Google+ Photographer’s Conference

Join us at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco (May 22-23)

Scott Kelby is bringing Google+ photographers together for a history making conference to help photographers refine their photography skills, grow their online brand, and get the most out of Google+.

This amazing conference brings together some of the biggest photographers on Google+, some of the best instructors of photography and some of the geniuses of social media. You’ll learn from these a-list instructors during two jam-packed days of photo walks, live photo shoots, one-on-one portfolio reviews, panel discussions and photography workshops.

Cool Stuff About the Conference

Photo Walks Kick It All Off:
Here’s a great way to make new friends before the conference officially kicks off on the 22nd. Join us the day before (May 21st) at 3:00 pm at one of our 10 photo walks, all being held in great shooting locations throughout San Francisco. You’ll spend two hours walking, shooting, talking and mingling with other photographers. After the walk, you’ll meet at a local restaurant to share stories, images, ideas and enjoy some yummy food!

An Opening Keynote From Google Themselves:
There’s no better way to kick off the conference than with a keynote presentation from the people that make Google+ happen, Google themselves. We have a very special presentation (we don’t want to spill the beans quite yet) to help kick off a G+ learning love fest, so you absolutely want to be there!

Location Shoots:
Each day, we’ll go on location to see how to set up and produce a location shoot (with in many cases shooting opportunities for you as well). We’ll use hot shoe off camera flashes, as well as studio lighting gear, and we’ll have some really cool shoots planned for you. So make sure to bring your camera!

The Google Lounge:
The YBCA’s Grand Lobby will definitely be “the hangout” during the conference as Google will transform it into the “Google Lounge,” which will feature high speed wireless and work spaces for you to meet, mingle and share your G+ Photographer’s Conference experience.

Live Blind Critiques:
In these informative sessions, you’ll learn by seeing other attendees’ works critiqued in class (No names will be revealed, hence the “blind” moniker). It’s an amazing way to learn what makes up a great photo, including what things you can avoid and what you can do in post-production to create the kind of images you’ve always. We think you’ll find this a surprisingly refreshing way to learn, even if you don’t submit your work for the review.

After Hours Inspiration:
Tuesday and Wednesday nights we’ll leave all the techniques we learned during the day behind and focus on the art and the artist with our “An Evening with….” series. Tuesday, we’re excited to have entertainment photographer and social artist Jeremy Cowart take the stage to discuss his passion for photography and for helping others in an evening you won’t forgot. To wrap up the conference on Wednesday, spend the evening with the most-circled photographer on Google+, author, entrepreneur, and G+ celebrity Trey Ratcliff, as we host an intimate interview and look at the images, imagination and vision of the man behind some awe-inspiring work. It’s a perfect way to unwind as we send you off with words and images that will inspire and challenge you.

Every attendees gets a copy of Guy Kawasaki’s Ebook About Google+:
Guy’s new book, “What The Plus!* is an absolute kick-butt source to learn about getting the most out of Google+ and every attendee gets their own copy of the ebook. Sweet!

Wine/Cheese Gallery Reception:
The conference kicks off the night before at a local gallery where we’ll be displaying the selected works of some of our conference attendees. (After you sign up for the conference, we’ll send you a link that you can use to submit images for consideration for the gallery showing. A panel of judges will choose the images to be printed and displayed.) It’ll be a great time to mingle, enjoy the wine and cheese and experience the wonderful photography from some of our attendees.

Live Studio Shoot:
Throughout the conference, we’ll have a Live Shooting Lounge (sponsored by the folks at FJ Westcott, who graciously provided the lighting). You’ll be in a small group learning from an instructor, and then actually do some shooting yourself. We’ll have everything from live models, product shoots, fashion and more.

Intimate Talks Track:
Running at various times throughout the conference, our Intimate Talks sessions—held in the YBCA’s cozy Screening Room—will give you the a chance to hear some fantastic presentations in a comfy, informal atmosphere. (Limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis).

One-on-One Portfolio Reviews:
Imagine the leap forward your work will take after you spend one-on-one time with one of our conference instructors. They’ll review your work and give you tips, ideas and a plan of action on how to take your portfolio and your work to the next level. These sessions will be held throughout the conference and are free to registered attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an appointment, email reviews@kelbymediagroup.com

The Revolution Will Be Broadcast!
Most of the conference sessions will be televised live (and archived for after-conference viewing) via Google+ “OnAir” hangouts, so you can review any of the sessions you missed. If you’re unable to attend the conference, you’ll be able to join in from anywhere around the world. Full details will be available in May on this collaborative worldwide streaming event.

The “Un-Conference Session”:
On Wednesday, we’ve scheduled a block of time for an “Un-Conference” session, which is where conference attendees can share what they have learned, by teaching sessions on topics they’re experts in. Attendees who want to teach a session will simply go to the Google Docs online board we’ve set up and choose a topic and location. Anyone who wants to hear about that topic can just show up at the named location at the allotted time. It’s a total “attendee driven” session and will run the gambit from teaching on the main stage to a small group huddled around a laptop, as we share and learn from each other.

A Collaborative Conference:
The idea behind this conference is that it’s a collaborative event. That’s why you need to bring your camera. That’s why you’ll want to be a part of the photo walks, the live shoots, the location shoots, and the Un-Conference sessions. And, that’s why you’ll want to do more than learn! This is the networking opportunity of a lifetime, and the start of something really big. History is being made in San Francisco and this is your chance to be a part of it; get immersed in it, and change the course of your career forever.

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$299 advance registration, $349 after April 30

Conference Speakers

Scott Kelby

Trey Ratcliff

Guy Kawasaki

Jeremy Cowart

Alex Koloskov

Catherine Hall

Peter Hurley

Brian Rose

RC Concepcion

Brian Matiash

Erik Valind

Lindsay Adler

Matt Kloskowski

Mike Wiacek

Colby Brown

Bradley Horowitz

Conference Schedule

Day 1 (May 22)
Day 2 (May 23)

- Registration
  Tuesday
  07:00am - 05:30PM
  
  Conference Registration.
  
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  TBD
- Opening Keynote
  Tuesday
  09:00am - 10:00AM
  
  Don't miss your chance to hear from Bradley Horowitz, Vice President of Product Management at Google+. It's the perfect way to kick off a G+ learning love fest, so you’ll absolutely want to be there!
  
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  Scott Kelby
  
  Bradley Horowitz
- Break
  Tuesday
  10:00am - 10:15AM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- TBD Session
  Tuesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Adobe
- How to Host a Successful Hangout
  Tuesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  There are a few simple things you can do to make your hangouts more interesting, have a better flow, be more useful and more fun. In this session, we'll look at a few simple things to consider when planning and hosting your hangouts that will make them must-attend events.
  
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  Trey Ratcliff
  
  RC Concepcion
- How to Stay Fresh on Google+
  Tuesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  Keeping the community of people who've circled you engaged and involved can really make your G+ presence a valuable one for everybody. And to keep them engaged, you have to stay fresh. In this session, our panel of G+ gurus will share some of their favorite ways to stay current and interesting, as well as ways to create the kind of page that gets you circled again and again.
  
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  Catherine Hall
  
  Colby Brown
- Scott's Tips for Shooting Sports
  Tuesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  Scott shares his most useful, time-saving tips for improving your sports photography, including a look at proper gear for shooting sports, camera settings and the lessons he's learned through how own bumps and bruises of shooting on assignment. Plus, you'll get a host of tips to help you capture your best sports shots ever! There's no holding back in this revealing real world session. (Seating limited to 92)
  
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  Scott Kelby
- Break
  Tuesday
  11:15am - 11:30AM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- Live Location Shoot
  Tuesday
  11:15am - 12:15PM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Scott Kelby
- Tips & Tricks for G+ Panel
  Tuesday
  11:30am - 12:30PM
  
  There's a lot of power under the G+ hood, and nobody knows all those little "power user" tips and tricks like Google's own G+ crew. And, they're prepared to reveal a lot of cool G+ techniques that most users didn't even know were an option. So if you're ready to unlock the power, this is the session for you!
  
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  Brian Rose
  
  Vincent Mo
  
  Mike Wiacek
- One-on-One Portfolio Reviews
  Tuesday
  11:30am - 12:30PM
  
  Imagine the leap forward your work will take after you spend one-on-one time with one of our conference instructors. They’ll review your work and give you tips, ideas and a plan of action on how to take your portfolio and your work to the next level. These sessions will be held throughout the conference and are free to registered attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an appointment, email reviews@kelbymediagroup.com with your name and phone number.
  
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  Jeremy Cowart
  
  RC Concepcion
  
  Matt Kloskowski
  
  Peter Hurley
- Lunch
  Tuesday
  12:30pm - 01:45PM
  
  Lunch Break
  
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  TBD
- Photo Shoot
  Tuesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  Test your photography skills at our Live Shooting Lounge, a perfectly lit space where you can shoot live models in a variety of themed scenes, including fashion and product photography. Sponsored by F.J. Westcott, who graciously provided the lighting equipment, the shoots will have you working in small groups where you’ll learn from an instructor and then do some shooting yourself.
  
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  Westcott Lighting
- Building Your Brand on G+
  Tuesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  Best-selling business book author, CEO of Alltop and author of the just released book about Google+, "What the Plus?", the one and only Guy Kawasaki shares his techniques for building your brand on G+ and offers some key insight into how he became one of the circled people on Google+.
  
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  Guy Kawasaki
- 10 Ideas for Creating Killer Posts
  Tuesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  If you're a photographer on G+, chances are you're mostly followed by other photographers. But there's a lot more to creating a captivating presense on G+ than posting a new photo every day. Author and photography instructor Matt Kloskowski (co-host of the photography talk show "The Grid" gives you his Top 10 tips for creating posts for photographers that engage, inform and inspire.
  
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  Matt Kloskowski
- Stuck on Earth
  Tuesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  With over a quarter million downloads, Stuck On Earth is now in the hands of the early adopter crowd for new ways of discovering photo locations. We have a free "Editor" program where you can curate your own Top 50 list. It's easy and fun! In this session, you'll learn how you can do it and be featured, so when looking at the main app, you'll see something like "Scott Kelby's Top 50 Secret Spots in Florida."
  
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  Trey Ratcliff
- Break
  Tuesday
  02:45pm - 03:00PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- One-on-One Portfolio Reviews
  Tuesday
  03:00pm - 04:00PM
  
  Imagine the leap forward your work will take after you spend one-on-one time with one of our conference instructors. They’ll review your work and give you tips, ideas and a plan of action on how to take your portfolio and your work to the next level. These sessions will be held throughout the conference and are free to registered attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an appointment, email reviews@kelbymediagroup.com with your name and phone number.
  
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  Catherine Hall
  
  Erik Valind
  
  Matt Kloskowski
  
  Peter Hurley
- Crush The Composition
  Tuesday
  03:00pm - 04:00PM
  
  Scott Kelby, the world's #1 bestselling photography book author, presents his groundbreaking class that changes the way photographers learn composition. This isn't another one of those "rules of thirds, leading lines, repeating pattern classes" but an entirely new concept that has absolutely resounded with thousands of photographers around the world who have hailed this eye-opening concept a truly career changing experience. You don't want to miss it.
  
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  Scott Kelby
- Break
  Tuesday
  04:00pm - 04:15PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- Product Shoot
  Tuesday
  04:15pm - 05:15PM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Alex Koloskov
- Live Blind Photo Critiques
  Tuesday
  04:15pm - 05:15PM
  
  Consider this an amazing learning experience. Here's your chance to learn from the "blind" critiques (no names are given) of conference attendees who've volunteered to receive an honest, straight-to-the-point critique of their work. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn as our panel shares what's right, and what can be fixed, in this collection of photography. All conference attendees are invited to submit images for consideration.
  
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  Scott Kelby
  
  Trey Ratcliff
  
  Jeremy Cowart
  
  Matt Kloskowski
- Break
  Tuesday
  05:00pm - 05:15PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- Photo Shoot
  Tuesday
  05:30pm - 06:30PM
  
  Test your photography skills at our Live Shooting Lounge, a perfectly lit space where you can shoot live models in a variety of themed scenes, including fashion and product photography. Sponsored by F.J. Westcott, who graciously provided the lighting equipment, the shoots will have you working in small groups where you’ll learn from an instructor and then do some shooting yourself.
  
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  Lindsay Adler
- The Art of the Headshot
  Tuesday
  05:30pm - 06:30PM
  
  When celebrity photographer Peter Hurley created a short training tutorial on one of the secrets behind creating great headshots, it created tremendous buzz throughout the photography community on G+. Peter instantly became a hero to many portrait photographers who now had a proven and repeatable new technique that could instantly transformed their portraits. Now, the man behind the video is here to show you how to create stunning headshots for anyone, through posing techniques and getting your subject to deliver the kind of emotion and expression that makes all the difference in the world.
  
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  Peter Hurley
- Dinner Break
  Tuesday
  06:30pm - 07:45PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- An Evening with Jeremy Cowart
  Tuesday
  08:00pm - 09:00PM
  
  Spend an inspirational evening with one of the most engaging, successful, and creative photographers in our industry today. Entertainment photographer Jeremy Cowart shares his passion, commitment and ideas behind his photography, his work as a social artist and how he has embraced Google+ in his life and in his work. It's an evening everyone will be talking about.
  
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  Jeremy Cowart
- Registration
  Wednesday
  08:00am - 05:30PM
  
  Conference Registration.
  
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  TBD
- 10 Things to Help Photographers On Google+
  Wednesday
  09:00am - 10:00AM
  
  Our panel of G+ heavy hitters shares some of the most important things you can do as a photographer to help build your presence on Google+. This is the simple, no-nonsense stuff that you wish somebody had told you from the beginning that would've made such a difference. It's everything from the most essential practical tips to key things that may not be so obvious but can supercharge your success on Google+. It's a can't miss class for any serious G+er.
  
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  Matt Kloskowski
  
  Trey Ratcliff
  
  Colby Brown
- Break
  Wednesday
  10:00am - 10:15AM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- The Future of Photography Book Publishing
  Wednesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Nancy Aldrich-Ruenzel
  
  Ted Waitt
- Live Shoot
  Wednesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  Test your photography skills at our Live Shooting Lounge, a perfectly lit space where you can shoot live models in a variety of themed scenes, including fashion and product photography. Sponsored by F.J. Westcott, who graciously provided the lighting equipment, the shoots will have you working in small groups where you’ll learn from an instructor and then do some shooting yourself.
  
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  Erik Valind
- Optimizing Your Images for G+
  Wednesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  Photoshop Guru RC Concepcion shows you how to edit, sharpen and prepare your photos for posting on Google+ so they look their absolute best. You'll learn everything from dealing with color profiles and sharpening strategies to which plug-ins you've got to have to make your images jump off the page.
  
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  RC Concepcion
- Circling Strategies
  Wednesday
  10:15am - 11:15AM
  
  The people you choose to circle are as important as the people who circle you. But as a photographer you can't just circle everybody who circles you. In this session, you'll learn how to choose who to follow, how much content you want to receive (and share) and just how to leverage one of G+'s most popular features to make your G+ experience that much richer.
  
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  Catherine Hall
  
  Mike Wiacek
- Break
  Wednesday
  11:15am - 11:30AM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- Live Blind Photo Critiques
  Wednesday
  11:30am - 12:30PM
  
  The amazing learning experience continues with more "blind" critiques (no names are given) for conference attendees who've volunteered to receive an honest, straight-to-the-point critique of their work. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn as our panel shares what's right, and what can be fixed, from this collection of photography. All conference attendees are invited to submit images for consideration.
  
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  Scott Kelby
  
  Trey Ratcliff
  
  Matt Kloskowski
- Lunch
  Wednesday
  12:30pm - 01:45PM
  
  Lunch
  
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  TBD
- What Do You Want Next from G+ ?
  Wednesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Brian Rose
  
  Mike Wiacek
- How to Write Intriguing Posts
  Wednesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  If you've ever sat at a blank screen on your computer and wondered how you'd write something that will captivate, fascinate, engage and delight the people who've circled you, this session is for you. Our panel will share their time-tested tips and techniques for creating posts that engage your audience with more than just +1s. You'll learn how to write short, informative, fun, thought-provoking posts that make your G+ page a must-visit every day. This panel has a lot of great stuff to share, along with some very specific ideas and concepts to follow.
  
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  Scott Kelby
  
  Matt Kloskowski
  
  RC Concepcion
- One-on-One Portfolio Reviews
  Wednesday
  01:45pm - 02:45PM
  
  Imagine the leap forward your work will take after you spend one-on-one time with one of our conference instructors. They’ll review your work and give you tips, ideas and a plan of action on how to take your portfolio and your work to the next level. These sessions will be held throughout the conference and are free to registered attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an appointment, email reviews@kelbymediagroup.com with your name and phone number.
  
  Press ↑ or ↓ to navigate
  
  Colby Brown
  
  Catherine Hall
  
  Alex Koloskov
  
  Erik Valind
- Break
  Wednesday
  02:45pm - 03:00PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- Composite Shoot
  Wednesday
  03:00pm - 04:00PM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Matt Kloskowski
- Growing Your Audience on G+
  Wednesday
  03:00pm - 04:00PM
  
  As a photographer, you're a content creator; and creating a steady stream of content isn't easy. And once you've taken the time to create the content, there's no doubt you want it to be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible. This session is dedicated to making sure that happens. Our panel will share their proven techniques for building an audience on G+, keeping them engaged and creating a community you'll be excited to interact with every day. And you'll learn the benefits and risks of taking an active part in the rapid growing community of photographers on Google+.
  
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  Colby Brown
  
  Trey Ratcliff
  
  Jeremy Cowart
- How to Light Anyone (Strobes + Hot Shoe)
  Wednesday
  03:00pm - 04:00PM
  
  Erik Valind, one of today's hottest up-and-coming portrait photographers and lighting instructors, shares his simple techniques for making anyone look good without a lot of complicated set-ups. After all, it doesn't take thousands of dollars in gear, or a half dozen lights to make anyone eye-catching! In this session, you'll learn the techniques that Erik uses in his own work that can help transform your images.
  
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  Erik Valind
- Live Location Shoot
  Wednesday
  03:00pm - 04:00PM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Scott Kelby
- Break
  Wednesday
  04:00pm - 04:15PM
  
  Break
  
  Press ↑ or ↓ to navigate
  
  TBD
- One-on-One Portfolio Reviews
  Wednesday
  04:15pm - 05:15PM
  
  Imagine the leap forward your work will take after you spend one-on-one time with one of our conference instructors. They’ll review your work and give you tips, ideas and a plan of action on how to take your portfolio and your work to the next level. These sessions will be held throughout the conference and are free to registered attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an appointment, email reviews@kelbymediagroup.com with your name and phone number.
  
  Press ↑ or ↓ to navigate
  
  Scott Kelby
  
  Colby Brown
  
  Matt Kloskowski
  
  RC Concepcion
- Unconference Session
  Wednesday
  04:15pm - 05:15PM
  
  A block of time has been allocated for an "Un-Conference Session," where attendees will have the chance to teach sessions on topics they are experts in. Attendees interested in leading a session, can go to the Google Docs online board we're setting up and choose their topic and location. Anyone who wants to hear about that topic can just show up! It's a total attendee-driven session that will cover a wide variety of subjects, everything from teaching on the main stage to meeting in a small group around a laptop.
  
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  TBD
- Break
  Wednesday
  05:15pm - 05:30PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- Hot Shoe Live Shoot
  Wednesday
  05:30pm - 06:30PM
  
  Test your photography skills at our Live Shooting Lounge, a perfectly lit space where you can shoot live models in a variety of themed scenes, including fashion and product photography. Sponsored by F.J. Westcott, who graciously provided the lighting equipment, the shoots will have you working in small groups where you’ll learn from an instructor and then do some shooting yourself.
  
  Press ↑ or ↓ to navigate
  
  RC Concepcion
- [Title Coming Soon]
  Wednesday
  05:30pm - 06:30PM
  
  Description coming soon.
  
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  Lindsay Adler
- Dinner Break
  Wednesday
  06:30pm - 07:45PM
  
  Break
  
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  TBD
- An Evening with Trey Ratcliff + Closing Presentation
  Wednesday
  08:00pm - 09:00PM
  
  Spend an evening with the most-circled photographer on Google+, author, entrepreneur, technology guru and HDR master Trey Ratcliff. Prepare to experience an intimate, revealing live interview through words and images of this artist with the mind of an engineer (or perhaps an engineer with the heart of an artist). This is your chance to hear from the man himself, and even ask your own questions in this fascinating evening. And, it's the perfect way to wrap up your Google+ Photographer's Conference experience.
  
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  Trey Ratcliff

Technology Partners

Learning Tracks

To optimize your learning experience, the conference has been organized into the following four key tracks:

General Sessions: From mastering your social networking domain on G+ to improving your shooting skills, these general sessions will get you back to basics and help you grow your business, regardless of your skill level or interest.

Breakout Sessions: These optional sessions will offer in-depth tips and techniques on everything from writing intriguing posts on G+ to mastering lighting techniques.

Live Shooting Lounge: Put your newly acquired photography and lighting skills to the test at our Live Shooting Lounge. In this perfectly lit space, you’ll have the opportunity to shoot a variety of themed scenes featuring live models.

Intimate Talks: From the wide world of sports photography to shooting the world around you, these sessions will open your eyes to the endless possibilities of niche shooting.