours, but may vary per city based on the number of professional photographers on the agenda. WPPI U also includes a mini trade show featuring some of the newest gear and latest technology from leading brands in the photo industry. Lunch and refreshments are included. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion from WPPI to display in their office or studio.

Registration for WPPI U is now open. The early bird registration rate for WPPI U is $125 per person until June 8. After June 8 the price will be $149 per person. Each registered attendee receives one free registration to WPPI 2013, which will take place next year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, March 7-14, 2013.

To register for WPPI U, visit: https://www.xpressreg.net/eReg/RegDemoE-Reg.asp?rc=&aban=&p1=

For more information about WPPI U, visit: www.wppionline.com/on-the-road.shtml

WPPI Announces Schedule of Events for Photography Convention in Vegas

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced its schedule for its 2012 Convention, which starts tomorrow, Feb. 16, through next Thursday, Feb. 23, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Conference Center. The trade show component of WPPI starts on Monday, Feb. 20.

Trade show for wedding and portrait photographersUpcoming special events include the second annual Launch Pad new products preview, the third annual Photographers Ignite presentations, the Sony Party, Canon Reception and the Nikon sponsored 32nd Annual WPPI 2012 Awards Ceremony.

“The education at WPPI consists of more than a 150 classes taught by the sharpest professional photographers in the business today. Beyond the top-notch educational offerings available during our annual Convention, WPPI is also known as the premier event where photographers look forward to networking with colleagues as well as being the ideal venue to make new friends in the industry that can last a lifetime,” said George Varanakis, WPPI’s Show Director and Publisher. “And this year’s special event lineup provides attendees with the perfect nightly social events to wind down their intense days of classes and trade show discussions with exhibitors.”

WPPI Launch Pad
Sunday, Feb. 16
, 2-5 p.m., Studio Rooms A & B outside MGM Grand Garden Arena. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest products from WPPI’s exhibitors before the trade show opens. WPPI’s Launch Pad will be open to all media and all WPPI attendees. Snacks and Refreshments will be served.

Photographers Ignite
Sunday, Feb. 19
, 7-11 p.m., MGM Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. Hosted by Professional Photographer Kevin Kubota, Photographer’s Ignite will feature up to 15 experienced and upcoming photographers sharing their techniques, trends, ideas and inspirations in five-minute presentations related to photography as a profession. This entertaining event will be followed by an after party with drinks and live music.

Sony Party
Monday, Feb. 20, 8-10 p.m., MGM Grand Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. Attendees are welcome to join WPPI and Sony – who brought last year’s smash hit Runway Fashion Show – for another WPPI special event.

Canon Reception
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 8-10 p.m., MGM Grand Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. All WPPI attendees are invited to an ’80s-themed night of great music, entertainment, fun, and networking, all sponsored by Canon. The Canon Reception, an annual tradition, is always one of the highlights at WPPI.

WPPI Awards Night
Wednesday, Feb. 22
, 6:30-9 p.m., MGM Grand Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. Professional Photographers Tony Corbell and Kevin Kubota will be emceeing the WPPI 2012 Awards Ceremony, a prestigious event that honors the winners of the Awards of Excellence Print & Album Competition along with four winners of the International Photography Competitions. Attendees will join WPPI and its sponsor Nikon for an evening of celebration, refreshments, food and what this event is all about, recognition for excellence in imaging.

For more information about WPPI 2012 and all of its workshops and events, visit www.wppionline.com/wppi-show.shtml. Registration for all WPPI 2012 classes, workshops, events and the trade show is open now at www.wppionline.com/show/register.shtml.

The Full Registration pass is $275 for WPPI members and $399 for non-WPPI members. These rates include one free guest pass, 90 Platform classes to choose from and admission to special evening events and the three-day trade show for wedding and portrait photographers. For information on class offerings and schedules visit www.wppionline.com/show/classes.shtml.

WPPI Announces Keynote with an Aussie Twist and Seminar Schedule

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announces the complete 2011 keynote presentation and seminar schedule for Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the WPPI NYC @ PhotoPlus show. The Expo, will be held Thursday and Friday, Oct. 27-28 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

For the first time, the Wedding and Portrait Photographer’s International (WPPI) show will become an integral part of PhotoPlus Expo, complete with a full expo consisting of leading industry manufacturers and a comprehensive series of seminars, roundtable discussions and a keynote presentation scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, the day before PhotoPlus Expo officially opens.

In addition to the keynote presentation, 15 seminars focused on wedding and portrait photography will be presented by industry icons including Doug Gordon, Jasmine Star, Bambi Cantrell, Ken Sklute, Me Ra Koh, Tamara Lackey, and Lindsay Adler, to name a few, and for the first time, a series of seminars will be presented in Spanish.

To view the entire WPPI NYC seminar schedule for Oct. 26, visit the seminar listing at PhotoPlusExpo.com. Seminars can be listed by track, topic, presenter name, and date for easy access and registration.

This year’s keynote speaker, Australian Jerry Ghionis, will share how he has defined his unique style and look over the years, which continues to evolve but doesn’t become predictable. Called Imitate, Emulate and Innovate, Ghionis will explain how he uses inspiration outside the wedding industry to influence his creativity and style. Check out Ghionis’ world-class photography at www.jerryghionis.com.

WPPI NYC is the first ever WPPI Expo to take place on the East Coast, co-locating with PhotoPlus Expo this fall in new exhibit space at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Attendees who register for WPPI NYC will also have full access to attend the PhotoPlus Expo. The pre-registration rate to attend all WPPI NYC seminars, WPPI NYC Expo and PhotoPlus Expo is $99. On-site registration will be $150. In addition, all registered attendees of the PhotoPlus Expo will have full access to WPPI NYC.