In 2006, we had this crazy idea to throw a party during PhotoPlus Expo even though we were just a tiny little company of 8 people at the time. Alyssa Adams and the crew over at the Bathhouse Studios helped us host along with our cool friends at Altpick and liveBooks. We also came up with the kooky idea to hire a couple of go-go girls because, well, why not?

We had no idea who might show up, but there ended up being a line around the block, and people were waiting for a long time despite the cold. Cliff from MAC Group got the keg stands going, and it was all good. Definitely one of my fav moments, if you know what I mean.

So what to expect this year? Bigger? Better? We pulled out all the stops, and went from two go-go girls to three go-go girls, and instead of just hotdogs and popcorn, we added pretzels. We probably should have gotten the clue when over 1,500 of you guys RSVPd for the party. Once again, AltPick and Livebooks co-hosted the event, so many thanks for an awesome time.

And sorry to all of you who couldn't get in this year!!!! One of our security guys was also a fireman, and we had a fire hazard situation not only because of the people, but b/c I was tearing it up on the dance floor (har! har!), much to the amusement of my co-workers. You might have also seen me pouring drinks. Apparently, I suck as a bartender and have a heavy pour (I thought that was a good thing).

Our man, Cradoc Bagshaw, from fotoQuote was documenting the scene and came back with what I thought was a pretty iconic shot of the evening. We'll see ya next year!

Update: Check out the party pics!

About to run off to the PhotoPlus Expo in NY, but wanted to post two vids that our video production guru, Mike, made in conjunction with the American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP) New York Chapter. Sam Merrell invited me to speak with the CEOs of a few other companies about alternate markets for buying and selling stock images. We think the PhotoShelter Collection happens to be a great, and free outlet that has the potential to turn the industry on its feet.

The video is split into two parts. First, a 10-15 min presentation from each of the CEOs, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sam (below). This was the first time that I had the opportunity to meet Brad Kuhns from IPNStock, and he came across as so level-headed and straight-forward. I really appreciated what he had to say, and I think you will to. Other speakers included Paul Melcher, Randy Taylor, and Evan Nisselson. We talked about PLUS, video, citizen journalism, microstock...the whole shebang.

As usual, the videos are LONG. Some parts are BORING. But other parts are quite informative. BTW, the room was freezing, so I had to wear my little jacket the whole time, but at least I finally got a haircut (no, seriously. I did).

Lastly, no one really knows who "A Photo Editor" is other than some NY-based magazine editor. But he/she happened across our Town Hall videos, and concurred with Weiden+Kennedy's Marni Beardsley on a lot of issues. Some of the comments are hilarious....like there seems to be some negative vibes in the photo editor community for our boy, Chase Jarvis. But photographers love his message of inspiration. I guess car jackings and ninjas in stylized lighting isn't for everyone, but we still love ya Chase! Don't hate, innovate!

Bone, thugs and harmony,
Allen

During the Photography 2.0 Town Halls, I rhetorically asked the question of whether there was any joy left in photography given the static day rates, diminishing photographer rights, and pricing deflation. Marcus Swanson turned that frown upside down, and showed the work that he's doing in Portland, OR for clients like Nike, Coca-Cola and even pro bono projects for various local charities. Marcus shoots a lot of atheletes, which I love, and does some cool stuff underwater (time to start saving for that housing!).

And like all the photographers we met around the country, he's totally down-to-earth and humble....must be that left coast love.

I hadn't met Brian Ulrich prior to meeting him in Chicago, but he is such a nice and gracious dude, and more importantly, I really enjoyed his photography and his message (ps. He is not a security threat). This particular image of Brian's was my favorite. Technically, it's perfect. But it also speaks to how homeland security threat level has become such a joke. He also has some great analogies and photos about how the "Sunday walk in the park" has become the "Sunday stroll in Costco."

A great talk with great photography. We hope you enjoy it.

If you're around for the PhotoPlus Expo this week, and want more to do than stare at the equipment that'll burn a hole in your pocket in the next few months (hello, D3!), then come on down to our HOT PhotoShelter A Go Go party on Thursday night. Booze, go-go girls, and all our smiling PhotoShelter faces in one place.

Ah, but you do have to register to get in, so don't delay!

Don't shoot the messenger. Take it from the Global Director of Art Buying at Weiden and Kennedy herself at our Portland Town Hall. Marni Beardsley is smart, witty, and swears like a truck driver. But that's why we love her. She has an opinion and isn't afraid to share it with you, so watch it and let us know what you think!

By the way, the videos are now available as podcasts. A great download for a plane or train ride.

In the world of photojournalism, few events are as life-changing as the Eddie Adams Workshop. This year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the workshop, and for the third year in a row, Brian Storm led a team of multimedia producers to create full-blown pieces in 2 days. Brian, who recently won an Emmy for his work, has been on the forefront of multimedia for years, and besides being a fellow Eddie Adams board member, he's a forward-looking, great guy.

But back to the kids! If you've ever felt in a rut with photography, and need inspiration, you need to watch these. In the little town of Jeffersonville, NY, the teams manage to find stories all around them. And I'm always astonished at the quality of storytelling that can be accomplished with a camera and tape recorder.

In other news, the Yankees lost. I had the (mis)fortune of being caught on camera while Tony Gwynn opined "You can see the dejection on a lot of the Yankees fans..." Thanks to my buddy, Steve King, from Caboodle Toys for the quick trigger on the tv! We'll get you next year, Boston.

You'll hear us speak often about the disconnect between photo buyers and photographers. Veteran senior art buyer, Liz Miller-Gershfeld of Energy BBDO, provided us with some really great insight as to why agency's often commission photography instead of purchasing stock, but also gives examples of when stock was used. Self-promotion, marketing techniques, and how to best reach someone like Liz are all jam-packed into this great video.

It's also interesting to note that we often think of editors and buyers as being adversaries of photographers. But in fact, they are often really great advocates, and often know more about photographers and photography than photographers themselves.

Oh yeah, Liz is totally cool too.

I'm not sure exactly how we found the Alhambra Restaurant in Chicago, but it was a spectacular space in the warehouse district not to far from Oprah's Harpo Production facilities. And the discussion was as lively as the surroundings.

Todd Baxter, Chicago Magazine's Britney Blair, BBDO's Liz Miller-Gershfeld, Grip Design's Kevin McConkey (a total hoot!), Katrina Wittcamp and yours truly joined the panel discussion moderated by Grover which covered everything from Search Engine Optimization to promoting yourself to top-level art directors.

We had some great questions thrown out there by people like Picade's Michael Beasley, Controlled Vocabulary's David Riecks, and many others. We're pretty sure you'll like this one.

A big congratulations to one of our senior engineers, Marc, who married his beautiful bride, Virginia this past weekend in Vermont. A number of PhotoShelterians were on hand to witness, and of course, when Marc was looking for a photographer, he found a great one on PhotoShelter. Portland-based wedding photographer Craig Mitchelldyer made the trek with his expectant wife, Jenn, and took some really terrific shots.

And did we get the kiss? When you have three photographers shooting at 10 fps, some one is bound to have at least one picture in focus!

My mom is an avid blog reader. She writes:

Congratulations! Seems like you had good meetings.
Advice from your mother:
1) you need a hair cut
2) iron your shirt
By the way, do not renew the NYTimes subscription.
Every Sunday morning we have call them for the delivery.

Take care,
Love, mom

Mom, hotel irons are terrible, but I have been ironing, and I've been out of town so I'll get a haircut next week!