“What’s your perfect day?” That is the question that world-renown and multi-award-winning wedding and portrait photographer Jerry Ghionis wants to know.
It’s a question we all need to ask ourselves. In an industry where photographers spend hours upon hours documenting the lives of other families, they often miss out on their own. Answering the question, “What’s your perfect day?” could mean the difference between a life of profound joy and fulfillment…or one of sadness, loneliness and regret.
Jerry’s Most Important Lesson
Jerry is a world-class photographer and instructor that is flown all around the world to teach photographers not only about the techniques of photography, but about the business of photography. He knows of which he speaks. He grew one of the most successful and largest wedding photography studios in Australia (and arguably the world) and is perhaps one of the most award-winning wedding photographers in the world. He’s winner of over a dozen WPPI awards, a Nikon Ambassador to other U.S., a Microsoft “Icon of Imaging”, named by PDN as one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world and one of the top ten photography instructors in the world. Of all the lessons Jerry has ever taught, one could argue that this is his most important lesson for a professional photographer to learn.
We had the honor to follow Jerry around for a week at WPPI 2013. We got up close and personal. We saw him on stage, behind stage, and behind the scenes. It’s amazing how beloved he and his wife and partner Melissa are. He really is like the Ferris Bueller of wedding photography. Everyone in the industry thinks he’s a righteous dude.
Healing for an Industry
There has been a lot of controversy in the industry lately. (I know. What a shocker!). Whether it’s plagiarism, stealing photos, or not crediting one’s educational resources, it seems like there’s always something going on. There’s never a loss of drama. I hope this film can serve as a light and a reminder about what’s good in this industry. Share it. Tell a friend. Let’s spread some positivity for once in a while.
As you gear up for WPPI 2014 and prepare for sleepless nights and long days of learning and inspiration (and one or two parties) ask yourself this question that Jerry poses: “What’s your perfect day?”
Special Thanks
This experimental film was shot entirely on location at WPPI 2013. The voice over is an excerpt from the presentation Jerry gave at the Thirst Relief banquet last year. Special thanks to Triple Scoop Music for supplying the soundtrack and to WPPI director Jason Groupp for giving us full access. I also need to thank my second shooter, Chippy Duong. Although I have shot the entire WPPI experience numerous times completely alone, having your assistance was terrific. Last, but not least, I want to thank Jerry and Melissa Ghionis for bringing us out there and giving us such personal access. I consider you friends.
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