WPPI 2010 - Las Vegas

We left for WPPI four days ago. Six photographers, nine pieces of luggage, six camera bags, three purses and an ice chest. The four hour drive flew by as we discussed current marketing trends, recent business adventures and heart felt desires for the upcoming week at WPPI. Before we knew it we pulled into our dusty, middle-of-renovation Tropicana Hotel. WPPI was at the MGM, and Tropicana is right next across the street. Luckily, our team of photog's had a great sense of humor as we joked about choosing the power tool we would prefer to be woken up by and the awesome rustic feel the taped off windows and doorways gave us.

As soon as we got there an unloaded our Suburban full of luggage, we hiked up a couple flights of stairs and flung ourselves onto our beds. There really was no time for rest, we had our first photo shoot about an hour after we arrived. Emma Smith, in association with Pay It Forward Photography hosted a Bridal Session around the strip. Here are a few of our favorite from the shoot.















I have many posts to write about as we debrief from the sensory overload of WPPI. Being surrounded by 11,000 photographers and a couple thousand vendors was remarkable, to say the least. Besides the sheer excitement of the Canon booth (for me) and the Nikon booth (for Nick) we were like little kids on Christmas day as we walked around and met with some of the coolest people we have ever met! Trust me, I have several blogs to write about the awesome vendors we met and how they stole our hearts... stay tuned.

-Liz Corona

ExpoBridal - Bridal Gown Fashion Show

Everyone knows that I am introverted. Most people know that my preference is to be at home, snuggled up with our daughter, with a good book and probably some brownies baking in the oven. So it is a learning curve to get out of my shell and present Nick Corona Photography at a bridal show. So there I stand....Mrs. Introvert....surrounded by dozen of eager brides looking to find their perfect vendors. Luckily, ExpoBridal has some of the most fun bridal shows in Southern California! It makes it easier to let Mrs. Introvert take a rest, and force out Loud-Fun-Mrs. Nick Corona Photography!

We got to meet some more awesome vendors, and ExpoBridal has a stellar fashion show! It was great to get to meet some of the local photographers and plan some fun date nights while we are at WPPI in Vegas!

Nick was able to shoot their fashion show (while Mrs. Introvert sat quietly in the back), and they came out awesome!








Enjoy!

Liz Corona

Knotts Berry Farm Resort - Bridal Showplace Bridal Expo

Yesterday's Bridal Show at the Knotts Berry Farm Resort was beautiful, elegant and all around FUN! The brides we met with were beaming ear to ear with wonder and anticipation of their wedding planning adventure. Bridal Showplace puts on shows throughout the year and this year Nick Corona Photography is participating in two of those shows. Our goal at a bridal show is to stand out! We bring a sofa, a couple chairs, bright red backdrops and large format prints.


We enjoy getting to talk to all the brides that come by our booth, and getting to know a little about them and their wedding. Although meeting with all the brides is wonderful, the next best thing about bridal shows is getting to meet the other photographers and network around So Cal.


Lasting Images Photography Studio was also there, and we were able to throw around lots of ideas and avenues of marketing... which is always a PLUS!


Laura, from Remember Me...Photography we there with some steller prints. She is a fellow member of IEPPV, and we were able to talk throughout the show. One particularly hot topic was last weeks IEPPV speaker Mike Colon, which I blogged about a few days ago. We also talked about how to potty train Kara, our two year old... thanks for all the tips Laura! (See why I like to network?!)



Last but not least... Henry Wang from Henry Wang Photography was also there! Talk about a fun guy to have at your wedding! Henry - your photos are incredible and we look forward to getting together at WPPI!


It was so wonderful to get to meet all of you at the show...We will be at the Queen Mary in August, and we hope to see you there! We also have a bridal show this coming Sunday with ExpoBridal at the Hyatt Regency in Newport. Come out and see us!

- Liz Corona

Hector & Jessica - Giddy with Love

Hector and Jessica got married right before Christmas (Yes, I know that shows our slack in blog posting!) and the entire day neither of them could contain their excitement. Every moment was filled with laughter and a few with tears as they said their vows in front of family and friends. It was more than happines... it was giddiness. Hector and Jessica were giddy with excitement and love to embark on their journey of life together. It was a breath of fresh air! Here are a few of our fav's from the day.











Fire & Water - true definition of opposites attracting! Hector and Jessica has the fire and water symbols engraved into their wedding rings. Super special!



Hector and Jessica wanted a small, simple cake, filled with all the little symbols of their favorite things. I did their cake for them - red velvet with butter cream frosting... yum! Hector loves batman, hence the batman logo, and both are very fond of their puppies, and wanted to incorporate little paw prints into their cake. What a way to personalize it!

IEPPV - Inland Empire Professional Photographer and Videographer Association

We received a text message from one of our photographer friends... (Thanks Diana) that one of our pictures was featured on the IEPPV homepage! We were stoked to see that one of our award winning prints was featured in their opening slideshow as well as their rotating banner. This is the second year we have been members of IEPPV and we are loving every second of it.

Last night we got to sit and listen to Mike Colon tell us about how he grew his business and what marketing strategies worked best for him. Without hesitation Nick and I looked at each other and knew that this was the direction we needed to go. In less than 24 hours after hearing Mike speak, we are being published on Collages.net and potential linking with a local chapter of Big Brother Big Sisters to begin a photography program. WOW!

When we get our studio featured, you can be sure we will link to it from here!

There is no real segway back to IEPPV from that, so I will jump back on my own. Besides awesome speakers (like Mike) IEPPV hosts quarterly print competitions and works closely with PPC for exhibitions. It is a tremendous association to be a part of, and we are looking forward to al the upcoming events in 2010!

Christina & Joey - Pomona Valley Mining Co.

The antique charm possessed by this couple was magnetizing. From Christina's shabby-chic veil to Joey's love filled, Christ-cententric vows, this couple's love permeated through the souls of every guest in attendance. Praise and prayers filled the air as Joey and Christina said their "I Do's". It was a beautiful and refreshing sight to see such love and mutual respect for the other. After the ceremony everyone headed over to Pomona Valley Mining Company to celebrate Christina and Joey's relationship. We are excited to see God's will play out in their lives, and look forward to capturing many more of their special moments. Congratulations Joey and Christina!!