Inspired Photo Blog

Once a year, thousands of wedding photographers descend upon Las Vegas for the annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention. Coinciding with this event was a convention for the Digital Wedding Forum, of which I am a member. Back to back seminars, up close and personal one on one time with arguably the best photographers in the world. During the 5 day event, I think I slept about 6 hours total. The rest of the time was running from one seminar to the next and hanging out and sharing the love with new friends from all over the world.

My favorite part of the convention were the after hours socials. We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking about our passion…photography. There were cameras everywhere. It was amazing to shoot images with complete abandon. Sharing ideas, playful creativity in the world’s largest adult playground. A freedom I have not experienced since I was in school. A place where time does not exist. I brought my point and shoot camera along and decided to share a few images with you.

I didn’t make it to the famous sign on the Las Vegas strip, but found this instead.

What was unique about this conference was the actual wedding that took place on the first day. The president of one of the largest wedding album companies shared his wedding ceremony with all of us at a private ceremony on a ranch outside Las Vegas. Some of the best wedding photographers in the world were invited to photograph different aspects of the wedding. As part of the conference, the images and a live discussion were shared the following evening. Unbelievably humbling and inspiring images from the masters of wedding photography.

Yours truly at the Red Rocks Ranch outside Las Vegas.

Post wedding portraits of the bride and groom were photographed by John Michael Cooper of Alt F. Be sure to read his personal blog and you will understand why he is one of a kind. The flaming bride should catch your attention.

Everyone was encouraged to bring a camera with the strict provision that no one raised a camera during the ceremony. 600 photographers with cameras. Once you see this photo, you’ll understand why!

The aspect I enjoyed the most were the personal friendships that were forged. Mark Kegans is a dear friend of mine that I’ve known for two years and have never met in person. We ended up sharing a room together at the conference and hanging out all week. Mark is truly a great photographer and a wonderful person. Meeting him only made it better.

There were quite a few photographers from Portland that made it to the conference. Mark called us the Portland Mafia. The only state that had more photographers representing was California. Here is Nicole Wickens and Mark enjoying Las Vegas.

Mark sharing a moment in front of the Paris Hotel.

The hardest part of the trip was the journey home. My mind was filled with ideas and inspiration. I started to miss the voices and laughter of my new friends, but knew we would find each other again. I was filled with pride to be a part of this wonderful group of artists pushing the boundaries of wedding photography. Photographers who shared a passion that few understand. Until next year…Viva Las Vegas!