my latest travels kicked off earlier this month with geekfest09 in st. pete. this first photo might sum it up nicely: cameras, photographers, & beer. what i can't put into a single frame is the huge dose of inspiration from the speakers and the 'group hug' atmosphere from all my peers and mentors (read: friends). can't wait 'til next year.
there's probably not many of my readers who are unfamiliar with the awesomeness of APAD. this community is the reason i am the photographer i am today.
i joined the listserv just before the first big geekfest in Austin. i helped coordinate that event and met a ton of APAD'ers for the first time that june in 2005. after an exhausting weekend of photos, laughter, inspiration, and geeking out, a friend of mine asked if i had found 'my people.' without hesitation i replied with a smile, 'yes.'
almost five years after joining APAD, i am a photojournalist in transition. with so much changing in the industry, it's a small miracle to have a steady group of friends and mentors who stay focused on telling stories, refining the craft, taking risks, and supporting each other. thanks, gang.
this year's geekfest line-up is the best yet with 2009 pulitzer winners damon winter & patrick farrell, nat geo legend sam abell, photo wise man bryan moss - writer of the awesome book PhotoSynthesis and the man behind Life in Corydon, portrait & lighting genius bob croslin, multimedia superstar dai sugano, fellow texan allison v. smith, and one of my favorite community journalists out there nicole frugé.
i almost ran out of epithets for this cast of great photographers. stop sitting on the fence and come join us in st. pete.
