The final day of the PhotoPlus show offers special events, and a key moment of the day is the conference “At the Summit”, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Javits Convention Center, in New York.

What would you risk to achieve the impossible? If you’re National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and adventurer Jimmy Chin, you’re willing to risk your life to achieve the unachievable. That’s what Chin will explain during his Saturday keynote titled, “At the Summit,” centered on the his award-winning documentary, MERU which documents three world-class climbers who battle their complicated pasts, inner demons and nature’s harshest elements as they climb the most dangerous peak in the Himalayas – the Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru. Chin will also discuss how he approaches some of his most challenging shoots and the key decisions that led him to where he is today.

“I’ve spent much of my life in the mountains as both a climber and as a professional photographer. I always wanted to make a film that gave an audience the visceral experience of going on a difficult alpine big wall climb. I hoped to give people a glimpse of the stakes, the risks and sacrifices involved.“ writes Jimmy Chin on the website created for MERU.

The filmmaker adds that he “also wanted to show that following your passions is not always a beautiful thing. It can be fraught with internal conflict, doubt and intractable compromise. I often ask myself: Where do you draw the line between following your heart and your responsibility to others?” and continues stating that “when you’re making a movie on a mountain, the camera is an added appendage; one you often wish you didn’t have to carry. While shooting MERU, it was a real struggle just to keep the two small cameras we carried from getting destroyed.”

Jimmy Chin also shares an essential tip from his experience : “I always say the rules of filming on a mountain climb are fairly straightforward. Shoot whenever you can. Don’t hold up the team. And don’t drop the camera.”

This will be the topic of conversation during the keynote, which will take PhotoPlus, literally, to new heights. But the program for Saturday offers other areas of interest. In addition to Chin’s presentation, which is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Extensive seminars designed to help photographers at every level will also be conducted on Saturday by many of the industry’s most successful and renowned image-makers and educators. Whether you’re a novice looking for tips to improve family and vacation photos or seasoned pro looking for new techniques to take your business to the next level, Saturday’s lineup will satisfy both.

The following seminars offer insight to the variety of subjects attendees can expect to learn about during the final day of the show.

Saturday, October 24th

Style, Vision and Technique: Shooting Portraits with Intention – 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Gregory Heisler

Shooting portraits with intention, in which every choice and decision is made with the final image in mind, is a complex and nuanced process. There are technical choices, lighting and logistical considerations. The key is to make the “why” determine the “how.” Once the intention is clear, the choice of technique becomes clear as well. Gregory Heisler will illuminate the “why” as well as the “how” of his iconic portraits in this informative and inspiring seminar on the creative process.

Photographing America’s National Parks – 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Chris Nicholson

From sea to shining sea, U.S. national parks preserve some of the country’s most unique wilderness areas—a gift to nature photographers everywhere. In this session, Chris Nicholson delves into what the park system offers to the photographer, and how to best research and prepare for a trip to explore the artistic opportunities within. Learn how to travel safely and photograph in the various environments found in the parks, including desert, alpine, forest and coastline. Discover where to find valuable information about iconic and secret photo locations, how to stay powered-up in the outdoors and ideas for supplementary gear that will make a photo project more productive and enjoyable.

Filmmaking Essentials for Photographers – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Eduardo Angel

This informative class is specifically designed for emerging photographers and professionals pursuing new markets. In an action-packed two hours we will demystify the most common filmmaking terms and shooting techniques, cover the most essential selection of gear to increase the production value of your video projects and provide an overview of the business of motion. Helpful handouts with valuable resources will be included. Upon completing this session, attendees will possess a good understanding of the similarities and differences between the disciplines of stills and motion.

Ignite your Brand – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Juliette Wolf-Robin

As a freelance photographer you wear many hats for your business, including that of chief marketing officer. Do you have a cohesive brand narrative that communicates consistently across all channels? Are you aware of the tools that other photographers are using to get work? Every business needs to regularly review and update their strategy. In this dynamic session, Wolf-Robin will present affordable, actionable ideas that will get you excited about your potential to succeed.

Designed for professionals in the photographic and imaging industries as well as enthusiasts, PhotoPlus Expo showcases the latest advances in photography, digital imaging and filmmaking. Held annually at the Javits Convention Center, attendees have the opportunity to explore an inspiring array of photography and imaging products and services — all from the industry’s leading manufacturers. The show also offers seminars and intimate Photo Walks and Master Classes taught by world-renowned experts that focus on cutting-edge innovations and techniques.