Following our sold out workshop in Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago, we have received numerous emails requesting for another workshop in April. We are sorry that we have to turn people away because our three-day workshops are limited to 20 people only. Today, we are please to announce that we are running “From Ordinary to Extraordinary” in Kuala Lumpur from April 24-26, 2009.

I am also proud to announce that Asia’s most awarded wedding photographer & 13-time WPPI award-winner, Lito Sy from Manila will be joining me. Lito will have a 2-3 hour slot to share lighting, posing and storytelling techniques. Lito and I just attended WPPI 2009 together in Las Vegas. We had a blast, winning a total of 15 Accolades of Excellence awards between us. Can’t wait to share with everyone the ideas and techniques we’ve learned. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn not from one but two of the best photographers in the region.

Registration is open. Save RM200 when you do so before the early bird registration ends. Beat the recession by being extraordinary!
SIGNUP TODAY!

In the next 48 hours, we will make a major announcement of our upcoming “From Ordinary to Extraordinary” workshop in Kuala Lumpur, 24-26 April 2009. I have some pleasant surprises for the participants. You don’t want to miss this one & might want to block off those dates. Stay tune…

“I can’t afford this. I don’t have to do this. I’m just a photographer” …not a doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer, not the son from a wealthy family. Therefore…

I don’t need to educate myself
I don’t need to present myself professionally
I don’t need link/network
I don’t need to join & get involved with a professional body (slapping a logo on the website alone does not count!)

Maybe that is why a lot of photographers grossly undercharge because we have such shoddy self-image that we are telling our clients that we worth only pittance.

While a puffed up and over inflated self-image stinks, a lowly one is just as bad. The great thing that has happened to me in WPPI is how it reminded again, that my dream, art and business can be as big as I want it to be. They are limited only by the size of my dream. When this convention is over, it’s time to put my dreams to work.

It’s 3:10am in Vegas and I am blogging! One of the weird things about long distance traveling is that I get up at odd hours. Last night I slept at 3am, and tonight I woke up at 2am! I guess this morning I am a little over excited with the new courage I’ve found.

Just wanna update you guys with the workshop with Yervant. I have specific questions for the king of wedding photography and he answered them all today. Some directly, many through his open and candid sharing with the class. Got to see how he worked with models today. I didn’t take much shots of models because my goal isn’t about shooting gorgeous models but to observe how Yervant thinks and works locations.

While he is not the most eloquent speaker, Yervant’s rich experience (27 years in the industry) and his humility made a connection with the class immediately. He talked about how he had fears about the current economic turmoil and how even he had his low moments. That set the class free. We knew we had a real person teaching us, not a super human.

What touched me was how a man that had achieved everything under the sun, in my view, still took risks and worked hard to reinvent himself. I had an unforgettable 15-minute with Yervant when two of us walked from our classroom to the hotel lobby (this place is too freaky huge). I walked away from the stroll with this great man realizing that I needed more courage & audacity. He somehow imparted that to me. Thanks, Yervant.

Joe likes “intruding” our shoot because we have the more gorgeous looking models Here he provided a comic relief for our class.

MGM Grand where WPPI 2009 is held.

When I first attended WPPI in 2007, it was overwhelming. I was just breaking into the scene, the venues and crowds were huge, and meeting the star photographers like Ghionis, Buissink, Yervant was intimidating.

This time round, I am better prepared and I am determined to meet and make friends with as many people as I can. A few hours ago, I attended a cocktail party for WPPI Plus participants. WPPI Plus is a two-day intensive program where 25 participants learn from one mentor. I took Buissink in 2007 and in 2009, I am learning from Yervant. It was an informal and fun gathering. I didn’t know anyone there except for Kevin, Alycia, Jerry, Joe and Susan Stripling but I walked out from there with at least half a dozen more friends!

I am here to be inspired, not intimidated. It’s a decision I made before I left home for Vegas. Can’t wait for my class with Yervant to start tomorrow. If you are feeling envious, don’t be. I would love to see more Malaysians at the WPPI 2010. There is no better place for learning and inspiration. Where else on earth can you find a gathering of photographers of such high caliber? See you in Vegas!

Two of the show’s biggest stars: Bambi & Yervant.

Susan Stripling: Took a mentoring session with her 2 years ago. I still remembered her marketing tips! Fabulous photographer who had just switched to Nikon!

Kevin & Alycia: Got to know them when Kevin wrote to congratulate me of my WPPI win last year. Isn’t it awesome to beyond to a great body like WPPI? The friendships you developed…

WPPI Director, Arlene Evans…we’ve exchanged emails and phone calls so many times. It is great to finally meet her. You won’t find a better listener and encourager.

Do I need to introduce these guys: Buissink and Mautner…two of the best in the business.

My pass to knowledge, inspiration and friendship for the next 7 days. Guys, join me in Vegas next year. This place is electrifying!!!