New York, NY—For five days each year, portrait and wedding photographers as well as videographers come together at the Mirage in Las Vegas to be inspired. The 41st WPPI Conference and Expo (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International), owned and operated by Emerald, celebrates a remarkable community.
WPPI specializes in the creative as well as the business aspects of wedding and portrait photography and filmmaking. From March 5 to 9, 2023, attendees can evolve their aesthetic, gain valuable strategies to grow their businesses, as well as connect with friends and network.
The event combines educational seminars with an industry trade show and networking events. They are all designed around learning the latest techniques, building new relationships and growing a business.
Don’t forget the opening night party—sponsored by Fujifilm. WPPI is taking over a private night club called the Capri Lounge (formerly known as 1 Oak Nightclub). Fujifilm is working on making this an incredibly unique experience. The party is open to Conference Pass holders.
WPPI Conference Tracks
In addition, the WPPI conference will provide the following education tracks: Business & Marketing; Filmmaking/Video/Drone; Inspirational; Lighting & Posing; Portrait; Postproduction & Workflow; Spanish; Special Events; as well as Wedding. 
What’s more, 60 seminar classes come with your Conference Pass. No need to sign up ahead of time. Just show up to the class location.
You can also benefit from image review, photo mastery sessions and add-on photo walks. Just two examples are “Elevate Your Wedding Film the Eyenamics Way” in the filmmaking/Video/Drone track and “Dynamic Lighting and Posing for Boudoir” in the Lighting & Posing track.
WPPI Expo
The WPPI show floor is open March 7–9, 2023. It is full of curated shooting bays, education opportunities and exhibitions. You can experience new products, photo gear and solutions from major manufacturers. Plus, practice your skills and get hands-on instruction in shooting bays with styled models.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the WPPI Lounge and Stage. You can listen to inspirational education from exhibitors, sponsors, WPPI editors and The Portrait System team. It’s also a great opportunity to network with WPPI editors, speakers and other attendees.
The Portrait System Shooting Bays
Here, you’ll find real sets, real models and real instruction. Across the show floor, explore fully curated The Portrait System (TPS) shooting bays. Moreover, they are primed with all the latest gear to photograph and play with for free during the conference.
Further, each studio will feature styled models to photograph in a variety of lighting situations. Plus, you’ll get hands-on instruction. 
WPPI Special Events
WPPI Image Reviews
Another WPPI advantage is the chance to get your images reviewed. You will also have the opportunity to discuss visual trends, shooting techniques and postproduction.
Bring your images in any format to receive a free one-on-one 15-minute review with a notable photographer. Image reviews are limited to attendees with a WPPI Conference Pass.
30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography Exhibition
Now in its 12th year, Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography is a highly anticipated list in the photography industry. Photographers are nominated from photo editors, bloggers, veteran photographers, wedding planners as well as other wedding industry professionals.
In addition, sponsored by Miller’s Professional Imaging, the printed gallery features the 30 photographers from the 2022 program select by Rangefinder’s editors.
The Judging Room by Love Edits
Hosted by WPPI and Graphistudio, the Judging Room is held March 7–9 on the WPPI trade show floor. Bring or ship your 20×16-inch print(s) to the Graphistudio booth, #1601. You’ll can get a detailed analysis of your work. Take a seat in the Judging Room and watch your work critiqued without the pressure of a real competition. 
Furthermore, brought to you by Sarah Edmunds and Dario Righetto of Love Edits, this special session enables you to learn from the best in the business on what it takes to create an award-winning image.
WPPI Awards Competitions
In related news, WPPI has postponed the 2023 Honors of Excellence Program. The following statement was issued:
“We are pressing pause on our Honors of Excellence program for 2023, so we can take a step back and evaluate how this program can evolve to reach and deliver more value to our photographers, both educationally and creatively.
“Honors of Excellence—which includes the Annual 16 x 20 Print, Album and Filmmaking Competitions—is important to us. And we recognize the program’s significance to the WPPI community. However, in order to best serve the WPPI community at large, we are going to reassess its current format. We will keep you updated on our progress.
