OPTIC Conference to Feature World's Best Outdoor Photographers, With Livestream Broadcast Available: B&H

NEW YORK, NY --(Marketwired - May 25, 2016) - Photographers of all levels are invited to join the 2016 OPTIC conference -- a free four-day photo conference and trade show where distinguished photographers discuss the inspiration, technique, and equipment needed to capture the best scenes of the great outdoors. The conference will be located in New York City at The New Yorker Hotel and the B&H SuperStore, and will be free of charge for all attendees. Those who cannot make it to New York City can watch the first two days for free via livestream on the 2016 OPTIC Conference web page.

Last year's inaugural OPTIC conference featured presentations from Art Wolfe and several renowned National Geographic photographers from Lindblad Expeditions, including Ralph Lee Hopkins, Susan Seubert, Bob Krist, Michael Melford, and Dan Westergren. This year's conference will again be graced by illustrious photographers, including Michael Kenna, Flip Nicklin, Jay Dickman, Krista Rossow, Ira Block, Vincent Versace, Brenda Tharp, Erika Larsen, Katrin Eismann, and many others. Topics range from Kenna's seminar about his influences and inspirations, to Krista Rossow's advice on how to think like an editor, and Jay Dickman's insights into new ways to see your subjects.

"Last year's conference was such a success," said David Brommer, OPTIC Executive Director. "We wanted to see how much further we could take OPTIC and this year, it's bigger and offers more free education than ever before. This year we invited the established successor to Ansel Adams as the world's preeminent landscape photographer -- the one and only Michael Kenna. We are absolutely thrilled Michael will be joining us, among others."

Attendees can have their portfolios reviewed during the first two days in the Sigma Portfolio Review Room, where a team of industry professionals and select OPTIC presenters will provide 20 minute one-on-one review sessions regarding your portfolio and work. The winner of the Best Portfolio will win a Sigma Art lens. Guests are also invited to submit their best printed photograph to the Fujifilm OPTIC Push Pin Gallery, with the winner receiving a $1,000 B&H gift card and the two runners-up receiving a Fujifilm XQ2 camera valued at $299. Lindblad Expeditions will also host a sweepstakes to win an expedition for two to the Galápagos by completing an entry card or online form*. Other conference highlights include the Nikon Dinner Party at the B&H SuperStore (Day 1), the Canon Sunset Cruise (Day 2), and the Sony & Lindblad Expeditions Central Park Nature and Photo Walk (Day 3). Parts of the conference take place in the B&H SuperStore, where guests can view a huge selection of photography equipment, including Nikon cameras, aerial imaging and drones, and lenses.

OPTIC partners, B&H Photo and Lindblad Expeditions, as well as the sponsors, have footed the entire bill for OPTIC 2016 -- allowing it to be free of charge to the public. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/promotion/11793/optic-2016.html

"We are committed to educating our customers for free," Brommer added. "It is part of what separates us from our competition."

Also new for this year is the "B&H Base Camp" -- a 10x30' mock campsite showcasing B&H's outdoor gear. Attendees can interact with innovative camping equipment like the Camelbak Aurora hydration pack, Kamp-Rite Tent Cot, Goal Zero Yeti 150 solar generator pack, and the Spot Gen3 Motion Activated GPS Tracker.

Browse B&H's entire selection of outdoor gear here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/outdoor-gear/ci/25095/N/3850431564

OPTIC is brought to you by two industry leaders with a combined 80 years of excellence serving customers and guests. Lindblad Expeditions pioneered expedition travel and voyages the world in alliance with National Geographic. 2016 marks Lindblad's 50^th anniversary and the birth of expedition travel. B&H Photo is known as the Professionals' source for all photography video and pro audio needs, and has been serving its customers since 1973.

For complete conference details, visit the OPTIC 2016 page here: http://www.OPTIC2016.com

About B&H Photo Video

As the world's largest source of photography, video, audio, and the latest trending technologies, including drones, virtual reality, and 3D Printers, B&H Photo Video is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force, excellent customer service, and fast, reliable shipping. Visitors to the website can access a variety of enlightening articles and educational videos. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 40 years. 

Latest Trending Technologies

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Gaming Gear: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/xbox-360/ci/26268/N/3838122491

Customers making purchases on the B&H website can now make a split payment with multiple credit cards, a useful feature for those with limited credit on their individual cards. Previously, this method of payment was only available to customers when purchasing by phone or in store.

Many items can now be ordered online and picked up at our NYC Superstore. Add any qualifying items to your shopping cart and select STORE PICKUP. You will then have an opportunity to indicate who will be making the pickup, if it is someone other than yourself. You'll receive an email (up to 45 minutes) after completing your order, indicating that your order is ready for pickup at the B&H SuperStore.

The B and H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational photographic content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product overviews from our in-house specialists, as well as photography industry experts. You can even view the B&H Event Space presentations from many of the world's foremost photographers and interviews with some of photography's most dynamic characters. Tap into this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here. In addition to these videos, the B&H Explora blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides, and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals.

When you're in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The expo continues all year round in the camera kiosks at B&H. Featuring the newest cameras, the kiosks are manned by manufacturer representatives, who are there to guide you and demonstrate the latest photographic technology. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest technology gear.

*No Purchase Necessary. Ends 6/6/16. Open to 2016 OPTIC attendees (either via the event or online) who are legal residents of 48 US, DC & Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are the age of majority in their state/province of residence at time of entry. Void in Quebec and wherever else prohibited by law.

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