I need your help!
I hope to organize a Fuji X Weekly meet-and-greet type event in the Phoenix, Arizona, area sometime later this year. While I’ve been to a few photography gatherings before, I’ve never hosted one. What I’d like to know is what you’d expect or hope for from a Fuji X Weekly meet-and-greet.
Obviously, it could be really simple. Come say hi, as I’d love to meet you. Let’s shake hands and talk gear informally. This would be the most simple to put together, but maybe the least exciting to attend?
It could be more convention-like, with booths from local camera stores and photography-related businesses. There could be presentations or workshops, and perhaps even guest speakers. A small expo would be a heck-of-a-lot more complex to organize, and would likely require an entrance fee to offset the costs. I doubt there would be enough interest to justify anything like this, but maybe this is what people would most want?
A third option is a group photowalk. Let’s not just talk gear, but use our gear. Let’s meet up somewhere and take pictures, perhaps in an urban setting, or some place that’s especially good for photography. If the location is ideal, it could be all in one place, and no need to drive around (other than to the event).
I’m sure there are many other ideas, and I’d love to hear them. Even if you would never come to Phoenix because it is too far away, I’d still greatly appreciate your feedback. I want to make this event special for those who can attend (and, who knows, maybe it will be the first of many?), but I’m unsure what direction it should go. Perhaps one of these ideas resonates with you, or none of them, or some aspect about one is intriguing but another aspect is not. Leave me a comment with your ideas and opinions!
Also, how likely would you attend this event, for those who live near the area? Let me know that, too, with a comment. I really look forward to hearing your input!
I don’t know yet when this meet-and-greet will happen (or even for certain that it will, although I really hope it will). Most likely it will be either in the spring or fall, but preferably in the spring. As soon as I have more concrete answers, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, your input is much needed, and will help me out tremendously. Thank you!
I live in Sun Lakes and would be interested.
Awesome! 😀 😀
I’ll be in Phoenix May 4-7. I would love to get together for some street shooting.
I’ll definitely keep that in mind. It starts to get warm around then, but it still might be alright. I appreciate the input, and I hope it works out for you! 😀
I’d be interested. I’m in Texas, but might be able to swing it. I like the idea of workshops, photo walks, gear show off. Count me interested. I’m a hobbyist so perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to workshops, idea exchange. Etc.
Awesome! Texas is a long ways away. I used to live in the Dallas and Houston areas once upon a time a long time ago.
Hey Ritchie,
Super excited about the Fuji X Weekly meet-up idea! I’m over in Munich, so it’s a bit of a trek to Phoenix, but the thought of hanging out and doing a photowalk with other Fuji fans is pretty cool. It’s always fun to see how others use their gear and share tips and just enjoy the community of people who also love their Fujis.
Even though I probably can’t make this one, maybe there is a chance for another meetup one day in Europe, you would be always welcome. I’m a huge fan of your blog – always checking out the latest posts for new ideas. Maybe someday there’ll be a chance for us to meet up at an event. Keep rocking with the blog, love your work!
Cheers,
Michael
You know, someday I hope to get to Europe. I have four kids, so travel is expensive, but you never know how life goes, and what opportunities are around the corner.
I appreciate the input!
Great idea , but for me in U.K. too far to travel.
Thanks! I appreciate the input!
I’m in the Goodyear area and would definitely join, especially if on a Sunday!
That’s great! Goodyear is really close to where I am in Buckeye (Verrado).
I recognized many of the photos! I live in Estrella Mountain Ranch and take my dog up to Verrado a lot to take photos while I walk her. If you ever see a dude walking a Bassett Hound in downtown, that’s me! 👋🏻
Awesome! I used to live in EMR a number of years ago. Great neighborhood, very quiet.
The thought of a meet-up, photo walk or even an SOOC convention is amazing! I love it and would do my utmost to take part. However crazy that sounds right now, who knows – maybe there would be a way.
Besides that, I am sure that a Fuji X Weekly meet-up would be an exciting opportunity for likeminded to get together to exchange experiences and would certainly be very successful.
For now I’ll keep following these plans closely!!
Awesome! It’s slowly starting to come together, but a lot is up in the air. Hopefully by our next show it will be a lot more finalized, or at least more clear.