This years WPPI (an International convention for photographers held in Las Vegas) was attended by over 5000 photographers from around the globe. Some of the worlds leading photographers, such as Matthew Jordan-Smith (Americas next top model) Joe Bussink (top celebrity wedding photographer) gave lectures and presentations at this years convention.

Vegas strip at night

The convention was held at Ballys Hotel, Las Vegas and runs for just over a week. With seminars starting at 8.00am in the morning and the last presentations ending at 10.30pm it makes for a pretty long week. Sandwiched in between is the trade show, where manufacturers and suppliers showcase all that’s new in the photographic world. This year we have been able source new supplies for albums and stationery for the studio - more details will follow when we receive our new supplies.

The Master Photographers Association (MPA), presented the UK’s award winning photographs this year and these were “hung” in conjunction with the WPPI’s own winning images. Mark’s photograph from the MPA awards was well received and resulted in several requests for sales including a five foot print.

Next years convention will be held earlier in the year (February) with a change in venue to the MGM.

Immediately after the convention, we headed off to Page, Arizona to shoot some stock landscapes, for the stock library Alamy.

“The Eagle” Antelope Canyon.

Page is a great place to base yourself, as it allows access to some of the great (and mainly as of yet) undiscovered areas which are sandwiched midway between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Alstrom Point, Coyttee Buttes North and South (including “the Wave”, Antelope Canyon(s), Wahweap Wash and Horseshoe Bend are all within a short distance of Page.

View from Alstrom Point, looking towards Padre Bay.

Possible one of the highlights of our stay in Page was being lucky enough to get permits to visit the world famous “wave”. Only 20 people per day are allowed into this protected area. Ten permits are allocated 3 months in advance via the NPS website - but the go almost instantly (we tried this route unsuccessfully) so our only option was to enter the daily lottery where 10 passes are drawn daily( for the following day) - during our stay around 50 people per day entered this draw for 10 passes so our chances were slim, but unbelievable on day 4 (our last chance to go before leaving Page the day after) we got lucky!!!

“The Wave”

The Wave

Page was only established in 1957 and was originally built to accommodate the workers who built the Glen Canyon Dam which formed Lake Powell (one of Americas controversial projects).

Moonrise Monument Valley

During our stay in Page, we were lucky enough to be around at the time of the new moon, so we took a drive up to Monument Valley and I was lucky to get the photograph above.

In addition to the 1841 miles we also managed to clock up another 340 miles on our day trip on the Harley. We went down a section of “Route 66″ and came across the local photographer!

Before flying home and to break the drive back to Vegas we stayed overnight a small town called Overton, which is quite close to the Valley of Fire.

Another photographer in action.

My attempts at “painting” with flash. This photograph was around 2 minute exposure (you can see the moon towards the top RHS of the photo) then you use your flashgun (with multi bursts) to illuminate the foreground.

Now back in the UK I have to edit and prepare around 2000 images to go off to the stock library that sells these on our behalf - as you can image I’ll be pretty busy for the next few weeks.

We have always had a good working relationship with the wedding co ordinators at Eltham Palace and hope that this will be continued with Nathalie, Nicola’s successor.

Best wishes from all of us her at the studio and many thanks for all you help over the years. I’m sure you’ll have a great time - and don’t forget to send us a postcard or two!!

An unusual event which had colour and vibrancy as the ceremony was an Middle Eastern Wedding Reception. From the ornate canopy which the bride and groom sat under during the meal to the lavish and colourful gowns of the guests present this was not a typical ceremony.

Hiba looked beautiful in a floaty gown and long veil with a crystal tiara amidst her long curled hair. Although the weather was not wonderful the venue looked amazing among the cacophany of styles and designs and unusual music from the two person band.

Dancing into the evening concluded this grand occasion with the guests leaving the palace at 11.30 pm.

Many congratulations go to Hiba and Adam as they enter married life together.

If you have not already booked your session with us please call the studio now on 0208 688 3972 before this limited offer ends.

The shoot will be on Tuesday 10th March (just before Mark heads off for Vegas for this years WPPI convention) and will showcase the designer gowns from White Dresses and Tiaras who are based in East Sussex.

The models are supplied from Toni and Guy in Knightsbridge - who will also be taking care of the hair and make up. Many thanks go to Shona who is organising this side of things.

The venue for the shoot is the recently refurbished Felbridge Hotel nr East Grinstead, East Sussex.
Look out for some of the photos on the blog later on in March.