David Bergman speaks at the Nikon booth during Imaging USA EXPO.

This blog post may seem disconnected, but it is more like a journal of my experience today at the Imaging USA Expo. I had a lot of fun and learned a few things.

Kevin Ames is photographing a model at the Sigma booth. Sigma sponsors Kevin.

I went to the convention to see my friends. All I had seen the years before was that no company was rolling out new gear at the show that I knew about.

One person who is always good to have in town is Bill Fortney. Bill is retiring July 1st from Nikon as one of their representatives. I knew I wanted to spend time with him and talk with his boss, Bill Pekala, the head of Nikon Professional Services.

Bill Fortney is handling all the questions from the convention attendees.

In a few weeks, I will answer students’ questions about subsequent purchases in a similar role to Bill. While Bill thought I was hanging out to say hello, I listened to how Bill handled all their questions.

Bill helped people understand Nikon’s lineup of cameras. For the most part, Bill was talking to people about the differences between the Nikon D800 and the Nikon D600. For most folks, the Nikon D600 fits the bill just fine, he was telling them. Fortney hints at his Nikon D800 like a 4×5 camera. When he hoots with it, this is serious. He knows he wants all the details possible and pulls this camera out of the bag.

Bill explained how much he enjoyed shooting with the Nikon D600 as his everyday camera. You can read a blog Bill wrote on this here.

Dr. Charles Stanley asked for some advice on his upcoming trip to Africa. He didn’t take all his gear, so he asked Bill for what he recommended. Bill recommended the Nikon D7000 and the Nikon 18-200mm lens for the trip.

You need good relationships with the camera representatives because they know the gear the best and are great people who can help you navigate your lineup of cameras and lenses.

I went by the Nikon Professional Services room and met Melissa DiBartolo for the first time. For a year, she has helped me with getting my cameras repaired and answering questions. I walked in, and she knew me right away, and it was so reassuring to know they are taking the time to help us out.

Jeff Raymond enjoys meeting Dr. Charles Stanley in the hall of the convention.

While I had a chance to renew friendships, I also started new ones. Jeff Ray and I were able to meet Dr. Charles Stanley and talk about his work in missions.

Coming up the escalator was my friend Tara Patty, who has a photo studio in Colorado Springs, CO. I enjoyed hearing that her business is growing and changing. Years ago, it was shooting 90% commercials and only about 10% portraits for the public. Today, she is shooting 10% commercials and 90% portraits, and her business is growing.

I then met my friend Mark Turner, who said the last three years have been great for business. He wonders how much better it would be if the economy were stronger.

As I talked to friend after friend, I found they were all doing much better and had made changes in their businesses as well.

If you have time, I recommend taking it in yourself if you are in Atlanta on January 22nd.

You can go here to register and enjoy the event: www.imagingusa.org/registration.