Photokina 2010 Explores Technologies That Will Shape the Future of Imaging

Every two years more than 150,000 photo-imaging professionals and enthusiasts travel to the Photokina: World of Imaging show and conference in Cologne, Germany to preview some of the technology and ideas that will reshape how images will be captured, used, and shared in the coming years. For example, Photokina 2006 was of particular importance to LexJet because the show unveiled new options in wide-gamut, wide-format pigment ink printers that have enabled thousands of  professional photographers to gain greater control over their prints and offer new products and services.  (And, yes, some new pro-model printers are expected to be announced at Photokina 2010, which runs from Sept. 21-26.)

Free Expo Passes for 2010 PDN PhotoPlus Expo Available Until October 15

Attendee registration for the 2010 PDN PhotoPlus Expo (PPE10) is now open. PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2010 will take place from October 28-30, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. PhotoPlus Expo will feature hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of new products, and a host of seminars and demonstrations that can help you keep up with the convergence of still photography and video.

PDN Offers Online Expo for Portrait and Wedding Photography

On May 24 and 25, PDN PhotoPlus Virtual Events is hosting a free wedding and portrait expo for imaging professionals.

From the comfort of your home and office you can visit virtual trade-show booths, and participate in keynotes and six different sessions dedicated to the wedding and portrait business. Sessions include The Fine Art of Wedding Photography, Reinventing Yourself and Building Your Wedding Business, SEM + SEO Marketing, and Fusion Photography—how to tell the story of the wedding day through video mixed with still photography.

In addition to learning new approaches to wedding shoots and refining your marketing techniques, you will get tips that can help you run a profitable business by increasing client purchases and mastering the art of album sales.

Canon Will Show Three New Wide-Format Printers at WPPI

 At the WPPI Show March 8-10 in Las Vegas, Canon will unveil three new models of imagePROGRAF printers for the proofing, graphic arts, photography, and fine-art markets. The three models include: the 44-in. imagePROGRAF iPF8300 and the 24-in. imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and iPF6300.

Canon imagePROGRAF ipF6300
 

New Inkset: Each new printer features Canon’s all new, 12-color LUCIA EX pigment inkset, which increases the achievable color gamut by approximately 20% from the previous imagePROGRAF iPF x100 series. This increase in gamut will enable users of the new printers to reproduce more than 90% of  PANTONE® colors.

 With LUCIA EX ink, photographers will be able to reproduce the finest details in the shadow areas of images and produce more expressive and crisp blacks and ever smoother color gradations than before.

 An innovative polymer structure in the inks results in greater scratch resistance and protection from color fading. It also reduces bronzing and metamerism.

Durable Prints: Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR), the world’s leading independent image permanence testing laboratory, has been evaluating the new Canon LUCIA EX expanded-gamut, 12-color pigment inks. 

Henry Wilhelm, president of WIR commented, “A review of preliminary data from the still ongoing tests indicates that prints made with LUCIA EX pigment inks and select photo and fine art papers will achieve WIR Display Permanence Ratings in excess of 75 years for color images and well beyond 200 years for black-and-white images.  In addition, LUCIA EX pigment inks exhibit excellent short-term color drift (“dry-down”) behavior, which is critically important for color-managed workflows and in proofing applications.  The new LUCIA EX inks also achieved WIR’s highest rating for resistance to damage from atmospheric ozone, a particular concern in urban environments in situations where prints might be displayed unframed and exposed to ambient indoor air.”

New Media Configuration Tool: Because so many photographers have different preferences in inkjet media and may want to use non-traditional substrates to further improve the versatility of their printers, Canon has developed a new Media Configuration Tool. It allows customers to not only utilize Canon media, but also gives users of LexJet materials and other third-party media the ability to add and make adjustments to paper settings and enhance the precision and quality of the output.

Workflow: To expand print options and improve proofing capabilities, the iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 come bundled with a new Print Plug-In for Photoshop®, Digital Photo Professional and support for Adobe Color Management Module, enabling features such as Black Point Compensation.  Through the Photoshop Plug-In, each new model allows 16-bit RGB images edited in Photoshop to be sent directly to the imagePROGRAF printers, preserving smooth and high gradation.

 Brian Hampton, an award-winning nature photographer, had the opportunity to print with a Canon imagePROGRAF for the first time. He states, “The quality of the print is amazing.  I was particularly impressed by the iPF8300’s ability to reproduce shadow details in a way that exceeds anything I’ve seen previously on the market. It’s quite a step above the competition.”

Hampton also noted the built-in workflow solutions and commented, “The ability to export out of Photoshop via the plug-in is outstanding. Many of its capabilities perform as well as an RIP program without the additional cost

 Built-In Hard Drive for High-Volume Jobs and Reprints: To support high-volume printing and streamline workflows, the Canon iPF8300 and iPF6350 come equipped with an 80 GB high-capacity hard disk drive (HDD) that allows for faster spooling of large files as well as the ability to reprint jobs directly from the printer. To ensure the highest level of productivity and reduce overall print time, all new models are also equipped with a standard gigabit Ethernet network interface and an automatic dual-blade cutter.

Precision Technology: To fully capitalize on the dynamic color range of the new LUCIA EX ink set, each new imagePROGRAF model employs two advanced one-inch print heads, each featuring 2,560 nozzles per color and outputting a super fine four picoliter (pl) droplet at a full 2400×1200 dots-per-inch resolution (dpi) to reproduce details with extraordinary accuracy and clarity. 

Paired with enhanced plug-ins and new High Precision Printing Modes, these new imagePROGRAF models are designed to provide an extremely high level of quality in photographic and proofing prints.

The new imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 are compliant with U.S. ENERGY STAR energy-saving standards and RoHS compliance standards

The imagePROGRAF iPF8300/6350/6300 will start shipping in March for a manufacturers’ suggested retail price of $5,995, $3,995 and $3,695, respectively.

If you won’t be able to attend WPPI and see these exciting new printers yourself, we’ll be providing more details about some of the best  features of the new printers in future posts on Studio LexJet and in LexJet In Focus newsletter.

 

Learn to Integrate Video into Your Photography Business at WPPI

Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, sports, products, or landscapes, it’s becoming clear that the new, hybrid VDSLR cameras are going to profoundly affect what clients will expect when they hire a professional photographer. (Why hire two separate professionals to shoot stills and video, when one qualified professional can deliver both?)

 You can learn more about how to integrate HD video into your business during two platform classes at WPPI 2010, which runs from March 4 to 11 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

On Tuesday, March 9, LexJet is co-sponsoring a two-hour Platform Class entitled Digital Cinema. During this class, celebrity wedding and portrait photographers Charles and Jennifer Maring will explain why hybrid cameras that capture both photographic stills and HD video offer limitless potential for creative expression. The Marings will explain how to expand your horizons by creating products for delivery in print, books, the big screen, the Web, and mobile.  They will share insights into how new technologies are raising the bar, redefining what it means to be a visual artist, and creating opportunities that can affect your studio’s public relations and bottom line.

On Monday, March 8, Canon Explorer of Light Bruce Dorn will talk about The Moving Portrait: HD Video for Still Photographers. Dorn will talk about how portrait photographers can capture both still photographs and HD video in a single session, all while using a familiar camera system. He will share tips, tools, and techniques, for exploring this emerging trend and explain why still shooters shouldn’t be intimidated by this unfamiliar workflow. Dorn is a member of the Directors Guild of America and brings 25 years of Hollywood experience to the table.

These are just two of the more than 50 platform classes available to photographers who register for the full conference.

Business Institute: If you’re just starting out in the photography business, or need to get re-energized, consider attending the Business Institute. The program kicks off Friday evening, March 5 with an inspiring session by Sandy Puc and Mitche Graf on “Life Without Boundaries: The Rebirth of Passion.” The Institute runs from 8:00 am to 7 pm on Saturday, March 6, with four presentations by successful photographers and a panel discussion and Q&A session with all of the speakers. The four sessions on Saturday include:

  • Bankable Branding by Jennifer Gilman
  • The New Renaissance: Connect, Revise and Grow on the Web by Matt Hill
  • How to Master the Art of Selling Portrait and Wedding Photography by Michael Warshall
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Photographers by Michael Costa

The Business Institute is offered for a standalone price of $99 or can be purchased as an add-on to a full convention registration.

“For professional photographers looking to thrive in today’s competitive business environment, WPPI is the place for them to learn all they can to succeed,” said George Varanakis, WPPI’s Group Publisher and Executive Vice President. “Photographers who attend WPPI’s educational sessions and programs are sure to leave with an adrenaline rush that will help them put all the good ideas they learn at WPPI to use immediately in their own businesses.”

The trade show held in conjunction with WPPI will be open March 8, 9, and 10 and will feature hundreds of exhibitors and new products.

WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) is an organization that serves the educational and business needs of wedding and portrait photographers. For full details about the WPPI Conference and Show visit: www.wppionline.com

2010 Photography Conferences for New and Established Pros

Whether you’re brand-new to the photography business or seeking to diversify into new markets, you can find plenty of ideas and inspiration at one of the national (or international!) photography conferences planned in 2010.

Just as it makes sense to expand your photography business in new directions, each of these conferences has been steadily diversifying their educational programs in order to serve a broader pool of attendees. If you visit the conference websites, you’ll also see that most of these events offer additional learning opportunities ranging from intensive, two-day pre-conference seminars, all-day photo safaris, and hands-on computer labs to business boot camps, print exhibitions, and portfolio reviews.

JANUARY

Imaging USA: Jan 10-12 in Nashville
This conference, organized by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is known for providing valuable business advice to photographers in markets of all sizes. Sessions have traditionally focused mostly on portrait, wedding, and sports photography. But this year, sessions will also discuss how to pursue opportunities in décor, commercial/advertising, and stock photography. In addition to learning about sales, pricing, marketing, studio operations, and productive workflows, you can attend inspirational sessions on the creative art of photography.  Imaging USA features the world’s largest annual print exhibit (and it’s open to the public). More than 2,300 elite images will be on display, mostly General and Loan Collection images from PPA’s International Print Competition.

FEBRUARY

PMA International Convention and Trade Show: Feb. 21-23 in Anaheim, CA
For the first-time, a full-day Pro Photographer Business Boot Camp will be held on Feb. 20, prior to the start of PMA Conference. Designed for professional photographers with less than two years’ experience shooting portraits, weddings, sports, and events, the boot camp will cover basic business practices, posing and lighting, legal issues, website development, and how to develop new product lines. Photographers can attend the seminar by buying an All-Conference Connection Pass which includes sessions at these five conferences: The Photo Marketing Association (Feb. 21-23); The Digital Imaging Marketing Association (Feb. 19-22); the Professional School Photographers Association (Feb. 20-22); the Sports Photographers of America (Feb. 19-22); and Professional Picture Framers Association Conference (Feb. 21-23).  

The PMA Convention provides a “big-picture, future-focused view of overall changes in the consumer markets for photography products and services, with “What’s Next?” sessions such as “The Print Is Dead! How 20-Somethings Use Photography.” and keynotes such as “Delving into the Mind of the Sports Photography Customer.” The PMA conference is attended by photographers, photo labs, retailers, and developers of photographic equipment who want to better understand how to develop and promote all types of photography-related products and services.

MARCH

WPPI: March 8-10 in Las Vegas
This conference, which focuses primarily on the wedding and portrait photography business, offers an wide array of seminar formats, including two-day PLUS classes on March 4-5, a Business Institute March 6-7, small-group Master Classes, and 50 two-hour Platform classes on March 7-10. The Platform classes include tracks on business, Photoshop, portraits, weddings, lighting and posing, photojournalism and commercial photography, and video.  Many of these sessions are led by successful, entrepreneurial photographers who describe the many different techniques they’ve used to build their businesses.

Photoshop World: March 24-26 in Orlando
Led by 35 Photoshop experts and professional photographers, this event sponsored by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals is focused squarely on the creative production and use of digital images, using a combination of solid photography skills and post-processing and design techniques in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and CreativeSuite.  Events held in conjunction with the Conference include a photo safari, an on-location wedding shoot, and portfolio reviews. Courses range from beginning-level Photoshop and image correction and compositing, to creating video with DSLR cameras and using rich media in social-media marketing. Some sessions show you how to integrate photography with basic grpahic design to create print-ready products such as posters.

SEPTEMBER

Photokina:  Sept. 21-16 in Cologne, Germany
Held every two years, this massive show features 1300 exhibitors from 50 countries and typically attracts more than 160,000 visitors. The goal is to present the complete spectrum of the global imaging market, including the latest products and trends of tomorrow. A special “Meet the Professionals” area in Hall 4.1 will feature educational forums and products for imaging professionals, including computer-generated imaging and large-format and fine-art printing. The Visual Galley will include ten photo exhibitions by internationally renowned photographers as well as the work of up-and-coming young artists. In early 2010, international organizations, associations, publishers and clubs will be invited to apply for an exhibition area at Photokina. The terms and conditions of the competition will be posted on Photokina’s website in January.

OCTOBER

PDN PhotoPlus Expo: October 28-30 in New York
Three full days of seminars cover nearly every aspect of the art and business of photography. This year, seminar tracks covered new techniques in lighting, Photoshop, color management, editorial, portraiture, marketing, business management, and tools for expanding your network of clients. Because of its location in one of the art capitals of the world, some of the sessions focus on breaking into the fine-art photography market, presenting exhibitions, and working with gallery owners.

Tell Us Which Conference You Prefer.  No matter which conference you attend, these types of events provide great networking opportunities. And the accompanying expositions provide a convenient way to see demonstrations of dozens of new products.

If you’ve attended one or more of these photography events in the past, we encourage you to drop us a note and tell us which one(s) you like best and why. We meet so many great people and learn so much at every conference and show we attend. But we’re always curious to hear more about what types of photography-related training and education you like most.