I just got back home from spending the last five days in Las Vegas at the WPPI Convention. What an awesome time! Rob, Adam and I were literally awake for well over 24 hours during the last day there until we returned home. Needless to say, I am burned out. Nonetheless, we met so many awesome and talented people! Between going out on an incredible location shoot on Saturday, to hitting the tradeshow and listening to some awesome speakers, we spent the most of our time catching up with old friends and networking with other photographers. Check back over the next few days for lot’s of photos from the weekend!

For those wondering about un-returned phone calls and the inability to get through to me, my iPhone was stolen while at Terrible’s in Las Vegas. I have temporarily discontinued my cell service, but should be up and running over the weekend. I will answer all emails sent to me, but I may have lost some pending voicemails in the process. I’m having some minor surgery tomorrow morning and will spend much of the weekend on the couch. This will give me ample time to reply to emails and blog more of the events from WPPI 2008!

Hope everyone is doing well!
~dave

I’m very happy to say that I won an international award with the Wedding Photojournalist Association, during their 2007 Quarter 4 competition!

The shot comes from one of my very favorite weddings in 2007. Jenny and Jimmy Pinter, whom now reside in Seattle, WA, had a hands-down amazing wedding in Door County on August 11th, 2007. What an amazing couple! I had a truly great time working with them, and their whole family was so inviting to me throughout the entire day. I shot more than practically any wedding I’ve covered before. And it was well worth it! Some of my absolute favorite work, which I’m PROUD to call my own.

You can view the slideshow here.

I snagged this before the traditional “grand march” into the reception venue. Jenny’s younger sister was ready for a more camera aware shot. But HE had other intentions. Most times I stray from these type of shots, but I felt they were such an intricate part of the day. I couldn’t resist. Just before I grabbed it, this scenario upfolded. It was truly awesome. I think it defines the importance of accurate and realistic story telling in shooting situations such as this.

The contest was judged by the award winning Joseph Victor Stefanchik and Anna-Farrar Stefanchik. They had the following to say about the image:

“A parable about the sexes to be sure. Goofball guy, hamming it up…and a young lady who completely knows already she wants to be married, and to one of these creatures called boys. Expression and gesture carry the day.”

You can visit the WPJA here. Mad props to my very good friend and fellow Wisconsinite Kim for grabbing an award in the Details Found category! Great shot Kim! A handful of my other TOF friends received awards too!

Cheers,
~dave