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<\/a><\/p>\nIn last week\u2019s edition, we talked about \u201cKnockin\u2019 on Doors\u201d<\/a> and tapping into the vast market of images for corporate or small business websites \u2013 everything from product images to headshots or company headquarters photography.\u00a0 We learned that sometimes just talking to business owners and offering a low introductory per image rate could land you thousands of dollars in business.\u00a0 Looking for some extra income?\u00a0 This is a great way to start.<\/p>\n This week we\u2019re talking about another form of in-person marketing, maybe the KING of in-person marketing \u2013 photography trade shows.\u00a0 Trade shows give you the opportunity to be involved with other industry professionals, seek out new technology solutions, and try out new photography equipment, network, and get motivated!<\/p>\n All trade shows are a little different, and valuable in their own way.\u00a0 The trick is figuring out how many you can fit into your budget, and which show(s) are most important to you from a business perspective.\u00a0 In regard to national trade shows, there are a few that stand out in the crowd.<\/p>\n Imaging USA <\/strong>\u2013 put on by P.P.A. (Professional Photographers of America<\/a>):\u00a0 This trade show moves around to a different city each year.\u00a0 In 2012 they will be in New Orleans, LA, January 15th<\/sup>-17th<\/sup> at the Earnest N. Morial Convention Center.\u00a0 If you\u2019re not yet a member of P.P.A., you can join as a new Professional Active member ($323), and you\u2019ll get one full registration to Imaging USA in New Orleans absolutely free!\u00a0 If you\u2019re only able to make it to one trade show in a year then this in my opinion, is the one to attend.\u00a0 The focus at this show is more business minded than many of the others.\u00a0 It\u2019s perfect if for you if you\u2019re interested in getting business ideas from successful entrepreneurs and tips on how to run a successful company.\u00a0 I\u2019m a business junky so Imaging USA<\/a> \u00a0is my pick!<\/p>\n WPPI<\/strong> – (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) \u2013 This is the rock-star of trade shows, great for the beginner photographer, and the pro\u2019s that want to learn to shoot better images.\u00a0 They bring in world renowned lighting and posing experts to teach you new tricks and improve your skill-set.\u00a0 This show is in Las Vegas every year which makes it particularly interesting (and fun).\u00a0 In 2012 WPPI is from February 20-22.<\/p>\n PSPA and SPAA \u2013 <\/strong>February 18-19, 2012.\u00a0 Brought to you by www.pmai.org<\/a>, Professional School Photographers Association of America, and the Sports Photographers Association of America.\u00a0 This is a very niche focused show.\u00a0 If you\u2019re a player in the school or sports photography game, put this show on your list.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ll learn about new ways to save tons of time like using Quixi or the latest sales techniques to increase the bottom line.<\/p>\n Focus on Imaging \u2013 <\/strong>www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk<\/a> in Birmingham England, March 4-7, 2012.\u00a0 This is the big show in the UK, and a great all around show for all kinds of photographers.<\/p>\n PPA in your State \u2013 check into your state chapters for monthly meetings and trade shows.\u00a0 <\/strong>All states have local PPA chapter with big states like Florida having as many as nine separate PPA chapters in-state.\u00a0 All state PPA\u2019s have their own trade shows, seminars, workshops and conventions which offer the best of the best nationally (and internationally) ranked photographers who share their knowledge at these events.\u00a0 MorePhotos has learning centers and booths at many of these PPA events.<\/p>\n Photography School Events \u2013 <\/strong>You might just run into one of our representatives, Harry Markel , at one of these educational events.\u00a0 If you\u2019re interested in some intense learning and photography education, then check out the options below.<\/p>\n M.A.R.S.<\/strong>\u00a0 – Not the planet but a top U.S. photo school \u2013 the Mid Atlantic Regional School of Photography<\/a> held each year the first week of May in historic Cape May, NJ.\u00a0 Six to nine photography instructors teach everything from Photoshop to wedding and portrait photography.\u00a0 It also includes courses in Lightroom, Nature, Painter, and other fields of photo study.\u00a0 Classes are kept small to allow a great educational balance.\u00a0 The beauty of Cape May is used as a backdrop for many outdoor photography demos.<\/p>\n East Coast School of Photography \u2013 <\/strong>This one week photography school<\/a> is conducted the first week of August each year and is hosted by the Professional Photographers of North Carolina.\u00a0 Held in Raleigh, NC, this school has been ranked as one of the nation\u2019s best photography schools.\u00a0 You get to choose your instructor from a pool and then spend a week of intense learning in areas that you need help mastering.<\/p>\n Triangle School of Photography<\/strong> \u2013 Located in Pittsburgh, PA, this school has been providing low cost education to professional photographers for over 50 years and remains a great way to learn from many of the top talents in the photography industry today.\u00a0 Held in March of each year, Triangle School<\/a> is a bang for your buck!<\/p>\n SYNC<\/strong> \u2013 Senior Youth National Conference<\/a> is all about the high school senior photography market and is a weeklong school held in St. Petersburg Florida in late January.\u00a0 The school offers cutting edge education designed to maximize the profits and increasing efficiencies in school photography.\u00a0 Classes are limited in size and taught by America\u2019s leading school photographers.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t stop there!<\/strong>\u00a0 There are dozens of other photography groups in your state, the U.S. and the world, just start poking around.\u00a0\u00a0 These groups and shows are great opportunities to learn, share, network and bounce ideas off of other photographers and industry professionals.\u00a0 I would highly recommend getting involved with at least one group.\u00a0 You\u2019re not going to change your entire work flow or find instant success from one show, but in an industry that is constantly changing at the speed of light, it\u2019s important to see what is working for others.\u00a0 It\u2019s worth the time and the effort.<\/p>\n Contributors:<\/strong><\/p>\n Mike Connors | MorePhotos<\/a> CEO | Connect on Linkedin!<\/a><\/p>\n Zack Wessels\u00a0 | Sales & Marketing Associate | Connect on Linkedin!<\/a><\/p>\n