- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,348
Since 2007 we have worked at the Blade Show, off by the seminar rooms in a private studio. From every account we've heard this was an uplifting show and numbers were BIG. It was also our most successful show, as I am told it was for the Point Seven studio. A rising tide floats ALL boats! :thumbup: Makers are understanding the value of promotion.
I drive a minivan from CT to GA, and my wife and I actually relish this. It's a date.
I finally go from super-busy to relaxed driving for 14 hours with rest at a motel.
We arrived at 12 noon to the Galleria and started our studio build. Calls were already pouring in and early arrivals were ready. I started shooting at 3 and kept going till 9. We had to stay on top of the work. Missed the CKCA banquet entirely
, but that was expected.
One of the first people I went over to chat with and wish a successful show was Eric at Point Seven. We chatted for 10 mins and got back to our busy studios. We share an honest admiration for each other and I wanted to make sure we keep it this way. :thumbup:
Buddy Thomason was to join us on thursday aftrnoon, but his airline first had engine troubles, then weather delays, and he spent 15 hours in airports and on runways before arriving. Ugghhh!
Susan, Buddy and I were in full swing by friday morning, and the orders were coming fast. We dissuaded taking in knives until we were ready to shoot. That's where Buddy and Susan were constantly on the phone or walking to tables to accomplish this.
This year, we placed the sign-up table out of the room, to keep me from being distracted. It helped, at the expense of handshakes, but that's the nature of Show work.
By Friday eve we had been going non-stop since arrival. I got a personal visit from ABS Chariman Greg Neely to join them at the ABS banquet. He stressed it would be worth my while and included (2) tix. What an opportunity.
We arrived at the Banquet, and Brion Tomberlin and his wife flagged us over to join them and the Rhea's, Bud Richards, and John Perry. (Sitting next to Brion at the ABS was exceptional. He helped me understand the whys and hows of many exchanges.)
In no time, I was brought up to receive a 'Charmain's Award' for service to the ABS for the consistent supplying images and promotion of their members throughout the years. It was a great moment to have this privileged award. (Eric was also honored, but could not break free.)
We enjoyed this dinner and, exhausted, returned to the hotel (Hampton Inn). I was back at 6:30am every day of the show.
I spend a lot of time fiddling with my lights to optimize each shot and this takes me time. For this reason, I work slowly and consistently and take an average of 10 shots before settling on one that will stick. I am my own editor, and simply cannot spend the time needed to edit at the show. Our clients are aware of this and are willing to wait for my completed work from the home studio.
We shot the final complicated image from MS Ray Rybar at 2pm on Sunday (Which, ironically, is called 'Last Man Standing' !!!) Packed up and on the road by 4pm.
My 8-yr-old son was staying with his Grandma all weekend, and this was win/win for us and her. Trevor--not so much.
In a somewhat random order I will start presenting the knives and images. I am editing somewhat in the order which the knives were received.
Let's see what the Best Show of 2011 has inspired the makers to build.
Coop
I drive a minivan from CT to GA, and my wife and I actually relish this. It's a date.
I finally go from super-busy to relaxed driving for 14 hours with rest at a motel. We arrived at 12 noon to the Galleria and started our studio build. Calls were already pouring in and early arrivals were ready. I started shooting at 3 and kept going till 9. We had to stay on top of the work. Missed the CKCA banquet entirely
, but that was expected.One of the first people I went over to chat with and wish a successful show was Eric at Point Seven. We chatted for 10 mins and got back to our busy studios. We share an honest admiration for each other and I wanted to make sure we keep it this way. :thumbup:
Buddy Thomason was to join us on thursday aftrnoon, but his airline first had engine troubles, then weather delays, and he spent 15 hours in airports and on runways before arriving. Ugghhh!
Susan, Buddy and I were in full swing by friday morning, and the orders were coming fast. We dissuaded taking in knives until we were ready to shoot. That's where Buddy and Susan were constantly on the phone or walking to tables to accomplish this.
This year, we placed the sign-up table out of the room, to keep me from being distracted. It helped, at the expense of handshakes, but that's the nature of Show work.
By Friday eve we had been going non-stop since arrival. I got a personal visit from ABS Chariman Greg Neely to join them at the ABS banquet. He stressed it would be worth my while and included (2) tix. What an opportunity.
We arrived at the Banquet, and Brion Tomberlin and his wife flagged us over to join them and the Rhea's, Bud Richards, and John Perry. (Sitting next to Brion at the ABS was exceptional. He helped me understand the whys and hows of many exchanges.)
In no time, I was brought up to receive a 'Charmain's Award' for service to the ABS for the consistent supplying images and promotion of their members throughout the years. It was a great moment to have this privileged award. (Eric was also honored, but could not break free.)
We enjoyed this dinner and, exhausted, returned to the hotel (Hampton Inn). I was back at 6:30am every day of the show.
I spend a lot of time fiddling with my lights to optimize each shot and this takes me time. For this reason, I work slowly and consistently and take an average of 10 shots before settling on one that will stick. I am my own editor, and simply cannot spend the time needed to edit at the show. Our clients are aware of this and are willing to wait for my completed work from the home studio.
We shot the final complicated image from MS Ray Rybar at 2pm on Sunday (Which, ironically, is called 'Last Man Standing' !!!) Packed up and on the road by 4pm.
My 8-yr-old son was staying with his Grandma all weekend, and this was win/win for us and her. Trevor--not so much.
In a somewhat random order I will start presenting the knives and images. I am editing somewhat in the order which the knives were received.
Let's see what the Best Show of 2011 has inspired the makers to build.
Coop
