For the past week, we have been interviewing senior photographers that are speaking at WPPI.  I hope you have learned about them, their work and are going to sign up for their classes in Vegas.

So where will Seniorologie be during WPPI?  Well, we will be there with bells on and hope to meet some of you!!  Below is our Schedule for the week…

As you can see above we have many events planned and we would love to see you there!  In addition to The Seniorologie Shoot Out on Monday, there will be two free Q&A’s with Holli True and Seniorologie!  The first is on Tuesday, February 21 and is open to a limited number of guests.  To Sign up for this free event, just click on this link..http://seniorqa.eventbrite.com/.  We will be meeting in Holli’s suite and enjoy an informal hour of questions and answers all about senior photography!

The second Q&A is on Wednesday, February 22 and is also an informal Q&A.  This event is full and we look forward to meeting each of you that signed up!!

Even though there are several events where Seniorologie is involved, you will also see me at many classes trying to learn as much as I can!  I will also be visiting the trade show and saying hi to all our favorite vendors!!  So if you see a crazy, curly-headed girl in the halls, on the trade show floor or wherever, be sure to say hi!!

If this will be your first time attending WPPI, I have put together a few tips to help you!

1. Pack Smart – Now that most airlines make you pay for your luggage you don’t want to carry any extra baggage!  Pack your suitcase so that it does not exceed the weight limit or you will be paying even more for that bag!  Also, it is a great idea to leave room in your suitcase for all the goodies you will definitely purchase either shopping in Vegas (which is another place you will definitely see me – Fashion Show Mall anyone?) or shopping at the trade show.  Plus, you will receive all kinds of extra information on products and lots of speakers have giveaways!!

2. What to Wear – This is a tough one for me!  The first year I went, I made the mistake of thinking…”it’s the desert.  Surely it will be warm!”  Wrong!!  It isn’t always warm in Vegas so make sure to pack a jacket!  With that said, you will definitely see all kinds of things in Vegas as far as wardrobe!  My suggestion would be to pack jeans and cute tops and a jacket for the day time and something a little fancier for night!  Also, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes!!!  You will walk a lot!!  Last year I stayed at the MGM Grand and I swear it was at least a mile and a half from my room to the classrooms!!  Stay tuned tomorrow for a what to wear guide for WPPI.

3. Make Friends – This is the best opportunity to network!!  While standing in line at Starbucks (and trust me there is a line!!), waiting for the classes to start or hanging out in one of the trade show booths are all great opportunities to strike up a conversation with a fellow photographer!  Last year I met three of the greatest girls that I am still friends with today!!  We met while waiting in line for a class and ended up hanging out the rest of the week!  If you are shy, take this chance to push yourself to be a little more outgoing.  You will be glad you did.  If you are friends with other photographers online, email them before the trip and plan a lunch or grab coffee with them.  It is always nice to put a face with the cyber friend you have been corresponding with for so long!  If anyone wants to grab lunch or coffee with me, email me!  I love meeting new people!!

4. Plan your Classes – but don’t worry if that plan changes!  Trying to decide on classes can be tough.  There are so many and many of the ones you want to attend are at the same time!  It is best to sit down with the schedule before you go to Vegas and decide what is the most important thing you want to learn.  Pick your classes accordingly.  One mistake I made in the past was picking classes solely on the “celebrity photographer” and not really paying attention to what they were speaking about.  I ended up leaving a few classes early because they were not at all what I wanted to learn.  So pick the classes based on the content and not necessarily solely on the speaker.  Some of the biggest names are not always the best speakers and some of the names you may have never heard of may teach you more than you thought they could.  The other thing with classes is don’t try to cram too many in or you will get overwhelmed.  It is a lot of information so pace yourself, take a break if you need one, but don’t get frustrated!

5. Pack necessary items for each day – You will want to always have the following with you at all times:  A pen, notebook paper and business cards!!  There will be so many opportunities to meet people and they will want your business cards so they can stay in touch.  Also, there is so much information you want to make sure you have something to record it in.  I am still old school and use a pen and paper but you can always use an ipad or laptop if you want.

The last tip I am going to give is to have fun!!!  This is such a wonderful experience and I know each and every one of you will be so glad you went to WPPI!!