WPJA has been relentlessly been kicking out members for some pretty wacked out reasons. He kicked out the first winner David Beckstead and now kicked out Huy Nguyen. These guys are two of the most respected photojournalist in the wedding industry.

Lots of members are currently dropping out in protest to the dictator ship attitude that DR has been displaying in his e-mails to members. I think most of us remember the exchange between [b]ecker and DR and how childish DR reacted.

Here's some details http://www.grantoakes.com/wpja.htm from a wpja member and DR sending him some bullying tactics e-mail to drop out of Photographik .

I'm not sure if this has already been brought up, I know there's a lot of action being taken by the members of the DWF and lots of information being shared in support of David Beckstead and Huy. David Beckstead will be producing a video a long with a few other members of him taking out his WPJA trophy with his shot gun so, stay tuned.

-Jesse

While I think David Roberts actions are reprehensible, I think the above is childish and petty and only serves to continue to make this some kind of neener-neener game rather than a serious professional issue.

Becker gained a lot of respect from me when he refused to participate in David Roberts petty "I'll outshoot you" challenge/game. It was the mature response. If Beckstead goes thru with this video, he'll just be showing himself no more mature than Roberts.

Karen

+1. I believe the adage "Cutting your nose off to spite your face" comes to mind here. With regards to the shotgun/WPJA trophy thing.

It's very sad to see that Huy has been removed from the WPJA. He's a fabulous photojournalist.

the crazy thing about the WPJA, is that photographers believe that it is an exclusive club that is hard to get into while it is nothing more than a paid advertising site for photojournalists. all you have to do it put up a bunch of PJ images on your site, and very few posed pictures. they don't even have to be good judging by some of the folks he has let in lately, they just have to be PJ.

it cracks me up when people post here or on dwf that they are so excited that they got in. that's like saying... i am so excited that mercedes let me buy a new car!!!!

even after my little run in with him, i keep telling people, if you are booking weddings from leads generated from that site, it's worth paying for. if not, why bother?

anywho, hopefully dave will send out another email to his membership bashing me... i had a lot of workshop sign ups that day!

i do think it's hilarious that huy got booted... he's about the best damn photographer in the country.

and FWIW, i don't think beckstead got kicked out, he quit on his own accord as i did several years ago. look for my xwpja.com soming soon!

What's even more unfortunate is that it's the brides who are being lied to the most. They are the ones who think it's an exclusive club and only the best of the best are allowed in.

I was kicked out a couple of years ago for petty reasons myself. It's about time the WPJA is shut down and seen for what it really is.

Ya know....

PJ or documentary is all the rage right now, but these are still WEDDINGS, folks. I want to be sure the photos I make will be as timeless as their grandparents, or even their future grandkids. Let the fashion in the images date the picture, not the style of the picture.

I've never amended my website to get into the WPJA,
I am an ex-member of the DWF,
I don't pay for advertising, (and believe nobody should)

And I am totally looking forward to what [ b ] has coming.

So much drama! LOL.

Right on, Karen. It's silly.


Again, right on. WPJA is absurd. I realized this several years ago viewing websites of members. It's all BS.

[b]rilliant.

David Roberts has taken what I thought was a brilliant concept at one time and made it into something of a joke in the industry. I was thrilled with having the company of some of what I considered to be the greats in the industry. In time it has become diluted with more photographers of less than stellar work and tarnished by the owner's antics. Truly disappointing.

There is an alternative on the horizon being developed by one of the great PJ photographers in the country. The announcement is supposed to be this week.
Cory

Say wha?!?! Can you enlighten us a little??

If you want some enlightment click on my link at the top of the page Grant did a pretty good job explaining it.

are we talking about responsible adults or third graders? why does it even matter? wpja isn't all that elite and when it comes down to it there are photographers that i've worked with who's work out shines a lot of the big names anyway. i just hate that so many people have gotten away from the art of it.

that's all.

peace.

Oooh! Pick me! Pick me!

The desire to shoot things must be a Washington thing. I have to say it's super fun!!