Each February brings thousands upon thousands of photographers to Las Vegas. Some hopeful to turn their hobby into a career. Some with successful careers looking for a little extra something. But all of us are there for at least one specific reason - to attend the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) conference. I arrived in Las Vegas on a Wednesday and what would become the first of eight days of learning, networking, shooting, visualizing, dreaming, and playing (hey, it's Vegas after all). This was my fourth year in attendance, and it was far and away the best. It's amazing how much better an experience can become when you feel like you know what you're searching for. For me, I was able to target a few specific courses to attend that I knew I really needed, which left plenty of time for connecting with friends and colleagues - the real blessing and most valuable aspect of a conference such as this. Thanks to amazing friends and fellow pro photographers like Irwin Funes, Misty Enright, and Jacquelynn Buck, we're able to not only learn from the main speakers and seminars, but more importantly, we have the chance to download the ideas we've heard and bounce ideas off of one another. It's this time to process and validate that is where the rubber meets the road. This year, I also had the amazing opportunity to assist Jacquelynn Buck as she made her WPPI speaking debut with a Masters Class - "Real Women: Thinking Outside the Boundaries of Boudoir." Thank you, Jackie!
With a couple extra hours at our disposal over the weekend, Jacquelynn, Misty and I took to the hills - the hills of nearby Red Rock Canyon - for a chilly but scenic fashion shoot with local model Amy Quintana. Amy was a real champ, tolerating the windy and cold conditions at the considerably-higher-than-the-strip altitude of Red Rock. After a quick clothing change, we were off to the all new Aria hotel at City Center for a few more images. My favorites from the day are found below. Hope you enjoy, and that you'll leave a comment to let me know which ones are your favorites!
Night Six!! Really?! No way, that has to be a mistake...right? The OC Music Awards showcases are already waning, though it seems like they began only yesterday. Night six was yet another great acoustic performance, featuring five up and coming talents - Justin Soileau, Micah Brown, Parker Macy Blues, Danny Maika, and FoxxHound - as they battled ahead to attempt a spot in the Best Live Acoustic Finals, which will take place at the Fullerton Museum on Thursday, February 24th.
I learned a lot this evening, as it happens. First, it's nice to have friends at your side. I was pleased to have company tonight with my friends Rico and Eric. Rico has a brand new camera, and was excited to join me to try his hand at live band photography. I also learned that it is more difficult than it appears to navigate a filled-to-capacity coffee shop in order to get into prime shooting position - helps to have friends in this case, too. After all, there's safety in numbers when you have to shove your way up to the front. Finally, I learned that there are two different Gypsy Dens in Orange County, and if you wanted to see live music on this fine Tuesday, you weren't going to find it back down at the Anti Mall (home to the other Gypsy Den). So after the drive back up from Costa Mesa to Santa Ana, I was a bit tardy arriving tonight and, as a result, missed Justin Soileau's set entirely. I was bummed, but I hope to catch him next time around.
Please enjoy some of my favorite shots from tonight...and be sure to tell your friends who perform live - Jason Barrett Photography is available for hire, and ready to capture their live energy as well!
Micah Brown
Parker Macy Blues
Danny Maika
FoxxHound
The OC Music Awards Showcase continues next Tuesday with the Best Live Bands, night seven, at the Slide Bar in Fullerton, CA. Two of my recent favorites, Echo Echo and Stereofix will be playing. Make plans to check them out, won't you?
