Google + Photographers Conference

The Google+ Photography Conference in San Fransisco is now over, I do hope they are already planning for next year.  The conference itself was not expensive, the travel from Florida and the hotel is what cost the money.

The conference itself was amazing!  I learned a great many things about different media and different ideas and ways to get involved.  Jeremy Cowart had his keynote with a G+ hangout and Moose Peterson was making jokes as always.  The media show that Jeremy gave us of the drawing to video was really quite impressive!

Then of course we had Lindsay Adler doing a full session on Fashion photography!  Lindsay had models on stage with her, the lighting set up, her camera, assistants, and everything was tethered to display on the big screen above her.  To instantly see and better understand what she was explaining really was the polishing factor.  Many of the things she talked about are on her blog but to see them in action gave a whole new meaning to the many things I have read.  It’s hard to find people that will just let you point lights at them in different ways all day to understand what she is really describing.

No matter your level of photographer from armature to pro, I think it brings a whole new perspective to your life when you get to watch someone else work and really understand their process to use any tips and tricks they have yourself.  There’s many things each of us do to make our lives easier that we don’t even think of when teaching another person.

I firmly believe Peter Hurley stole the show!  He came out throwing t-shirts and hats…he was jumping around and super excited.  He walked through his issues when doing head shots and some of the things he does to assist his clients.  He was very clear that each person has to find what works for them.  I thought that insight was great as many people tell you what to do, they do not take into account that what I may be comfortable with, you are not.  I was so involved and riveted through his presentation I did not get any images, glad it was posted to YouTube! Peter Hurleys Presentation

The last night was an epic keynote with Trey Ratcliff.  Trey was interviewed by Scott Kelby and the interview responses did get a little dark and concerning.  This is the way with Trey, he looks so deeply into the meaning of the technology and future.  It is always amazing to listen to him speak his thoughts as it gives you another perspective that you never had.  Trey is such an open and honest person it’s amazing he has become as well known as he has.  Many people that are honest to the level he is are often much more hated than Trey, it’s fantastic the following that he has created just by being him.
Each and every presenter did an amazing job and was so personable.  Between sessions you could find them walking around and many would come right up and speak to you if you didn’t go to them first.  Though there were many people around everything was friendly and looking to meet everyone else there.  I have never been at a conference where people offered to let you use their camera that was worth thousands, or lenses, etc.  It was such an open and sharing environment that was created that way by the work from Kelby Media group but reinforced by the speakers themselves, then even those attending.

If there is another one next year, I hope you go, I’ll be there.