Regular DPG/Wetpixel Cocktail party goers might recall that 2 years ago in Vegas we had a little bit of a blowout. Last year in Orlando, things calmed down a bit. This year, we were back in Vegas, and I think we found the perfect mix -- a big room, a good DJ, and, of course, free booze. Most the of the exhibitors in the Imaging Resource Center paid a visit, and many other of the top underwater photographers were there as well. It was almost definitely the underwater photography party of the year. Thanks to everyone who came out and really gigantic thanks to our sponsors, for making such a fun event possible. Warning: Slightly inebriated photography to follow!
Jason Heller and Tim Calver get the night started
UK invasion! Maria Munn and Adam Hanlon catch up
Keri Wilk hangs out with Chuck Nicklin and his wife, Roz.
Danny Charlton, Jason Heller and Matt Weiss (me).
Wolcott Henry and Wendy Heller
Legends of the industry - Jen Hayes, Wyland, David Doubilet, Howard Hall, Ty Sawyer- join Wendy Heller
I also attended the DEMA Awards Party. The dinner is a nice time to have a good meal and talk with industry friends. Each year they honor two people to receive the Reaching Out Award. This year, one of the recipients was legendary underwater image maker Chuck Nicklin. I met Chuck about a month ago in Papau New Guinea. The award to could not have gone to a nicer or more deserving guy. Congratulations, Chuck!
Chuck Nicklin accepts his award
"Dueling Pianos" was the entertainment. Only in Vegas.
What made the party particularly fun this year was the "hat" theme. There were some real classics.
Lorraine and Dave Riscinti - wear that Yankee hat proudly, Dave!
Herb Rafael and Cathy Church rock matching hats. What you can't see is that the little spear fisherman on Cathy's hat is missing a leg, which you can find in mouth of the shark on Herb's hat. Creative!
Chicken hat! My favorite on the night.
