Throwback Thursday: WPPI Programming 2008

Image by Kenny Kim

"This is what I like about photographs.
They're proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect."
Jodi Picoult
​

by Skip Cohen

With WPPI wrapping up today, my timing couldn't be better to turn the clock back seventeen years. I shared this backstory many years ago, but it's too much fun not to share it again.

The program above was called "Young Guns." It had lots of attitude, with the stellar cast of talent in the picture above. Ryan Schembri, from Australia, and I co-hosted the evening program. Looking back, I have to admit it was one of the most fun concepts I've ever been involved in.

Each "Young Gun" had an opportunity to talk a little about their work and demonstrate some of their signature style. I remember Mike Larson doing his camera toss...LIVE. He had perfected the perfect toss, sending his Canon gear 12 feet in the air with the lens pointed downward while the self-timer was set. Remember, this was before everyone had a drone, and it gave the unique perspective of an aerial shot of the wedding party. 

The true fun of Throwback Thursday is the memories every image brings back. For me, and hopefully for many of you who might have been at that program, it's a terrific walk down Memory Lane. And, as I remind you each week, Throwback Thursday is a great marketing tool. Use old images to remind your clients that the kids are growing and life is constantly changing. Remember, for most of you, "Mom" is your target, and it never hurts to remind her it's time for a new family portrait!

Plus, we're approaching the second-best seasonality in photography. Easter, Mother's Day, graduations, prom, and Father's Day are all just around the corner. Don't miss the opportunity to generate new business—start planting the seeds for an updated family portrait NOW!

PS I know I've repeatedly promised to not keep using Jodi Picoult's quote, but in all honesty, it's the perfect sentiment for old photographs...and the one above was captured at a time when "everything was perfect!"