Speaker Closeups: Presenting Three Photographers and Their WPPI Presentations

February 25, 2014

By Laura Brauer

One great thing about WPPI is that the show always achieves a good balance between new speakers and tried-and-true favorites. Below, we highlight three exciting presentations taking place on Tuesday, March 4, and the photographers behind them!


© Elizabeth Messina 

The first time Elizabeth Messina spoke at WPPI, it was standing room only and the fire marshals showed up because the room was over its capacity. The secret to her success? Her romantic, ethereal style keeps evolving (check out her stunning bridal fashion shoot on our cover this month), yet she still retains her signature style year after year. Says Messina: “I have always been intrigued by fashion and along the way have naturally evolved into fashion photography. At first I did it for myself, with a bride or with a thrift store dress and a friend, but over time I’ve been able to get the attention of magazines and designers. I think photographers starting out should strive for consistency in their photographs—the more you cultivate your work and personal style, the more options you have in the world.”

Course: “Compelling Creativity”


© Rob Greer

Los Angeles photographer Rob Greer returns to WPPI year after year for dozens of reasons. “In no particular order, some of the most important are that I’m able to reconnect with old friends and make new ones; I’m able to observe the annual 16×20 Print, Album and Filmmaking Competition firsthand; and I get to visit the trade show and network with established vendors, and meet new ones,” he explains. According to Greer, whether you’re a SEO beginner or expert online marketer, “expect to come away with dozens of innovative techniques to improve website and blog rankings.”

Course: “SEO Success: 50 Tips to Improve Website Rankings”


© Katelyn James

A destination wedding photographer based in Virginia, WPPI newcomer Katelyn James says the first thing you should know about her is that much of her success is owed to her husband (and business partner) Michael. “We are childhood sweethearts; we dated for eight years and then we got married on 10/10/10,” she gushes. For James, starting her business as a shoot-and-share photographer and focusing on service and community has created freedom for her business to grow.

Course: “Create Community Instead of Customers”