WPPI 2013

WPPI = Wedding Portrait Photography International Convention.  I know all non photographers were going to ask what is WPPI? This convention started in 1978 and is the Mother Ship of photography conventions. They draw crowds of around 12,000 photographers every year in Las Vegas. I have been attending for the last 15 years or so while only missing one year.

I love their trade shows, the biggest in the industry. It's the best way to discover what is new and exciting. A few years ago it was printing on metal, which I still love, this year it is printing on wood. I can't wait to receive my samples. And I love the wood blocks for a kids room.  I took this image straight from my new vendor's website. Love it!

This year my daughter, Cate, and her roommate, Kristen, attended with me. We had a blast together. Pretty different going dancing with my daughter at the clubs, but fun at the same time.

Me and my Sweet Girl,  Cate.

She also modeled for the very talented Michele Celentano for the Canon stage during the trade show.  Of course, they both rocked it being the professionals that they are.

Michele and Cate

Cate on the Big Screen

I also love catching up with old friends. These are two of my favorite blondes! lol Ok, it's just weird because 95% of my friends are brunettes.

Me, Judy, and Jennifer

After the convention Cate, Kristen, and I went exploring at the Casino's. They are just gorgeous!

Cesar's Palace

Our view from our room

Venetian!

Ventian! Love window displays.

Ventian

Cate and Kristen

Can't wait to go back next year. And, my daughter has already told me, "I'm coming year every! This is so much fun." :)

Oh Shoes and More Shoes for Dandor Amor!

For any of you that follow my facebook or blog know I have been collecting shoes... Well, we did it! We collected about 300 pairs. Imagine, that's 300 people that now own their first pair of shoes. That's amazing and should put a big ole smile on your face to those that donated knowing that you had a part in it.

What is even more amazing to me is Travis Gugelman and Lori Nordstrom for starting this wonderful charity, Dandor Amor. Yes, two people can make a difference.  Please click on this link http://dandoamor.com to read about their charity.

I was so excited when I received Travis' text saying he was pulling onto my street.  I couldn't wait to meet him and his family. The first thing I saw was his youngest son running out of the motor home running around in circles with no shoes on! lol  He was so excited to get out of the car and release some energy. Can't imagine planning a cross country trip. That is a lot of hours in the car.

                                                                   
                                  My collection!

Thank you to all that donated and deserve a shout out:

Cate Sarganis Fritz
Peri Sarganis
Victoria Mann
Sherrill Iniguez
Suzanne and James Cochrane
Kadena Tate
Patty Farmer
Kristine Leathers - and her family
Jackie Pendleton
Gail Patrice - she actually mailed me shoes from Sacramento, Ca :)
Melissa and Nathan Nakamura
Carey Zarate
Melissa Dudley Vaughan - she also collected shoes from her friends and family!



Off the shoes go to the orphanages.  That is me and Travis below.

                                                       

I'm giving you fair warning... I'll be collecting again next year so please start saving your shoes for me now.  Pretty Please!

Love my Old Friends!

I love connecting with old friends and Facebook is wonderful for that. In fact, that is my favorite thing about Facebook. Well, I posted that I was home in Cali and my dear friend, Victoria, from my KTIM days contacted me asking if I was interested in getting together. Um, Yes! We had a great time catching up and breakfast lasted way longer than an hour.

She met me a few days later and I captured these beautiful images of  her. She looks GREAT! I'm jealous of her legs too!

 

She also generously bought me a big bag of shoes for Danor Amor's shoe drive to give the shoeless shoes.  Hope to see you again next time I'm in Cali. Thanks Victoria!

March is Shoe Drive Month!

                                                                        Photo by Travis Gugelman
                                             

There are 1.5 BILLION people in our world who do not even have one pair of shoes!

MANY are precious children! Yet...we throw away OVER 680 million pairs of shoes in every year in the USA.

As I (Travis Gugelman) have traveled and met so many orphanes children one thing I have fallen in love with is there laughter. 

They are shoeless, parentless, and often very hungry, and malnutritioned, but they have love to give!

                                  Photo by Travis Gugelman

Here is the link.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208324319599840024904.0004d5e873909dd82041b&msa=0&ll=37.509726%2C-93.251953&spn=50.928594%2C95.009766

Please help us make a dent in this sadness!
WE are asking everyone to make MARCH our month to collect shoes. (And a few days into April)

Travis Gugelman and Lori Nordstrom will be driving ACROSS the nation April 2nd-10th on a SHOE DRIVE.

They have arranged for a shipping company to pick up shoes from large drop locations once they have 25K pairs of shoes.
These can be any kind of shoe, any size, and in any condition.

***************************************************************************Did you check out the map? I'm so excited to be a part of this Charity Drive for Dando Amor. 

My house is also a drop off location, so please feel free to drop your shoes off in the box by the front door. Or please message me or call me at 469-388-5904 and I will come pick them up!

I will also be hosting a Shoe Drive Party at my house on Tuesday, March 26th from 5-8 pm. Please feel free to drop by anytime during that time frame. Stay two minutes or stay two hours. Those that bring 5 or more pairs of shoes will receive a free headshot from me! Please bring shoes in a ziploc baggie with the size written in a sharpie on the outside of the baggie.

I'm counting on you for your help and support. Please help me have something for Travis and Lori to actually pick up when they stop by my house. :)

Thanks,
Karyn

SPI Convention, Orlanda FL 13

I'm always so honored when I'm asked to present a program to the photography industry. This profession has blessed me in so many ways. I have met very talented, fabulous people that have become life long friends.

Any time I am asked to share I always say YES, especially in Florida during the month of January. I think we will be one of those old retired couples that own a winter home there! lol

The best part about this trip was bringing my daughter, Cate, with me to be my model. She is my muse and my favorite person to photograph. She is an extremely talented model who knows how to give each person with a camera a "look" and a smile all the while posing for the instructor at the same time.  Poor thing has had a camera pointed in her face from the moment she was born. Hey, that is what happens when your mom is a professional photographer... hazards of living in this family.

Well, we couldn't stay this close to "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" and not go visit. I must say they outdid my expectations, felt like we were actually in Hogwart's Castle. The post office/wand shop looked just like the set from the movies.  We also visited Universal Studio's other side of the park, which was fun too. We met Jaws , saw Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe.

If you would like to see more of Cate's images and take a peek into Harry Potter World click on the link below to watch the video.

SPI Convention, Orlando FL 13

MUAH: About Face

DFW Photo Expo and Me!

This weekend is Arlington Camera's big photo expo. They have lined up an impressive list of photographers to present. Tony Corbell (adore him!), Sandy Puc', Will Crockett, Steve Kozak and Richard Sturdevant to name just a few. If you are in the industry you know who they are!

And guess who else is presenting two programs?  Yep, me. I'm always so honored when asked to speak at conventions or expos!

Here are my details, just in case you might want to stop by.

Saturday Dec. 1st 3 pm- 4 pm
"Sharing all my Best Secrets!"

Sunday Dec. 2nd  1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
"Putting the Art Back in Photography"



Here is the link for more info - http://www.dfwphotoexpo.com/main/

Shoot Out America - SPI Convention

I am always so honored when asked to present a program to other photographers. And in Florida with a trip to Disney World in January - doesn't get any better than that!

SPI has lined up some amazing speakers. The ever so talented photoshop guru, Eddie Tapp with his wonderful finance Judy Host speaking on the Creative Process. Along with Richard Sturdevant sharing his program "Never Surrender the Quest for Excellence".  Richard is the only person to score 4 perfect 100 prints at PPA.  Now, that's is impressive!

I love that they have covered all the basis with programs. From Business, Marketing, Design, Photoshop, Children, Family, Seniors to the Great Shoot Out America. They will have shooting bays with all the instructors demonstrating their shooting styles along with the attendee's shooting for themselves.

Finished out with a trip to Disney World for $79 a night. Bring the family and make it a vacation!

Check out the 10 ten reasons to attend by clicking on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpsXcsP81FI&feature=youtu.be

Hope to see you there!

Click here to register spiconvention.com