- What happens in Vegas, goes on OSP
- Andrew @ LaCour is to Tobasco as Garret Nudd is to Ketchup
- Photobooths + Photographers = CRAZY
- It is entirely possible to attend the entire conference and never ever see people you know from OSP



OK.. I know there are way more... but I really just want to hear yours!!!

my biggest regret about not going to wppi this year is not getting to meet anne.

- Don't go to a smoky piano bar and scream for 4 hours if you need to talk the next morning.

- Napoleans + boredom = boredom (2006). Napoleans + 10 great friends = the best time in Vegas. (2007)

- Walking up to random strangers who look like people you MAY know is "a good thing (YAY Laura!)"

- Jennifer Anne IRL will not translate to OSP very well except to those who met her.

- The Venetian Room has the best $3.50 plate of food in Vegas. We need to completely take this building over next year at least once. OSParty at the Venetian.

- Schedule a night shoot - so you can both a) go out with friends AND b) shoot while you're in Vegas.

- Teaching a class means hearing your name whispered when you are 5 feet away and having this conversation:
*pshwahsshwhisperMattAntoninopshersshhHe'sASpeakerpshpshpsh*
"guys...hi nice to meet you - I'm a speaker, I'M NOT DEAF!"

- If you're flying into Vegas and the pilot says you'll be "fine" expect "NOT FINE"

- AshleyB is both shy and not innocent at the same time. This means she may like to pole dance but only in her own home...I think.

- The best laid plans of mice & men...oft lead to something completely different but much better.

- It is better to take a few minutes of downtime and regroup than it is to push yourself out there for 22 hrs a day and get bitchy.

- The famous: Mike Colon is TALL. DJ is still a bit shy. Gary Fong is funny. Jessica Claire has a TON of energy. Becker is a lot easier to talk to when you've read his blog for a year. It's possible to go a week in Vegas without seeing Dane. LaCour is always SO friendly. Joy & Garrett are always supercool and soooo nice to see. Jeff Woods sees ALL. Gino L is believable and very real. Heather L. is a queenbee.

- The Infamous AshleyB lives in Vegas and had not seen dueling pianos at Napoleans. Now she's seen it twice...or three times. They blend. Dan Schimpf will take the worst shots possible and is good for a blackmail or two. Lauren won't come out unless I specifically invite her! Jennifer Anne = funniest OSP'er I'd never met. Dave McCandless needs to post on OSP more. Alexander can be sweet, talented & funny - in 10 seconds. And he has a "bright light bright light!" Leann is often the tallest girl in the room. With me, Leann & Jennifer Anne, JK feels like a small child. Laura is hilarious, adventurous and just plain COOL. She also sounds like me after 4 hours of screaming at Napoleans! Jillian Kay is suave. JK says more with the raise of an eyebrow than some people in an entire night of trying to get one idea across. JK is exactly who I imagined, plus some.

- The Classes
* Fuzzy Duenkel = best photography class, ever.
* Mitche Graf = best marketer in photography, ever.
* Ellie Vayo = busiest lady, ever.
* Cherie Steinberg Cote = get the client drinking. THEN shoot.
* LaCour = slick. SLICK.
* Jeff Woods = Lightroom Expert.
* David Jay = most consistent speaker, ever.

I just learned NOT to schedule anything during WPPI week so that I can go to Vegas with everyone else.

That is a big Ditto from me too, Sarah! (that includes so I can meet you & matt )

I learned that....

The Platinum is the best kept Vegas secret.

Harold is a cool cat!

3 drummers in an elevator is dangerous.

swan is a halfway decent guy... ok 3/4ths

in album booths people look at the pictures , not albums

even if you are Colon and you throw your Full House in the muck
Shaun gets the chips.

Gambling is eeeeezeey

Most of all..
you can't "pre-flop" the Sicko!

maybe the funniest thing i've ever heard in my entire life - but SO true.... i loooove AshleyB!!!

I learned you need a jacket in the dessert

and if an ospr needs a bed let them have one lol. you know who u are.

..and i cant remember anything else im so exhausteeeeeeeeeeeeeeed...

I learned that I need more then 3 hrs of sleep a night.

Bob Davis – lighting great class I bought 2 580’s and stands

Fuzzy Duenkel - great class need some reflectors

Joe Buissink – he was amazing he completely changed they way I think about shooting weddings. I am going to break out my film camera and play with 3200 b&w film.

Ken Sklute – I did not take his class but I hung out with him at the bar for about 2 hrs. He helped me to see what I need to change in my pricing. Also Branding myself I have a lot to change and a lot to think about.

Wppi was great I came back with so much and a lot of new gear.

It was great to meet everyone I wish I would have had more time to hang out and see you all.

sf

I learned:

-Only a few OSPer's actually look like their avatars
-Joy Nudd and Jasmine are possibly the two sweetest people on earth
-Bobbi has the perfect name for her personality
-I DO get star struck
-Try to get ample rest so you're not bobbing your head in the early morning seminars
-Even comfortable shoes hurt after four days of walking
-Pack a lot of Advil for casino smoke induced headaches
-Bring a point and shoot camera... shoot
-Introduce yourself to as many people as possible EVEN if your are sooo incredible intimidated by them
-Joe Photo is the man!
-I re-affirmed my dislike for nightclubs
-I want to stay in the penthouse of the Bellagio
-OSper's are really great people... oh, and great photographers to boot!

Kate - it was great to meet you and that crew you brought by. I'm glad you intro'd yourselves to us too! SO true on Joy/Jasmine, Bobbi, getting sleep, comfy shoes, advil, and Bellagio penthouse!

You don't need a full registration to learn more than you thought possilbe!

During my 72 hours in vegas I met with Dane Sanders, Becker, Jessica Claire, David Murray (if you don't know who he is, you should) Corey McNabb, Andy Peterson, All the LaCour Folks, A bunch of Mike Colon Seminar attandees. and Jim Kennedy.

All I had to do was say hi, and they were so friendly!

I got to meet people from my old homes in Salinas (Mike Steelman) and Menlo Park (Jennifer Baciocco)

Blu throws amazing parites, Slot machines don't take coins anymore, and there is some amazing stuff coming out of Australia.

More's posted on banquetbuzz.com

I didn't learn anything because I wasn't there. But I'm glad you all had fun!

I thought I was diminutive until I met Jillian Kay ...now I feel like a normal-sized person.

I thought I was a normal-sized person until I met Matt Antonino...now I feel diminutive again.

We need to get on each other's cell phones so you could have added

... Matt Antonino, Jillian Kay, Leann Wrightsman, Dan Schimpf, Barefoot Memories & more!

M




Jillian thought she was short until she stood near me, Leann & Jennifer Anne - now I don't want to know what she thinks!

I'm surprised people said that a lot 'you're taller than I thought' well yeah my avatar is 100px high. I'm ahead of that!

We all missed you so much Sarah! Everytime we saw Matt, we felt your absence
Please come hang out in Vegas with us next year!

I learned that I should have a phone consultation with Anne every week -- she is THE savvy businesswoman! Her ideas are completely inspiring and challenging. You should be teaching classes at WPPI next year! Sign me up!

I learned Rachel is a fantastic person (I already knew she was a great marketer and photographer)

*sniff sniff* You made me cry. Thank you! I will definitely be there next year even if I have to hitch rides or something.

- i learned i need to pack better & budget more.
- i learned i need my own room key (lol)
- i learned i'm braver than i thought i was!
- i learned that people on OSP are just as nice as they seem, and a bit crazier!!
- i learned i am TERRIBLE with names
- i learned i'm a girl after all (did someone say "shoes"?!?)
- i learned that just about anyone is approachable
- i learned that i actually could work faster, and not be doomed
- i learned that the photography industry is a little like high school....except this time around i'm not the kid that everyone teases and bullies
- i learned that i need to really pull my business image together, and make it more fun
- i learned that posting like crazy on osp can pay off
- i learned a new rule of thirds.

- i learned that i have the BEST friends

I learned that gambling is eeaaasy.
I learned that everyone looks hot in a KISS shirt.
I learned that driving other people insane is the best way to win at poker.
I learned that Shaun is an amaaazing poker player.
I learned that a shootsac can actually be sexy.
I learned that Dane Sanders really is a genius.
I learned that Harold only LOOKS like he'll kill you, he's actually a very sweet guy.
I learned that Apple officially changed their protocols after seeing DJ and my video.
I learned that Ka is better than O, but both are better than Siegfired & Roy.
I learned that the human body is pretty freaky without skin.
I learned that skin is pretty freaky when it's in a pile, not on a body.
I learned all sorts of things from cab drivers, who are great to really talk with.
I learned that Neil looks even more like a cool artist in person.

I learned that 5 days isn't enough time to see all the OSPers.

Ain't that the truth!!!

I've got to get me one of those bright lights. Last time I was at Roberts, they sold the last one to another OSP'er moments before I could snatch it up!

Let me see...

In Vegas I learned:

-- Gambling is a very strange behavior, slot machines at least are!
-- Napoleons (not Cheers) is where everybody knows your name
-- It's ok to eat dinner alone
-- If you're going to watch the fountains at Bellagio, at least take the camera.
-- Call ahead for a shuttle, or prepare to pay the taxi AND tip
-- Put everyone's number in the cell in advance
-- Get places on time, plan ahead -- late isn't fun
-- I need a FuzzyFlector and at least one video light
-- Ellis Island has much cheaper burgers than anyplace inside Bally/Paris
-- All Day Every Day together is a bit much Taking time off was a good thing
-- Cliff from White Wedding is OMG so tall, much taller than on the phone!


I met so many people from OSP and other discussion boards at WPPI. It was mind boggling, and I was so emberassed when I couldn't remember everyone's name. I think next year I'm going to just spend a week memorizing names ahead of time so I can at least act coherant!

At WPPI I made some awesome new friends, and hung out with others who I've known for a while. I'm so glad that I went!

Thanx to my "Inner Circle" of peeps: Laura, Jillian, Matt, Jennifer Anne, Dan Schimpf, and Alexander without whom this trip would have been very different for me.

Leann

Leann

"What a long time to be gone and a short time to be there!" (R. Hunter)

Great to meet some of you in person for the first time and see everyone else! Seemed like I didn't stop and wish that next year I can come without actually working(yea right)....

Learned that Kevin Swan is as good a guy in person as on the phone.
Learned that it is always good to see Nathan and Amber!
Learned that the LaCour crew is totally amazing!
Learned that it is hard to see your girlfriend while working a tradeshow
That Greg Gibson is the man...he has made some amazing images!
That Gene Higa has been everywhere...
That Jeff and Julia Woods are super nice folks.
That there are very few photos taken at a photography conference!
...I learned a ton!

Already looking forward to next year and '09 in MGM!

- Never walk and talk with Kevin Swan - he'll end up not knowing where he's at.

- 'Blackjack style' Texas Hold'Em will make you go broke.

- Long gone are the days of gambling for $20 all night at a 1 Dollar BlackJack table.

- Convention booths need chairs

- Jacuzzi tubs are not worth the wait of them filling up.

- I'm anti-social. (but I already knew that)

- Wives bring balance and sobriety.

- I'd much rather eat fast food than at a buffet.

- Never gamble in the morning.

- I can actually spend 3 days in Vegas without playing poker.

What I learned at WPPI?

One day is not enough to spend with Janey.
The Bodies exhibit was just as intriguing as I thought it would be.
O was a great first show to see. And the company was impeccable.
Napoleons is just TOO loud to actually meet and greet people
There are so many great guys who consistently make me smile.
This KISS hoodie is ridiculously comfortable.
A blister can make an entire extremity swell.
Seminars aren't really important
Relationships are.
I miss people the moment they are out of my reach.
Birthdays with OSPers will be filled with ridiculousness.
Public places with Gary are embarrassing. But the laughter is well worth it.
You can sleep when you're dead.
I love hugging.
Spending the last night homeless, with my husband, was icing on the Vegas cake!

I learned that missing WPPI 2 years in a row now is really, really, really bad!

I knew this year would be fantastic!

I loved every minute of it. I met (recognized, or spotted name tags that I knew) so many of you that it felt like the OSP convention.

Who were those other people anyway?

Talk about crowded. I think WPPI is feeling pretty good about this one!

Loved loved loved it! You guys are even better in person, all of you!

Thanks to Pictage for the place to rest!

Aint that the truth.. man that game sucks unless your name is Shaun

I learned that everybody is sporting a David Jay haircut.

I learned that I'm not as infamous as I thought I was. (Which is both good and bad).

I accosted becker in the hallway and learned that he is a pretty nice guy. (I mean, I would have either punched me or walked away). And I can say he's a lot taller than I thought. He probably could have kicked my butt if he wanted...

The same with Jessica Claire. She was super nice to me under the circumstances. She even directed me to the shootsac photo booth for pictures. Alas, the line was too long and I was too big to fit inside the booth. How brilliant of an idea is that shootsac anyway?

I learned not to drink alcohol the night before the last class with Matt Antonio. He was saving all the good stuff for the second class.... ARRRRRGG!

I have to agree with cameron on the buffet. I ate a lot. I moaned a lot. I (censored) a lot.

I learned that all the photostuds are studs for a reason. I still get goosebumps hearing Joe B.... Beckstead is an amazing teacher and artist. DJ is an inspirational speaker. Nuff said.

Meeting everyone was cool... I love how all the silly posting stuff just melts away when you meet people. Anne was super sweet. I really loved meeting Colin, Amber & Nathan, Garrett and Joy (too briefly), Kevin (even though he didn't have a clue who I was), Lynn and Chris Jaksa (they are my biggest ((and only)) fans). Liana is just as cute as her avatar suggests and has a great personality to boot. Catching Neil and Leisl was really cool. Jillian Kay was a little sweetheart and she wasn't afraid to sit next to me. (Wait, I sat next to her, so maybe she was scared, but too polite to get up). Kawter and I have locked horns in our posts over the last couple of years, so I was a little embarrassed to learn that he's the nicest, friendliest dude around. (Maybe it IS me). I even got to have a beer with Zack, who felt like an old friend.

I learned today that I am seriously jetlagged. Coffee anyone?

The frustrating thing is that you never have enough time to hang with everyone you want to. I can't wait until the next meetup. I think I'm an OSP addict for life.

This is so great. And man, I thought we met a ton of people but after reading this I realize that we missed so many of you - hopefully soon we will know all of the awesome OSPers.

What I learned........

-meeting OSPers is even more fun than I imagined
-Sticky is a crowd pleaser, I am so glad he came along
-Garrett Nudd has more than one shirt
-Georgia is bustling over with some of the nicest and most talented photographers we have ever met - you know who you are!
-When splitting up, Sticky will always end up with the fun/entertaining speakers.
-Old college friends are THE BEST (Missy, Jess, Lauren and Robbie)
-Gary Fong is very sweet.
-Love is my favorite Cirque to date - SO GREAT!!!
-Sometimes Vegas is colder than Ohio, bring a jacket
-Sticky and Brandy + Garrett and Joy + Dessert = a GOOD TIME and LOTS OF LAUGHS
-TimCo is as funny as I was hoping
-Meeting people at a piano bar is tough on the vocal chords
-Anne Ruthman is a trip
-Ashley Anne is even prettier in person
-it is so hard to say goodbye to new friends (Chris and Katie, you guys started it and I was so sad!!!!)
-Spending the last day shooting and hanging out with my husband was a real treat.

There are about a million more things but geez I am still messed up from the time change and my brain is mush!! The whole experience was so great and I cannot wait to go back!!

Man it looks like you have a new signature!!!

I learned how beautiful and amazing one miss anne ruthmann is ;-)

PS-i miss you!!!

also, second about the the photobooths ;-)

Ohmiheck! How true is that? I didn't get to meet up with so many people that I wanted to talk to. I really need to plan better next year!!!

I learned that:

I have a lot of really wonderful friends...I had no idea how many. I am so blessed!
Four girls in one room can turn into a super big messy place but can't come close to the big fun we had for four days. Love you, Shan, Amy, and Lauren.
I can never get enough of Joy and Garrett. They are soooo popular and for very good reason.
Talking to Nathan Holritz can be one of the really great highlights of Vegas.
JMC will inspire me every single year.
Dave and Quinn are absolutely amazing.
Huy is not to be missed next year...hopefully, sooner. His sincere interest in others always catches me off guard.
Details totally matter so do them
Four girls + food + hot tub + stairwell = the unexpected, super fun time
Lara Novak is an absolute business genius
Davina Fear=not a business genius
I haven't even tapped the potential out there
It's time to take the risk and submit to the print competition
Jesh de Rox is beyond amazing. I knew that but seeing his prints really cemented the idea for me.
I saw my style a little more clearly
There are a lot more ways I can do better at client service
I missed Anne and that is not a good thing.
There is a lot to be intimidated by
Choosing a concept and shooting it through out a wedding is a great idea
Pre-visualized shooting AT A WEDDING is a cool thing to do
Dancing should not be missed when you're in Vegas
There are so many generous photographers in the world who are willing to give to people around the world...it overwhelms me
Jim and Lara were missed...a lot
I need better navigation on my new site
Sensi is an incredible place to eat but the company was even better
Dinner and inspiration are one of the best combinations around
An airplane ride with Brody is a really great chance to talk about plans and learn
I have a lot to be grateful for and so much more to learn
I miss my sweet little kids even more after being in places where I don't see any kids at all for days and days
I already knew it but know it even more now...I have one hot -super -wonderful -incredible -not to -be- equalled- in -any-way- husband.

There's more but I want to go spend time with those last two....

I learned that

I should have stayed at napoleans longer
I am TOTALLY photo star struck - every non photographer friend asked who I saw famous and I was like..(Becker, Jessica Claire.etc etc etc)
Everyone on OPS is super niiiiiiccccce
I should have left my Credit card at home
and the most expensive lesson
...I actually wanted to switch to Canon - B&H got my business, my assitant got my Nikon

I really wish we had been able to come this year. Hopefully we can make it happen for 2008!

I learned Kevin Swan is a cool cat
I learned that you can pay for your trip to WPPI by playing poker
I learned that Shaun Austin can play poker like a champ
I learned that stepping it up comes by seeing what others are doing
I learned that having some sort of game-plan could be useful at conventions
I learned that staying up until 6:30 a.m. playing poker and then sleeping 2 hours and then driving 6 hours home isn't all that bad
I learned that you CANNOT "pre-flop a sicko"!!!

#1 thing I learned is NOT to ride my Harley down in March (been stuck here for 3 extra days because of snow/rain/32 degrees in Utah). However, I'm glad to have given MissAimee, TheGreatDivorce and JoseVilla their FIRST Harley rides ever!

#2 plan early (hotel, shirts and parties) and stick to your plans so you don't have to worry later about splitting up the finances (like Jillian said, budget MORE money).

#3 having a standing reservation at Mon Amie Gabi makes lunches so much more relaxed and delicious (ask for servers Ray and Mike). Find out there's more food in the basement of Bally's BEFORE your last scheduled day in Vegas.

#4 Even though my high-heeled red shoes were CUTE, wearing them the first night on the town is HELL on those doggies for the remainder of the trip.

#5 I met a LOT of cool, new friends and got to reunite with OSPW family

#6 Bring LOTS of 1's for tipping (cannot believe how much tipping is in Vegas).

#7 We should all make shirts with our avatar's next time to better OSP family.

Only because you're under 30 years old.

I learned that OSP, the forum, is DEAD when half the crowd's in Vegas...



... BUT that you can post snarky tidbits about the wppiers, and chances are, you'll get away with it!

What didn't I learn??!? That's a better question.

I learned that it is possible for the body to function on a total of only 10 hours of sleep in a 144-hour time period....but it doesn't function very well.

I learned that there's no better feeling in the world, besides seeing my wife again after the trip, than spending time with my friends in Vegas and making new ones. The entire show was absolutely amazing and I'm incredibly glad I decided to go at the last minute, and I learned that the photography community is fantastic and really quite small in a vast and endless kinda way.

Corey

coreymcnabb.blogspot.com

oooh, congrats!! you made a good decision ;-)

I learned that
wearing a shirt that says kiss me WORKS.
sleeping is over rated.
staying at a non smoking non casino is like flopping the sicko.
when you win a lot of money it makes it easier to pay for breakfast for 20.
amber and nathan rock.
wives are great to have on a trip to vegas.
bathrooms are a great place for many things.
photo booths are worth great memories at parties.
elevators make for a great drum kit.
video on a point and shoot camera is way to fun.
curbs in the middle of the road are not just for looks, you can actually jump them.
kawter is a great sidekick when playing poker.
swan completes me.
vegas is good a little bit at a time.
rachel larson lead us to a great place with her guitar and hopefully can again next year.
i love familiar faces.
OSP is amazing.

I learned that the days go by way too fast!
I learned too many names, and really need to find a system to remember them all.
I learned that being in the wrong place at the right time has it's benefits.

Things I wish i didn't learn
When leaving Vegas, do not drive to the grand canyon! it's too far!
Driving up mountains for pictures is not a good enough reason!

I learned that comfortable shoes is a must!
I learned that everything cost $, even internet in your hotel room (on top of what you already are paying for the room).
I learned so much, from awesome speakers to great photographers sharing their knowledge.
I learned that I really enjoyed the shoot out with fellow osp'ers and that I cant wait for another opportunity like that again.
I learned that there still were so many people I did not have a chance to meet.
I learned that the first ladies event was awesome and so rewarding and fun!
I learned alot about the judging process of the competition prints. Very eye opening.

"Andrew @ LaCour is to Tobasco as Garret Nudd is to Ketchup" - I don't get this...

Let me try to explain how this reads to me:
Andrew at LaCour is hot, (haut, for some of you) but Garrett is like a sweet tomato paste?

I think Garrett is sexxxay! But please explain...


What I learned in Vegas... I'm working to hard. "Low tech is the new black."

I bought a new shirt. It says:

"I ate at the Rio Seafood Buffet, and all I got was this stupid diarrhea."