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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke

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3nd Annual BetterPhoto Photography Weekend - 2007

Thanks to all participants for making the 2006 BetterPhoto Photography Weekend a huge success. Next year, we are looking into holding our 3nd Annual BetterPhoto Photography Weekend on September 29th and 30th, 2007.
Since many of our members live near the East Coast and have been patiently waiting for us to come to them, we are looking into taking this show on the road! The New York area is looking very likely but we are open to suggestions.
If you have any suggestions as to where to hold the 3nd Annual BetterPhoto Photography Weekend, or suggestions regarding venues near the New York / New Jersey area, let us know here.
Again, thanks for helping us make the 2nd Annual meeting this September such a fun-filled, high-energy event. It truly was fantastic!

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October 24, 2006

George Schaub

NY is great but oh so expensive for hotels. DC might be better, but you know nyour demographics.
Hope all's well
george

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October 24, 2006

Marcia L. Getto

I agree that NYC is too expensive. My choice on the East Coast would be in a picturesque area in New England, Georgia, or the Carolinas. If people could combine this weekend with additional vacation/shooting time to justify the expense (especially airfare) for more than a few days they might be more likely to sign up for the weekend event. (Since I'm from the Midwest, my first choices would be Chicago, Minneapolis, or even Denver!)

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October 24, 2006

Penny Haviland

Hi Jim, How about twice a year? One on each coast. By the way George, we missed you this year at the summit. penny haviland

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October 24, 2006

Margie Hurwich

Hi Jim, I for one would go to NYC as the urban sites would be amazing to capture. However, I know the cost is high for many people.

I'm with Marcia, I'm from the Chicago...so that would be my choice! Nice happy medium for both coasts.

I haven't been able to make either of the past events, but have it marked on my calendar for next year. Thanks so much for everything you do!

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October 24, 2006

George Schaub

I missed being there but had to be in Europe for biz (shucks). Chicago would be fine with me. Haven't been to that great city for a while, and there's plenty of hotels right at O'Hare for meetings.

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October 24, 2006

Michelle L. Frick

Okay, NY would be fun, and obviously a great spot for pictures, but what about having the weekend in the South - then we can all meet in the middle!

Just a thought!

Take care,
Michelle

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October 24, 2006

chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member

Contact Chris Budny
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I'll throw my two cents in following George's suggestion, for D.C.! I'd have no excuse not to attend, were it in my own backyard ;) Jim, feel free to talk to me about the possibility for arranging a private photo tour of the National Cathedral ;)
Other east coast options---Philly? Richmond/Williamsburg? Atlanta or somewhere near the Outer Banks region?

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October 24, 2006

Nancy Lynch

I was able to attend the Seattle Summit by combining it with visiting friends. New York would be too expensive. For me it would need to be somewhere cheaper. Since I live in MN, I vote for Minneapolis or Chicago.
Be sure and pick a hotel that has everything at hand, like your Marriot's Redmond, fantastic location.

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October 25, 2006

KV Day

I suggest if you are going to use the NYC area airports (Laguardia, JFK, Newark) Have it in the Ft Lee area. Its just across the river from NYC off the George Washington Bridge, skyline views of NYC are incredible and the Hudson area is stunning for photoshoots. Ft. Lee has some lower cost hotels that I think woud be more reasonable. If it was in NYC area, I would not stay in NYC anyway. Just a thought.

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October 26, 2006

George Schaub

Fort Lee is right over the GW Bridge and very trafficky.I vote for a smaller city like DC. Lots to photograph and easy to get in and out of. You might opt for Crystal City Marriott. Or Chicago. (Hey, how about New Orleans!)

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October 26, 2006

Angela K. Wittmer

I wasnt able to attend this year as I had to use the money I saved for a down pay on a new car! I would say have it be more centralized such as Minneapolis or Chicago. Smack dab in the middle of the country! Chicago would have some amazing sights!

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October 26, 2006

Karen Orr

Hi Everyone,

I'm hopping into this link so I can keep track of all these great location suggestions for the 3rd Annual Summit. I also wanted to share part of a comment I posted in the BP Summit II thread:

We have the most fun, warm and delightful members at BetterPhoto – it was a blast to meet all of you! The interaction between the attendees looked more like a reunion, and as we took the final group photo, it felt more like summer camp! The weekend was packed full of presentations by our amazing instructors and from what I read on the surveys from attendees, their generosity and openness was felt by all.

… the Summit survey responses were overwhelmingly positive and reflected the feelings from our instructors. As much as you loved chatting with them, our instructors loved meeting you! Please feel free to email me directly with any other thoughts that come to mind on how we could improve the Summit experience for you.

At the risk of gushing further, I feel very fortunate to be working for such a great group of people - our members are fabulous both online and in person. BetterPhoto is the wonderful community it is because of you!

We are so excited to be planning for 2007 and we welcome your suggestions. Post your location ideas here and feel free to email your ideas on the Summit to me directly karen@betterphoto.com

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October 26, 2006

Kathy Radford

I think the Boston, MA area would be an ideal spot. Many great photo ops in New England. Kathy in NH

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October 26, 2006

Irene Troy

I certainly second Kathy's suggestion of Boston! New England has so much to offer - and I'll even offer to help set up some photo ops for anyone interested in some nature work. I know many of the prime birding spots on the North Shore about 40 mins North of Boston and also know of many great photo op places that are easy to access. Lots and lots of variety. The plus is that Boston is not as expensive as NYC or DC. Well, at least if you know where to go. That's my two cents!

Irene

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October 26, 2006

Brenda M. Wolfensberger

I have missed both of the first two summits, just because I was busy. I already am planning on attending in 2007 regardless of where it is! I can't wait. I've already told my hubby he's packing his bags for a getaway with me. :)

NYC, would love it!

DC - you bet!

Chicago - sure thing, never been there!

New Orleans - even better, my husband can spend the weekend writing music with his friend who lives there!

Midwest - great idea!

New England in September - think of the great foliage shots!

Although, I do still want to see Seattle so I'm with Penny, do two each year, like you don't have enough to do. :)

As you can see, I'm good with anywhere. Just tell me where to unpack!

Brenda

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October 28, 2006

Deborah Liperote

Come on... you all know the obvious place to have the next one is none other than Pittsburgh, PA. Plenty of hotels...well priced. Lots of beauty with all the bridges, skyline, mountains, beautiful seasons and wonderful meeting facilities.
It doesn't hurt that downtown is a 1/2 an hour from my house!
lol!!!
Debbie

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October 28, 2006

Peggy D. Odegard-Coleman

I'd like to see the summit possibly somewhere in the Carolina's, Charleston SC is beautiful, also Atlanta, Or Nashville. Okay, somewhere that's not so typical of the "EAST COAST" I live on the Gulf Coast near Mobile, so I'd really like it nearby. Thanks for letting your readers have some input and suggestions.
Peggy Coleman

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October 31, 2006

Robbie E. Hickman

I would like to nominate Va Beach, VA into the possibilities. Mid September in Va Beach is fantastic! Still have warm temps but for the most part, the tourists are gone and the beach is phenominal. Great photo ops (Seashore State Park, Oceanfront, Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, just to name a few), great restaurants (gotta eat) and unlimited varieties of lodging options. The Convention Center is a great place to hold the actual event and then go from there. Thanks for asking!

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October 31, 2006

Robbie E. Hickman

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October 31, 2006

DiAnna F. Paulk

I really hope one year you'll bring it to Atlanta so some of your southern participants can make it! I'm really jealous of everybody getting to go these past two years while I sat at home!! :)

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October 31, 2006

Carolyn L. Russell

Hi Jim

How about Newport, Rhode Island.
There are so many ocean views in the Ocean State and the near by Islands of Mass. It will be the beginning of Fall when the leaves begin to turn all beautiful colors.

Carolyn

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October 31, 2006

Judy A. Lawhon

HI JIm......YOu know we who live in the midwest are always slighted.....so I vote for Chicago or Nashville.....we could have it at the beautiful Opryland Hotel in Nashville....great place. by the way, I live in Indianapolis ...also a great town!!

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October 31, 2006

John W. DeHority

How about meeting at the George Eastman House and Museum of Photography in Rochester, NY!

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October 31, 2006

Deborah A. Ciullo

How about Cape May N.J.?! Cape May is a barrier island off the Jersey coast. It is a beautifully preserved, quaint, Victorian beach resort with many historic sites. There are impeccably restored homes and Inns with charming verandas, intricate ornamentation, vibrant colors, and gingerbread & lace trim. All photography here is incredible with the spectacular beaches, sand dunes, farms, wildlife, historic sites, and a lighthouse with unbelievable views of the constantly changing coastline. Cape May offers this and much more. There is the Cape May Zoo with over 170 species of animals, Physick Estate, a beautiful restored German mansion, Winery and Vineyards, Sunset Beach, famous for it's quartz pebbles that are known as the Cape May Diamonds, Lily Lake, with the ducks, swans, gardens, & tranquil park and Poverty Beach, a famous surfing beach. There is also Cape May Point State Park which you will see is a beautiful quiet paradise. Here you will find a fresh water coastal marsh, ponds, dunes, forested islands, and hundreds & hundreds of birds & wildlife. This is one of the most popular sites in North America for viewing the fall bird migration & September is the time! There are plenty of platforms to view & photograph the hundreds of Hawk that pass through. Ther are 16 different species of Hawk counted each fall including the Peregrine Falcons. September is also the perfect month for seeing the Dragonflies & Monarch Butterflies that are so numerous in Cape May at summers end. There are of course the Whale & Dolphin boat tours and even an Alpaca Farm.
Cape May is visited every year by many many photographers and photography schools. It is a beautiful spot with SO MANY wonderful & diverse photographic opportunities. The best part is that all of this is available in one great town! Bad weather not a problem either. Many indoor things to photograph. If you like architecture, all types of wildlife & nature, surfing, ponds, lighthouses, incredible beach & coastal photography, IT'S ALL HERE! Do I sound like an adverisment?! Sorry but I have visited Cape May before and it sure is beautiful. I would love to go back there for a visit and learn some photogrphy tips with everyone at the 2007 BetterPhoto Photography Weekend! Thanks for listening.
Debbie

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October 31, 2006

Martinez Dupaty

Chicago , Chicago has everything , Have you been there or seen it ?
it's the city with a heart of Gold .

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October 31, 2006

Lois Latraverse

Hi everyone,

Anyone interested in Southeast CT? The Mohegan Sun Casino is a great location. There are many restaurants in all price ranges and free parking. It's situated in the otherwise quiet and scenic area of Preston, CT. It's just a few minutes to Mystic Seaport...lots of photographic opportunities there and in the surrounding areas of Groton and New London. There are state parks, Gillette Castle, and many quaint little towns. The foliage is absolutely beautiful in mid-September to mid-October.

I'd opt for Boston too...great photographic opportunities there too.

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October 31, 2006

Janet L. Poole

Jim

New York is great. The Smoky Mountain National Park area in North Carolina and Tennessee or the Grandfather Mountain area in North Carolina is better and great for picture taking. It is also a lot cheaper. These areas have the highest mountain peaks on the East Coast nearby.

Janet

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October 31, 2006

Susan M. Hembree

I just moved from the Mid-West about a year ago and have lived in Chicago and also Michigan. Chicago is a wonderful city, I will say that. But all that is there is the city and anywhere else outside the city is flatlands. I have lived in VA for about a year now (Fredericksburg) and there is an amazing amount of locations around this state that are close to DC for some great shooting opportunities. First, Washington DC is just an amazing city, with wonderful eateries, theater, museums and all the monuments. It has one of the best subway systems in the country! Only a few hours from DC, you can get to Shenandoah National Park in the Appalachians Mountains. And a few hours south of DC are some of the most wonderful historical sites, all that depict the beginnings of our wonderful country. Did you know that 2007 is the 400th anniversary of America's first permanent English settlement, Jamestown? It is a big celebration this coming year! Along the Eastern Shoreline, also only a few hour from DC, is some great places for wildlife photography. There is Chicoteague National Wildlife Refuge where wild horses roam, Kiptopeke State Park which is a major flyway for migratory birds, and Wreck and Bone Island Natural Preserve consisting of dunes, beaches, maritime grasslands, salt flats and salt marsh habitats. DC is also in close vicinity from all the other major cities, such as Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and Baltimore. I am thinking too that Washington DC would also be more of a Central location for both the Northern and Southern States. I believe that the DC area has alot to offer and I would recommend it highly, Jim. And since it is the Nation's Capitol, I am sure there are probably some primo convention centers available, too. Well, good hunting and I am looking forward to being able to attend next year's convention!

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October 31, 2006

Patricia A. Cale

I'm with the votes for the Chicago area. There is so much to shoot in this area, with a lot of variety! Of course, the city is nice, but I don't shoot there too often. I'm everywhere else in the sumburbs!!! My favorite shooting spot is Morton Arboretum (www.mortonarb.org). I earned a Nature Photography Certificate from there last year. Also Cantigny Park (www.cantignypark.com) is nearby... Robert F. McCormick, first publisher of the Chicago Tribune lived there and it has beautiful formal and informal gardens, the beautifully restored mansion, and a war museum with real tanks on the grounds. Not too far from that is Kline Creek Farm (http://www.dupageforest.com/education/klinecreek.html), which is a working lving history farm with people dressed in period costume. Then there is the Chicago Botanical Gardens in Glenview, IL (http://www.chicagobotanic.org), full of beautiful flowers, gardens, waterfalls, including a Japanese Garden and an English Garden. Many of the surrounding Chicago suburbs are full of intersting archhitecture and historical buildings. About 4-5 hours west of Chicago is Galena, a town where history has stopped. All the homes have been restored to the exact way the house was in the 1800's. President Grant's home is there... This only a small part of places I go to shoot in this area... and I shoot about 1000 images/week! Chicago is easy to get to and not as expensive as the east coast. Check out my website to see some photos from these places.

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November 01, 2006

Deborah Liperote

wow Jim... sounds like Chicago might be it!

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November 02, 2006

Patricia A. Cale

Thanks, Deborah. Forgot to mention great sunrises at Illinois State Beach Park and the nearby marina in Winthop Harbor! And, we have a great state park, Starved Rock, with canyons, near Ottawa IL.

Give me more time and I'll remember more places!!! Don't think a weekend will be long enough!!!

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November 02, 2006

Margie Hurwich

Illinois Beach State Park and Winthrop Harbor are in my neck of the woods.

So, I guess if it's in Chicago...party at my house!

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November 02, 2006

Irene Troy

I don’t know guys – Chicago is nice, but I still vote for New England! Boston has incredible history. The Old North Church; Bunker Hill; The Arnold Arboretum; New England Aquarium; etc. And then there is the North Shore for places like Gloucester (Perfect Storm); Rockport (artist’s dream place); Salem (Witches and history galore) and around where I live, Plum Island and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – considered one of the best birding sites in the US. In September we have the raptor migration with hundreds of hawks and other raptors flying around; also the swallows are mobbing and that is amazing with thousands of swallows in the air. There are also many places both in Boston and in the surrounding areas that offer real opportunities for nature photographers. Oh yeah, we also have whale watches! Final pitch: Boston is actively seeking groups to hold conventions in the city and is offering some pretty good incentives to bring groups to the city. I would suspect that the Boston Convention/Visitors bureau might be able to offer some very good rates for even our smaller type convention. So, there’s my pitch for today!

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November 02, 2006

Patricia A. Cale

Looks like we have a competition going now!!! Maybe BP can do more summits!!!!

Chicago is still my choice and would be even if I didn't live in the area!

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November 02, 2006

Judy A. Lawhon

The Boston area is very expensive, also.....Chicago, here we come!!

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November 02, 2006

Margie Hurwich

I'll get my house ready...what do you all drink?

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November 02, 2006

Patricia A. Cale

I'll help you Margie!!!

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November 02, 2006

Charlene Bayerle

Count me in for Chicago too!!!!!
There is so much to photograph here!!!

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November 02, 2006

- Mitch Spence

BetterPhoto Member

Contact Mitch Spence
Mitch Spence's Gallery

Well, here, I'll suggest something else. An awful lot of your folks at BP are in the Midwest because we AREN'T on either coast where everything seems to be held. You're our lifeline to photo stuff because there just isn't so much available to us. Come here.

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November 02, 2006

Irene Troy

It's funny that Boston is considered more expensive than Chicago. I guess it is all what you know. I find Chicago expensive because I do not really know the area and every time I go through the area (which recently is at least several times a year) I have trouble finding a decent and affordable place to stay and to eat. Whatever the choice of place, it will help if one or more people who live in the area can help make suggestions as to places to stay/eat and things to do. Tourist bureaus are great, but there is nothing like a resident (photographer is even better!) to find the real bargins and off the map great spots. Maybe it can be a BP member assignment pre meeting with a discounted fee for those who help plan places for great shooting. Of-course if you want a place where a nature photographer can have a field day ...where I am right now would be fantastic - way Northern Minnesota! What an amazing place! Of-course, getting here is interesting and for those who do not like cold…

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November 02, 2006

Patricia A. Cale

Hi Irene.... you are indeed in a beautiful area. Was there a year ago and loved it!!! Got some great waterfall shots!!! And, the cold? Well, in my nature photography classes, we were up shooting at -6 degrees at 7 am!!! Got great pix then too!!! And, you do have a good suggestion about finding places to stay, eat, etc. Staying in Chicago is expensive, but there are places in the suburbs that are much more affordable! I never eat in Chicago!!! Stay away from there as much as possible... too crowded. That's why I loved northern Minnesota!

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November 02, 2006

KV Day

I hope there is serious consideration to one on each coast. 5 hours for me to fly east.

I think you should all come to Utah and shoot the canyonlands, Bryce, Zions, Arches, Monument Valley. My sister and I will be tour guides, if nothing else, we will all be laughing.

No matter where its held, sounds like fun.

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November 03, 2006

Irene Troy

Wow, Pat! -6 degrees, not in September in New England, I hope! Right now I am in Northern Minnesota and it is really cold, about 25 today with a stiff wind off Lake Superior. This is a wonderfully beautiful area, and I usually don’t mind the cold, but when I am out at 5:30am trying to capture beaver pics and it is about 9 degrees, well…

You know folks; I see no reason why we could not plan sort of mini-gatherings of BP folks in different areas of the country. A regional convention once a year, planned by the BP staff, is a great idea. However, perhaps the members could plan informal gatherings also. I don’t know what it is like where you live, but despite the fact that I live in area that is full of artists, I find it difficult to meet up with like-minded photographers. I have belonged to a writer’s forum for years. They hold an annual convention, usually in San Francisco or Chicago; however, about three years ago several members decided to hold mini-conventions in their area every 2 years or so. We get together, offer face-to-face support and generally have a blast. There are no classes, as there are at the real convention, but it seems to be helpful to most of us who attend. Anyway, that’s an additional 2 cents worth of opinion for today.

Irene

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November 03, 2006

Charles J. Kelly

All great suggestions so far...I'f add the Hudson River valley area, West Point (USMA) and north, Chesapeake Bay area, Cape May NJ is unique, Gettysburg battlefield, DC & NYC are great spots but traffic and costs are factors to consider. Good luck !
Chuck J.

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November 06, 2006

Deb James

Chicago? Yikes! Nice city, but the traffic!! By the way, for those who said "Chicago is smack dab in the middle of the country"...um not exactly. Kansas and Nebraska are, but not much to shoot there. Okay that will tick someone off...no offense intended though! :)

NYC is great, but expensive...so is D.C. I've always wanted to visit anywhere in New England in the Fall for the autumn colors so I'll vote for any place in New England.

Of course, if you want to have it in Denver, I could drive... :)

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November 08, 2006

Patricia A. Cale

Deb... I said Chicago area... not in the city... Heck I haven't been in the city since my aunt's funeral... and I had to go!!! Stay out of there whenever I can!!!

Maybe BP, should see which area has more population...

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November 08, 2006

Margie Hurwich

I would take Chicago suburbs AND the actual city. Both have so much to offer for shots. Even in the city itself, there are neighborhoods like Lincoln Park that offer the zoo, parks, architecture...just to name a few. There is so much more to the city than just the downtown.

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November 08, 2006

Diane Dupuis

COME TO MONTREAL!!! I'll host everyone (ha ha!!!) But seriously folks - I'm so glad to hear you're having one on the East Coast!! I love Boston - not too far a drive - although for this I'd probably go all the way to NYC too! How about Toronto? Can't wait to hear what you decide!!!

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November 08, 2006

Marcie A. Fowler

I'd vote for New England myself.

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November 08, 2006

Adrian M. Benson

Boston would be a great choice (I'm just outside 128, so of course I think so!) but shares NYC's problem...i.e. it's realllly expensive. Anywhere in NH or ME would be better if you're considering New England.

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December 01, 2006

Karen Orr

Hi Everyone,

Thank you all for your suggestions for the 3rd Annual BetterPhoto Summit! We appreciate your ideas and are very excited about the program for next year. After careful consideration, we have made a decision on the date and location for 2007. Drum roll please…

3rd Annual BetterPhoto Summit
September 29th & 30th, 2007

Chicago

We will post detailed information on the site after the holidays. For now, I am your official “Summit Sounding Board” for ideas and questions. Please don’t hesitate to drop me an email anytime:

karen@betterphoto.com

I will post frequently asked questions here in The Forum so everyone has the benefit of early bird information. We are looking forward to meeting you all as we take the show on the road!