Sometimes, I still can’t believe I’m here at Photokina in Cologne, Germany. Every day, I have the amazing opportunity to present my life’s story of travel, photography, personal growth, and LOVE.
In front of my presentation at Photokina on the first day of the trade fair
Flowers at the CAPCam booth
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But when I’m not on the Samsung stage or watching my fellow presenters Dario Endara, Christina Grabherr and Jeff Hutchens, I have time to wander the floor of this prestigious imaging trade fair.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. When I’ve gone to trade fairs in the past, booths were usually the size of a garage. At Photokina, major companies like Samsung, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Kodak, and Sony all have a space that could better be described as a warehouse floor.
A panoramic view of the Samsung area of Photokina – taken with the NX20
Halle 4.1 at Photokina
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Each “booth” (if that word can even describe these sprawling areas) has dozens of cameras and lenses for visitors to try out. In this first image, each camera and lens combination costs roughly $25,000.
Watching the watchers at the Canon booth of Photokina
Businessmen take a long look at the lens lineup at the Lumix display
An Om-D Model gets the Paparazzi treatment
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Companies also create extravagant scenes and sets to give visitors something to point their cameras at. Some of my favorites are the jungles, desert islands, cityscapes, mock-stores and even a bar with a bartender flipping empty booze bottles.
The Lumix Beach
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At first, I walked around thinking it was completely cheesy to take photos of them. But, as I started getting into it, I realized how much fun it could be photographing things that have been specifically designed to make beautiful images.
At the Samsung booth alone, we’ve got break dancers, light tracing, a model train set, a motorcycle, sketch artists, a Lego cruise ship, photo opportunities galore, and more.
These break dancers always come on at the Samsung booth just after I finish my presentation
As a lover of model trains, this display at the Samsung booth may be my favorite part of all Photokina – taken using the miniature setting on the NX20
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Other companies employ models to pose for the Photokina paparazzi, or have luxury cars that people can sit in. This photo of two women in a Hyundai tank makes the least sense of all to me…
Hyundai Tank Models??? Huh?
A model at the Hasselblad booth at Photokina
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Even the things that aren’t specifically designed to be photographed make for a great subject: like these shadows.
Shadows at the Nikon booth during Photokina 2012
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Below are a few more of my favorite photos from the various booths around Photokina. I found the most beauty in the small details.
I found the inside of this rain simulator far more interesting than the image it was projecting on a wall
A simple lighting umbrella at Photokina
MT Foto White Balance Tape
You would be tired too if you spent all day with people shoving cameras and using flash in your face
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Stay tuned to Adventures of a GoodMan for lots more Photokina coverage, including a behind the scenes look at the Samsung Booth, and full details of my presentation: with video.
Yeah, love it! :D
Luke the different views and amazing pictures. Looking forward at the next day. ;-)
Nice greetings
Christina
Thanks Christina. I’m loving watching you on stage RIGHT NOW!!! Right now you’re about to say “Tuk Tuk” und Rickshaw.
Hi Greg,
i saw your presentation at the Photokina, and I really liked your story. You’re a really good storyteller. Also, your pictures were amazing.
Maybe i’ll see you next year, because I was planning a five-week trip to Thailand from late March to April, where my path will lead me also to Chiang Mai. I wish you every success with your Symmetry Project
Bye and maybe see you next year
Volker
Hi Volker,
Thanks so much for your comment and for watching my presentation! Your words are too kind. And yes, 100%, please do get in touch if you are in Thailand next year. I meant what I said, we love visitors :) Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to spend a few days. Lots of trekking, yummy food and kind people. Plus, there’s plenty of other towns nearby.
Hey Greg,
i really liked your presentation at the Samsung warehouse floor. Great life your living and amazing stories and pictures from all over the world!
Cheers Philipp
Thanks so much Philipp! I’m thrilled that you saw my presentation and got in touch. It was a blast talking to everyone and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your time at Photokina and in Koln. I’ve only been gone 24 hours, but I miss it already :)