This year, B&H, in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, is thrilled to announce OPTIC 2020, on June 7 and 8. This year marks the sixth return of OPTIC and its first digital version, existing entirely online. Wildlife, landscape, and travel photographers from around the world will now be able to stream lectures, submit to image critiques, participate in the OPTIC Challenge, attend a virtual trade show, and join OPTIC hangouts to network and chat. This year also marks the first edition of OPTIC Magazine, a digital publication dedicated to the conference packed with articles, interviews, photos, and promotions.
Get Inspired
With an emphasis on conservation, this year’s keynote speakers, Ami Vitale (June 7) and Clyde Butcher (June 8), headline an impressive lineup of talented photographers including: Lizzy Gadd, Sean Kernan, Rich Reid (Lindblad Expeditions), Ralph Lee Hopkins (Lindblad Expeditions), Ron Magill (Nikon), Peter McBride (Sony), Caroline Jensen (Sony), Annie Griffiths (Panasonic), and Trupal Pandya (Profoto). You will be able to watch their lectures, webinars, and Q&A sessions in real time via the OPTIC homepage. More speakers are announced weekly, so be sure to check back for the updated list!
Hang Out
Despite operating remotely this year, OPTIC continues to foster the community spirit that has made it such a popular gathering. OPTIC hangouts will serve as an opportunity to network, ask questions, and exchange ideas in a B&H-hosted chatroom.
Participate in the OPTIC Challenge
The OPTIC Challenge is back this year, with twelve photo categories including: wildlife (mammals), birding/aviary, underwater/marine, landscape, night photography, culture and travel, street photography, macro, insects, fine art/abstract, and shot on film. Submit your work before June 2 for a chance to win prizes and attain OPTIC glory. Winners will be judged and announced by speakers at the end of their presentations.
Have your Work Critiqued by the Pros
Another way to participate in OPTIC is by submitting for a chance to have your work critiqued by a panel of industry professionals and influencers during live critique sessions happening three times per day. To participate, post your photo on Instagram using the session-specific hashtag (#OPTIC2020xLandscape, #OPTIC2020xWildlife, or #OPTIC2020xSTPhoto), along with the #OPTIC2020 hashtag, to be considered for the critiques. Make sure you register for further details and instructions.
Browse a Virtual Trade Show
This year, OPTIC is bringing you a virtual trade show hosted on Zoom. The trade show will consist of several brand-hosted events, including live demonstrations, workshops, Q&A sessions, and more! Having these events hosted by the brand will give you the opportunity to get direct information straight from the source. Plus, it also provides participants with a chance to partake in challenges, win prizes, and score some great deals on gear and equipment. Each brand will have a scheduled time slot for its respective presentation or event, so be sure to register.
Read the All-New OPTIC Digital Online Edition
OPTIC 2020 marks the inauguration of OPTIC Digital Online Edition, a digital publication packed with OPTIC presenter interviews, how-to articles, beautiful photographs, and OPTIC promotions. Check it out to learn a new skill, be inspired, or score a deal on gear.
Get in the Mood
Excited about OPTIC 2020? Check out past presentations, here, to get even more pumped for this year’s conference. And, be sure to register as soon as possible. Registered attendees will receive email updates with the most current OPTIC 2020 information, including details on speakers, presentation schedule, contests, and more! You can also find OPTIC 2020 news and information on social media, by following the #OPTIC2020 hashtag.
What are you looking forward to most in OPTIC 2020? Let us know in the Comments section, below!
