WPPI Hosts the “The University for School and Sports Photography” During its Annual Conference + Expo

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced it will host an entire day of high impact educational sessions, networking, and special events dedicated to members of the newly formed Professional School & Sports Photographers International (PSPI).  “The University for School and Sports Photography” will be held on Saturday, March 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and include an educational curriculum dedicated to the craft and business of school photography.

Attendees will learn best business practices, how to improve their profitability, as well as important school laws and regulations on student data privacy. Other topics such as creating team composites, senior banners and the best products to offer will round out a full day of education. Keeping in tradition with WPPI, the experience will be fun, and offer chances to win great giveaways and interact with vendors exhibiting at the mini tradeshow which runs all day. All WPPI attendees with a full platform pass are invited to attend and can also participate in over 80 Platform Classes and have free access to the 3-day Expo showcasing the most advanced cameras, lenses, accessories and print output options in the industry. Free admission to the WPPI Opening Night Party at Hakkasan nightclub inside the MGM Grand is also included with a full platform pass. A list of events and activities for “The University” on March 5 can found here.

School and sports photographers and owners wishing to attend PSPI at WPPI can save hundreds of dollars on registration fees and gain additional benefits only available to members by becoming a PHOTO+ member.  The annual $149 membership includes free access to The University for School and Sports Photography (March 5), access to over 80 WPPI Platform Classes (March 6-10), a 3-day pass to the WPPI Expo (March 7-9), and free admission to all special events during the week-long conference, including live judging of the Honors of Excellence Print, Album and Filmmaking Competition, the Opening Night Party, the Keynote featuring portrait photographer and photography educator Sue Bryce, and the Honors of Excellence Awards Ceremony.  In addition to saving $200 on registration, members will also receive annual subscriptions to Photo District News (PDN), Rangefinder, and steep savings on contest entry fees and vendor discounts on gear, software, insurance and more throughout the year. Attendees choosing to register as non-members may purchase a WPPI full platform pass online for $329 in advance or for $400 onsite.

“We are very excited to welcome PSPI members to the annual WPPI Conference + Expo and create an entire day of educational programming completely dedicated to school and sports photography,” explains Jason Group, The PHOTO+ Group director of education and membership and member of PSPI’s board of directors.  “They will also benefit from the multi-dimensional aspects of WPPI including the Platform Classes and special add-on classes comprised of Photo Walks, Plus and Master Classes, and the overall energy and camaraderie among attendees.”

University for School and Sports Photography

All educational sessions are conveniently located in one master ballroom. Experienced quality speakers rotate to the stage while you connect with friends and meet new ones. Listen to high impact 30 minute solution based presentations that provide you with what you need to know. The University for School and Sports Photography as well as select Master and Platform classes are sponsored by American Color Imaging, Bay Photo, Kodak, and Miller’s Professional Imaging.

 

PLATFORM Classes

A Platform Class is a 1 ½-hour, theatre-style session that prepares attendees for everything from becoming a better photographer to running a more successful and profitable business, and beyond. Eleven learning tracks include Lighting, Children, Seniors, Posing, Inspirational, Wedding, Boudoir, Foreign Language, Workflow, Filmmaking, and Business.

Included in the Platform Class lineup is a special seminar directed specifically at PSPI members. On Sunday, March 6 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Ed Monahan will present “Where Photography, Cameras, and Prints are Headed.” During this class, Ed will share information on the state of the market, business forecasting and product line strategies, as well as how to protect or replace margins with new products and business transformation.

PLUS Classes

A Plus Class is a one-day, intimate and intensive learning experience. Limited to 25 participants per class, you’ll experience classroom learning through a 2-3 hour presentation by one of our world-class photography instructors followed by hands-on training through an afternoon of shooting on location. Plus Class tracks will include off camera lighting, posing techniques, workflow and more. Plus Classes traditionally sell out quickly. Classes may be purchased while registering online. To register, CLICK HERE.

MASTER Classes

A Master Class is a focused two-hour, hands-on session limited to 50 participants that provides a detailed learning experience on a variety of vital photography and filmmaking topics including Lighting, Wedding, Portrait, Inspirational, Business, Workflow and Filmmaking. Classes can be purchased while registering online.

On Sunday, March 6 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Richard Sturdevant will present “Sports and Fantasy Art.” Known for his very distinctive sports and fantasy art style, Richard Sturdevant will show you how to approach this type of illustration and the thought process behind it. The techniques can be applied to everyday sports team as well as creating super fantasy art for seniors and athletes. If you are a member of PSPI you don’t want to miss this seminar. To register for this and other Master Classes, CLICK HERE.

Photo Walks

Photo Walks are exclusive 1 ½-hour, hands-on shootouts limited to 25 people that focus on teaching the participants to sharpen their observation and composition skills while shooting alongside an industry leader. Each Photo Walk will demonstrate the leader’s unique skill set including off camera lighting, posing, gear and lens selection and more.  Photo Walks can be purchased while registering online. To register, CLICK HERE.  To learn more about all 50 scheduled Photo Walks, join the Facebook Group.  Each leader will be available to discuss their class and answer questions.

Three-day Expo

WPPI 2015 hosted more than 300 exhibiting brands over 80,000 square feet of exhibit space in the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. WPPI 2016 will be no different. Attendees will experience new photographic products and solutions first-hand from the biggest and best manufacturers, service providers and retailers dedicated to the needs of emerging and professional photographers.

For more information, visit http://www.wppionline.com.

WPPI Hosts the “The University for School and Sports Photography” During its Annual Conference + Expo