Need help figuring out all the new trends and opportunities in contemporary social media?  Former Blue Earth board member and professional photographer Russell Sparkman of Fusionspark Media are hosting New Media 2012, featuring speakers such as Tom Kennedy of Kennedy Multimedia, on Sept. 19, 2009 in Langley, WA.

Facebook barely existed 3 years ago.  For most, Twitter barely existed just 3 months ago.  In between there’s been an explosion in the number of bloggers, the emergence of countless social networks and the release of net-enabled mobile devices – all super-charged by the exponential increase of processing power through “cloud computing.” …

Whether you are a content creator or just a curious consumer, this is your chance to hear dispatches from the frontlines of New Media. For two hours on a Saturday afternoon in beautiful Langley, Washington, 10 thought-provoking professionals will share their unique insight and vision into the wide range of forces currently influencing New Media.

Tickets are $30 for the event only or $50 for the event and post-event party.  Please note this is a limited seating event.

- Bart J. Cannon, Program Manager

The Photographic Center Northwest is hosting a legal workshop “Model & Property Releases For Photographers & Videographers” on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 from Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Privacy and publicity laws determine when it is permissible to take photos or videos of others, and what uses can be made of those photos and videos.  Similarly, certain intellectual property laws govern the use of photos and videos of certain buildings and copyrighted or trademarked works.  Release of liability agreements are the common means employed to deal with these issues.  Consequently, laws pertaining to contracts need to be considered when entering into such agreements.  Lisa Willmer, Yoko Miyashita, and Heather Cameron from Getty Images will be your guides on this exploration of the issues surrounding releases of liability.  This Brown Bag will discuss when releases are needed, identify key terms to be aware of or included in release agreements, and provide other practical advice.  You will also have the opportunity to have your questions answered, so come prepared!

Register online or call (800) 838-3006.  To pay at the door, RSVP to Washington Lawyers for the Arts at (206) 328-7053.  Tickets are $35 in advance for attorneys and paralegals ($10 artists and students) and $40 at the door for attorneys and paralegals ($15 artists and students).  Please note that the event is subject to cancellation; visit thewla.org for more information.  1.5 CLE credits pending.

- Bart J. Cannon, Program Manager

Our friends at PhotoAlliance have announced they are offering a photographic workshop at Mono Lake with artist Robert Dawson.

Our workshop will explore the spectacular beauty of the eastern Sierra desert lake called Mono. Our base camp will be in the small town of Lee Vining. It is located on Highway 395 near the shore of Mono Lake and at the western edge of the Great Basin. It will serve as a convenient departure site for visits to the South Shore Tufa Grove, Panum volcanic cinder cone, Lee Vining Canyon, Tuolumne Meadows and many other beautiful features of the Eastern Sierra.

The workshop runs for four days, Friday May 22 to Monday May 25, 2009.  There are only 15 slots available, and registration is $495.  I understand these workshops are very popular and sell out quickly, so register today!

- Bart J. Cannon, Program Manager