DAVID HAKAMAKI

IRON MOUNTAIN — David Hakamaki, owner of Cutting Edge Photography in Iron Mountain, recently took part in speaking engagements at two major international photography conferences.

Hakamaki was invited to speak at the Wedding and Portrait Photography International convention in February. He provided two programs at WPPI 2022 — a PhotoWalk on high school senior lighting and a Platform class on photography business. Both sessions were sold out, with many questions and participants.

“David is not only a speaker at WPPI but a part of our community,” said WPPI Program Director Joe Kowalsky. “Attendees are interested in what he has to say, and after just one conversation you’ll understand he’s just as interested in passing his knowledge on to others. The man can work a room and it is amazing having him as a part of our roster.”

This was Hakamaki’s 10th consecutive appearance at WPPI, which attracts photographers from around the world and is among the largest photography conferences. While at WPPI, he also was a part of the speaker group invited to do portfolio/image reviews with attendees. This gave attendees one-on-one access to a speaker who would provide critique and input on improving lighting, composition and technique. WPPI spans five days, providing more than 200 hours of education in 130-plus classes and 110 speakers.

“WPPI always attracts a wide variety of photographers from around the world and it was great to be back in-person at conferences,” Hakamaki said. “I got to see several of my international friends after a two-year break due to COVID restrictions minimizing their international travel. WPPI puts on an amazing program that allows photographers from all levels to learn, get hands-on instruction, and check out the latest gear and companies. My work with our area seniors has really allowed me to show off what we do with our senior portraits and encourage photographers to incorporate those techniques to improve their senior photos. Plus, hitting the ten-year mark as a WPPI speaker is a badge of honor.”

In March, Hakamaki also was invited to speak at The Societies of Photographers UK Convention in London, England. The event attracts professional photographers from Ireland and the United Kingdom, which includes the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Hakamaki provided four programs at The Societies of Photographers convention, which included a key program at its business school, two masterclasses and one superclass on lighting.

While at the convention, Hakamaki also was invited to participate in a podcast with award-winning UK photographer and friend Scott Johnson for “Talking Shot Photography,” hosted by Ross Grieve. The Societies of Photographers UK Convention spans four days with more than 100 classes and 70 speakers.

“It was great to get back overseas to see my UK friends and participate in the UK’s premier photography convention,” Hakamaki said. “This is my second time speaking at The Societies and being asked to do four programs was a bit daunting. However, they totally filled each of my classes and the hospitality they exhibited made it very enjoyable. Coming from a small town in the U.P., being recognized as an industry leader, and invited to speak in London is surreal. It is something I will always remember and cherish.”

Hakamaki now looks forward to spring sports as well as a new round of high school seniors to be photographed.

Cutting Edge Photography is at 443 Tall Pines Drive in Iron Mountain and photographs high school seniors, youth and high school sports, weddings and commercial businesses and professionals. Hakamaki has been in business for 19 years and remains active in the community.