Imaging USA Convention & Expo this weekend

The PPA, SEPCON, EPIC, and CPI jointly are hosting Imaging USA Convention and Expo this year right here in Phoenix. Besides the numerous educational classes that they offer, they are also holding one of the largest photo industry tradeshows of the year. Over 223,000 square feet of floorspace will be dedicated to the event at the newly re-built Phoenix Convention Center. Classes start tomorrow, and the Imaging Expo tradeshow starts on Sunday. The entire event runs through Tuesday January 13th. World-renowned photographer Anne Geddes will be giving the keynote talk on the evening of January 12th.

There is still time to sign up if you would like to see the latest and greatest in photo world. Hope to see you there!

We're not just serious about photography; we're serious about your business. Start your year off right at Imaging USA - it's the best place for you to ignite the energy and passion for doing what you love, while learning how to grow your business, push the boundaries, and gain an edge over the competition. Don't miss:

• An Evening with Anne Geddes
• Unbeatable Pre-Convention Classes
• World-Class Instructors, 5 Program Tracks + 3 Conferences
• 223,000 sq. ft. Tradeshow

Watson Lake workshop with Colleen Miniuk-Sperry

Colleen Miniuk-Sperry will be leading an Arizona Highways workshop at the end of January. Her latest workshop will be on location at Watson Lake near Prescott, Arizona. It is a weekend workshop January 31-February 1. The groups are kept small so that each attendee can receive personal attention. There are only two more spots left for this workshop. If you are interested, sign up today!

Join photographer Colleen Miniuk-Sperry on an exciting weekend workshop, as she guides you around the sparkling blue waters & impressive jumbo rocks of Watson Lake near Prescott, Arizona. While Colleen uncovers her favorite locations around Watson Lake & the Granite Dells, learn special techniques for capturing stunning nature photographs.

The cost is $380 per person, which includes:
o 1 night lodging in Prescott, AZ
o Lunches, dinner, and snacks
o Hands-on, individualized field instruction for all skill levels at scenic locations around Watson Lake

For more information, visit http://friendsofazhighways.com/calendar.htm & select the “Watson Lake” workshop listing.

Photoshop classes for photographers

Scott Condray of Visualville teaches Photoshop classes specifically designed for photographers. Since Photoshop is such a complex software, many new users become overwhelmed and do not know where to begin. Scott focuses on the tools that are specific to image editing. He keeps his class sizes small to ensure that every student fully grasps each session. Past students have told me they learned a great deal from Scott's instruction.

Scott has a 5 week course starting next Tuesday night, with spots still available. You can go to the Visualville's website for more information on how you can attend.

Our classes are designed for photographers, but are not limited to photographers. They are open to all who need to learn how to incorporate the power of this amazing software into their creative process.

• All of our classes are designed to meet the needs of photographers, both professional and amateur.
• Each class is designed to introduce students to key features of the program that can benefit both their creativity and productivity.

• Students learn at their own Visualville computer . In person instruction is supported by a class workbook of step by step exercises, and real world example images.

Fall Color photo workshop with Colleen Miniuk-Sperry and Arizona Highways

We are in the midst of the long hot dog days of summer here in the Valley of the Sun. I know we are all ready for that break in the weather. Even though it seems like it will never come, fall is right around the corner. Now is the time to start planning your trips to catch the fall color. Fall color? This isn't Vermont, you say. Well, believe it or not, we do get some amazing fall color here in Arizona.

Colleen Miniuk-Sperry will be instructing a photo tour sponsored by Arizona Highways October 3rd through the 5th in Escudilla Arizona. Check out the information below if you wish to attend. Space is limited to 8 students, so sign up early.

JUST ADDED! Arizona Highways "Fall in Escudilla" Weekend Photography Workshop on Oct. 3-5, 2008

Looking for somewhere new and exciting to photograph magnificent fall colors in Arizona?

Join me as your lead instructor on this exciting 3-day weekend workshop on October 3-5 in the Escudilla Wilderness Area on the eastern side of Arizona. Sponsored by the Arizona Highways Photography Workshops, I will act as your guide through expansive groves of aspens, gambel oaks, and evergreens surrounding the 3rd highest peak in Arizona, the Escudilla Mountain. Uncovering my favorite "secret" locations in the remote Escudilla Wilderness, I'll also share special techniques for capturing stunning images of fall colors.

Cost: $925 per person, with a maximum of 8 students

Includes:
Roundtrip transportation from Phoenix, AZ
2 nights Lodging
All meals
Hands-on, individualized field instruction in a small group setting at little-known locations for picturesque fall colors
For more information or to register, please contact the Arizona Highways Photography Workshops office at (602) 712-2004 or toll free at (888) 790-7042. Space is limited, so be sure to call to reserve your spot today!

Hope to see you on October 3rd!

Lighting Essentials Workshops

For many of us weekend warriors trying blend the correct exposure with the proper lighting technique is as much about understanding principles as it is mastering the knowledge.

Our friend Don Giannatti has been a bit of a local legend when it comes to addressing the unique challenges that come when you have a passion for photography. Well it appears that Don’s legend has gone nationwide as he has taken his knowledge (and his muse) on the road for a series of workshops that cover everything from the technical to the creative.

From Houston Texas to Chicago, from Boston to Portland Maine the lighting essentials workshops have been packing them in. I think the reason for his success is the fact that Don’s "not interested in auto settings or sticking a flash on your camera and clicking away. At the workshops you will learn to do it with manual strobes, manual settings and attention to detail that is the mark of a professional photographer."

At Lighting-Essentials.com you will find not just the workshop info, but all kinds of cool ideas and tons of inspiration.

So, as you sit around surfing the net all summer ask yourself; are you ready to redefine your photography? Do you want to beat the heat and learn to invest in yourself not just in equipment? If so grab your digital SLR and all the lenses that you can find, head out to San Diego on the 12th. of July to catch Don and his crew and learn how to see the light that only you can create!

More Than Surviving the Market

Our local ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers) chapter will be hosting a new series of lectures entitled "More Than Surviving the Market". The program is designed so that photographers can share their experiences to help manage a changing marketplace.

The first installment will be about "Producing the Shoot". Rick Gayle along with stylist Kim Krejca will demonstrate how a creative team can collaborate successfully. It can make the difference between an average shot and an award winning image.

The event will be held at Markow Southwest - Rick Gayle Studio, Inc. from 5:30 to 8:30 on April 29th. Admission is free for members or $5 for non-members. For more information, or to RSVP that you wish to attend please visit the ASMP website.

"Producing the Shoot" -- April 29th

Featuring veteran photographer and Phoenix Chapter member Rick Gayle and Phoenix stylist Kim Krejca.

"Producing a Shoot" -- (or 'why can't I do it all myself... but if I have to, what do I do now?')

What makes a good photo shoot?

What makes it better?

How do abstract concepts become well executed photographs? How do you evaluate the layout and bring a concept to life? What do you do when there isn't one?

Why shouldn't you do everything yourself? If you have to, what should you pay attention to?

How does a stylist work?

What can a stylist bring to a photo shoot? What should a photographer expect from a stylist? What does a stylist want to know from a photographer? If you're shooting food, why can't the chef do the photo styling? What the heck should you do when the client says "I can't afford a stylist"...?

Wildflower workshop with Colleen Miniuk-Sperry

This is a great time of year to be in Arizona. The weather has been beautiful, spring training Cactus League games have started, and the wildflowers are starting to bloom. With all of the rain we have gotten this winter it should be an excellent year to photograph the wildflowers. Colleen Miniuk-Sperry (one of our featured artists) will be leading a wildflower photography workshop for the Arizona Highways. She has done all of the leg work for you and has the best locations already scouted out. Space is limited, so be sure to call to reserve your spot today.

Special 1-Day Wildflower Photography Workshop on March 16!

Calling all photographers! Get your cameras out for the brilliant desert wildflower bloom here in
Arizona! Poppies, lupine, owl clover, and scorpionweed are just a few of the wildflowers creating colorful blankets on the desert floor and hillsides right now.

The Arizona Highways Photography Workshops are offering 1-day workshops focused specifically on these wildflowers. Join me on Sunday, March 16 as I lead a Spring Wildflower workshop to help you learn more about photographing this spectacular display in the desert in the best locations around.

The price is $180 per person, with a maximum of 12 participants to ensure individualized attention. This includes a classroom session, lunch, an on-site photo shoot, hands-on field instruction, and a photo technique handout. As your instructor, I might even throw in a little fun too!

For more information, please visit http://friendsofazhighways.com/calendar.htm and select the March 16 Spring Wildflower link. To register, please contact Robyn or Laura at the Arizona Highways Photography Workshops office at (602) 712-2004 or toll free at (888) 790-7042.