WPPI, Ghost Town, and Fuji 400
Las Vegas is a city of lights, excitement, and entertainment. It's a place where dreams can come true, and people go to escape the mundane realities of everyday life. And for me, it was the destination for WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International), an annual conference that attracts photographers worldwide. But what made this trip so special was the conference, the amazing people I met, and the incredible experiences I had during my stay.
I was fortunate enough to connect with some amazing photographers on Instagram before my trip, and we all decided to meet in Las Vegas. Ike (@Photomeike), Townes (@shotbytownes), Dre (@king.leo), and Stan (@s2media.wa) were all talented photographers whom I was excited to meet finally.
The crew getting setup at Ghost Town.
Vee with the amazing pose.
On the first day, we headed to El Dorado Canyon Mining Town, Ghost town. The town is a popular spot for photographers and filmmakers, with its abandoned buildings, rusted cars, and old mining equipment creating a unique and eerie backdrop for photo shoots. We were lucky enough to have Valencia (hypnotic.vee), a fantastic model from Washington State, join us for the shoot. She was stunning and knew how to pose, making our job as photographers much easier.
I decided to shoot with Fujifilm 400 film, known for its vibrant colors and ability to capture fine details. However, I wanted to experiment with overexposing the film to create a dreamy, ethereal look to the photos. I knew it was a risky move, but I wanted to try something new and see how it would turn out.
Parts of a Navy plane at Ghost Town.
Another part of Ghosh town.
As we explored the ghost town, I snapped away with my film camera, capturing Valencia in various poses and locations. I was thrilled with how the day was going and couldn't wait to see how the film would turn out.
The next day was even more exciting, as Ike organized a photo walk at the ghost town. It was an opportunity for photographers and models to come together, share their skills and techniques, and create some incredible images. Ike was a great host, offering advice and guidance to those who needed it, and the models were all fantastic, bringing their unique style and creativity to the shoot.
Townes and Vee previewing a video.
Ike and Stan with Ike giving Vee some direction.
Townes and Stan were also there, bringing their video skills. They captured some amazing footage, showcasing the beauty and haunting atmosphere of the ghost town. I felt so lucky to be part of this group, surrounded by talented and passionate individuals.
Looking back on my trip to Las Vegas for WPPI, I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I learn so much about photography and meet some incredible people, but I also got to explore a fascinating part of the world and capture it on film. I will always cherish the memories and the photos from that trip, and I can't wait to see where my photography journey takes me next.