BookCon 2015 Returns to NYC 5/30-31 – Tips for Navigating the Show and Links

Love Books? I know I do. For the last three years I’ve been attending the BEA (Book Expo America), which is primarily an industry show for the book business. Last year, someone got the idea of running a consumer book show akin to Comic Con, which is a huge event that celebrates all things related to the comic book industry, held annually in multiple cities. I must say that it was a very good idea! Last year’s BookCon show was packed with people celebrating the very wide world of literature, from romance novels to stunning photography picture books (I personally favor these over the romance novels, but that’s just me).

BookCon will be returning to the Jacob Javits Center in New York City on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 2015. Last year was the first running of BookCon, and it was held on one day, but this year (undoubtably due to its success), it’s running for two days.

One of the entrances to Book Expo America 2015 (same location as BookCon 2015). I think Snoopy is starring in a new movie and some new books too!  Photo © Andrew Darlow.

There are panel discussions, author interviews on a big stage and in conference rooms, as well as many, many book signings. One of my favorite interviews/presentations last year was with author and photographer Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York. Brandon is returning this year, and here’s a link to Brandon’s presentation and poster signing schedule at the 2015 show. I also got to see Grumpy Cat up close, which she didn’t appear too excited about, but I didn’t take it personally :).

An example of what you’ll find at some of the booths at Book Expo America and BookCon. Booth Photo © Andrew Darlow. For more information about this vendor, visit Beaver Books.

A Few Tips for Navigating the Show

Walking the show floor without a plan can be overwhelming, so I recommend taking a look at what’s happening at the show, then decide which talks/booths you’d like to visit. If you want to get a book signed by a specific author, you can bring your own copy (they may or may not have copies of the book available that you’d like to own).

BookCon Ticket Information

BookCon Adult Tickets for Saturday are $35 when purchased online prior to the show and $45 when bought onsite. Sunday tickets for adults are $30 when purchased online prior to the show and $40 when bought onsite. And as I noted last year, definitely consider bringing the kids! A good portion of the show contains children’s books, games, etc. Tickets for children 6-12 are just $5. If last year is any indication of the attendance, I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance. It’s a good way to reduce wait times when you pick up your badge for the show, and to avoid the possibility of it being sold out. I noticed that all the VIP tickets are already sold out for this year’s show.

Viva le Book!

BookCon 2015 Quick Links

Main Show Page
General Info/FAQs
Link to Buy Tickets
BookCon Twitter Feed
BookCon’s Facebook Page

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A Photo From the Jersey Shore with Commentary by Digital Photo Academy Instructor Bill Blanchard

Today I’m happy to bring you another image with technical data, thoughts and comments from photographer and instructor at Digital Photo Academy, Bill Blanchard. This time, the subject of the photo is one of my favorite places, the Jersey Shore.  You may recognize the Fun Town Amusement Pier in Seaside Heights, NJ. The entire pier (as well as Casino Pier on the other side of the boardwalk) was heavily damaged during Hurricane Sandy (October, 2012) just about nine months after this photo was taken (1/10/2012). Unfortunately, the stately ferris wheel in the photograph was so badly damaged that it was demolished in the spring of 2013. And to add to that, a devastating fire in September of 2013 badly damaged the Fun Town Pier. I think photos like this underscore how quickly things can change in a location. I visited Seaside Heights just a week before the fire, so when the fire happened, it underscored for me the fragility of almost everything we see and experience on a daily basis.

Photo ©Bill Blanchard, All Rights Reserved (click for a larger version)

Here are Bill’s comments about the image:

“Cold winter days often make for clear, crisp skies, and I took advantage of that here. When I saw this scene, locked behind a cyclone (a.k.a. chain link) fence, it went black and white in my head. I found a break in the fence and poked my lens through and shot it as the black and white I knew it would become. The only way I could get the detail I was seeing in the sky and the deep shadows was by shooting it as an HDR image. I made it black and white as part of the HDR processing.”

Technical Information:
Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
Aperture: f/7.1
Shutter speed: 1/800
ISO: 500

HDR Processing in Photomatix to a TIFF file. TIFF file was then processed in Lightroom to create the final image.

You can learn more about Bill, and check out some of his other images on the Digital Photo Academy site by visiting this page: https://digitalphotoacademy.com/portfolio/bill-blanchard

Please note: The Imaging Buffet receives no compensation for bringing these images and tips to you, and we have full editorial control over the content. As a part of our relationship with Digital Photo Academy, you will find information about The Imaging Buffet and upcoming workshops and events on their website.

WPPI 2015 Overview – Show Returns to Las Vegas on 2/28/2015

I’ve been attending photo shows sponsored by photo organizations, publications and other industry groups for over 20 years, and there are a few that really stand out in my mind for the quality of programs and the trade shows that usually accompany them. One of them, the PhotoPlus Expo, happens each Fall in New York City (you can read my review of the 2014 show here), and another fantastic one (Imaging USA) is being held this year in the beginning of February in Nashville, TN.

I just received some information about the programming schedule for The Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference and Expo (WPPI) 2015, which is returning to Las Vegas from 2/28 to 3/5/2015. Even if you don’t plan to attend, there is a lot of great information that can be found by reading through the course descriptions and following the news about the show on Twitter, Facebook or the show’s website. Below is the full text of the press release, which covers a lot of information about the event. Some of the things I found most interesting are the new photo walks, the four day hands-on filmmaking class that looks like a great opportunity for those interested in diving into (or improving their skills in) the world of “moving pictures,” and Joe McNally’s two-hour keynote, scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, from 8-10 pm. If you’ve ever had a chance to attend a Joe McNally talk or view one of his presentations online while he shows his outstanding imagery, it’s always enlightening.

PRESS RELEASE (reproduced in its entirety)

Photo Walks, PLUS Classes and Keynote by Joe McNally Highlight New Education and Inspiration at WPPI 2015

Reduced Prices for New One-Day Plus Classes, 50 Photo Walks through Las Vegas, and Intense Four-Day Filmmaking Track Exemplify WPPI’s Dedication to Innovative Learning

New York – December 30, 2014 – The Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference and Expo (WPPI) continues to be the most anticipated event of the photographic industry, and for good reason.  For one week each year, thousands of photographers and filmmakers gather in Las Vegas to try new products, expand their skillsets by taking premier, hands-on educational courses, and network with friends and industry leaders. The annual conference promises new events and educational additions each year and WPPI 2015 promises to continue that tradition.

“WPPI has built a solid foundation by providing unique ways of educating our attendees – creative learning techniques, events, and technologies are all part of the fabric that makes up the WPPI experience,” explains Jason Groupp, WPPI director of education and membership.  “WPPI 2015 is filled with new seminar tracks, an amazing lineup of Photo Walks, an inspirational keynote by Joe McNally, and two very exciting networking parties. We’re giving our attendees the chance to learn directly from their role models. These are priceless lessons that will stay with our community members forever.”

For the first time, WPPI will host a series of Photo Walks – 50 total – led by some of the industry’s most renowned photographers and educators including Jen Hillenga, CM Leung, Tony Corbell, Rocco Ancora, Zach and Jody Gray, Jennifer Rozenbaum, and Kelly Brown. Attendees can choose to begin or end each day with an interactive Photo Walk conducted at a variety of locations in and around Las Vegas.  A complete listing of scheduled Photo Walks can be found here; for more details on each walk, visit the WPPI Photo Walk Facebook page where many of the walk leaders are sharing ideas and schedules for their walks as well as answering questions on each session.

Catering to the positive feedback on smaller, hands-on classes, WPPI has added 10 new one-day PLUS Classes for 2015 for a reduced price; $149 each for members and students, $199 for non-members.  Limited to 25 participants per class, attendees will benefit from a more personalized and intimate learning environment. Each PLUS class will consist of a 2-3 hour presentation, followed by hands-on training and an afternoon of on-location shooting.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in the online #WPPIKNOW Trivia Challenge. Photographers who answer each question correctly will be entered to win a free Full Platform Pass to WPPI. A Full Platform Pass is required for attendees wishing to take a PLUS/ Master class or Photo Walk. For those already registered, WPPI is giving the winners $99 to put towards the purchase of any educational class. To play, Like the WPPI Online Facebook page and look for the next #WPPIKNOW post or email in your inbox.

On Tuesday evening, March 3 (8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.), Joe McNally will take to the stage for this year’s keynote presentation.  McNally has been recognized amongst the 100 most important people in the industry. His career has spanned more than 30 years with assignments in more than 50 countries, including shooting cover stories for TIME, Newsweek, Fortune, & The New York Times Sunday Magazine. After a day of interactive learning, attendees will be able to sit back, relax, and be inspired by one of our industry’s greatest photographers.

WPPI 2015 will again host an intensive four day hands-on filmmaking class led by Joe Switzer, limited to 20 students to ensure an intense and interactive experience.  Participants will be part of the crew that writes, shoots, and edits the official 2015 WPPI video from beginning to end.  The film will make its debut during the awards ceremony on March 4^th.

Did Someone Say Party?

WPPI 2015 will be hosting two networking parties.

WPPI officially kicks-off on Saturday night, February 28 with its new evening event, Almost Famous. For the first time, WPPI will celebrate other talents of its members against a backdrop of their photography. Whether it be song, dance, playing an instrument or any entertaining talent, WPPI members are invited to strut their stuff in front of a live audience for a fun, entertaining and inspirational night. Hosted by Grand Master of WPPI Jerry Ghionis and proudly supported by Triple Scoop Music, this will be the perfect introduction to your 2015 WPPI experience! The showcase will be followed by a performance by a Triple Scoop Music artist for a night of fun and dancing.

Sunday night, March 1, will feature the annual Opening Party at Hakkasan, the hottest nightclub in Vegas which is conveniently located inside the MGM Grand. The party, proudly sponsored by industry giants Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Bay Photo, is exclusive to WPPI Full Platform Pass holders and includes an evening filled with drinks, glitzy photo opps, and dancing to the beats of the resident DJ.

On Monday evening, March 2, attendees will enjoy an evening under the open skies of Vegas by the MGM’s famed Producer’s Pool. Enjoy the company of your peers, industry leaders, and the sights of Las Vegas while sipping cocktails and enjoying music beneath the stars.

About WPPI

The WPPI Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference + Expo is the premier industry event for photographers and now, filmmakers, specializing in the creative and business aspects of wedding, portrait photography and filmmaking. Each year, over 13,000 professional and imaging professionals attend WPPI to learn new techniques from industry leaders, build new relationships to help grow their business, experiment with new products from major manufacturers to improve productivity, and to use Vegas as a backdrop while expanding skillsets and portfolios.

Additional information and a complete schedule of seminars and activities is available online at www.wppionline.com.

Related Links

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WPPIOnline
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RFWPPI