David Williams, Neil Van Niekerk & More! 8/7-8/9 - Chapel Hill, NC

[Brian Mullins]

Hey everyone. Wanted to let you know about a group I belong to, the WPS, is having their 2nd annual convention from August 7th - August 9th, 2011, in Chapel Hill, NC. The convention is geared towards wedding and portrait photographers both who are brand new as well as the more experienced photographers. I've got more information below on the convention.

You can visit the convention page @: 2011 Wedding Photographic Society Convention


Keynote Speakers

We’ve brought in twelve speakers this year, both from the Raleigh area and from as far away as Toronto, Canada. Here’s is the list of the Keynote Speakers with a small taste of their numerous highlights:

David Williams – Recipient of the Accolade Lifetime Achievement Award from WPPI

Neil Van Niekerk - Runs the “Tangents” website and spends much of his time traveling the country teaching flash workshops.

Amber Holritz -Amber was on the Pictage Advisory council in 2007, sold out her 2011 WPPI portrait master class and spoken on the WPPI road trip.

Schedule

This year we’ve split up the classes so you can choose your own experience. Each day has 3 classes being held at two different times, so choose the two you want to visit (morning and afternoon). At the end of Sunday & Monday, we are also holding shooting sessions again, so plan on bringing your gear and have some fun! On Tuesday, David Williams will be closing out the educational portion of the convention with his Cycles & Echoes lecture. Let me just say, this topic is something that WILL give you a different viewpoint on what we do and why we do it and has brought the house down at WPPI and other various venues. You do not want to miss this! Tuesday evening we close out the convention with our 2nd annual industry party. Everyone is invited to put their dancing shoes on, grab a drink and get on the dance floor. Didn’t attend the convention? That’s OK, come on our anyway and see what you’ve been missing!

Additional Speakers

In addition to the keynote speakers above, we’ve brought in local and no so local photographers speaking on a wide variety of both portrait and wedding photography topics!

Missy McLamb – The high end client
James Walters – Don’t be a poser
Tim Sayer – Rocking Portraits
Christobal Perez – Mama said
Scott Lewis – Finding your vision
Andrea Halsey – Portrait designing
Martha Manning – The art of balance
Stacy Borelli – Photo roller coaster
Matt McGraw – Shooting session
Brian Mullins – Lighting 101/201

Stuff!

This year promises to be even better with the sponsors really stepping up to the plate and donating… yes, DONATING, tons of free stuff for you to use in your business! Will talk more about the sponsors soon but the initial response we have gotten is breathtaking. If you didn’t come out last year, then you are in for a treat. The WPS Convention sponsors DONATE products to be given to our attendees. This is not simply a coupon but real actual “stuff”! To name a few, Finao gave away albums to every attendee, Alien skin provided several copies of their software, including the Bokeh software suite, Kelly Moore donated camera bags, B&H gave away gift cards, and so much more! In other words, you will come away from the convention with shiny new toys!

Other Stuff!

Being very close to Franklin St offers a TON of opportunities to go out and enjoy the local nightlife. The Carolina Inn has given us a great room discount so if you are staying at the hotel, then you DEFINITELY need to visit Franklin St and enjoy the local nightlife. We are also running a competition for all convention attendees. Hit up the old well and capture a cool shot. The best one wins a special giveaway from the WPS!

Just a reminder, the early registration price of $269 ends on May 20th!

Everyone at the WPS is excited to see you at the convention and, in the meantime, send any questions directly to us at info@weddingphotographicsociety.com.