It all started with an e-mail to my friend Alisa Lynn. Loosely interpreted, it went something like this:
Me: “Hey, are you still considering that thing in Nashville?”
Her: “Yeah, you want to go?”
Me: “Um, I think so. Twist my arm a little though ok?”
Her: “Arm twisted.”
Me: “Ok, MERCY! Be at my house at 7 on Saturday. I’ll drive.”
So just like that, we packed up on Saturday afternoon and drove to Nashville for Imaging USA 2010. The drive to Nashville was a very familiar stretch of road considering that we were just there for our New Years Eve trip. I originally added “#8. Attend a photography covention/tradeshow” to my 38 in 365 project in the hopes that I would make it to WPPI this year. The jury is still out on whether I’ll be able to, but Imaging USA was a good warm up act if/when I do. Sunday morning Alisa and I were up and at ’em bright and early (actually it was more like barely light and early!) to head over to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel where the convention was being held. And yeah, it was cold!
Our first program started at 7 a.m. with Dane Sanders (below). I read his book Fast Track Photographer back in the fall, so I was already on board with his message of discovering my strengths as a photographer. Hearing him speak in person put a whole new spin on the concept and was an inspirational way to start our day. Immediately following Dane’s platform was Jerry Ghionis. Honestly, I had never even heard of the guy before that morning, but I was intrigued by his topic “Achieve Amazing Results Against the Odds.” His tips on posing and lighting were eye-opening, but his quick wit and gorgeous images turned me into an instant fan. Oh and the Aussie accent? - Loved it!
If you can believe it, those three completely random images are the only ones I took while we were at Imaging USA. I was finally at home with 1,000 other photographers who carry a camera like its an appendage and aren’t scared to take pictures of the most random events, and yet, I only took THREE PHOTOS!? Allen would never believe it.
After our classes, Alisa and I took to the tradeshow floor. My big girl job puts me behind the scenes of the tradeshow world almost daily, but being on the other side of the table was a totally different experience. It was a nice change to walk each aisle as a consumer, perusing the various booths checking out what they had to offer. We ran into Jerry Roek at the Bay Photo/SmugMug booth who was kind enough to e-mail me the picture he took of Alisa and me.
Our trip to Nashville was a quick one — we only attended one day of the three day show. Because of that, I don’t feel like we really got the full experience Imaging USA had to offer. One thing I did take from the show was the people. I was able to meet and connect with so many other photographers and friends in the industry that I have only known online until now, and that is an awesome thing.
by Amanda
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