Paul Von Rieter at WPPI with NIKON
Sounds unbelievable right?? I never in a million years thought I would write something like that.
I am still a bit in disbelief.
Last Friday I received a completely unexpected e-mail that pretty much blew my mind; “We love your work!” they said. “We want to send you to WPPI”, “We want to give you our newest, most awesome cameras and we want to hear what you think of them”… Needless to say my jaw dropped. I think I might have actually danced a little jig (it is all kind of a blur).
The reason I am being given this awesome opportunity… well I honestly have no clue why they picked me, but I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth… Nikon has asked that during my visit to WPPI I spend some time using their cameras and lenses, and let them know what I think of them. I absolutely intend to do just that… I mean how could I say no to an offer like that? “Would you like to play with some of the best imaging gear in the world?”… uh, duh? where do I sign up, right? Many of you already know that I currently utilize products of a different camera manufacturer for most of my shooting. Which makes it even more exciting that Nikon has approached me to do this. I am a huge fan of their products, just ask my buddy Gavin Wade. I am constantly harassing him to let me mess with his D3, luckily he is always a good sport about it (thanks Gavin). So here’s the thing; if any camera manufacturer is going to pry my current camera out of my clutches, it is going to have to be something really special. Lucky for them (and me) I have been thinking about changing my current kit over to one of the “other guys” for a little while. This experience might just be the push I need.
During my trip I will be definitely be putting all of that awesome gear through the ringer. You better believe I will be blogging and tweeting all of my findings and opinions, as well as all of the awesome events and workshops I will be attending and participating in. Oh, and I get to play with the brand spanking new , so stay tuned for a review of that bad boy. =) I hope that you will follow along and offer up your opinions or anything you would like to see me try with the gear.
So, there you have it. This Sunday morning I am getting on a airplane and flying to Vegas. For my very first WPPI and NIKON has been gracious enough to pick up the tab for the whole thing. Since I have never been to WPPI, I am not exactly sure what to expect. I know that I will be attending some pretty amazing workshops, and doing my best to meet and network with as many people as possible.
So, if you see a guy with a Nikon camera, a scruffy stubbly beard, spiky hair and a big smile on his face… please come over and introduce yourself…
I would love to meet you.
(If you would like to follow what I am up too during my visit, please add me on Twitter HERE, you can also friend me on Facebook HERE. I will be updating my status on both regularly during my visit.)
Amanda Basteen - That is so amazing! I am so jealous! 🙂 You will do amazingly! Let us all know how it goes. I plan on going to WPPI next year. Have fun!!
Monika Szczepaniak - That is amazing indeed. I hope you will have so much fun with trying out all that gear. An offer like that could easily persuade me to change to Nikon… well maybe.
Edward Maurer - Awesome. I'll be following your tweets for sure. See you at WPPI
gabe aceves - super awesome paul! well deserved and we'll be watching to check out all the details!
Kristi Wright - Amazing! So happy for you.
Kate - That is super exciting news! congrats 🙂 Can't wait to see those amazing pics!!
Luis Godinez - Kudos!!!! I'm so happy for you Paul.
Steve Koo - Congrats again, Paul! I'm excited to read your impressions!
Drew - Such an awesome opportunity Paul. Congrats and very well deserved!
cindee bae - wow, amazing, congrats!!!!
Tabitha - Sooo super cool! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Toni and Wade - That is so great Paul! Have a wonderful time in Vegas.
Becky Young - So awesome! I'll anxious to hear your thoughts on the gear you used, since you don't shoot Nikon right now. Keep us updated on your trip!
Justin - Awesome Paul – Cant wait to see the results! You should tape up the Nikon sign as well, & tell everyone you're repping for a whole new camera company….
Kelly - Lucky you! Can't wait to hear all about it and live vicariously. 🙂
Gavin Wade - More than well deserved Paul!! I'm just happy you're putting what we like to call "the right" camera in your hands and taking her for a test drive! You'll be hooked after WPPI, I promise!
Can't wait to hang in Vegas!
Teresa K photography - Very cool…enjoy the ride!!
Robb Duncan - Totally awesome man, totally awesome!!!
Catherine - So proud of my son! Knock 'em dead….
matt shumate - Jealous. I just switched to Nikon from Olympus & I love my new D3. I'm tracking you down at WPPI so I can see that 24mm in action.
Heather - Congrats Paul – awesome news!!! Have fun in Vegas – you deserve this!!!
Laurie Bracewell - How exciting Paul! Congrats on the opportunity!!
Dana Goodson - This is soooo awesome! Congrats! I love your work.
Lisa Redfern - SUCH exciting news. Enjoy the ride. 🙂
Timothy E Kaldas - Very cool Paul. I can't wait to see what you post after using the gear. Have fun.
jeff - toronto wedding photography - ugh! I so wanted to go to WPPI this year, but I have school. so lame! maybe next year!
Philmasseyphoto - Good on ya. I am jealous and happy for ya. A 24mm 1.4 Awsome!!!
Edie Layland - So now wondering, did you switch to Nikon?
Paul Von Rieter | Photographer - Hey Edie, yep. I am all Nikon all the time.