Each year, the top companies in the photography industry gather together in a series of awesome expos to show off their products.
The Imaging USA show is one such event…
From January 11-16, 2018 in Nashville, the movers and shakers that shape our industry will be in attendance to show off the products and services you need to build your business and launch your career to new heights.
Not only is it an opportunity to see the advancements and innovations that will help you be a better photographer, but you can also hobnob with fellow photographers, attend classes, and engage with representatives from hundreds of the best photography businesses in the world.
The Imaging USA event even features one of the biggest international photography exhibits in North America, so if you need a little creative inspiration for your work, you can satisfy that need, too.
Here’s a preview of some of the top companies that will be in attendance.
Sirui
If you’re familiar with Sirui, you know that they put out some of the best tripods on the market. I own one, and it goes without saying that it’s one of the best photography gear purchases I ever made.
But what you might not know about Sirui is that they aren’t just a one-trick pony. Instead, they’ve developed a wide range of products for photographers and videographers.
That includes all sorts of goodies for your smartphone, including cases and adaptors, lenses, and even lighting devices so that you can take improved photos with your smartphone.
They also have awesome camera bags that are beautifully designed and offer your gear the protection it needs to get from point A to point B safely and securely.
Add to that a complete line of tripod heads and monopods, quick-release plates and lens filters. Sirui even builds humidity cabinets and security cabinets, too.
That makes Sirui much more than just a tripod company. They can outfit you from A-Z! See what I mean by checking out their product lines at Sirui.com.
Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories
I dropped by Sew Trendy’s booth at Photo Plus earlier this year, and as you can see from the image above, they were inundated with photographers that wanted to get a glimpse of their incredible line of products.
Sew Trendy will be sharing their products yet again at the Imaging USA Expo, and if you’ll be there too, you need to set aside some time to visit with Valerie and her team.
They’ve got a wide-range of products for photographers that specialize in maternity photography, newborn photography, and more traditional portraiture as well.
That includes gowns, dresses, and other clothing for expecting moms, newborn outfits and props, and non-maternity clothing and accessories for ladies and girls, too.
From cocktail dresses to bodysuits, sashes to rhinestone crowns, and newborn sitter clothing to mommy and me sets, they’ve got you covered with beautifully handmade items that will add class and sophistication to your photo shoots.
Check them out at Imaging USA, or visit their website to learn more.
Click Props
If you’ve never heard of Click Props, you’re missing out…
When it comes to making the best backdrops for studio portraiture, Click Props is it.
I saw their backdrops firsthand at Photo Plus, and to say that they’re impressive is an understatement.
That’s because Click Props is operated by Sew Trendy, which, as I noted earlier, has an incredible line of gorgeously crafted products unto their own.
That same commitment to quality is evident in Click Props backdrops. Made of 550gsm vinyl, these things are built to stand the test of time. And since they’re vinyl, they’re easy to care for, too.
Perhaps even more impressive is the sheer volume of products they offer. With more than 200 unique designs, Click Props has you covered for everything from senior portraits to bridal images, family portraits to boudoir sessions.
Click Props even offers multiple sizes of backdrops to accommodate varying needs and space restrictions. So, in other words, if portraiture is your game, Click Props is an ideal partner to help you elevate the visual appeal of your photos.
If you can’t wait until Imaging USA to see what Click Props has to offer, you can see their complete inventory of backdrops by visiting Click Props Backdrops.
MPB
MPB has quickly made a name for themselves as the go-to place for buying high-quality pre-owned gear.
Whether you need a camera or a lens, you can find incredible deals on Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other popular brands.
Since photography is an expensive hobby and profession, stretching your dollar as far as possible only makes sense. MPB helps you do that.
It's not just a huge marketplace full of great used gear, either.
MPB has gone to great lengths to ensure that you have a top-notch customer service experience, no matter what you're buying.
Their staff are knowledgeable, well-trained, and will help you at every turn to ensure you get exactly what you need.
What's more, they take pains to grade every single piece of gear that comes through their doors, that way when you find what you need on their site, you know exactly what sort of condition it's in.
MPB is also a place to sell your old gear.
Their hassle-free process for selling or trading in your old stuff makes it easy to get rid of the gear you no longer use. They'll even pick it up for free!
Then you can use the money you get from selling or trading in your old cameras and lenses to invest in newer or higher-end stuff.
In other words, if you'll be at Imaging USA, you need to drop by MPB's booth and see what sort of deals they have for you. In the meantime, you can check out their inventory or sell your old equipment by visiting MPB.com.
Holdfast
When it comes to crafting impeccable camera accessories, Holdfast is certainly a market leader.
I happen to own one of their MoneyMaker camera straps, and it is hands-down one of the best camera accessories I've ever purchased.
Not only does it make it more convenient to take a photo - my cameras (yes, plural) are right there at my fingertips - but it also helps distribute the weight of my cameras across both shoulders and my back.
With a more convenient and comfortable carrying experience, that means one thing - I can take more photos for a longer period of time so I'm sure I get the images I need.
But don't think that Holdfast is a one-trick pony...
They offer a complete line of camera bags, backpacks, and other accessories that help you store and transport your gear safely and in style.
Their camera bags, for example, are gorgeously crafted with an attention to detail you seldom see anymore.
And inside, you have smartly designed spaces that help you keep your gear padded, protected, and organized.
Holdfast has managed to figure out how to make photography accessories that are the height of function and form.
Their straps, bags, backpacks, and other products are durable, easy to use, and look absolutely incredible.
If you don't want to take my word for it, be sure to add Holdfast to your must-see list for Imaging USA 2018. If you can't make the expo, head on over to the Holdfast website. Just be prepared to be blown away!
CaptureLife
If you haven’t heard of CaptureLife yet, get ready to be impressed.
This is a company that’s new to me, but I can already tell that they have a bright future as a mover and shaker in the photography industry.
That’s because CaptureLife has revolutionized the manner in which you share images with your clients.
Instead of sending your client a link to a clunky gallery or giving them a thumb drive, you can send a personalized text right to their smartphone, which gives them access to their private image galleries.
Yep, that’s right...CaptureLife taps into the way that people view images and make purchases by putting the images you’ve created right at your clients’ fingertips on their phone.
Think about it…
Not only does that make it much easier for your clients to view their images, but it’s also easier for them to share their images with friends and family.
Beyond that, the convenience of CaptureLife makes selecting and purchasing prints and other items a breeze for your client and anyone they invite to view the album.
As a result, you can boost your digital sales, and since CaptureLife also taps into the plugged-in, social nature of society today, it’s a great way for you to spread the word about your work and expand your client pool.
You can learn more about CaptureLife by visiting their website, but I strongly recommend that if you’ll be at Imaging USA 2018 to drop by their booth and see CaptureLife in action. Believe me when I say that it’s something else!
nPhoto
In the race to make the best photo albums in the world, nPhoto is certainly in the pole position.
I've gotten to know the folks over at nPhoto over the course of the last few months, and I can tell you that the people are just as great as the products.
Like many of the companies on this list, nPhoto is known for their attention to detail that sets their products apart from the rest.
I can tell you from firsthand experience that when you pick up one of their photo albums, the first thing that goes through your mind is "WOW."
Not only do nPhoto's albums look great - they're handcrafted by a team of 400 professionals in Europe's largest printing lab - but they also feel great, too.
I know photography is a visual medium, but trust me when I say that the way these albums feel in your hands, the way the paper feels between your fingers as you flip through its layflat pages is an experience you won't forget.
That's because nPhoto doesn't use just any materials to craft their fine albums. Instead, they use materials like fine textile, acrylic, silk and metallic papers, and top-of-the-line inks that together make for one hell of a viewing experience.
nPhoto's albums are also highly customizable, so you can help your clients design an album that's specific to them and them alone.
Choose from a variety of album types, cover materials, papers, and even among various add-ons like layflat pages, padded covers, laser etching, and more.
If you plan on visiting the Imaging USA expo, you need to find out where nPhoto has their booth. It's an experience you don't want to miss!
You can explore nPhoto's line of albums and other products by visiting their website.