APANY event at NEO Studios!

When I knew for sure I was going to go to be New York for the month of April I immediately went to Facebook to see if APANY would have anything going on.  I knew there had to be SOMETHING!  As luck would have it, they were producing an event where you were guaranteed 3, 15 minute portfolio reviews at NEO Studios.  PERFECT!  Sign me up, baby!

I had never been to an APANY event so I didn’t know what to expect or if it would be similar to the community APASF exudes.   I received an email with a list of the reviewers.  We got to choose 5 from that list with hopes to have our top 3.  (example: Although it would have been cool to meet with Meg Reinhardt from WWE Magazine I don’t exactly shoot what her magazine would need.)

Onward!  The reviews were from 2-5pm with social networking from 5-8pm.  My first appointment was at 2pm with Trevett McCandliss- Art Director, 9 Threads.  I have to say…I was pretty excited to see him! 

In 2008, I went to NY by myself to show my portfolio for the first time.  WHOA!  Talk about a BIG DEAL!  Well, my very first portfolio review in NY was with Trevett McCandliss and Nancy Campbell.  I walked in with my portfolio, sweating…and not just from being nervous but because it was so hot out!  Well, I walked in and Nancy comes up to me, smiling and says, “I want you to know I have agreed to our meeting because I see potential in your work.”  

She asked Trevett over and we sat on the couch where they went through every image in my portfolio telling me what worked, what didn’t work and more importantly, why.  They took the time to show me the photographers portfolios they had in their office at the time and gave me the number to one of them, Augustus Butera, to call and have an informational with.  

I left feeling really good about where I was going in my photography and more aware of how much more work I needed to do to get there.  For me, having the opportunity to meet with Trevett at this event, 3 years later, wasn’t just to show him my work but also to say THANK YOU in person for being a part of my community who has helped and guided me. 

My second meeting (2:30PM) was with Erica Mellow, Art Buyer from SapientNitro.(SapientNitro just sounded cool!) and my third appointment was with Works Artists, David Laidler, Photo Rep (2:45PM)  I had to do my homework on these two before I sent in my request and was  so glad I met them!  They were both also very open and were positive about my work that they both gave me the contact information of someone they knew who they knew would be interested in my work.  Tremendous! 

When I was finished with all my appointments at 3PM, I stayed at the event and talked to everyone.  Much like I would at an APASF event.  The community was no different and I felt at home right away.  I had the opportunity to meet APA Directors Jocelyn Zucker who I had been going back and forth in emails about the event, Tony Gale and Theresa Raffetto.

I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Trevino, Sue Barr, Helena Studio, Marianne Rafter, Koren Reyes, Kristine Guzman, Bruce Byers, Dana DeLara and Alis Atwell.  

I also had great surprise of seeing a familiar face, Darcy Rogers, who I just learned moved out to NY 2 weeks ago!  So excited for her new adventure out in New York!

Got there at 2PM and left at 8:30PM.  Great event.  I had such a blast!  Thank you APANY. 

Thanks for reading!

Danielle Hall