To follow up on what is described by a fan as “the best two days in months,” B&H is rolling out the OPTIC All Stars Special Edition as a two-day virtual conference on November 22 and 23, 2020, organized in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions. Wildlife, landscape, and travel photographers from around the world are welcome to stream lectures, test their knowledge of photography trivia, attend virtual trade shows, join OPTIC hangouts to network and chat, and more.
Above photograph © Frans Lanting
Stay Connected and Get Inspired
With an emphasis on inspiration, dual keynote speakers Frans Lanting and Art Wolfe headline an impressive creator lineup during the two-day event, hosted by B&H’s own David Brommer. All Star presenters include Sam Abell, Colby Brown, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Brooks Jensen Andy Katz, Bob Krist, Cristina Mittermeier, Eli Reed, Rachel Jones Ross, Krista Rossow, Ruddy Roy, Vincent Versace, and Alison Wright, with even more talent to be announced weekly.
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According to veteran OPTIC speaker Bob Krist, “OPTIC events have always been a favorite for the chance to interact face-to-face with participants, fellow speakers, and exhibitors—and of course the energy hit you get just from being in the heart of New York City. But I’m so happy that B&H is continuing this conference in a virtual way,” he notes, “because it’s important for us to stay connected through these strange times.”
Krist’s presentation will talk about how moving from stills to motion not only provided him with renewed energy and a late career boost, it also helped him rediscover his roots as a black-and-white photojournalist, giving rise to a new book.
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Lindblad Expeditions photographer Krista Rossow’s talk will focus on why we make photographs. “I'm hoping to touch on elements of what makes a good storytelling photograph, reminding people of why they are taking photos, how to handle unexpected setbacks, and how to hone their craft during these unusual times,” she explains.
Prepare for the OPTIC Challenge with Online Image Critiques
To assist you in selecting your best photographs for the OPTIC Challenge before the event even starts, join Frans Lanting on Zoom for a rare chance to learn what makes a winning photograph. Lanting will offer feedback on attendees’ best wildlife and landscape photographs during two sessions leading up to the conference, on Wednesday, November 11and 18. Register on the OPTIC homepage for further details and instructions on how to attend.
And, once you’ve honed your edit, submit your photographs between November 2 and 17, across a wide range of categories for a chance to win prizes and attain OPTIC glory. Winners will be judged and announced by speakers at the end of their presentations.
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Engage with Tech Reps in a Virtual Trade Show
OPTIC’s virtual trade shows are back, hosted on Zoom. Tune in for brand-centric events, including live demonstrations, challenges, Q&A sessions, and more! It’s a veritable alphabet soup of technology, featuring brands from A to W, including Adobe, Canon, Epson, FUJIFILM, Gitzo, HP, LaCie, Manfrotto, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Tamron, Sony, and Wacom, to name a few. Having these events hosted by the brand gives you the opportunity to get direct information straight from the source. Each brand will have a scheduled time slot for its respective presentation. To get the full list, all you need to do is RSVP for regular updates.
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Combine Shopping and Learning with the OPTIC Digital Show Book
Just in time for the holidays, OPTIC All Star attendees will enjoy special discounts on the latest equipment with the season’s lowest prices. You’ll find these deals online and in the exclusive OPTIC All Stars show book, featuring compelling educational content and stunning visual examples that will inspire you to sharpen your images. Immerse yourself to learn a new skill, be inspired, or score a deal on gear.
And to wrap things up, OPTIC attendees are invited to test their photo knowledge at an All Star Photo Trivia Party on Monday night November 23. Trivia questions encompass historical and technical themes—from “What year was the first photograph made?” to “What camera does B&H sell that has the largest sensor?” Win big with valuable prizes from the sponsors and B&H Gift Cards, and have a ton of fun!
After B&H’s first OPTIC virtual conference in June, attendee Sherry Lynn Felix was still reaping the benefits. “I won a gift card at the social day 1 for $100. It was so nice to have such a wonderful event to attend,” she says. “It helps alleviate stress, invigorates, inspires, and adds joy.”
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Why Wait—Get in the OPTIC Spirit Today
To whet your appetite while counting down the days, you can currently stream our OPTIC 2020 lectures, as well as past years’ presentations on YouTube. But, most important, be sure to register for OPTIC All Stars without further ado. Registered attendees will be kept up to date on recent OPTIC updates, including details on speakers, the presentation schedule, contest reminders, and more! You can also find news and information on social media, by following the #OPTICAllStars hashtag.
Which session are you most looking forward to attend during OPTIC All Stars? Join the conversation and let us know in the Comments section, below!
Image may be NSFW.
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