Imaging USA 2020: Day 1

by Francesco Carucci

Imaging USA is the longest-running photographic conference, trade show, and exhibit in the USA, drawing over 10,000 photographers each year, dating back to 1880.

This is my third edition, second time in Nashville, Tennessee. Last year I attended Imaging USA in Atlanta. I can now be fully considered a seasoned veteran of the show. 

 

I come to Imaging USA for essentially three reasons: the International Photographic Competition exhibition to which I submit images every year, the expo to keep the pulse of the Photography Industry aimed at professionals rather than consumers and the sessions, covering topics that range from the business of photography to the technical aspects.

Day 1

The keynote this year was by David Kwik from Kwik Learning. 

Fun guy. Surely very knowledgeable. The keynote felt very scripted and rehearsed. Surely very polished, but lacking that human warm touch that makes a great speaker exceptional.

Most of the information presented is also well known. 

A couple of takeaways:

- Memory is connected to emotions
- Avocado is good for your brain

    I will still not eat avocado.

    At times, the keynote felt like a big ad for Kwik's new book. I've seen better, but I've also seen much worse keynotes.

    I moved next to a couple of hours of sessions. 

    The first one I attended was by Scott Robert Lim. A really fun guy and, allegedly, the only asian who dropped out of college I would ever meet. His words.

    The session was about creating a luxury brand, in his case in the context of wedding photography: be likable, of course, dress well, be nice, people remember your brand only if they like you.

    All obvious stuff, but very well presented and engaging.

    And finally the moment I've been expecting for few months. The International Photographic Competition exhibition opened! 

    And there it was, White Dunes, in the Loan Collection. And a little tear coming down my cheek.

    White Dunes, Fine Art Limited Edition Print.

    Yes, I'm emotional too.

    Black Ocean (though with a different title) and White Wave were also being exhibited in the general collection.

    I took some (many) selfies and moved on to the next session of the day.

    Ian Spaniar is a really good portrait photographer with tons of experience, who set out to share some of his vast experience with us. 

    Ian's session was pretty boring though, not much of an entertaining speaker. Though very knowledgable. Some interesting information, but again, geared towards portraits. 

    Did I mention that talks at Imaging USA are mostly about portrait and wedding photography?

    Yes I did.

    I could use some of Ian's tips about posing for my landscape work though. Ask a mountain range to move a little bit here, rotate a touch there, I'll be back in 2 million years to take the shot.

    That will work.

    The only thing left to do after the last session of the day was partying!

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