I’ve been to many conventions over the years, in fact probably more than I should admit to. But if you’re like me you’ve probably noticed that in recent years there had been a change. It was as if a cloud of “Doom and Gloom” was hovering over the floor, lurking like a photographic grim reaper ready to cut everyones futures short.
Vendors expressed disappointment in their interactions, photographers grumbled that some vendors didn’t even bother to show up. Nobody seemed to be spending money. All in all, the past 24 months have probably been the lowest point in the photography industry during my lifetime. It was down right freaking depressing at times!
But my how things have changed in just a few short months. This year at WPPI the vendors are pumped, the crowd is big and the mood is fresh. It’s like I can breathe again. I find myself wondering were this crowd had come from as I look thru the mass of shutterbugs milling about and blocking my way…
Have we reached an economic turning point? Are people here because they have money to spend?
OR
Is this vibe I’m feeling just the photographic “Fresh Meat” looking to cut their teeth and make a name for themselves? Supporting their photographic dreams with day job funding.
Only WPPI knows for sure which way the scale tips but either way you look at it, money is changing hands and that’s a good thing for the industry as a whole. I’m holding out and cheering for a change in the economy but only time will tell.
What do you think? I’m interested to hear your feedback. Here are some thoughts we’ve received so far via @DWF_forum on twitter and on our Facebook page.
- jedgar I think once people actually made some big $ doing wedding photography everyone and their mother thought they could make a buck.
- guycollierphoto or a very well marketed show?
- abritton people that haven’t looked at their books to see if they can even afford to go.
- dixiepixel NEWBS! I wish it were the economy, otherwise I’d be there too!
- nickbeaulieu Let me just say this…. when there are people with MULTIPLE children in my classes, I wonder if they are really pros.
- chelokeys it’s because of the fantasy that some top photographers (excuse me, former photograpers) perpetuate on their blogs/workshops.
- chelokeys and there seems to be a culture against “newbies” (I hate the word) that is very unpleasant.
- deluge of AWACs (anyone with a camera)
- Flood of newbies
- At least they are learning!!!
- stacilandis there is much marketing to newbies that they, too, can become like the leaders in the industry. Good marketing is all.
- New blood.
- I think its more about a bad economy. Its why people go back to school to train in a new field.
Its 5 days of everything you wanted to know about wedding photography and more….!
5 Comments at "WPPI is Packed! New Blood or New Economy or Something Else?"
I think there is a lot happening at WPPI, and I think it was marketed this year in a bigger bolder and brighter way. More people talking and connecting through blogs and Facebook. I’d give a little to the economy and little more the “fresh meat”. but more the the marketing genius of the planners of WPPI.
Maybe its a sign of a bad economy!
More job losses leads to ” Hmmmmm what will I do next…. well I’ve always loved photography…….”
The marketing for wanna be, or upcoming wedding photogs is doing business like never before.
Competition is high, so of course people want to learn the ’3 steps to successful marketing’ or ‘the best way to pose a bride’.
It seems that Wedding/Portrait photography has more how to blogs, classes and workshops than any other field in the market.
There will be power workshops too soon, with the white toothed, photo-guru, ex-professionals telling us how to build wealth with photography.
Remember when everyone wanted to be in Real Estate!
I totally agree with what Kevin says!
Wedding photographers seem to think the current market demands that they sell their know-how to wedding photographers.
It’s probably the most inbred industry in the world at the moment.
There are so many wannabe photographers eager for the next drip-fed routines from the “name” photographers, with precious little real work being done.
WPPI is a success because of social integration and not because its doing anything new.
Poor show all round really.
Any report from Focus in the UK? Thats this week too.
I find it funny that it seems so many people hate those that are new to photography…now granted there are some you want to just kick in the pants and make leave, but we all have to remember we were newbies as well.
We also have to remember that we always have to learn. The day a photographer says I am a pro and know everything will probably be the day he/she starts to see their business go in the well you know.
I was not able to attend this year but am making plans and budget to do so next year.
I am glad to hear that it was a great turn out.
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