WPPI 2010: What It Meant To Me
March 15th, 2010 | Engagements, Personal, Portraits, Seminars & Workshops, Weddings
Jasmine and I would not miss WPPI annual convention for anything else. Yes, it costs a lot of money, time and effort to be in Las Vegas each year, but what’s so incredibly precious and valuable is not going to be cheap. We’ve been to three of the four WPPI convention. The last two weeks went by so fast. After the euphoria has subsided, I got up at 6am today to reflect on what’s special about WPPI 2010. Let me warn you…this is a LONG post.
From a personal standpoint, to be invited to speak at a platform class and to judge the print competition is a HUGE honour. To be the first Asia-based photographer to speak there is historical. My session “7 Winning Strategies” was held at 8am, March 9. I didn’t know what to expect or how many would show up. Given the time, only the hungriest and most dedicated would turn up. I was honored to have 200+ packed into the room. I am sorry to hear that security turned people away because the room wouldn’t fit anymore. Hopefully we can see you next year.
Only five seats left when we were 5 minutes from starting.
I enjoyed delivering the presentation very much.
I put my heart and soul into this. Lost more than a few nights of sleep over this. It was nerve wrecking…not so much about speaking because I do that regularly but more so of the sense of occasion. This was the biggest stage of my young career. Closer the time, the nerve disappeared because I knew I was only speaking from my heart the things that we practice everyday & every week at Louis Pang Studio.
And the results? I felt I really connected with the audience. What an honor to be applauded for a minute! I was told that almost everyone left with teary eye when we showed the last video. (Couldn’t see the crowd very well with the lights on me.) Thank you for staying back to hug me and to share with me what the presentation meant to you. A grown man came up to me in tears said, “I had not cried since my father passed away and I cried today because I saw so much love and life in you and your work.” I am deeply privileged that you share such private information with me.
Many more stopped me randomly in the cafeteria, hallway, escalators, tradeshow and print gallery to thank me for the class. You guys are so sweet. You have no idea how much your encouragement and feedback mean to me. Your tweets, Facebook messages & emails touched Jasmine and I deeply. Thank you guys! We are happy that we can sow into your lives. We can’t wait to hear about the harvest you will reap.
Sharing my guerrilla lighting techniques at the Asukabook’s booth.
Print judging is another new experience. Bambi Cantrell chaired a panel of nine judges which include Yervant, Jesh de Rox, Rocco Ancora (three-time Australian wedding photographer of the year), Michael Greenberg (2010 Grand Award Winner – Portrait & multiple WPPI award winner), Roberto Venezuela, Juli Cialone (another multiple WPPI award winner), Jennifer Maring (who doesn’t know the Maring’s) & Jerry Costanzo. Quite a lineup, don’t you think? I love the breakfast and lunches judges do together. Such a great place to get to know people.
To be honest, I was star gazing and awestruck for a while. Their humility and kindness put me at ease. When a print by one of the judges is in the queue, the chair will rotate out the judges. Rotations are done regularly anyways. Also, when a judge recognize a print, he/she will step away so that it is judged by another colleague. The integrity of the judging process is impeccable. (More on print judging in another post.)
Dave & Quin of the DQ Studios and Quikeys. Friends who have always been helpful and frank me with me.
The best part of WPPI is the friendship. Over the years, Jasmine and I have cultivated friendships with photographers around the world. So we had breakfasts and dinners with various groups of friends. Sometimes I learn more over a meal that I do in come classes. Really proud of the deep connection we made with some people. These friendships are priceless to me. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to friends we only see once a year.
The biggest surprise for me was winning International Portrait Print of the Year. The 38 8×10 winning prints (19 from each round) vie for four of the International Print of the Year awards. My buddy, CM Leung, took the Wedding Print of the Year. I ran to the front to get some pictures of him accepting it. As I was walking back to my seat, Jim Garner (one of the emcees) announced my name. Disbelief was my first reaction. It was my Oscar moment but everything was a blur. According people who saw me, I was shaking my head in shock. Almost choked up. I have visualized this scene in my mind a billion times and on March 10, 2010, it became a reality…almost exactly as I had visualized it except that I didn’t get to give a speech, a privilege for the Grand Award winners. That means more hard work ahead!
When I got back to my seat, I went straight to Jasmine. Kissed and hugged her tightly. So many memories flashed through my mind. The rejections, ridicule and hardship we went through building the business. It was bitter but it is so sweet to hold that award. Makes it all worthwhile.
I was so happy for CM who won 2 International Print of the Year and a third place in non-wedding album category. We are best of pals and to be able to make history together was so special to us. For many years, the Americans and Australians had dominated the WPPI print competitions. This round, Asians made a small inroad with a 7-award haul (5 from HK, 1 Indonesia and Malaysia).
Bill Hurter is instrumental to my progress in WPPI. A wonderful man.
The LPS team…flanked by Kah Yee, in my opinion, Malaysia’s best digital artist & Jasmine, Malaysia’s best studio manager 
I thought of all the people who had taught and inspired me. Rangefinder chief editor, Bill Hurter pointed out to me, “Sure many have inspired you…but you still have to run with it.” He is right. We need to run with the inspiration we’ve received.
So many hugged and congratulated us. Cliff Mautner, Ken Sklute and Greg Gibson…thanks for your heartfelt message. Can’t forget what Yervant said to me after the ceremony…he is such a classy statesman for our industry. A big thank you to my sponsors Asukabook & Think Tank Photo. Glad to be able to partner with you at WPPI 2010.
I’ve found my voice in WPPI 2010. This is one is historical to me. One I’ll remember for a long time.
[special thanks to CM Leung for capturing most of these pictures here & Philip Tsang for the video. Without the pictures and video, I won't be able to remember anything!]
March 15th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Congrats to you brother.
You are an inspiration to all of us, esp. me.
Keep it up and of course, Malaysia Boleh
March 15th, 2010 at 1:17 am
can’t thank you enough to raise the bar of the industry local here, and bringing the endless inspirations to many of us. Thank you.
March 15th, 2010 at 1:17 am
Indeed this is historical. Congrats again, to you and the crew! you are an inspiration to us Sabahans!
March 15th, 2010 at 1:26 am
Louis: It was a pleasure getting to hear you speak at your platform class. You are genuine and true. Just think this is only the beginning for you at WPPI. Good Luck & God Bless.
March 15th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Hi Louis! I’m so move & feel happy by looking your wonderful story about this WPPI in Las Vegas. Congratulation! Not only the first Malaysian, and also one of the first Asian wedding photographer won such International Portrait Print of the Year. As a photographer, or even as a Malaysian, we’re truly proud of you! Well done!
March 15th, 2010 at 1:46 am
You and CM are very inspiring and my role model ! Thanks for sharing ! Hope to see you again in the near future and WPPI 2011
March 15th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Congratulations! You are so deserving of this award! Hopefully you’ll be speaking next year, I would love to see it.
March 15th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Congrats Louis ! Keep up the good work. I’m sure there will be more to come. This is just the start ! Best wishes always !
March 15th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Congratulations Louis and Team! Well done indeed. What a journey it has been, and what amazing things lie ahead.
March 15th, 2010 at 10:06 am
COngratulations for making people in Sabah proud, Malaysia proud and Asia proud!
March 15th, 2010 at 10:57 am
“When I got back to my seat, I went straight to Jasmine. Kissed and hugged her tightly. So many memories flashed through my mind. The rejections, ridicule and hardship we went through building the business. It was bitter but it is so sweet to hold that award. Makes it all worthwhile.”
The statement in itself is an inspiration. I can only imagine how worthwhile that moment was, and I would have choked up for you too if I was there
Congratulations Mr. Louis.
March 15th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Congratulations Louis, Jasmine and Kah Yee! You have been an inspiration to all the photographers here in Malaysia!
March 15th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Louis, Jasmine, LPS team,
Guys, you ROCK! Very happy and super excited to see all of you achieve so much; I’m touch after reading your post. I pray that God’s blessing will continue to flow and bless everyone in the team. Congratulation and thank you for making Malaysian (photographers) proud!
March 15th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Congrats Louis, Jasmine and Team…awesome work…definitely an inspiration to all photographers in Malaysia and dare I say APAC and the world!
March 15th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Congratz! Louis and LPS team YOU ROCK!! …. Louis u lost some weight… from the looks of the pics either that or CM Leung picked angles that made u look slimmer.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Hi Loius/Jasmine,
It was a privilege to have met both of you last week. Louis, your presentation at WPPI was really inspiring. The video presentation was especially touching. Do let me know in advance if you plan to visit Dallas, Texas in the future. All the best to you and your fabulous team.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Congratulation Louis. You make us proud!!
March 15th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Heartiest congratulations to Louis, Jasmine and the LPS team! Hope that we as your students could grow and reach further like you by each year. You’re a great role model of photographers!
March 15th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Congratzzzzz!!! You are always so inspiring in every way to me =)) Keep rawking !!!!
March 15th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
No words I can say to describe this. This such special moment is so grandeur and deserves its own intepretation of all the hardwork you have put in. You have shared so much about your life with me. I am thankful and I have always believe that this day will come. Its your moments Louis. Fly!
March 15th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
louis, we r so so so proud of u. from day 1, u r made for something more… and the journey ahead is gonna be awesome for u & jasmine!
March 16th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Louis, thanks so much for the heartfelt class — I went out and bought about five things from your “camera bag” that I know are going to be invaluable to me. Of all the classes at WPPI this year, I felt the most love and heart from yours. Looking forward to seeing you next year!
March 16th, 2010 at 5:49 am
Congrats on all your recent success. It was nice to meet you at wppi! Keep in touch.
March 16th, 2010 at 6:39 am
Hello Louis & Jasmine,
Thank you so much for your inspiration conversation sharing last week. When you told me that I am no longer a random person and I am Zabrina to you when I met you, I was so touched!!! You and Jasmine are so kind, down to earth and such a wonderful role model to learn from. Also, it is my honor to be able to witness the moment of you and CM going up on that stage getting the grand awards and i was so proud to be Asian because of you guys’ achievements. Words can not describe how thankful I am the Lord brought me to WPPI first year and meeting you, Jasmine, CM and many other wonderful photographers made my WPPI experience memorable. Have a wonderful time here in California and best wishes to you!
March 16th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Hi Louis! It feels so good to read about your success. You make it look that it is possible for other photographers to achieve their dreams. Congratulations Louis on your winning and I applaud you for inspiring a lot of us (photographers) to be the best at what we do. Thank you Louis.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Dear Louis & team, a huge congratulations to you all with this joyous achievement. Once again you’ve made us proud. Thumbs up!
March 17th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Congratulations! We did it.
March 19th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Hi Louis,
Congratulations!! I am so proud of knowing you even not a long while….feel great to read you success in WPPI. Millions Applause!
March 20th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Congratulations Louis! Very well deserved… Always make time to browse your site, such fantastic and inspirational photography. You’ve done Sabah proud! Matt
March 21st, 2010 at 2:00 am
Congrats! Nice to meet you at WPPI.
March 24th, 2010 at 2:59 am
hi louis! congratulations, i am SO happy for you and would give u a big hug now if I could!
You definitely deserve all that praise and recognition. Thank you so much for being such a huge inspiration to me and to so many others out there 
:):)
ps: u look great, very fit!
March 26th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Bravo Louis and team! Bravo!
Inspiration to us all.
March 27th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
You are amazing, Louis! It was such an honor to finally meet you at WPPI! Congrats on your accomplishment! My hubby can’t wait to meet you hopefully next year in Vegas, but we are planning a trip to Asia soon… will let you know the dates and itinerary!
April 5th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Congratulations to you Louis and to Jasmine and the rest of the team!! You are an inspiration.. a well deserved award for a beautifully captured photograph!!
Cheers!!
May 18th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Awesome news Louis! Couldn’t have been awarded to a more deserving photographer!
Well done!
Best,
Brent.
May 18th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Dear Louis,
Heartiest congratulations on your success and may this be a beginning of greatness to come..
Regards.
May 19th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Louis – congrats. that’s really great news. Happy for you, and well deserved. Berthold