I've already got Photostock 2010 on my calendar...
Thanks to all of you that have written with positive reviews of the event! I'm so happy everyone had a good time considering I've been feeling as if I dropped the ball there near the end when the pain got the better of me. It just goes to show you that it is the people that make the event. All I do is create the space and a framework, it is all of you who have made it what it has become and Kerik summed up the reasons quite well.
I was finally able to fold myself into the car last night for the drive back to Detroit and had a lot of time to go over the week in my mind. As the miles ticked away, I realized more and more what a fine time I had! It is such a great way to recharge and gain inspiration. As others have already said, the quality and level of work was stunning. So many fine shooters in one place. And considering the high level of talent in one room, it is so refreshing to see that egos seem to be automatically checked at the door.
I've also identified several areas where things could be made better, one of which is no surprise.. the fact I can no longer continue this as a one man show. I am very thankful for all the offers that have been coming in to help with future Photostocks and I will take you up on them where I can. However, there are certain aspects that I simply cannot ask others to do without some sort of remuneration. For this reason, I have begun to put together a team that will be integral in putting this together in the future. I've now been getting all kinds of outside interest in the event and I don't want to blow it by continuing to try to go it alone.
I am putting together a committee of sorts to handle various aspects of the event and although I am courting a few people that will remain unnamed at this time, Kerik Kouklis has been kind enough (read crazy enough) to take on the workshop aspect of Photostock 2010. The four shops we ran this year were very popular and very successful and we feel it would be a good idea to expand and refine them for next year. It is a big task putting them all together and I am confident that with his past experience leading workshops far and wide, he is the right person for the job. Kerik will be in charge of logistics, hiring instructors, assistants, etc. We are also talking with the owner of the Birchwood who has expressed interest in creating facilities onsite where we can hold more of the workshops. More on this as it "develops".
I've also had interest from some willing to do portfolio reviews and career consultation, so we are exploring this aspect as well.
In the weeks to come, look for a new thread in my sponsor forum concerning 2010 where we will be asking for suggestions of instructors, presenters and other aspects you'd like to see for future gatherings.
For now, mark your calendars for June 18 - 27, 2010 and we'll do it all again!
Thanks again everyone!
Bill