From 2010-2011 I was the head of social media for BlackRapid and in the fall of 2010 went with the company to Cologne, Germany, to work at photokina, the world’s largest imaging fair. I loved this job because I had the opportunity to connect with customers, dealers, and distributors, who I talked to online daily. There’s nothing like meeting face-to-face; it was awesome!
But here’s the truth, working the booth at a trade show is crazy. This was BlackRapid’s first year at ‘kina, and their initial global launch. For six days straight we were there from 8am until 7pm meeting some of the world’s greatest artists and most innovating businesses. The booth was always packed and it was a total rush to demonstrate and talk with crowds that grew well over a hundred at times. It was also where I got to meet some of my favorite people on the planet, people who will always be my friends.
When I say the booth was packed, I mean it, we were incredibly busy and took very few breaks (my feet were practically melting off by day #6). At the end, I realized I hadn’t really gotten out to shoot as much as hoped. Nonetheless, here are my selects that bring back the experience for me, my one week working photokina four years ago!
The official BlackRapid booth at photokina, and my home for seven days in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010. This booth was special to me as I shot most of the images for their large marketing campaign.
The official BlackRapid booth at photokina, and my home for seven days in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010. This booth was special to me as I shot most of the images for their large marketing campaign.
The SnapR point and shoot bag in the BlackRapid booth at photokina, in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010.
The SnapR point and shoot bag in the BlackRapid booth at photokina, in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010.
The RS-5 lens sling strap on display in the BlackRapid booth at photokina, in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010.
The variety of sling straps on display in the BlackRapid booth at photokina, in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010.
The official BlackRapid booth at photokina, and my home for seven days in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010.
The official BlackRapid booth at photokina, and my home for seven days in Cologne, Germany September 19-26, 2010. This booth was special to me as I shot most of the images for their large marketing campaign.
LaRae Lobdell is an environmental portrait photographer, host, and instructor with over 20 years of experience photographing, directing, producing exhibits, and speaking in the photography industry. She focuses on providing artists, actors, models, and companies with lifestyle and conceptual imagery for promotional use and branding. Her approach is very contemporary, her work has a timeless elegance, and she represents the grace, distinction, and style that is possible in photography.
Her curriculum vitae includes 21 photography exhibits of her own work, the curation of 15 exhibits for other artists’ and museums, the production of 13 private and community events, and two year’s experience as director of one of Seattle’s largest art walks. Her images have been published in The Huffington Post, Broadway World, Yale University Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, and even aired on the Colbert Report.
LaRae’s position as a lead host for online educational giants such as CreativeLive and Polaroid University gave her the unique opportunity as one of an elite group of professionals to connect a live global audience to top renowned professionals in photography, video, design, business, audio, music, software design, productivity, and lifestyle. She brought her network to BLACKRAPID as their Culture Liaison, facilitating close working relationships between influencers and organizations for promotional sales and marketing.
Grateful to be a stay-at-home mom while balancing a rewarding career in the photography industry, this proud single mom enjoys a nomadic traveling lifestyle between Seattle and the Florida Keys with her daughter, Emerson.
Think Tank Photo StreetWalker® Pro Camera Backpack
Love these, LaRae xo
Thank you Zoe 🙂
I love Cologne! One of my favorite cities in the world. My mother is from Germany, and I last visited that side of my family in the fall of 2012. Here is a photo of what the bridge looks like as of then: http://www.galleries.stephaniesnyderphotography.com/Travel/Germany-2012/i-dq6pLck/A
A lot more locks! 😀
Thank you for sharing your photo of what the bridge of locks looks likes now, Stephanie! So many more locks! Indeed a beautiful city.