WPPI 16×20 Print Outing

I participated the WPPI 16×20 Print Competition held in Vegas just held recently. The competition was a great feedback loop from the top wedding photographers in the industry. A report card of some sort, which give myself a grade, and some tell tale to how I fair during the competition. It is a good way telling myself what I hit, and what I miss. Those I hit, I should iterate and innovate upon, and those I miss, are lessons to be learn and taken account for my next shooting. A bite into a slice of my humble pie.

There were plenty to listen, observe and learn in a print judging session – the critics, what made it in the shot, etc. It would be nice to have the judging transcript or soundbites for people like me who missed out the live event. That would mean a lot to us participants. I’ll make it a goal to attend the 2011 one! .

I was glued to the computer during the WPPI convention, salvaging the updates on facebook, twitter, and any how I could listen in to what’s happening during the convention. Heck, I downloaded the WPPI Iphone app, which at the end is not much of use for me, but a way better app for people who attend the convention. Louis, Jenny, Alex, Grace and Patrick were feeding competition news and happening on twitter. I thank you all for sharing your experiences. Thank you for delivering the news that I scored 80+ and above! That made my day.

Jenny took these entries, live from vegas baby! Thanks Jenny.

Although I did not attend the convention in Vegas, my bulk of enjoyment came from selecting and preparing the prints. I am my own worst enemy when comes down to selection. Fussy pot, critical and very close minded. I self censored my selection from collection. Sometimes it works – hopeful to pick my best work. Some time it works against me – missing out the good ones, and include some bad ones. I learn to print from my light minded peers. Hanging out with fellow WPPI participants is the best. Applauding and mesmerizing at their creation even before the judges get to have that honor. It was simply a good experience. It wouldn’t be the same without you guys participating.

These are my honorable entries mention which scored above 80. In our school days, they refer that score as an distinction. Which I am proud and happy off.

Dancing in the rain earn its 2nd Accolades of Excellence for Bride & Groom Category. I can now hang both the 16×20 Print Competition Ribbon, and the 10×8 Print Competition Ribbon on this one. Congratulations Emily and Daniel.

Untitled. WPPI debut for 16×20 Print competition. I personally love this piece. I love the detailing on a sikh bride in a sikh wedding. My mate reminded this shot of mine, and recommended me to submit for the competition, and I glad I did.

Sometimes, our client ask us, if these competition matters. What does it really mean, and what does it matter to them? It’s a good marketing tool…. only if you buy in. Award Winning Photographer. That’s a great title, but is there more to just the title? Sure that’s nice to hear. These print competition create an outline to what I can produce. From the moment we hold the camera, to directing, posing, and composing a shot – all the way to our print quality which our client would purchase, and then repeating the whole shebang, consistently. That’s the challenge for me to translate all I’ve learnt and reproduce the quality of work. Alas, all the hard work we poured out, I too like a pat at the back from authoritative and respected judges and industry fellow.

Like any achievements, it does come by with plenty of help from my fellow team, and my family whom they have been quite a pillar to what I am doing. Which brings a smile to me – I came back from my Kuala Terengganu shooting job yesterday and greeted with a nice clean room. I have been slacking with other part of my life, but I am looking forward to fix that.

And to quote a famous wedding photographer that I heart dearly – “I would like to make my print of the year with you”.

I am inspired.