Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, WPPI, held their annual international convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This year was bigger and better than ever. 12,189 photographers from some 35 countries gathers for several days of learning, networking, inspiration, and of course, partying. This was my 6th WPPI and my 5th year speaking there. I've been fortunate enough to have developed friendships from all over the globe. What a blast!
There's never enough time to really do all the things we set out to do once we're there. I was asked by WPPI to teach a PLUS class- a pre convention seminar the Thursday and Friday before the convention began. These 25 students were an absolute pleasure to hang with, and I thank each and every one for making it a great class. Teaching a PLUS class is always an honor, and I was proud to have been included with the top names in our industry in teaching one.
It's always a highlight for me to speak at the Nikon Tradeshow booth. Mon-Wed, I gave a talk on choosing the right Nikkor Lenses to achieve the right look on the wedding day. Myself, along with Joe McNally, Brian Marcus and Jon Solano, Cherie Steinberg Cote, and Tony Corbell gave our presentations to some terrific crowds. Also, on Monday evening Nikon hosted a Big Event that was capped off with a concert by Blues Traveler. A great time was had by all who attended.
My platform presentation was on Tuesday. That's always a blast. I really enjoy the energy of speaking to that many people at one time. I hope my message went over well- Hone your skills first, then you can develop your style. A huge thanks to Nikon USA for sponsoring this event.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of WPPI is the friendships that are established. I met my best friend, Susan Stripling, because of WPPI several years ago. This year, we had a blast with our friends from all over. You all know who you are!
The WPPI 16x20 awards of exellence print competition was also held during this week. It's perhaps the most coveted print comp in the industry. I was fortunate enough to win first place in the wedding photojournalism category, and the Grand award for Photojournalism. I couldn't be more proud if this accomplishment.
I've been asked by many about the winning image. I've posted it here on the blog in the past. My amazing clients, Bob and Amy Tigani, upon recessing after their ceremony in Wilmington DE, grabbed some flowers and walked out the back door the their church, St. Joseph's on the Brandywine. Now, I had no idea what to expect. I had my D3 with a 70-200 on it and I just followed them out the door, down a path, across a street, and into a cemetery. They stopped and shared one of the most moving moments I've ever witnessed.. Bob's grandparents, with whom he was extremely close to, were buried in that cemetery behind the church. Bob and Amy paid their respects, and I did my best to capture that moment from a distance. I was moved beyond belief, but realized I had made a very special image for them. It just happened to win the WPPI Grand Award for Photojournalism for 2009.
As I stated when I accepted this award, we're only as good as our clients. Thank you, Bobby and Amy, once again for allowing me into your world and letting me document this moment in your lives.
Here's the image
A huge thanks to master printmaker, Jonathan Penney, for his brilliant printwork and mounting. Give him a try!
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU ARE AN AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER.
Love the picture.
Posted by: Loie | February 24, 2009 at 10:02 AM
what a beautiful and touching moment that you captured
Posted by: Lori | February 24, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Cliff,
Congratulations on your huge WPPI win. That moment was so unbelievably moving. I actually choked up up while explaining it to my wife.
Thank you again for teaching a fantastic Plus class. It was an honor to be a part of it.
All the best,
Brian
Posted by: Brian DeLorenzo | February 25, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Amazing and Beautiful shot! A moment so moving captured forever, an award well deserved! Love your work Cliff!
Posted by: Lincy Jarowski | February 26, 2009 at 09:38 AM
Your presentation at WPPI was truly inspiring. Mary Beth told me she showed you my text message raving about u... how embarrasing. Your work is beautiful and it really made me think about light differently. =) Thanks for being such an entertaining speaker!
Posted by: Erin Harvey | February 27, 2009 at 03:19 PM
I got goosebumps when I first saw you post this image on your blog months ago. Its incredibly moving, beautiful and tells so very very much of a story. You want to just stare at it for ages to figure out all the hidden layers and meanings behind the image. Well done Cliff!! You totally deserve it!!
ps: You are SO SO right, I agree with you 2 million percent when you say that we are only ever as good as our clients are. My best images have come from the most awesome clients a photographer can ever ask for :D
Posted by: Jenny Sun | March 03, 2009 at 10:14 PM
An amazing image! It's good to know that the judges got it right. Cliff, your name should be at the top of every top ten list buddy.
Lou
Posted by: Lou Korell | April 15, 2009 at 03:39 PM
What a wonderful and emotive photograph. So rare for me to be emotively captivated by a photograph but this is striking. Congratulations and thank you for sharing with us all.
Posted by: Les Higgins | May 10, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Congratulations Cliff. Well deserved. I have learned much from you and still advancing. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Eddie Moreno | February 23, 2012 at 10:24 PM