A Crawl worth photographing

Nikki Villoria

Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 | 11:43 a.m.

Each year, hundreds of professional and novice photographers from around the world flock to Las Vegas for the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Convention, (WPPI). This weeklong expo includes a packed, high-energy schedule of classes, seminars, speakers and tradeshow exhibits, and while most of the photographers spend their days partaking in the scheduled convention itinerary, others choose to break away for a chance to zoom in on a photographic opportunity outside the Strip’s halls.

Tuesday marked the third annual Big Pic Crawl—founded by local photographer Eric Guideng—a five-hour excursion that hosted over a dozen models in 10 settings for a marathon photo shoot.

Uncertain of where the event was being held, participating photographers of all skill levels met at the MGM Grand and piled into a shuttle that carried them to Gypsy Nightclub on Paradise Road. At the club, they were given the freedom to roam from professionally lighted set to set and the opportunity to photograph whichever model they desired.

“I think it’s a great way to get a variety of shots and network as well as teach and learn from others that are here,” said participating photographer Yomi Foreman from San Francisco.

The models, who included Maxim model Jenny Milstead, and Crazy Horse Paris dancer and Krystle Richeson, ranged from high-fashion breakdancers in a black pool of inch-deep water to a pinup model to a woman dressed as a bride.

“It’s a very artistic endeavor. We try to get everything from weddings to fashion to art—all of it,” said Guideng. “I just provide the elements; the real key is the photographers coming together and working with each other and learning from each other.”

Unlike other events where models and staff are paid, the Crawl is put together solely with participant’s dues and an all-volunteer staff. Volunteers and professional photographers were set up at various points to provide tutorials and answer any questions that novice photographers might have.

“I know how tough it is to start as a photographer, because I was there once. Without other photographer’s help I wouldn’t be where I am now, so I wanted to give back and return the favor,” said Christopher Thomson, a professional photographer from LA.

The event cost a total of $200 per photographer and included everything found at the crawl, shuttle rides to and from the MGM, food and drinks during the event and a post-shoot afterparty at Gypsy. With a DJ, open bar and a by-now familiar location, the afterparty was a chance for the photographers, models and volunteers to relax after a long day and party with new friends.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” said Guideng. “The community came together. It’s everyone’s equipment, everyone’s talent, everyone’s skills that all come together.”