The 3rd annual Midwest Photography Expo is quickly approaching, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

What’s the Midwest Photography Expo (or, as we lovingly refer to it, the MPEXPO)? The MPEXPO is a three-day photographic extravaganza, featuring a full tradeshow with more than 25 photo-gear companies represented; over 30 classes and workshops covering topics such as basic photography, lighting, video capture, printing, and more; product demos, giveaways, and contests (such as our exclusive Columbus-focused MPEXPO Photo Contest); photo walks (led by Aaron Sheldon) every day of the expo, and two (count ’em, two) keynote speakers, Vincent Versace and Adam Jones. Check out our MPEXPO page to register for classes, events, and photo walks.

Let’s take a look at the events we have planned (so far) for each of the three days:

Friday, October 4, 2013

This year we’re kicking off the expo with a fun-filled photo-focused night. We’re kicking off at 5 PM with our Interactive Product Demo Playground, where you can test out soon-to-be and newly released camera products. Then we’re hosting a panel discussion and breakout hands-on session focusing on the art of mobile photography led by the social meetup heroes at Motive. Following that is our first keynote speaker, award-winning and internationally recognized travel and portrait photographer Vincent Versace, who will discuss the journeys he takes as a travel photographer, from stepping on a plane to printing out his images. Rounding out the night, follow walk leader Aaron Sheldon through the downtown Columbus nightscape to try your hand at nighttime street photography. (You can register for the walk individually here.) Register for this one-of-a-kind photo blowout today!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Saturday is when our tradeshow floor opens and our classes begin! Here is a full schedule of our classes (with updates to come):

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Short North Photo Walk with Aaron Sheldon (sponsored by Fuji)

Tour the streets and alleys of the Short North, a vibrant neighborhood filled with galleries, restaurants and unique shops that will appeal to many different types of photographers. This photo walk is a great opportunity for street and architecture photographers, and any other type of photographer, to build their portfolios with scenic images of the Short North. Attendees should bring their cameras, lenses, and portable tripods or monopods. The walk will be starting in front of the Columbus Convention Center at the corner of N. High St. and Spruce St. We will walk down Vine and Park streets to shoot the iconic North Market. We will then take Goodale back to High street and proceed north to 5th Ave. We will cross High St. at 5th and return south on High to Hubbard. Turning left onto Hubbard we will explore the series of alleys between Hubbard and Russell Streets and then return to High street to end the walk back in front of the Convention Center.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Continuous Lighting for Portraits with Brandon Heiss (sponsored by Westcott)

This seminar is designed for all photographers who are interested in learning about portrait lighting. Brandon will demonstrate step-by-step techniques to show how easy portraits can be made with a variety of continuous lighting set-ups. You will see how to use lighting effectively using just one light, then adding up to three lights to make beautiful images. Also discussed will be how to control these lights with light modifiers including collapsible reflectors, umbrellas and soft boxes with some great tips and demonstrations on how to manipulate these lighting sources. After taking Continuous Lighting for Portraits, you will be able to light for great portraits with confidence and get amazing results.

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Sports Photography with Corey Rich (sponsored by Sandisk)

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Financial Management for Your Photography Business with Tiffany Morisue

If you missed our Photography Business Seminar last month, you’ll have a second chance to catch this informative session with CPA/professional photography Tiffany Morisue.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: TBA

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: TBA

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Sony School Part I with Amanda Arrick

Transform your snapshots into photographs with this informative and inspiring class presented by Sony digital image expert Amanda Arrick. During these two one-hour courses you’ll learn digital photography essentials, the basics of your Sony DSLR camera, and how to utilize compositional techniques that make a photograph memorable. Come take this first step to getting the most from your Sony DSLR investment.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Nature & Wildlife Photographic Skills Primer with Rob Moody (sponsored by Tamron)

Join us for this one-hour class that will take you on a photographic journey through some of America’s wild places. With the color change coming soon, we will discuss tips for how to get the best fall color images this year. As we travel this path together you will learn how to photograph grand landscapes, flowers, reflections, waterfalls, wildlife and more. Topics will include composition, camera modes and shooting technique. Get great insight on lens selection, filters and helpful accessories that will accelerate your learning process. After this class you will immediately see improvement in your nature and wildlife images.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Creative Green Screen Made Easy with David Piazza (sponsored by Westcott)

Have you ever wondered how those pictures of people super imposed into a make-believe situation or exotic vacation spot were created? The answer is: – great lighting, green screen, and special software – but how do you make it all work? You don’t have to be a pro photographer or even a computer wiz to produce these creative images. Creative Green Screen Made Easy seminar will help you learn the basics about taking great pictures with simple lighting techniques and easy to use special green screen software.  In this seminar, you’ll learn how to set up and use daylight-balanced studio lighting; manipulate and control the light; direct your subject to capture the right image; and work with the Green Screen software. Be prepared to have some fun and create amazing images!

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: TBA

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Sports Videography with Corey Rich (sponsored by Sandisk)

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM: The World of HD Video with Canon EOS SLRs with Scott Siegel (sponsored by Canon)

In a brief period of time, HD video capability has exploded into the digital SLR world, adding impressive imaging capabilities to today’s Canon EOS SLR cameras. If you are a first-time SLR user, or a long-time SLR enthusiast who has shot still images for years, and wonder how to really begin to use these new features to expand your image-making, Canon’s newest two-hour EOS class may be just what you’re looking for.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: TBA

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM: Color Management from Capture to Print with John Walrath (sponsored by Datacolor)

Photography is both a technical and creative pursuit. Mastering the technical aspects of photography will allow you make the images you intend to make. Datacolor offers a full line of technically geared products that help you create an environment to make precise creative decisions. You will learn how to use several of Datacolor’s products to increase your efficiency and maximize the capabilities of your photographic equipment.

2:30 PM -3:30 PM: Macro Photography with Brett Wells (sponsored by Sigma)

If you like to shoot small, join us for the informative program conducted by Sigma representative, Brett Wells.  He will walk you through the basics of how to choose a macro lens, as well as helpful accessories for macro photography.  Tips and techniques for great macro images will also be covered.

2:45 PM – 4:45 PM: Essential Functions of Your Canon EOS Camera with Scott Siegel (sponsored by Canon)

Enter the world of the digital SLR and learn about your camera, and how to make great pictures with it. We’ll take you out of “automatic,” but we won’t overload you with too much detail. You’ll see many examples of great photography, and learn techniques to use exposure, composition, flash, and a variety of lenses to get the same types of results. This beginner class is a one-hour investment in your EOS digital SLR that will pay dividends over and over as you grow with your camera system.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: TBA with Giulio Sciorio (sponsored by Panasonic)

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM: Tamron Lens Selection Primer with Rob Moody

Explore the various lens classes and features in the Tamron lens line during this presentation. You will learn about lens technology while we view images taken with Tamron lenses that include: all-in-one zooms, fast glass zooms, wide and tele specialty zooms, as well as macro prime lenses. There will be a short Q&A to conclude the presentation.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Nikon‘s Tips, Tricks, and Hidden Tech of Better Digital Pictures with Jason Stewart

Think you know your Nikon camera? You might reconsider after spending an afternoon with Nikon Technical Sales Representative, Jason Stewart. Join Jason as he shares some of his favorite tips and tricks for making digital images better. If you own a Nikon D90, D7000, D7100, D200, D300, D600, D700, D800, or D800E then this seminar is made just for you! During this informative and fast paced seminar, you will discover things about your Nikon D-SLR that will help you take you picture creation to a whole new level.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: TBA

4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: What Does It Take to Print Great Images? with Dick Callen (sponsored by Epson)

Do your images print darker on paper than the screen shot? Do your images lose colors? Is your printer or photo software managing color? Wouldn’t it be nice if someone would just hand you the Magic Wand for perfect prints? Join Epson Evangelist Dick Callen to discover how to improve your prints.

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Through the Lens and Around the World with Adam Jones (KEYNOTE EVENT sponsored by Canon)

Join Adam Jones as he shares his wide range of experience with landscape, wildlife and macro photography. Adam will discuss all parts of his workflow, including creative visualization, decision making and post-processing. Be sure to come armed with your questions – audience participation is encouraged! Part 2 of this presentation will feature Adam’s travel images of cultures and cities from over a dozen exotic destinations, featuring: China, Egypt, Croatia, Kenya, France, Czech Republic, Greece, Iceland, India, Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Thailand. Here Adam will share his stories, adventures and strategies for taking stunning travel images on location.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Short North Photo Walk with Aaron Sheldon (sponsored by Fuji)

Tour the streets and alleys of the Short North, a vibrant neighborhood filled with galleries, restaurants and unique shops that will appeal to many different types of photographers. This walk will feature gems of the Short North including Goodale Park, High Street and all of its unique alleys and murals, and will end at the Columbus Convention Center, where attendees can sign up for classes and see product demos at the Midwest Photography Expo.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Continuous Lighting for Portraits with Brandon Heiss (sponsored by Westcott)

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Tamron Lens Selection Primer with Rob Moody

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: What Does It Take to Print Great Images? with Dick Callen (sponsored by Epson)

9:45 AM – 11:45 AM: Creative Photography with the Canon EOS System with Scott Siegel (sponsored by Canon)

If you’re a more experienced SLR user, this two-hour session is your ticket to learning about the more sophisticated features of your EOS camera. We’ll take you to the next step in crafting great photographs, with details about the advanced controls in your camera and how to use them in real-life situations. Many examples of great images bring the camera’s features to life in this event. We’ll demystify your camera’s histogram, give details about lighting and exposure control, and show the power that the right lenses and EOS Speedlites can bring to your photography.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: TBA

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Sony School Part II with Amanda Arrick

This class is a continuation of Part I.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Macro Photography with Brett Wells (sponsored by Sigma)

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Creative Green Screen Made Easy with David Piazza (sponsored by Westcott)

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: TBA

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: TBA

11:45 AM – 1:45 PM: Introduction to HDSLR Video with Nikon with Jason Stewart

So your HD-SLR can make movies, now what? Learn the ins and outs on how to get started making incredible HD movies with your new camera. Join Nikon’s Technical Sales Representative, Jason Stewart as he decodes terms and illustrates techniques and tips for making your movies a blockbuster event! Perfect for owners of Nikon HD-SLR’s like the D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200, D90, D7000, D7100, D300s, D600, D800, D800E, or D4 wanting to get the most out of their camera’s movie making capability.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: TBA

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM: Color Management from Capture to Print with John Walrath (sponsored by Datacolor)

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Nature & Wildlife Photographic Skills Primer with Rob Moody (sponsored by Tamron)

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM: TBA

You can start registering for classes now by going to the MPEXPO page and clicking the “Classes & Workshops” tab! We can’t wait to see you all there! Be on the lookout for more info in the coming weeks.