Imaging USA - Out West Originals Photography - Pet Photographer

I, as a pet photographer in Oregon, traveled to Nashville, TN and attended Imaging USA, a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) event for the first time this year. This event is designed to bring photographers together from all directions and genres, provide education, inspiration, and an expo of everything photography. 

For two months leading up to the event, I, and two other dog photographers, Captured Moments Pet Photography and Kasey Wilson Photography, went through the list of classes available to attend and made a list for each day. There was only one dog-specific class and it was a definite one to attend. This year the classes were heavily geared toward school sports and events and boudoir. So every day, there were many class offerings for these subjects. Thank goodness there were other classes that were offered as neither one of those genres are for me, or us, haha. The other classes offered covered topics like lighting, photo editing, business, AI, and many others.

The classes were taught by photographers who are members of PPA and have achieved their Master of Photography credentials, and each class was only offered once. So, choices and sacrifices had to be made because some of the classes I wanted to attend overlapped each other. 

Classes I did attend are: 

      The dog photography class - it was excellent and full of helpful tidbits from Jen Hillengra, a New York dog photographer. 

      Landscape class - instructed by Dennis Hammon, from wide angle to close up photography, each creates a different feel.

      AI - how it can help in your business. (I'll touch on this in a different newsletter as how I use it in my business). Garon Cooper

      Using natural light and one off-camera flash with Sandra Coan

     Composite work in Photoshop with Julienne Kost

Then there was the Expo! 

Featuring over 100 vendors that had something to do with photography. From gear and the bags to hold the gear to the many tools for post processing photos. There were so many product vendors too, which was great to see the product in person and talk to the business owner or rep. I discovered new vendors that I'd like to try out; all of which are based in the USA and that is a strong value in my business. 

I'll say, the first day was long and by the end of the day my social battery was drained while my brain hit the overstimulated mark. And there were still two more days to go! All ended just great. Those two days were less busy so, I, and my two photography buddies, made it through our first experience.

It was fun to meet photographers that I follow on social media and those that I sat next to in classes. Also met some at our hotel at breakfast. Then to see them again on a different day, stop to chat a bit made for a great experience!

Next year’s Imaging USA will be in Charlotte, NC. It is one I plan on attending to receive my Certified Professional Photographer designation, of which I'll be working on this year. 

There is a lot of time until then, so I plan on serving my clients better and
creating awesome artwork for you to enjoy!

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