At right, my image of an F-18 approaching the sound barrier. This image won a Judge's Choice Award at last year's conference.
For the past 68 years, the New England Camera Club Council has been holding an annual photographic convention. Comprised of various camera clubs from around New England, it is the single largest photography conference in the United States.
I've attended the last five conferences,
the most recent one just on July 16th - 18th. The conference consists of three days of classes, held at UMass Amherst. You're free to choose which classes you want to attend, and when, so you can build a schedule tailored to your particular interests in the field of photography. Modeling, photo journalism, nature, and digital photography are just a few types of the classes offered by professionals.
In addition to the academic portions of the event, there are numerous photo opportunities; there are studios set up with lighting to work with models on portraits, there are animals and props brought in to try wildlife and hi-speed flash photography, and all the major camera vendors bring their equipment down for you to borrow and test.
Each year, the NECCC brings in 18 models to work with the photographers during the conference. These models work hard, 45 minutes under indoor lighting or the bright outdoor sun, then a 45 minute break, then back to work again on another location. This process repeats all day.
I've had the opportunity to work with many of these models over the last five years, and many of them can be seen on my web site
in my modeling portfolio. (Yes, there are some male models, I just don't have as much interest in photographing them. :) This year's models were among the friendliest ever, and represented a very diverse collection of backgrounds and appearances.
I'm just starting to process the more-than 1,200 photos I took over the weekend, but I want to share some of the photos I've done so far. You'll be seeing much more of these women in the near future. Without further ado, here they are...
-- Michael
Ana:

Caitlyn:

Chantel:

Claudia:

Jessica:

Kaylee:

Kris:

Krissie:

Liv:

Meg:

Sunshine: