Like 11,000 of my photographer colleagues, I was in Atlanta last week for Imaging USA, the annual conference of the Professional Photographers of America.
Imaging USA is a huge event, featuring a huge tradeshow, three days of educational classes, and a variety of social and networking opportunities for all varieties of professional photographers. I was able to meet quite a few interesting photographers, chat with some of my favorite photography vendors, and learn from experts in posing, editing, and lighting.
This year I had a bit of a dual personality at Imaging USA; in addition to being there to learn personally for my photography business, I was also there representing the Oregon Professional Photographers Association. As the 2016 Vice President, I had the opportunity to attend PPA affiliate leadership meetings where I could swap notes with other state and local leaders from around the country. It was a good opportunity to hear what’s working elsewhere, what challenges some are having, and to build relationships to help strengthen the industry for serious photographers.
But it wasn’t all business: there was plenty of fun to be had as well. I led a small group to check out one of Atlanta’s craft breweries, ran into some old friends at the opening party, and got to hang out with a good crowd from Oregon for a group photo and lunch:
