Feed Your Passion for Photography at The Big Photo Show

The Big Photo Show is a series of photography events designed for the millions of U.S. consumers who want to learn how to take better photos. The events are being organized by PMA, The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations.

thebigphotoshow_250x138The inaugural Big Photo Show event will be held from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. Here you will be able to see, touch, and explore the latest products rather than simply reading about them.  Bring your camera to the show, ask the pros questions, and learn about some cool new options for creatively displaying your images.

Live Model Shoots Hosted by Photography Magazines

“The Big Photo Show will offer three zones, each with different types of learning opportunities,” said PMA Executive Director Jim Esp.

  • The Education Zone offers theater-style seating for listening to expert speakers.
  • The Shooting Zone enables attendees to join pro photographers in shooting live models.
  • The Hands On Zone provides small-group settings for more in-depth, personalized training.

Professional photographers, framers, and experts from leading photography magazines will offer an array of educational opportunities.

For example, a live model shoot will be held several times each day in the booth of Bonnier Corp., which publishes American Photo and Popular Photography magazines. Participants can shoot side-by-side with top pro photographers and get their advice on lighting, posing, settings, and more. Each model will sign a model release, giving The Big Photo Show attendees permission to use the images for self-promotion in print and online.

Professional photographer and TV personality Erin Manning will discuss lighting techniques for both natural light and studio lighting. Manning hosts DIY Network’s award-winning TV series “The Whole Picture” and created the popular “Digital Photography 101” video series. She is also the author of two books: “Portrait and Candid Photography” and “Make Money with Your Digital Photography.”

Professional photographer and bestselling author Lee Varis  will teach the latest techniques for creating beautiful portraits and explain how to make the most of your images with Photoshop. A commercial and fine art photographer for over 30 years, Varis has had his work published in National Geographic, Newsweek and Fortune magazines. He is the author of “Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing and Retouching Faces” and “Bodies and Mastering Exposure and the Zone System for Digital Photographers.”

Photography instructor Mark Comon will share five easy tips to improve your photography and provide tips on wildlife and safari photography and sports photography. Comon has been teaching photography for more than 25 years and has led student groups on photographic tours through Europe, Africa and the American Southwest. His photography has been featured in many publications, including Outdoor Photographer, PC Photo and Photographic magazine.

Photographer David Bever will talk about the business of professional photography. Bever owns L.A. Photo in Redondo Beach, California which specializes in event and fashion/product photography. He has photographed band members from such legendary groups as Pink Floyd, Elton John, and Guns & Roses.

Inspiring Hobbyists and Creative Pros

PMA (which originated as the Photo Marketing Association) has a long history of helping photography-related businesses adapt to ongoing changes in imaging technologies. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jim Esp, they have recently redefined their mission to “promote the growth of the imaging industry.”

It seems to me the imaging industry already seems poised to explode. As all forms of interpersonal and business communications become more visual, millions of people want to learn more about photography and videography.

Sure, many “photo enthusiasts” are purely hobbyists (such as the hordes of retiring Boomers who want to document their travels and visually tell their life stories).

But knowing how to shoot good photos and videos is becoming a valuable, marketable skill for anyone striving to build a career in journalism, web publishing, graphic design, content marketing, or public relations.

As creative pros use “personal branding” to attract new career opportunities, many of us want to be able to take our own good-quality photos and videos for blogs, presentations, websites, and social media pages.

According to PMA, The Big Photo Show is designed to deepen and enhance the photo enthusiast’s relationship with the entire photography experience – from image capture to image output.

“The Big Photo Show is going to be fun, educational, and inspirational,” said Mark Comon. “Attendees will come home with fantastic pictures, and with a great deal of knowledge they can use in their passion and craft. Anyone interested in photography should be lining up to attend.”

LINKS

The Big Photo Show

PMA