Wedding Photographers Blog

You know you’ve always done it. However, it is not uncommon for photographers to indulge in these transgressions. Then again in photography one must remember that there are no rules that you should adhere to. You should just take rules with a grain of salt.  I only write this article to show you that you should break these some of these rules as well.  Well some of these are some worst case scenario situations as well.

1. On Camera Flash – Uncle Bob does it why can’t I? Well you’re a professional. You should be able to think of more creative ways to light an object/subject than using your pop up on camera flash.
2. Noise – Don’t shoot above 1600 ISO! It’ll be very grainy.
3. Shoot it now. Worry later – You’re stressed out you’re running and suddenly you just shoot it without thinking about cropping, lighting etc. We all know this is a costly sin for wedding photographers. The more time spent editing
4. Flash during reception – This is another uncle bob thing. If hes shooting with flash why can’t I? This separates you from the others! You should be respectful of the wedding ceremony.
5. Tripods – A plethora of photographers will tell you tripods aren’t good for wedding photography! You have to be always on the move.
6. Chimping – With the advent of digital photography it’s soo hard not to look at the back of the camera screen! You just can’t help yourself. Even the most trained professional wedding photographers will have a problem with this. Looking at the back of the screen can impede or make you miss the shot.
7. Memory Card – Ouch you forgot to put the memory card into the camera. It’s still shooting. What a horror story that is.
8. Crossing the aisle – I never knew this myself but it can be disrespectful and disingenious if you cross the aisle during a ceremony. After knowing this i never did this again. Instead go around
9. Changing your camera settings – A lot of times you’ll move from inside to outside and you’ll forget to change your ISO and Shutter Speed. Next thing you know the screens all White or Black!
10. P mode! – P is for professionals. Yes admit you’ve set your camera to automatic or program mode and just shot away.

The World press has released the top photos of the year by photojournalists. The telegraph covers and has a whole gallery worth checking out.

This photo coming up is especially striking. It is one of the winners of the contest.

This photo is shot by Giulio Di Sturco won best of Art & Entertainment category for photography. Giulio is a photographer from Italy.

This is probably my favorite one from the set of best of contest 2008.  I think because i feel this photo is most expressive. What do you think?

More about the photographer

Giulio has a website but its still under construction.

Make sure you see more winners of the 2008 World Photo Contest

While you wedding photographers are at WPPI 2009. Thought I’d update you with news from PocketWizard. I bet a plethora of you have these fun radio gadgets:

Looks like PocketWizard is catching up to the Radio Popper‘s doorstep. Apparently, it’s totally different in the way it handles triggering than the pocketwizard.

Anyways, today PocketWizard released new information and information on these products. Check out the following Video:

What is this Mini TT1 ?

The Mini TT1 is for the Camera Unit. You mount it on top of your camera.

Ah so Flex TT5 is?

It’s what you use to mount your flash off camera. It uses AA Batteries.

Look’s like Jerry Ghionis is featured in this video using this technology.  Anyway’s This new technology is called, “ControlTL” Technology.

• The ControlTL System Touts up to 1/8000th of a second high speed sync. Which would be crazy awesome. You can shoot wide open 2.8 on a sunny day.
• Extends Range – Extends IR system where Convention IR system would fail: Shooting into the sun, hiding behind walls. Similar to RadioPopper’s Approach
• Computer Customization – You can set the the Flex TT5/Mini TT1 system up to the computer for customization.
• Updatable Firmware for Mini TT1/Flex TT5 Claims to Allow Updates itself with new Firmware downloads so you don’t need to buy new hardware as often.

From Strobist Blog.

How much is the Mini TT1 & Flex TT5 going to cost me?

MiniTT1 retails at $199 and the FlexTT5 retails at $219

David Hobby on his Strobist blog covers and reviews the Mini TT1/Flex TT5 System by Pocket Wizard.

Here’s Quick guide of how to keep updated with WPPI Tweets.

If you don’t know what a hashtag is start using it. Just tweet and end your tweet with #wppi. This way when people search for it

Keep up with WPPI Tweets here: http://bit.ly/wppi-tweets

Or use an rss feed: http://search.twitter.com/search.atom?q=%23WPPI

Wedding Photography blog is now on twitter too. Make sure you follow
@wedphotoblog

What is Twitter?

Zounds and zounds of people are potentially asking this question. Twitter is becoming more and more mainstream. Coverage has become more ubiquitous and many mainstream figures are accepting and tapping into the power of twitter. Twitter is exponentially growing and becoming more and more ubiquitous. It is hard to stop all the buzz nowadays. Nowadays the big brands are catching on and are on twitter: CNN, Starbucks, Wholefoods, Barack Obama, Southwest Airlines. Twitter basically asks what are you doing? In the 90s this was equivalent to checking everyone’s away messages; when instant messaging was very popular.

In a Few Words Twitter is…

A place where you can meet and talk to people within 140 characters. Twitter is the next generation of what phone party lines where. Anyone has a say and can contribute to this large collective network of individuals.

Twitter Requirements

• An open mind friendly Attitute
• A Web Browser or Twitter Application or SMS enabled mobile phone
• Internet Connection

Where or how do i find people to talk to?

• Search
• Tweetup (Twitter Meetup)

Search Ask your friends and seek who actively participates within your network. Search within your city with Twitter Search by location and see if there are individuals who live near you. Most likely if you’re near a metropolis area you’ll be able to find someone that tweets (Tweet as in post twitter)

Twitter Slang

Before you get all confused lets cover some twitter slang.

• @ : The @ sign is used to reply or add someones username to the topic or current tweet.
• Tweet: A twitter post
• Twit: Someone who tweets (Not standard slang or heavily used)
• Tweeple: People on twitter; or people who tweet or twit
• Tweetup: Twitter Meetup
• Re-Tweet: Reposting or passing along another tweet (more later)
• RT: Short for Retweet
• Hashtag: Used to cover topics. A tag followed by the #. Example: #photography at the end of a tweet.
• OH: Overheard
• Direct Message (or DM): The use of a private message where your tweet can only be seen by you and the other party.

Tweetup Twitter is one of the first social media type arenas where face to face meetings (known as tweetups are common). People take conversations online and occasionally take them offline. Many major cities nowadayas have a leader or someone that organizes a tweetup (Twitter Meetup). Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

• Twitter is very simple. It is focused on microblogging or writing within 140 characters. The limitation is what makes twitter special. You can blog about anything you’d like. it’s more casual and does not take much effort or time. I sometimes tweet about what i’m doing (right now it says i’m blogging). I would still try to maintain sentence structure so others can comprehend what you’re saying.
• Good: I walked the dog today. I’m excited about my new Canon Camera! (Notice i use proper sentence structure still). Bad: wlk dog 2day ir xctd abt my new canon camra! (less coherent)
• Blog Content Applies: Write good meaningful content that will draw users.
• Ask questions to your followers. Followers love that you reward them by participation to your question.
• Use Retweets: Pass along good information to others by using RT.
• Post links of your favorite photos or photography
• Make sure you create a good username that is memorable and has some association to you or your brand.

What is Re-Tweeting(RT)? When another follower provides you good information. Copy their text and add their username and RT before the username. This can be easily done via a client application. If this makes your head spin it’ll all make sense in a second. Example Feed. Say your username is @weddingphotographyblog @chrisjlee Check out these great wedding photos! http://www.holymoleephoto.com/blog/ You retweet by writing this in twitter: RT @chrisjlee Check out these great wedding photos! http://www.holymoleephoto.com/blog/

How do i make this profitable for wedding photography? How do i expand my following?

• Word spreads fast on twitter: Find potential clients or develop your brand through using twitter.
• Authority: Provide and demonstrate that you command leadership or expertise in the area of photography by providing photography tips or answers to common FAQ’s.
• Utilizing social media is essential for any small business. In my previous series, Wedding photography blog covers how to wedding photographers can utilize facebook in order to leverage and build brand awareness.
• It’s becoming a good way to connect and create dialogue. My first suggestion for starting a campaign is to find all your friends on twitter. Start by creating an account and just let twitter find your friends through email.
• I would try utilizing the search and start following people within your area. Start replying and commenting on other peoples tweet. Or start searching for other photography twitterers. Usually when someone replies to your tweet a lot of people will become exposed to your username. This will eventually lead to more followers. Long story short: Find people, reply to them, become helpful and you’ll eventually get more followers.
• Connect and discuss or answer question from your favorite wedding photographer or photography artists.
• Engage your followers or potential followers who’d you like to follow.
• Use twitter as a lead into a Rich Content Media: Blog post, podcast, vodcast, etc.
• Provide your followers with interesting viral information.
• Be a good connector. Help, network and meet as many people as you can with reasonable limits. Make sure you develop a meaningful relationship and brand yourself as the wedding photographer.
• Install the facebook application. This way you’ll find followers if you already have a large network on facebook.
• Pimp your username on your web resources and other networks

Still don’t get it? Here are seven videos that just explain twitter:
Carri Bugbee, impersonator of Peggy Olson from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo.

MC Hammer, musician from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo.

Rick Sanchez, CNN anchor from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo.

Gary Vaynerchuk, Wine Library TV from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo.

Rich Tucker, CruiseSource from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo.

Martha Van Inwegen, Action Wipes from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo.

Hunter Burgan, bass guitarist for AFI from Doug MacMillan on Vimeo. Any questions? Follow me on twitter @chrisjlee and feel free to ask me any questions.

Happy Valentines Everyone!

I’m not any way related to Pictage but they sent me a schedule of their speakers. A lot of them are some really great photographers and speakers. Thought this might be helpful for you all.

Monday, February 16
12 – 1 pm: Joe Buissink, Bob Davis
1 – 2 pm: Justin & Mary Marantz, Robert T Williams
2 – 3 pm: Jules Bianchi Dane Sanders
3 – 4 pm: Carlos Baez Robert Evans

Tuesday, February 17
11 – 11:30 pm: Rodolfo Arpia – Spanish Speaking Session
12 – 1 pm: Robert Evans Kenny Kim
1 -2 pm: Jared BaumanBob Davis
2 – 3 pm: Me Ra Koh & Brian TausendDenis Reggie
3 – 4 pm: Sara France

Wednesday, February 18
11 – 12 pm: Me Ra Koh & Brian Tausend, Jeff & Erin Youngren
12 – 1 pm: Grant Oakes, Anne Ruthmann (@anneruthman)
1 -2 pm: Jay Goldman, Lauren Hillary

Only 1 Day Left until the Weekend of WPPI! This five part guide & series is devoted to coverage of the WPPI event. The following are some very useful tips and ideas that will provide you with insight on how to prepare you for WPPI; as well as get the most of WPPI.

• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part I: What to bring
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part II: Where to stay
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part III: Eating and Seeing
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part IV: Maximizing WPPI, Arrival, Logistics, Class Etiquette
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part V: What Classes To Attend?

WPPI 2009 Classes (PDF )

WPPI Decided to split the PDF’s into 3 parts to make it more convenient for you to download. I feel its more of an inconvenience.

Part I: Thursday – Monday Schedule

Part II: Tuesday-Wednesday & Evening Event Schedule

Part III: Exhibitors Map Plus a list of all the Sponsors

General Version of Schedule:

PRE-SHOW

• February 12-13: Plus Classes
• February 13:  Opening programs for Business Institute and All About Schools
• February 14:  Business Institute and All About Schools programs
• February 14-15: 16 x 20 Print and Album Competitions judging

MAIN SHOW

February 15
15th Annual WPPI Golf Tournament
Opening Platform programs
WPPI and Canon Wedding and Welcome Reception

February 16
Our biggest Trade Show ever! – 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Platform and MasterClasses
The Nikon BIG Event

February 17
Trade Show – 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Platform and MasterClasses
WPPI Town Hall – A Forum about the Future of Photography

February 18
Trade Show – 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Platform and MasterClasses
Kodak Awards Reception

February 19
Closing Program

Wedding Photography Blog WPPI Class 2009 Picks

After attending two WPPI’s you learn not all the speakers are good teachers/speakers. Some are good at what they do but not at speaking. That’s ok.  So i’ve compiled a list of suggestions.

Sunday

Afternoon  12-2

• Robert Lino – Vista Ballroom

Never heard of any of these People so i’d just go with the Posing Class. The descriptions seem boring as well.

Afternoon  230-430

• Eddie Tapp -  Studio A/B

Get there early. I’d expect it to be packed. He’ll dazzle you with Photoshop tricks and tips. Very practical (always). Saw him with the posthumous Monte Zucker (May he rest in peace!). Just make sure you leave toward the end. Unless hes trying to give away stuff.

Evening 6-11

• Welcoming Reception by Canon – MGM Conference Center 3rd Floor Ballroom

Don’t miss this. The biggest photographers (and of course Canon Shooters) will be there: Joe Buissink, Bambi Cantrell, Jerry Ghionis, Denis Reggie and Yervant

Monday

It’s not usual for wedding photographers to get up at 7am huh? We’re like rockstars we work late at night. At least i do.

Morning 8-10am

• Aaron Pepis – Room #304/305

He’s a commercial photographer actually. Which is uncommon for WPPI. He actually gives you practical advice. I’ve seen his stuff. It’s pretty interesting. He has great tips on shooting a perfect ring shot. I don’t know if hes doing that again.

• David Ziser – Room #319/320

He’s a talented photographer. I’ve seen him give advice on NAPP vodcasts. He often has great off camera lighting ideas. He has a very unique style that will change the way you see light. His style is very traditional. Not everyone will like the way he shoots but worth checking out!

Afternoon 330-530pm

• Colin Smith – Room #301/302

Don’t know the guy but hes a photoshop cafe  guy. So you can’t go wrong and the topic is about Photoshop CS4. Being it is so new i doubt you’re an expert at it yet.

• Matthew Jordan Smith – Room #313-317

How to photograph Oprah and other lighting secrets - If you’re not a fan of photoshop mojo than this lighting class might be interesting. Matt explores how to light high-end clients like Oprah.

Afternoon 615-815pm

• Doug Gordon – Room #309/310

Doug Gordon is very practical. His business tricks, subject management and communication and workflow is amazing. He’s very fast as well so you might want to video record this if you can. I don’t recommend it. WPPI sometimes frowns on video recording.  Doug uses this idea of flow posing. If you haven’t seen it before its very fast and he just shows you how to finish your wedding as you leave the reception at the end of the night.

Flow posing is a bit difficult to learn. The trick is to have your own set of poses that you can roll from one pose to the other.

• Joe Buissink – Room #312/317

Joe an excellent speaker. His stories and anecdotes at most entertaining and inspiring. He will show you how to create great portraits.  This particular one is title, “Creating the WOW print”

• Ryan Schembri – Studio B

Ryan is a photoshop guru and of the youngest masters. The topic of his lecture is, “X-Rated”. I have yet to see him speak but i could imagine that you’ll learn a plethora with him; at least with photoshop technique.

Evening 930-11pm

• Nikon Presents Blues Traveler MGM Grand Arena

Free concert. What the hell right? Nothing to lose.

Tuesday

Morning 8-10am

• Bambi Cantrell – Room #312-317

Bambi has an interesting shooting and photoshop finishing style. From what i can remember she taught me to roll with noise. In lecture, the program will consist of posing & lighting. Bambi also gives great advice about posing large groups. If she doesn’t talk about that make sure you ask about that one.

• Avoid Brook and Alisha Todd

I don’t like telling people negative things about another photographer. But make sure you avoid Brook & Alisha Todd. Brook and Alisha are great photographers (film) but not the best at keeping up with technology or current trends.

Afternoon 330-530pm

• Yervant – Room #312-317

Obvious. No explanation needed. Yervants a master

• Bruce Dorn – Studio B

Bruce is a master cinematographer. He will give you the best techniques for off camera lighting. Thus the title, “The art of Off-Camera Lighting”.  Just beware. Avoid bringing your credit card. Bruce has lots of great Bruce Dorn-Branded Lighting gadgets you’ll want to buy. Hard to resist!

• Neal Clipper – Room #311

Neal is a straight forward guy. He’ll show you easily how to run a photography studio and all the right vendors. He’s very specific. Hes a great lecturer if you’re interests are more toward business and growing your bottom line.

• Cliff Mautner -  Room #309/310

Cliff is very passionate. His shooting style is very inspiring and worth listening to.

Evening 615-815pm

• Jeff and Julia Woods – Room #319/320

I’ve seen Jeff and Julia Woods speak together at Canon’s free seminars. They’re a very cute couple and are very helpful with insight on wedding photography in terms of business & marketing.

• Peter Krogh – Room #306/307

Peter is a DAM (Digital Asset Management) expert. If you’re a geek and into making sure you have a really efficient workflow with the intention of having things backed up then this is your lecture.

Wednesday

Morning 8-10am

• Jerry Ghionis Room #312-317

Best speaker i’ve ever listened to. Very hilarious and entertaining. He will literally make you laugh so hard. His advice is very useful as well. He teaches the idea of fauxtojournalism. A must see for WPPI! Don’t see anyone else!

Afternoon 230-430

• David Beckstead Room 309/310

David talks about destination weddings. I like his style along because it is very fashion-forward. Worth checking out.

Evening 615-9pm

• Awards Reception – MGM Conference Center 3rd Floor Ballroom

Can’t miss the awards. You’ll see lots of great people there as well as great prints.

Only a couple days left until the Weekend of WPPI! This five part guide & series is devoted to coverage of the WPPI event. The following are some very useful tips and ideas that will provide you with insight on how to prepare you for WPPI; as well as get the most of WPPI.

• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part I: What to bring
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part II: Where to stay
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part III: Eating and Seeing
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part IV:  Maximizing WPPI, Arrival, Logistics, Class Etiquette

Arriving In Las Vegas Today or Tomorrow?
The plus classes for WPPI start tomorrow! A lot of you might be arriving in Las Vegas the next few days.

Getting to your Hotel From the Airport
Chances are most likely you’re arriving to Las Vegas by Airplane. I’m sure there are plenty of you driving to WPPI. There are several options of getting to your hotel from the McCarran International. There’s a shuttle that’ll take you to and from your hotel. The shuttle service loops to and from the hotels.

WPPI Registration:

There’s a booth that you won’t be able to miss. I would recommend registering when it’s not busy. It’ll be most busy during the morning when it opens and it’ll slow down in the middle of the day when no one is there.

If you arrive on thursday or friday. You can try to register ahead of time. I’m not totally sure if you can. Once you register you’ll be given a lanyard with a WPPI Card that’ll let you swipe at certain particular vendors. The card will have your name, your company and where you’re from on the card. This will give you access to classes, the trade show and WPPI events.

WPPI 2009 Schedule

WPPI Must Dos!

You want to maximize your benefit at WPPI. You’re spending a lot of money. You’re going to want to see and do everything. The following are things that you’ll not want to miss out.

Print & Album Contest

Don’t miss out on the print and wedding album contest. They’ll give you great inspiration about whats hot and attractive looking in Wedding photography now. Also make sure you revisit the print viewing area later when they receive their scores. There should be an event where they actually pass out and deliver awards as well.

Champagne Shootout

You must visit the champagne shootout. This is not a WPPI scheduled event. It will be advertised through signage around the trade show floor. Usually every year Pictage, Nikon and a bunch of other sponsors have a champagne shootout that includes very famous and well distinguished photographers. In the past they’ve had: Bambi Cantrell, Mike Colon, etc. The Champagne Shootout is great in that provides you insight on how these legendary photographers work.

There will be 4 photographers and they will each shoot live in front of an audience. You’ll see their process and they talk while they’re shooting them. Again they may of may not have this. When i was there in 2006/2007 they had this both years.

Free Instruction by World Class Photographer by Canon/Nikon Trade Show Booths

Make sure you visit the Canon/Nikon booth depending on whichever camera you use. I use Canon and i know they always have a huge list of awesome shooters who give free 20 minute classes and tips on how to maximize Canon’s products. True there always is a pitch about Canon’s products but it’s free class instructions.

Often they’ll teach shooting instructions.  Shooters like Denis Reggie, Yervant, Jerry Ghionis, Jeff and Julia Woods, etc will be there to teach you quick tips and instructions for free. Make sure you see the schedule first thing you get there and schedule it around the classes you’ll want to see.

Etiquette

• Make sure you are prepared. Plan your classes ahead of time.
• Don’t use your flash in class. If you must take a picture of slide try to grab one without a flash. You should be able to. The projector is pretty bright and with 800 iso you can get a pretty clear picture.
• Be on time. There will be 100-200 chairs and seats for bodies. The more popular a photographer is the more likely they’ll be packed.
• Theres always a seat. Look around. Most likely the ones up front aren’t taken. People are shy and will usually be in the back
• Sit up front. Your chances of winning free swag is more likely and easier if you sit up front. Most photographers aren’t quarterbacks. Trying to throw something like that that far away is highly unlikely
• Feel free to leave whenever you want. Every speaker is usually formulaic: Slideshow, introduction, what do i do, How do i shoot, meat of the presentation, pitch. They will do lots of cross pitching their plugins, filters, actions etc. Then hopefully at the end they will give you free stuff for sitting there.
• Stay after and meet the speaker – If you’ve been dying to meet this photographer and try to start a conversation with them walk up there and ask good questions. Be sure to follow up later etc.
• Be friendly – We’re all photographers, we all get geeked about cameras. You can always form valid conversations about camera gear and conversations about wedding or portrait photography.
• Jump in between – Feel free to jump presentation to presentation. The speakers maybe good photographers but not good teachers/speakers. They won’t be offended. Just leave if it doesn’t strike your interest and hope to find another one.
• Bring pad and pen. Listen to them and write meaningful notes.
• Recording voice – if necessary record voice.
• Drinking water – They usually supply drinking fountains in the back with plastic cups. Use the drinking water during when the speaker isn’t speaking. It may be different this year being its at MGM.

WPPI is very close and not to far away! This five part guide &  series is devoted to coverage of the WPPI event. The following are some very useful tips and ideas that will provide you with insight on how to prepare you for WPPI; as well as get the most of WPPI.

• WPPI 2009:  Survival Guide Part I: What to bring
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part II: Where to stay
• WPPI 2009: Survival Guide Part III Eating and Seeing

I know this series seems to be just about Vegas. But these are some things you’re going to have to think about while you wait for the show tradeshow to start. You’ll be thinking about accommodations what to see what to eat etc. Because most likely you’re reading this from your hotel room.
Breakfast

Finding a good place to eat without eating at a buffee around the North Las Vegas strip can be difficult. Taking a cab is not really an easy option. Traffic is usually really busy and its hard to get around town. The best way to get around town along the strip is actually walking (in my humble opinion).

Breakfast

• Bellagio’s buffet is excellent: For breakfast it’s a bit expensive but there are zounds of great fresh healthy choices.
• Paris Paris: Inside paris paris there’s a buffet there where they serve delicious crepes. Theres always a huge line though. So make sure you get there early!
• Breakfast in Bed: If you don’t need monstrous portions. Most hotels allow you to order up breakfast and have it delivered to your room at a certain time. Keep an eye out for door hangers with breakfast choices. When i stayed at the Westin they had this option every morning. Definately saves you plenty of time. This should run you about $10-15 without gratuity.
• Monte Carlo Cafe: The monte carlo has a great place on the first floor that serves breakfast. It’s simply called cafe. I can’t recall the name of the place. You can get a great omelette there.

Lunch

• Monte Carlo – Theres a Nu-Asian Type Restaurant inside the monte carlo that serves anything from Chinese to Thai type cuisine. I haven’t actually had the food there but it looked pretty good.
• PF Chang’s – Everyone’s heard of PF changs. Theres one located inside Planet Hollywood (North of MGM). They offer nu-asian cuisine.
• Fast Food – If you really need something quick and somewhat affordable you can grab fast food near the New york New york hotel (next to MGM which is where WPPI is held this year). Theres also another food court inside Monte Carlo. They offer McDonalds, Subway and a bunch of other resturants.

Dinner

• Spice Market Buffet: The spice market buffet is located inside Planet Hollywood. The buffet was named of the best. They have a large variety and selection between various different types of cuisine: French, Asian, American etc. Something there to please everyone. Be sure to expect to wait in line for a while as well.
• Cheap Seafood Buffet: If you’re looking for the typical old las vegas cheap crab legs. Frontier has it. I don’t recommend it but they offer all you can eat crab legs. The quality of the seafood isn’t that great.

Specialty Cuisine

Sushi:  Make sure you stop by Ah Sin. From what i hear they have the best sushi around town. Planet Hollywood recently opened a new sushi restaurant as well named: Koi.

Dim Sum:  Cathay House is the winner in this category. In order to get dim sum you have to travel off the las vegas strip.  Just take the cab to Las Vega’s ChinaTown(a small strip). Its not far just takes a 10-20 mins depending on traffic. The cab fair should be around $12-15.

Starbucks: Need a starbucks? Thats about the only thing they offer around here. Theres a bunch of starbucks located around the strip. Look for one in New York New York, Westin and Planet Hollywood. There are probably plenty more that I don’t know of.

Caveat; I’m not an accountant or a certified CPA; Be sure to consult an accountant to review local, municipal, and state laws governing your venue where your business transactions occur.

1. Camera Equipment: One of the larger costs of doing business in Wedding Photography. If you have camera equipment you can amortize deductions over a period of time.
2. Business Use of Vehicles: Keep track of the mileage, insurance and costs of owning a vehicle. It’s best if you keep a log to keep track of the miles traveled for business purposes.
3. Charities: If you donate or spend money toward a charity you can deduct any contributions
4. Interest on debts: If you have a credit card and carry a balance you are able to deduct any interest that you paid to the credit card companies.
5. Meals & Entertainment: Frequently if you take out your potential bride and grooms you can deduct 50% of the bill that you paid for their meal or entertainment.
6. Membership fees to professional memberships: Memberships to professional organizations like PPA, WPPI ASMP, DWF etc.
7. Educational /Seminars: If you frequent or travel to las vegas for conventions like WPPI (Wedding and portrait Photographers International); or to phoenix for imaging usa; you can deduct the costs related to the trip: Meals, hotel stay, car rental, gas, flight, Seminar costs.
8. Business Organization: Any business formation costs within the first year of business formation: Accountant, Lawyer fees
9. Tax Services/Software: If you purchase or consult an individual to prepare or help produce your tax documents
10. Rent: Any part of your office that you pay rent for in the year of Tax reporting is deductable. One of the many  exceptions is that if you deduct rent that is deemed excessive and is owned by a relative.