It was my first time attending this event, but it will certainly not be my last. The educational value of and event like this is invaluable. The names on the program roster were all the celebrity names of the industry. The trade show had all the latest and greatest equipment along with their best sales people and even the founders. For me, five days of nose to the grindstone/take in as much as I can in the time allowed. Here is a list of the programs I attended. I recommend if you're in the industry to join the organization and attend the show next year. And if you're not in the industry, just Google some of the following names and see how amazing photographs can look. Enjoy!
Saturday, March 6:
Full Day Program called All About Schools - more a business day looking at the underclass market of school photography, team sports photography and High School Senior photography and all the products available to go with it. Speakers included Jeff Edwards, Chris Wunder, Paul Schulz and Ralph Romaguera.
Sunday, March 7:
• Judy Herrmann and Jay Kinghorn: Workflow Management - Again, more business related, but coming from a technology background I could appreciate this class. It studied everything from color calibration to backup/archiving procedures. I felt good about my skills having worked in the printing industry and information technology over the last 10 years.
• Vincent Isola: 21st Century Professional Photography - A look at the evolution of photography up to now and where it's going. A study of the art of being a true professional in the land of a ton of aspiring amateurs.
• Doug Gordon: Posing is Back and it's this Year's Black! - The room had 1200 people and the energy of 10,000. Loud music, cheers, amazing atmosphere. Doug teaches fast-paced posing to ensure getting the best wedding portraits in a timely manor. A real character too.
• Gregory Heisler: Canon Keynote Address - Greg has photographed the cover of Time magazine 17 times. He is world-renowned. He does images for Life, Esquire and more. World leaders, celebrities, you name it. He is said to be currently the best photographer on the planet.
Monday, March 8:
• Kirk Voclain: High School Seniors - This is my second time getting to meet Kirk Voclain, having studied with him at After Dark last Fall. Very cool, edgy Senior Portraits. A style I enjoy in my own work... Just a master of it. A great guy as well, who's tons of fun.
• Kevin Kubota: Core Strength - Kevin is awesome! He is one of the best photographers in the world, but also very successful in branding his other businesses of products in the industry. Best of all a very down-to-Earth person. Incredibly inspiring program full of great ideas.
Tuesday, March 9:
• Tony Corbell: The Power of Light - Another thought-provoking and inspiring presentation. Talked about the concept of being a truly great photographer, you must understand proper lighting. Just when you thought you were good, Tony proves you're only beginning.
• Dane Sanders: Anatomy of a Creative - MY NEW HERO! This was a pick you up, flip you around and put you back on the ground as a newly inspired and different person. This was purely an inspirational journey inside each of ourselves on what it is in your life that you're passionate about. It was about escalating above the masses and being a leader. I could have been there all day listening to this presentation. Confession: I'm generally a pretty physically reserved person, but when given the opportunity to shake Dane's hand, I reached out and embraced him with a bear hug. He truly changed me that day. It comes down to believing in what you do, setting your mind to it and going ALL IN. Amazing program. (My wife was in tears.)
• Kay Eskridge: And for Dessert... - This was actually a program on boudoir photography. While it's not for everyone, after being so emotionally overhauled by Dane Sanders, we decided we better have a more light-hearted program. Much to my surprise, this is a trend coming back and sweeping the nation. The program was a ton of fun and very educational. Not such a taboo subject. Very professional, even though a lot of the audience reactions to some of the one-liners made it seem almost like it was a comedy show.
Wednesday, March 10:
• Kevin Ames: The Keys to Great Portraits - This was another technical seminar on proper lighting techniques for in studio and on location.
• Lori Nordstrom: Get Off Your Butt! - Another get up and get out there inspirational and methodological approach to the industry and the business side of it. Lori is a celebrity in the infant and maternity portrait industry. Another After Dark alumni.
• Other names I met or saw briefly that have amazing work: Dave Junion, Vicki Taufer, Jerry Ghionis, Louis Pang, Jasmine Star, Mike Fulton, Cody Clinton, Bambi Cantrell, and Jim Garner.
I assume this may be more than you'd ever want to know about the experience. I just want to make it clear how big of an event this is. All professional photographers should attend this at least every few years. I am a big fan of continuing education through workshops and seminars to keep your edge and stay with the trends and technologies. After all, it betters you, your work and your clients experience.
A note about the photo... Our local paper loves to publish photos of it showing up in various places. Nothing like a little publicity! ;)
My only apology goes out to my wife, Teresa, for not getting to have any typical Vegas fun while we were out there. I'm now told I owe her another trip out there that is purely a vacation.
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