Get International Recognition for Your Best Work in SGIA’s Golden Image Competition

Graphics and imaging competitionThere’s a lot to be said for winning an award for your work, particularly in an international competition. It’s great for PR and lends additional credibility when you give a pitch to prospects.

Therefore, it would be wise to consider entering SGIA’s Golden Image Awards, especially if you used LexJet products to achieve your masterpiece (hint). There are lots of chances to be recognized with about 50 categories available in which to enter.

Many of the categories are specific to screen printing, but many of them include digital inkjet applications, like Transit Advertising, Vehicle Wraps, Wallpaper, Posters, Plastic Products, Fine Art, Carpets/Rugs, Banners, Back-lighted Signs/Displays, and even Greeting Cards.

The deadline for entries is Oct. 5, and all submissions will be displayed in the Golden Image Gallery at the SGIA Expo in Las Vegas, Oct. 18-20. According to SGIA, winners gain international acclaim and every entrant is considered for the Best of Show (digital and screen printing categories) and Best in Creativity (digital printing).

Judges, who were chosen based on their technical skills, experience and knowledge in the categories, will evaluate the contenders on specific criteria, including: image definition, job complexity, registration and overall impression.

“This is a great opportunity for companies to compete against the best in the specialty imaging community and display their work to thousands of Expo attendees,” says Johnny Shell, SGIA’s vice president of technical services.

The Golden Image Awards are open only to SGIA printer members, who get one free entry; each additional entry is $30.

For more information, to enter and manager your entries, click here.

For a list of categories, click here.

For competition entry rules, click here.

Dates and Locations Set for WPPI U Pro Photography Workshops

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced today that registration for WPPI U is now open. The two-day workshops will take place this year in Fairfield, N.J., June 25-26; Atlanta, July 24-25; Las Vegas, Aug. 13-14; and Portland, Ore, Sept. 5 -6.

Professional photography workshopsWPPI says that WPPI U is a comprehensive, university-style two-day seminar providing essential education and training on multiple aspects of photography to help today’s up-and-coming photographers not only strengthen their shooting skills, but also learn how to be successful in their business and marketing practices.

“What began nearly three years ago as a one location educational seminar has grown into the ultimate learning experience that hits the road this summer to bring WPPI-quality education to four key cities in the United States,” said George Varanakis, Show Director of WPPI U and Publisher of Rangefinder. “Ideal for emerging photographers who envision a successful career in photography, WPPI U allows attendees to sharpen their technical skills, teaches them how to run a profitable business and break out on their own using marketing tips they learn from the renowned industry leaders who speak and teach at WPPI U.”

Featuring several guest instructors, WPPI U class topics will include:

  • Lighting & Posing Techniques
  • Wedding & Portrait (now including Children & Pets)
  • Business Planning & Accounting
  • Presenting & Marketing Your Business
  • Postproduction – Lightroom & Photoshop
  • Social Marketing Panel
  • Portfolio Reviews

Professional photographers scheduled to speak at WPPI U include:

  • Fairfield N.J.: Lindsay Adler, Sal Cincotta, Anthony Vazquez, Christa Meola, Blair and Suzanne Phillips, Jared Platt, Susan Stripling, and Doug Gordon
  • Atlanta: Lindsay Adler, Sal Cincotta, Zach and Jody Gray, Tim Meyer, Sarah Petty, Jared Platt, Doug Gordon, and Moshe Zusman
  • Las Vegas: Sue Bryce, Sal Cincotta, Zach and Jody Gray, Blair and Suzanne Phillips, Jared Platt, Lori Nordstrom, and Lindsay Adler
  • Portland, Ore.: Sue Bryce, Sal Cincotta, Kevin Kubota, Scott Robert Lim, Jared Platt, Kirk Voclain, and Jim Garner

Each class is estimated to run two hours, but may vary per city based on the number of professional photographers on the agenda. WPPI U also includes a mini trade show featuring some of the newest gear and latest technology from leading brands in the photo industry. Lunch and refreshments are included. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion from WPPI to display in their office or studio.

Registration for WPPI U is now open. The early bird registration rate for WPPI U is $125 per person until June 8. After June 8 the price will be $149 per person. Each registered attendee receives one free registration to WPPI 2013, which will take place next year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, March 7-14, 2013.

To register for WPPI U, visit: https://www.xpressreg.net/eReg/RegDemoE-Reg.asp?rc=&aban=&p1=

For more information about WPPI U, visit: www.wppionline.com/on-the-road.shtml

WPPI Announces Schedule of Events for Photography Convention in Vegas

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced its schedule for its 2012 Convention, which starts tomorrow, Feb. 16, through next Thursday, Feb. 23, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Conference Center. The trade show component of WPPI starts on Monday, Feb. 20.

Trade show for wedding and portrait photographersUpcoming special events include the second annual Launch Pad new products preview, the third annual Photographers Ignite presentations, the Sony Party, Canon Reception and the Nikon sponsored 32nd Annual WPPI 2012 Awards Ceremony.

“The education at WPPI consists of more than a 150 classes taught by the sharpest professional photographers in the business today. Beyond the top-notch educational offerings available during our annual Convention, WPPI is also known as the premier event where photographers look forward to networking with colleagues as well as being the ideal venue to make new friends in the industry that can last a lifetime,” said George Varanakis, WPPI’s Show Director and Publisher. “And this year’s special event lineup provides attendees with the perfect nightly social events to wind down their intense days of classes and trade show discussions with exhibitors.”

WPPI Launch Pad
Sunday, Feb. 16
, 2-5 p.m., Studio Rooms A & B outside MGM Grand Garden Arena. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest products from WPPI’s exhibitors before the trade show opens. WPPI’s Launch Pad will be open to all media and all WPPI attendees. Snacks and Refreshments will be served.

Photographers Ignite
Sunday, Feb. 19
, 7-11 p.m., MGM Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. Hosted by Professional Photographer Kevin Kubota, Photographer’s Ignite will feature up to 15 experienced and upcoming photographers sharing their techniques, trends, ideas and inspirations in five-minute presentations related to photography as a profession. This entertaining event will be followed by an after party with drinks and live music.

Sony Party
Monday, Feb. 20, 8-10 p.m., MGM Grand Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. Attendees are welcome to join WPPI and Sony – who brought last year’s smash hit Runway Fashion Show – for another WPPI special event.

Canon Reception
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 8-10 p.m., MGM Grand Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. All WPPI attendees are invited to an ’80s-themed night of great music, entertainment, fun, and networking, all sponsored by Canon. The Canon Reception, an annual tradition, is always one of the highlights at WPPI.

WPPI Awards Night
Wednesday, Feb. 22
, 6:30-9 p.m., MGM Grand Conference Center, Level 3, Rooms 312-320. Professional Photographers Tony Corbell and Kevin Kubota will be emceeing the WPPI 2012 Awards Ceremony, a prestigious event that honors the winners of the Awards of Excellence Print & Album Competition along with four winners of the International Photography Competitions. Attendees will join WPPI and its sponsor Nikon for an evening of celebration, refreshments, food and what this event is all about, recognition for excellence in imaging.

For more information about WPPI 2012 and all of its workshops and events, visit www.wppionline.com/wppi-show.shtml. Registration for all WPPI 2012 classes, workshops, events and the trade show is open now at www.wppionline.com/show/register.shtml.

The Full Registration pass is $275 for WPPI members and $399 for non-WPPI members. These rates include one free guest pass, 90 Platform classes to choose from and admission to special evening events and the three-day trade show for wedding and portrait photographers. For information on class offerings and schedules visit www.wppionline.com/show/classes.shtml.

A Trade Show about Trade Shows: EXHIBITOR2012

A trade show about trade showsThere’s a trade show for just about everything, including one for trade shows called EXHIBITOR2012, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, March 4-8. The show is geared toward exhibit and event managers looking for new products, ideas and solutions they can use when they plan trade shows for their companies.

In addition to the exhibit hall, EXHIBITOR2012 features a conference offering more than 220 seminars, workshops, field trips and Peer2Peer Roundtables in seven different learning tracks. Sessions include information on creative strategies, organization and time management, maximizing sales leads, social media, pre-show planning, case studies, a Graphics Boot Camp and more, grouped into seven main categories: Measurement and Results, Planning and Execution, Marketing and Communications, Corporate Events, Personal and Career, Exhibits and Experiences and Global (the effects of globalization on the trade show industry).

Whether you provide graphics for, or exhibit at trade shows, EXHIBITOR2012 might be worth a look this year. The show is hosted by EXHIBITOR Magazine, which reports that this year’s show has grown from last year.

“This is the second year in a row that we have needed to expand the floor plan to make more room for large exhibits. Already, more than 65 island exhibits have been sold for EXHIBITOR2012,” said Carol Fojtik, managing director of EXHIBITOR2012. “We had 53 island exhibits in 2011. This year’s expansion allows us to accommodate the needs of both large and small exhibitors who are now on our waiting list for space.”

For more information about the conference sessions and to register to attend, go to www.EXHIBITOR2012.com. If you’re interested in exhibiting, contact Jeff Naccarato at exhibitor2012@heiexpo.com or call 877-394-2114.

NBWA 2011: Find out What’s New in Point of Sale Printing at LexJet’s Booth

Point of sale printingThe National Beer Wholesaler Association’s annual convention is right around the corner, tapping into Caesars Palace in Vegas Oct. 16-19. In addition to a keg full of education, from maximizing social media to demographics and industry trends, LexJet will be on the convention floor showcasing the latest in point of sale printing.

Stop by booth 920 where you’ll see the latest large-format and small-format printing technologies, try out new tracking software to boost your advertising and promotion production efficiencies, and find out about economical ways to get your message to market quickly and effectively.

LexJet customer specialists will be on hand to answer your questions and reveal the methods they’ve used to help hundreds of beer distributors across the country make an impact at the point of sale in their markets. Also, be sure to ask about show-only specials on inkjet printers and printable materials so you can get a head start on dominating your market.

If you have any questions, or would like to set up an appointment, call 800-453-9538 and ask for a specialist in LexJet’s bottling group. For more information about the NBWA Annual Convention, seminars, exhibitors, travel and hotel, go to nbwa.org/convention.

Some Highlights from WPPI Las Vegas 2011

Canon cameras and printersIf last week’s photography trade show in Las Vegas, WPPI, is any indication, 2011 should be a much better year for everyone. To say the exhibit halls were crowded, particularly the first day, would be an understatement.

The show also marked the first one produced following the merger of WPPI/Rangefinder and PDN/Photo Plus Expo. The Neilsen Company, which owns PDN and Photo Plus Expo, acquired WPPI, Rangefinder and AfterCapture late last year.

The Neilsen Company estimates that 16,000 attended the show, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Official figures have not been released, but it sure seemed like a cast of thousands was in attendance. The overall theme appeared to be presentation. The majority of vendors showcased new ways for photographers to present their work to their clients. There were new types of photo albums, both physical and digital, album creation software, Web-based services and tons of ways to sell output through companies like Simply Canvas, White House Custom Colour (WHCC), All Pro Canvas and Artsy Couture, among others.

On the album side, there were a few in particular that caught my eye. First was an economical photo book called Pro-Line Self-Stick Albums produced by Neil Enterprises Inc., featuring a peel-back corner that makes it easy to apply the prints to the book’s pages quickly. It’s a simple concept, but it’s unique and works quite well (we tried it).

Photo album custom leather
Full color, true leather custom leather album covers by Leather Album Designs.

Leather Album Designs showcased its ability to create custom leather covers using any design or image you care to create in full color using a digital printing system that seamlessly blends the image into the leather. In short, the image becomes part of the leather. You have to feel and smell it to believe it, and I did both.

I also ran across Album Design Software, which is designed to blend into Photoshop to eliminate the steps normally needed to “trick” Photoshop into working with an album creation software. The 6.1.1 version of the software won a 2010 Hot One Award. Check it out at www.albumds.com.

All Pro Canvas had an interesting photo product on display that uses dye-sublimation to apply your images to slate. Dye-sub certainly isn’t new; you can see it on coffee mugs, mouse pads and any number of promotional products you can sell to clients, but this was a unique application that deserves a second look.

Three dimensional photos
Here's another cool product we found at WPPI, Lifeform 3D, where the photos come off the page, quite literally, using the company's hand-sculpted CanvaSculpt material.

Of course I must admit to being biased about photographic printing, so a stop at the Hahnemuhle and Canon booths was a must, and they didn’t disappoint. Hahnemuhle was kind enough to give us a preview of its new 100 gsm rice paper, which comes in both white and natural. It will be sold only in rolls and should be available soon, so stay tuned here for more info.

Canon’s booth was really about cameras and all the new bells and whistles the company’s including in its camera models, including HD filming capabilities. Still, for those who print their own work Canon had its new 24-inch wide iPF6300S in the booth (the iPF8300S is the 44-inch version, but was not on display). The new printers are scheduled to be ready for delivery later this spring and will feature an expanded color gamut, faster printing speeds, bundled software for improved workflow (a print plug-in for Photoshop, an accounting management software and Poster Artist Lite) and other improvements. Click here for more info about the new printers.

Canon new printer iPF6300S
Canon's new iPF6300S was on display at its booth at WPPI. The new printer, and the 44-inch iPF8300S, are expected to be ready for market later this spring.

You can still browse through the WPPI exhibitor list alphabetically and by category, and link to their websites here if you weren’t able to make it this year. PDN PhotoPlus Expo is scheduled for Oct. 27-29 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. WPPI 2012 will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas again, Feb. 20-22, 2012.