WPPI's Rooftop Shootout

With Mike Larson and Brittany Hanson

Wednesday afternoon at WPPI in Las Vegas, after the trade show, there was a buzz going around about an innovative lighting seminar. It was held near Bally's, on and around the rooftop of the Platinum Hotel overlooking the whole city. California Sunbounce-sponsored international photographers Mike Larson and Brittany Hanson led and photographed a demo shoot for 100 photographers.

There was limited access to the event due to the unique location. Mike and Brittany kicked off the event by presenting slideshows that highlighted images from their travels around the world shooting weddings and portraits. Once the shoot got underway, there were constant questions and shutters firing as models moved to different parts of the rooftop, setting up a variety of lighting scenarios.

"It was amazing to be able share tips on great lighting with such a great product with so many photographers at the same time," Mike said. Brittany commented, "This is a solid reflector, and every photographer should have one." There were two hours of shooting in different parts of the rooftop, including the balcony and patio.

Mike and Brittany also shot indoors against brightly lit windows. By reflecting light inside, Mike was able to overpower the sun and shoot directly into the light with his two assistants holding reflectors on each side of the models. The result was a beautiful shot of a bride in the foreground with the buildings of the Las Vegas Strip in the background.

After the shooting wrapped, everyone got a chance to hear Mike and Brittany talk about how they work with clients and about their shooting philosophies. Mike and Brittany then edited their images and produced a great slideshow from the shoot right on the spot so the other photographers could see the great quality of light coming from the California Sunbounce Zebra reflectors. One photographer shared, "Thank you so much for opening up a whole new world of how to use available light with the reflectors. I am excited to get out and shoot again."

Mike added, "WPPI is great and so important to be at, and there is so much going on. Those who are unable to attend really miss out on inspiration, growth and networking. While the conference goes on inside, it was an amazing opportunity to provide some outside shooting lessons as well--this made for a great ending for a lot of the photographers who attended. Shoots are a great time for photographers to mingle and talk about gear, share ideas and watch each other work."

Mike and Brittany believe in the product they use and are proud Sunbouncers. They will be demonstrating the products as well as teaching more on lighting, business and marketing in their Destination Workshops coming up this year; the next one is in Hawaii in June. For more information, visit them online at www.stepitupseminar.com. See the California Sunounce products at www.californiasunbounce.com. To learn more, Mike is also leading a 10-day workshop in Germany in May sponsored by Sunbounce and Calumet; visit www.mikelarsonphoto.com for more information.