By Günter Ott
The 31st Photokina — World of Imaging, wrapped up this past week with a bang. More than 180,000 visitors travelled to Cologne, Germany to view the imaging sector’s latest technological marvels and tease us with first impressions of possible future trends in the industry. Over 1250 exhibitors from 45 countries presented new products, technical innovations and concepts.
For a journalist, trying to make sense out of all the presentations, new releases and ideas floated by international imaging companies is next to impossible (in fact, Impossible was one of the eagerly sought after companies; they have made it their mission to reintroduce Polaroid products to specific markets – welcome back).
Over the next few days, The Imaging Scene will try and distil the marvels exhibited at Photokina and place them in context for Canadian photographers. Some products are already here; others will be appearing in retail stores over the next few months.
But Photokina is not just a trade show. Numerous events, congresses and imaging-related functions also took place in the massive halls and corridors on the banks of the Rhine river. Professional visitors were especially interested in the 1st International CGI Forum, that highlighted a new market trend at an early stage of its development. The CGI Forum presented outstanding examples of computer-generated image design and associated tools.
The Creative Alliance presentations enabled many professional photographers to gain inspiration from some of the best-known experts from the imaging sector. The Creative Alliance — an association of six major professional imaging companies — demonstrated tips and tricks for imaging professionals in daily workshops.
A large Meet the Communities area provided a unique platform for younger visitors to be exposed to a full range of state-of-the-art imaging and networking technologies and new media.
The artistic highlight at Photokina was the exhibitions held in the Visual Gallery that linked the worlds of photo documentation, photo design, photo journalism, and photographic art. One of the most popular exhibitions was a six meter high floating Photo Globe, the result of a joint project by the Photographic Industry Association and its members.
The next Photokina –World of Imaging takes place from September 18 – 23, 2012.
