Austin Photo Expo

[Richard_]

I heard this advertised on the radio today. Looks interesting. In addition to the vendors selling stuff, there are free seminars throughout the day on both days.

Austin Photo Expo (http://austinphotoexpo.com/)

[dixonduke]

Thanks for the heads up. I am going to be near Austin the Thurs/Fri before then, I think I just found a reason to stay a little longer in the area.

FREE admission & FREE seminars :thumb:

[BexarWolf]

+1 on the thanks for a heads up. I just hope I don't get laughed out of the building for using a P&S digital.

Oh how I long for a decent DSLR. :zen:

[Richard_]

Oh how I long for a decent DSLR. :zen:

I decided to move up to a DSLR this past Christmas. When I went shopping I was happy to see that the price of entry level DSLRs had dropped considerably in the past year or so. Prices are still down, too.

IMO, the Nikon D40 is a great choice and an amazing value as an entry level DSLR, even at 6mp. $450 plus 1 lens. My buddy Jammin' Jerry Powell swears by his. I think the Canon XS is another great choice. $550 with 1 lens.

Either camera is not all that much more $ than a super zoom camera and a significant step up from a p&S.

[BexarWolf]

.....Either camera is not all that much more $ than a super zoom camera and a significant step up from a p&S.

I'm in complete agreement with you on that one, Richard. The problem is........as always.........$$$. The P&S I have now I bought for $200. Yeah, I could have thrown another $300 with that and gone full DSLR but at the time, I was blowing my incentive check before the wife found out. LoL

[Richard_]

I hear ya.

[dixonduke]

I am pretty sure that I am going to make this. I am thinking of riding down Saturday morning around 8-9am'ish if any of the greater Houston area folks want to tag along. I want to sit in Bill Fortney's seminar at 14:00hrs. I am hopeful that it will be the same or similar to the seminar (pay to attend) that Houston Camera Exchange is sponsoring here in Houston on the 10th of June, but is sold out (http://www.hcehouston.com/nikon/fortney.html)

It also appears that there will be products for sale as well, maybe they will have the lens and flash I have been wanting to purchase but haven't yet.

You will be very pleased at these awesome specials. Of course, it will be for stock on-hand and on a first come first served basis. There will be so many great deals you will find something along with the FREE Seminars!

[M38A1]

I think the Mrs. and I are going to make Saturday's sessions as well as see what the vendor show is like. I'll wear a black TWT T-shirt if you're looking.

[BexarWolf]

I'll probably be down there but it'll be closer to noon on Saturday. There were a couple of the seminars I wanted to get to earlier in the day but I have a class Saturday morn. :giveup:

[Brotha J]

Stupid Austin with their stupid free photo seminars! :angryfire :mrgreen:

[M38A1]

I know the GM of Precision Camera who hosted the event. His comments were this was larger than his wildest expectations and the plans are in the works for next years event to be in a different, much larger space.

The vendor section was full of cool gear you could play with and purchase if so inclined. The staff/representatives were also great and provided much needed answers to lots of questions.

The wife and I attended the Bill Forney and Kirk Tuck sessions. I'd highly recommend Forney's if you want to see beautiful shots and have an entertaining session. Not so much on the "how to" part, but good solid advice in four or five areas I know I'll be working on. Another concept I came away with from this session was cropping/framing. You'll just have to see his works to understand.

Kirk's session was on how to use lighting for portraits. A very interesting session in using screens and sheets as reflective devices to 'make light' where you want it and remove it from where you don't.

Overall, we both enjoyed the afternoon's event.

[dixonduke]

I enjoyed the vendor showcase, even picked up a flash.

Only complaints was the waiting in line to make my purchase. Seriously long. I ended up walking away instead of making a second purchase due to the time & technical difficulties the Precision Camera folks were having with the purchasing process, (printers not working, cash registers not working / software crash????)....

I ran in to Richard_ while in line in front of the Nikon booth. Nice to finally meet you Richard, did your sister end up making a purchase?

I left the expo and road up towards Abilene and then back to Houston... a full day of riding does the soul good!!!!!!

http://duked.smugmug.com/photos/556537391_mZeTX-L.jpg

[Richard_]

Hi, Duke.

It was a pleasure meeting you too. My sister ended up buying a Nikon D5000, her first DSLR. She was understandably excited about the new camera.

[BexarWolf]

The wife and I got up there around 1p. We were AMAZED at the number of cars in the parking lot! We NEVER figured this thing would go off like it did.

Once inside, I realized real quickly just how much money I'd be able to spend if I had it. The vendor area was way too small for me because I don't do well with crowds (hence the reason I stay out of bars most the time). It was as bad as the gun show.

We were going to stay for a couple of the seminars but until we go DSLR, a lot would be wasted information and we decided to let our seats go to folks who'd be able to use them.

MAYBE next time it comes around, we'll be in the market for a good DSLR and we can come up there with a credit card that needs to be melted down. :thumb: