WPPI 2010 - Las Vegas

Last month I went to Vegas baby!!! But even though you might think that I went to have crazy fun I actually went to the annual WPPI Conference. WPPI stands for the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. It takes place at the beginning of every year and it's where us wedding photographers go to see the new gadgets and also to brush up on our business skills.

Of course I have a blast when I go especially with other photog friends. This year I went with Debra Morrison, Jen O'Sullivan and her husband Tim O'Sullivan.

Driving there Debra and I took a pit stop at Bob's Big Boy. Sorry Bob for standing in front of you! ;)

Hit the tables later... but for now on to the Trade Show...

A peek inside the huge Trade Show room which holds tons of photography vendors and new things to buy! I love this thing.

Later that evening we took a break and took in a light show at Downtown Vegas.

Some more shots of the vendors at the Trade Show...

The view from my hotel room. :)

For more information go to www.wppionline.com. You'll find so much information it's scary! Well til next year...

Portraits: 1st Semi-Annual Portrait Party

Well if you were there you know what a great time we all had. If you weren't then you get another chance around Halloween. I'm talking about my Portrait Party! I invited friends, family & neighbors to come and sit in on some free portraits.

There was music, food and lots of laughs. The portrait party lasted all day and I even had the help of makeup and hair stylist Shannon Kurowski. As you can see the results were great. Everyone let loose and I captured the antics.

I am planning my next Portrait Party on Halloween. So if you'd like to be included then drop me a line at santiago@santiagovalencia.com. Bring your friends, family & kids. Hopefully you will dressed up and we'll capture the fun!!

til next time,

Santiago Valencia

Santiago Valenica's Portrait Party!!! Don't miss this.

Hey folks,

If we are friends on Facebook you probably already know about this but if not then here we go. I am hosting a complimentary Portrait Party on Saturdy March 6, 2010 at my place from 11am to 3pm (maybe later). And I am inviting everyone!! I will be shooting your portrait for free. Then you will get a few images on CD when it's all done. There's nothing to buy so don't worry about that. Bring your family and friends and let's have some fun. Come by yourself or with your entire gang.

It would be great if you could RSVP so that I know how many people to expect.

Also I will have Shannon Kurowski there helping out with make up and hair. What a great deal huh?! Free portraits and make up and hair!! So don't miss out. All you have to do is email me and I will fit you in on a time slot. Again, please RSVP! Email me at: santiago@santiagovalencia.com

Can't wait to see you and meet new faces,

Santiago Valencia

Event: Jen O'Sullivan's Holiday Dinner

Last night my mentor Jen O'Sullivan invited me and some other great photographers to a holiday dinner at the Salt Creek Grill in Valencia. I had such a great time hanging out with Jen, Debra, Brittany, Rebecca, Izzy, Tim, Cherie and her husband. :)

This was the cake of the evening. I was so amazed at this cake that when I arrived at the table I thought it was real! It looks just like my camera. The cake was done by Melinda Piligian at Cake Goodness. If you need a cake hit her up! She is fantastic. (www.cakegoodness.com)




Jen in action...


Oh, and she tells me that I have a 'wild eye'. Look at these beauties!...


Awww. That's love...


'Hmmm...Wine from a spin off cap bottle. This should be okay...'



'On second thought...'


'Hey, how you doin'?'



'I promise. This cake is not vegan! Just eat it!!'


'Is that Rice Krispie Treats I smell?'


'I really hope this isn't a tie.'


Hey, Debra, nice gift but what's that behind you?


No, I mean the other one...


Oh, I see. Nevermind. ;)



Sisters separated at birth?? Hmmm. You be the judge.



Yum.




This is what photographers do to their cameras when they forget to set the ISO.... :(


Still hungry...


Ok, maybe one more bite...


Happy Holidays to you guys. I had a great time. See you in 2010.
-Santiago Valencia