I’m a new photographer. This past summer I took a Non-major Digital Photography class at the University of Utah. Each assignment brought such energy and fun that I could think of nothing more. With inspiration from my instructor I decided to add a second major of photography to my already declared Film Major. Within hours after officially becoming a double major, I’m browsing Facebook and see an ad about Photoshop and it’s a NAPP ad for Vegas. I follow the links, read all about it and send it to my instructor. The student price was fantastic and I knew within minutes, I would find a way to make it to Vegas.
The couple months proceeding I tried to get someone to come with me but as time grew closer, I knew I would be going alone. Looking back, I’m actually very grateful. I met people I wouldn’t have met and learned stuff I wouldn’t have otherwise learned.
I use the Dave Cross trip planner and spent a couple hours reading about all the classes and deciding which ones to go to.
Now it was just waiting to leave……
Arriving alone to a place you have never been is always filled with anxiety. Going to learn about something you hardly know anything about is a bit overwhelming. Would I trade it for the world? Never.
I met the most wonderful people and learned things I never expected to learn. For example, sitting in the hallway close to the Tattoo convention, I met Randy (a very talented photog and instructor ) and as we both were taking advantage of the internet access from the Tattoo show, I learned how to make money with my pictures. This wasn’t expected and I’m grateful. Speaking of the Tattoo convention, I am really curious how many of us got inked. I didn’t tell my husband about mine for a couple days…lol
Walking down the strip on Saturday night with my new friend, Misty we ran into fellow photographers and had the most wonderful night taking pictures on an impromptu photowalk. I learned more from watching these photo veterans in just a couple hours then I have taking pictures all summer. It’s too bad my camera battery died…lol
I LOVED the Expo and learning more about my camera, products and even much needed things like organizing my business was like a kid in a candy store. I had to first walk around and take it all in, then get the nerve to talk and learn what is out there. By far, I think my favorite vendor was BlinkBid. For someone who attempts to be organized, everything little thing helps.
Sure I learned sooo much from the classes. I’m still trying to digest everything my brain was loaded with. It’s what I learned outside of classes as well that was a pleasant surprise and really put the icing on the cake. My twitter and facebook posts have convinced my fellow students to join me at the next PSW.
Thank you for allowing to me to be a guest blogger and reflect on my thoughts of the weekend. I can’t wait to go back and share with others the amazing time I had and keep growing as an artist and photographer.
This is quite exciting! It seems like NAPP is trying to make Vegas the best ever PSW. New pre-con workshops. Just noticed that they have even managed to get complimentary internet in the hotel rooms for the duration of the conference. That’s great because the internet fee has gone up since last year & also taxes are going up to 12% as of July ’09. On this site in the travel section is says 9%.
Thanks for all.
Hi,
Will you guys open up the Dean Collins scholarship for the Vegas Photoshop World?
Like Lavonne above, I am very excited about the free Internet connection.
Thanks Mike
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately, the Dean Collins scholarship is only available for Photoshop World East. However, the student scholarship is available if you have any students you would like to nominate.
Nancy,
RE: Pre-con workshops; Do you know if the Photo Safari usually in the same location? I attended last years & the photos from the previous Vegas Safari look the same.
Also the HDR workshop at one point said lunch included now it’s not in the description any longer. Is it with or without?
Thanks
Hi Lavonne,
From what I’m hearing in the office, it looks like we may be going back to the same location as last year because there was so much there for people to photograph…. but I don’t want to say that FOR SURE until Moose Peterson announces it to everyone registered to attend a few weeks before PSW…. just in case someone changes his/her mind. =)
Regardless of where the location is, I can assure you that it is our most sought-after pre-con simply for the experience. =)
Also, no lunches will be provided for the pre-cons that run from 1pm – 5pm so make sure you eat lunch beforehand or bring a snack with you. Our instructors have packed so much into their pre-cons this year so you will definitely get your money’s worth by skipping the hour it would take for an organized lunch.
Lavonne,
Not to let the cat out of the bag, but where did you go last year?
Karen,
I don’t think we’re letting the cat out of the bag. It’s in older posts & comments. It was Nelson a ghost town. There were tons to shoot & very hot so we weren’t suppose to overextend ourselves. I’m sure no one was able to photograph everything.
Thanks Lavonne.
I’ve been on a Red Rock shoot, so was hoping for something really different. An edgy downtown Las Vegas outing would have been a lot more exciting for me – architecture, people, neon, plus less travel and more shooting. Kind of like wandering around Boston, but without the cold weather.
However, I’m sure there will be plenty to learn and fun to boot.
Hi Nancy, what if we do change our minds? What is the policy?
Change your mind on what? Attending PSW? Signing up for a pre-con? Regardless just contact our Customer Service team at 800-738-8513 They’ll take care of anything you need. =)