It Looked Like A Snow Day to Me, What an Honor & More…

Good Morning Everybody,

I hope everyone survived the “Deep Freeze” last week. I read that parts of the mid-west, including good ol’ KY were colder than Antarctica – WHEW!!! Too cold for me. But, then again, I wasn’t here. 

Holed Up In Whistler, Canada

Yep, I was holed up in Whistler, B.C. Canada – home to the fabulous Whistler/Blackcomb ski resort [link]. The temps only dropped to around 30 degrees on the coldest evenings – I sure loved that considering the temperatures back in the states.

  

This trip has been part of annual ski trip that goes back 23 years.  I was asked to join this group of illustrious photographers and skiers a number of years ago and finally made it an annual occasion these last several years.

My skiing days are pretty well numbered as gravity treats this “vintage” body of mine with less curtesy and respect, meaning I hit the ground harder these days;~)  But, I still enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and all things snow related especially on those breathtaking sunny days.  The good news is that we had about four spectacular sun-filled days on this trip and the views were fabulous!

One of the highlights for me of this year’s trip was our day long photo-walk with my good friends Paul Wright of Wright Moment Photography [link] and Dennis Walsh of Walsh Photographic Design [link]. Both Paul and Dennis are great photographers – that’s Paul’s image above of the speed skater on the left and Dennis’ “light painted” car image on the right.  Head over to their respective websites and prepare to be “blown away”!  We all got some beautiful images that day. It was just a really good time to be hanging with like-minded photographers enjoying both the art and craft of the afternoon’s shoot. I highly recommend that everyone stir those creative juices and give a photo walk with friends a try!

What an Honor – ASP Honorary Educational Associate

The week before I traveled to Whistler, Canada LaDawn and I were in Atlanta at Imaging USA, one-of-the-best photography conventions in the country. We both really like attending this convention because, in addition to the wonderful learning experiences, we also love the opportunity to catch up with all our vendor and photography friends that we don’t often see.  But this trip was also extra special this year.

I received a calI in mid-November telling me that I was to be presented with the American Society of Photography’s Honorary Educational Associate Degree. Wow! I couldn't believe it! That’s some pretty good company you are keeping in that league of photographers with the likes of Julianne Kost, Clay Blackmore, Tony Corbell, just to name a few.

You know, one receives these kind of honors because they shared their knowledge with so many photographers worldwide. But for me it was different. I was thrilled to have received the honor because of all that I learned from so many photographers worldwide that I’ve encountered in my life journey.  My THANKS goes to the ASP Board for this special award – Cheers!

Don’t Forget PhotoPro Expo February 21 – 25, 2019!

As you know I was deeply involved in PhotoPro Expo [link] for many years. But about three years ago we handed the reins off to my good friends Bert and Al Behnke.  What I love about Bert and Al running the show is the fact that they can bring to it a brand new perspective keeping it fresh relevant and alive – and they have done that again for this year’s extravaganza! Just check out all the PhotoPro Expo details right here. 

I think one of this year’s Expo highlights is the day-long program presented by Kevin Dooley, wildlife photographer extraordinaire! Kevin is the photographer/ licensed safari guide LaDawn and I spent 4 weeks with on Safari in South Africa last year at this time. Inexcusably…I’m still editing through over 45,000 images from those weeks!

Kevin’s work is astounding and his program should not be missed! Heck, seeing his program will be almost as good as going on a real live safari;~)  Definitely check it out!

DAZNOTE:

Kevin and I have been working together to put another exciting photo/travel experience together for 2020. This time it’s going to be in Botswana on the exciting Mashatu Preserve [link]. Here are the dates: March 20-30, 2020. 

Registration is limited as on our previous safaris. In fact the Safari is already half sold out with many of last year’s Safari attendees jumping in early on this one, too. Check out some of the details right here. Hope you too can join us on this amazing adventure.

BTW, I’ll be presenting at the PhotoPro Expo convention this year. You can find me in the Expo Theater on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. I’ve put together a brand new program entitled “How My Astral Photography Has Eclipsed My Wedding Photography”.  In it I’ll cover many tips and tricks on how to photograph a Total Eclipse of the Sun.  I promise, it will be a fun program. Many additional free programs to follow after mine on both Saturday and Sunday during the Trade Show hours. Here is the link to all the programing right here.

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Hey Gang,

That’s it for me today. I hope you enjoyed the update. There are some great learning opportunities coming up – hope to see you at a few of them.
Cheers for now, David

Announcing My 2019 Photo Safari To the Galapagos Islands! and a Quick Wrap up of 2017!

Happy New Year Everybody,

I hope everyone had a fantastic 2017, wonderful holiday season, and a great welcome to our brand new year - 2018.  I've got three things I want to share with you in this quick newsletter. First, a few exciting personal notes - at least for LaDawn and I; secondly, my "once in a lifetime" event - don't miss this read; and finally, details of our 2019 Photo Safari to the Galapagos Islands.  Here we go...

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World Travels - 50,000 Miles, 8 Countries, and 34,000 Photos!

Since I last visited with you LaDawn and I have been around the world, well, not all the way around, but half-way at least. It's been quite a series of Fall adventures for us to say the least.

We started with a 5-day visit to Vancouver, Canada, then crossed the Pacific on a cruise ship hanging out in Hawaii, the lava was really flowing as we circumvented the Big Island around midnight and even with a rocking ship and misty rains I was able to capture some amazing images. Check out my favorite below.

Then it was on to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and New Zealand finally completing our 4 weeks on water in Sydney, Australia. Below is a photo from the aft of the ship as we departed Auckland - pretty cool!!!

After our quick arrival in Sydney we flew back to Auckland, NZ where I discovered my driver's license expired two days before we were to pick up our rental car - WHOOPS!!! You guessed it - LaDawn had to rent the car with the steering wheel on the right side of the car and had to drive on the left side of the highway, which she had never experienced - YIKES!!! 1400 beautiful miles later we returned the car safe and sound to Queenstown, NZ. Actually…. she really did a great job driving!! Here's a photo of a stunning sunset on our first evening in Rotorua, NZ.

After 14 days of adventures in New Zealand we flew  to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and spent two weeks traveling up the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia - our most astounding two weeks travel EVER!!! Check out the Angkor Wat sunrise below. Sadly it required waking-up at 5:00 a.m. to capture this image. But… well worth it!!

Our next city of adventure included a 5-day stop in Seoul, South Korea stopping off at the DMZ or Demilitarized Zone which USA Today called the most dangerous places on earth [link] – hey, who knew;~) It was just for a little additional excitement.  That’s a photo of North Korea below.  Our family was "freaking" out when we told them  we planned to visit the DMZ. Hey, you only go around once;~)

It was home for Thanksgiving with family and then off to Cabo, Mexico for 3 more weeks and returning home a week before Christmas. Thus completing our three months of travels.

On top of that LaDawn has become a grandmother for the third time on Christmas Eve - her best Christmas present ever!

Here is a quick photo of handsome Sam about 6 hours after he was born - Wow, just look at all that hair!

Speaking of our travels, we are looking forward to our African Photo Safari [link] in just a few weeks. If interested we had two people that had to cancel so we still have one room (1-2 people) left at the main lodge for either safaris.

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Announcing My 2019 Photo Safari To the Galapagos Islands!

That's right everybody, we're heading to the Galapagos Islands in mid-May, 2019. Join me as we follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. The Galapagos Islands  are considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife viewing. It should be a photographer's paradise. I’ve spent some time talking with other photographers and travel enthusiasts who have been there, they say that it truly is amazing!

Space is super-duper limited - only 12 seats total! If you are interested please drop and email to me at david@ziser.com or Kevin at idubephotosafaris@yahoo.com.

Kevin tells me that he is also planning another two Safaris to Africa next year.  This time he’s going to be doing one in February and one in March. One will go to Zambia [link] and the other to Namibia [link], both locations are home to utterly beautiful scenery, interesting history, and amazing African culture.  It sounds like a great trip, too.  I'll keep you posted when I have more details.

Anyway, if you have even the slightest interest in the Galapagos trip drop myself or Kevin a line at our emails addresses above and let us know so we can at least get you on the waiting list.  It's going to be a first-come-first-served booking opportunity with only 12 seats available.

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Oh, I Almost Forgot!!! PhotoPro Expo 2018 Is Right Around The Corner

That's right PhotoPro Expo is coming up next month, February 8 - 12, 2018 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center located just across the river from Cincinnati OH. This year the Expo is being planned by my good friends Bert and Al Behnke. Bert has been extremely active with the Professional Photographers of America Imaging convention for years and was a natural fit to take over the reigns of PhotoPro Expo.

Click the banner above for all the details.  It's shaping up to be a great show with a fantastic 24 person/speaker line-up, the best in the industry and BIG trade show.  I plan to be there - I hope you will too.  See ya' there!______________________________________________________

Hey Gang,

That's it for today - I've got to get "scooting" out of here. I hope you enjoyed the images and the article links in the newsletter this time around.

I'm heading up to Whistler Mountain in beautiful British Columbia, Canada tomorrow morning to join 21 of my photography buddies for a guys week of skiing, fine wine, and good food (I'm the guest chef on Monday evening's dinner). It should be a blast!

Cheers, David

Safari #2 Almost Sold Out! Catch Me In Orlando, VIP Seating, and Geek Tip Of The Week

Hi Gang,

This is going to be my last email for a while. LaDawn and I will be hitting the road shortly so time will be limited, but before we go I wanted to bring you up-to-date on a few things still happening around here and offer another Geek Tip of the Week.

Second African Safari Almost Sold Out!

February 22 - March 4, 2018

They tell me that my first Safari was the fastest booked Safari in the history of the company - I was not only floored but also very excited. So they talked me into doing a second safari.  Now I'm super-stoked!!!

LaDawn and I immediately cleared calendars and set our additional dates for our new African Safari [link]. for February 22 - March 4, 2018.  Feb 22, 2018 is your travel day from the states to arrive in Johannesburg on Feb. 23.

This is a 10 Day/9 Night All Inclusive Safari - yes, beautiful lodge accommodations, meals, and safari excursions are ALL included for only $7999 for two people! (airfare not included) If you have priced Safaris, you know this is a steal of a deal!

Your accommodations at the Thakadu Suites in Madikwe offers twelve suites, reflecting a strong Afro-Asian safari ambiance, each boasting a viewing deck overlooking the Marico River. These spacious suites offer every comfort and luxury and are wonderfully decorated and appointed.

Right now we 5 cabins available and have 3 couples looking at them as we speak! The Lodge cabins are just beautiful - check them out for yourself below.

I'm thinking this Safari will book up in a very short while!

You are also definitely guaranteed to see lots of African wildlife up-close and personal. AMAZING, LIFE CHANGING, I WAS BLOWN AWAY! - these are the typical remarks from folks who have attended Kevin's Safaris in the past. Here are a few images mostly from my friend, Rick English, made on last year's Safari. Rick are you reading this.... I remembered to give you the image credit ;~)

Even if you're just thinking about it, please give Kevin a call at 505-345-6322 or his cell at 505-401-2988 for all the exciting details so you don't miss out - it's going to be a great trip!

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The Biggest Photography Tour of 2017!

Hey Gang, you can catch me in Orlando on March 28, 2017 for Sandy Puc's brand new Legends of Photography Tour [link]. The line up is fantastic! Just look at all those good looking folks below and you'll get an idea that this will be the biggest tour series this year!  It's a big deal!

For all the details about the tour just hit any of the links or images above. Now for the really good news. Registration is now listed at $40 but since you are reading this newsletter, I can get you in for

Only $20 with Secret Code DZ20.

Check it out to see which "Legend" is visiting a city near you. Like I said, you'll find me in Orlando on Tuesday March 28, 2017 - I hope to see you there.

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Only A Few VIP Seats Remain For PhotoPro Expo 2018!

Early every year I've told you about the Best VIP Seats in the house and at the best prices for next year's PhotoPro Expo 2018 [link]. Details of next year's show have not been posted - but the first 50 VIPs who register get the lowest price possible and Priority Reserved Seating - only $109.00 with Promo Code PPEVIP18.  So don't wait...mark your calendars NOW and register for PhotoPro Expo February 8-11, 2018!

Hit the

REGISTER NOW with Promo Code PPEVIP18

to reserve your space. 

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GEEK TIP OF THE WEEK - My Favorite Travel Companion - After LaDawn of Course ;~)

Yes, we do a lot of traveling these days and that's GREAT!!  One of my favorite travel items I travel with all the time is my handy-dandy SanDisk Connect Stick [link].

Check it out...

-200GB Capacity802.11n Wireless Connectivity

-USB 2.0 Connector

-Stream Content to Three Devices

-Free SanDisk Connect App

-iOS, Android, Windows & Mac Compatible

I can load it up with over 50 movies, tons of music, and some of my favorite photos. When I'm on a long flight I just fire it up - it becomes it's own Hot-Spot - and I just stream away to my iPad and enjoy the show. I've found it for as low as $79.95 on Amazon [link] but it's typically about $89.  You can also find it over at B&H [link] too.

Works like a charm and makes the time fly-by - no pun intended.

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Hey Everybody,

That's it for me today. I hope you have a great rest of the month and I hope to see you next month in Orlando.

Adios for now, David

4 Important Updates and More!

Hi Gang,

I really appreciate you joining me again today.  I know you just heard from me a few days ago but as promised I wanted to give you the latest updates on the home front. It's very exciting!!

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Second African Safari Just Announced!

February 22 - March 4, 2018

That's right! My first Safari [link] sold out within two hours of my announcement on Thursday! I have to tell you - I was extremely, as well as, pleasantly surprised.

Kevin called me immediately and cleared calendars and set dates for a second African Safari. Those new dates are February 22 - March 4, 2018.  Feb 22, 2018 is your travel day from the states to arrive in Johannesburg on Feb. 23. Kevin called me Saturday and told me the second Safari is already 50% sold out. That means we only have 6 seats available. 

This is going to be a once in a life-time event.  Even if you're hanging on the fence, please give Kevin a call at 505-345-6322 or his cell at 505-401-2988 for all details.

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 Wow! I've been called a Legend! 

I kind of smile about that but here's the backstory. So right before Christmas I received a call from my good friend Sandy Puc to be part of her Legends of Photography Tour [link].  Not only is Sandy a fabulous photographer running a successful studio in Denver, she is also one of the best trainers/teachers in the industry.  She has conducted some of the biggest and best attended tours in the country.

Like I said, she calls me right before Christmas to ask me if I would be part of her brand new Legends Tour for 2017 [link]. I have to say... that I was very honored.  The line up is fantastic! Just look at all those good looking folks below and you'll get an idea that this will be the biggest tour series this year!  It's a big deal!

For all the details about the tour just hit any of the links or images above. Now for the really good news. Registration is now listed at $40 but since you are reading this newsletter, I can get you in for only $20 with the

Only $20 with Secret Code DZ20

Register NOW!

Check it out to see which "Legend" is visiting a city near you. You'll find me in Orlando on Tuesday March 28, 2017 - I hope to see you there. D

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PhotoPro Expo 2017 Wrap Up

PhotoPro Expo 2018 Announced

One last thing - we just wrapped PhotoPro Expo 2017 [link] and it was a fantastic conference! Our 24 fabulous instructors rocked the house! Literally - Tony Corbell, our Master of Light turns out to be a master guitarist as well. 

I couldn't believe it but Tony and several others rocked on till the wee hours of the morning (like 4:30 a.m.!) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Folks said it was the best time of their lives.  You know, you just can't get that on line.

Plus we raised approximately $3500 for our favorite charity Crayons to Computers and presented them a check for $20,000! They were thrilled as you can imagine. 

And just like every previous year, if you register for next year's PhotoPro Expo 2018 [link] you'll get the best price ever! Details of next year's show have not been posted - but the first 50 or who register get the lowest price possible and Priority Seating - only $109.00 with

Promo Code PPEVIP18.  So don't wait...mark your calendars NOW and register for PhotoPro Expo 2018!

REGISTER NOW!

to reserve your space. 

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GEEK TIP OF THE WEEK - Hacking The Amazon Echo

OK, this is a random thought before I sign off today.  I think most folks in the USA bought an Amazon Echo Dot this year over the holidays as they quickly sold out at $39 on Amazon's website. We have one in about every room of the house right now - LaDawn is totally ready to kill me for my "geeky" habit ;~)

Anyway, here is my Amazon Echo hack.  As you know Pandora Radio, my favorite streaming radio station only streams in the good ol' USA so when LaDawn and I are traveling the world I miss my Pandora.

But I discovered that you can make the Amazon Echo Dot stream Pandora from anywhere in the world.  The secret to getting the Amazon Echo Dot, or any Echo device for that matter, is to set your local USA Zip Code as your location during the set up then hit the road.  The down side is that if you request time or weather you'll receive the zip code you entered not your local out-of-the-USA location. Hey, a small price to pay, right? Still kind of fun.

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Hey Everybody,

That's it for me today. I'm on my way to Cabo San Lucas to spend most of the week with my good friend Kent Smith.  He's got that brand new super cool DJI Mavic drone and we plan to check out.

Until the next time -

Adios for now, David

Three FREE Things You Can Do At This Year's PhotoPro Expo 2017

Hi Everybody,

I sure hope everyone had a happy, joyous, and peaceful holiday season.  Things are such a whirlwind this time of year so I've let the dust settle for a few days but now I want to bring you up to date on this year's PhotoPro Expo.

PhotoPro Expo 2017 is once again the best photography convention in the Midwest, near downtown Cincinnati OH and now it only costs $128.99 for all my Newsletter readers. Not bad since this beats the regular price of $159 or $179 at the door. Register Now for only $128.99 (reg $159) using PROMO CODE PPE17DPT

Now here's the latest show news!

Pre and Post Conference BONUS

Programs & Parties

-Peter Hurley's Day long class is filling up fast so check it out and reserve your seat while you can. [Details Here!]

-Suzette Allen, our Photoshop Guru, is giving away a bunch of cool stuff at her Thursday BONUS Program: [Details Here!]

• One free Live Portrait
• One free Triple Scoop Music song
• One Bay Photo Product certificate
• One year Pro Show Web subscription
• Suzette’s Video series on PS Video Editing

-Tony Corbell, our lighting Master Extraordinaire, Thursday "Hands On" BONUS class is filling fast!

Check it out RIGHT HERE!

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Three FREE Things You Can Do At This Year's PhotoPro Expo 2017

1. Attend Blair Phillips' Thursday Night's Program entitled: Dance Your Way To Larger Profits sponsored by H&H Labs. Blair is a great speaker and a PPE favorite who always brings his infectious enthusiasm to everyone who attends his program.

2. Attend the Expo Trade Show for FREE this year! All you need to get in the door is the FREE Trade Show Pass that you can download right here!

3. Join the "LIVE" Shootout on the Trade Show floor. 

Not only will you be able to build your portfolio but if you hang around a while you will see 6 of our TOP Speakers including Peter Hurley, Tony Corbell, and Hanson Fong, doing "LIVE" DEMOS!!

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Remember, you still have time to register for

the entire show at the great price

of only $128.99 (reg $159)

using PROMO CODE PPE17DPT

 

 

We're less than 4 weeks away and we have our best line-up ever! 

Click here 

or on the banner below for all the conference details.

You really don't want to miss this year's show!

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Hey Gang,

That's it for me today. Please check out all the good things happening at this year's convention.  You won’t want to miss it. I hope to see you there!

Cheers,

David

PhotoPro Expo 2017 Kicks Off It's Best Photo Conference EVER At The BEST Black Friday PRICE Ever - ONLY $119.99!

Hi Gang, You’ve got yo check this out!

PhotoPro Expo 2017 Kicks Off It's Best Photo Conference EVER At The BEST Black Friday PRICE Ever - ONLY $119.99 with PROMO CODE PPE17BF  - only till Midnight Monday!

I can't believe it - PHOTOPRO EXPO 2017 is right around the corner January 26-30. That's only 8 weeks away and has our best line-up ever! Just check out all the famous faces below. Click here for all the conference details

For the next few DAYS you can register for ONLY $119.99 with PROMO CODE PPE17BF - on-line registration only.  That's our special Black Friday pricing and our BEST price ever!

USE PROMO CODE PPE17BF

to get special $119.99 pricing!

I'm really going to get into trouble with the PHOTOPRO EXPO accounting team for pricing the show so low - so grab it while you can before they make me change it back to the regular price of $159 ;~) 

You really don't want to miss this year's show!

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Hey Gang,

That's it for me today. Happy Turkey Day to everybody and I hope to see you soon.

Adios for now,

David

TOP TEN IMPORTANT THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT PHOTOPRO EXPO 2014

Good Morning Everybody,

I know, I’m back already - only a day later ;~)  But it’s because I am so excited to tell you about the BIGGEST thing happening here in the Midwest for Photographers, Artists, Graphic Designers, and anyone else who loves lighting, photography, composition, Photoshop, Lightroom, & running a better business.  It’s PhotoPro Expo 2014 and it’s happening NEXT WEEK!

This show has been a big part of my life these last four years – I’ve always wanted PPE to be the best valued educational experience for everyone and anyone really excited about photography.  Now, thanks to so many photographers that feel the say way, it’s grown into the the biggest photographic convention and trade show in the Midwest! When you REGISTER RIGHT HERE be sure to use PROMO CODE PPEDPT14 to save $120 from the regular price of $279.

Last week we passed our registration numbers from last year's attendance numbers and last year was a BIG show too.  WOW! And we still have one week to go.   In fact, our main hotel is already sold out! No problems though, the Embassy Suites right next store still has plenty of rooms.

This year we’re expecting over 1200 attendees  to participate in the weekend activities.  That’s a HUGE number of people for a convention in this part of the country.  So, don’t miss it – it’s a great opportunity to have a wonderful time and an awesome way to make new friends and connections.  And heck, you may just learn a thing or two ;~)

TOP TEN IMPORTANT THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT PHOTOPRO EXPO 2014

1. Everyone attending the Expo receives FREE NIK Software's Complete Suite of 7 great programs and plug-ins ($149 value)

2. PLUS $600 of additional valuable items generously donated by our vendors and sponsors. You can find the entire listing right here.

3. On top of that, this year's tradeshow is even larger than last year's  with over 115 booth spaces laid out on the trade show floor.

4. PLUS, you get 14 hours of FREE programming by the "best presenters in the business" right on the tradeshow floor over Saturday and Sunday.  You can get a trade show pass from most of our sponsors or RIGHT HERE.

5. Part of that Expo excitement has been because of our guest speaker line up and our brand new Hollywood Model Shoot Out and prizes for the most creative image taken at the shootout.

6. This year we also have Portfolio Reviews and, new for this year personal Business Reviews conducted by a select group of successful photographers. Their vast experience and knowledge will  point you in the direction towards your own business success!  

7. Two BONUS programs FREE Thursday night – one on Green Screen Sports Photography and the second on How to Win In Print Competition.

8. Plus we’re having a knock-your-socks-off  Oscar Party with the award winning Teeny Tucker and her 7 piece band Saturday night!

9. Annual Print Competition where you can win nearly $2000 in prizes just for entering regardless of your print score!  Hey, beautiful trophies will be awarded for the highest scoring prints too.

10. Two "LIVE" broadcasts of our ever popular Print Competition [link] on Thursday.  You can get all the details and sign up for the webcast right here.

How that for an exciting convention!!!! Add to that the amazing speakers and programs in the regular convention line up and you can’t beat this fun, educational, exciting convention anywhere!  Check it out right here!

Sure beats sitting home in front of your computer monitor watching YouTube videos ;~)

Hey gang, I really hope to see you there.  A lot of people have gone to a lot of work to make this year’s PhotoPro Expo 2014 the best ever! 

David