Went to XBIZ Miami for the first time and had an incredible fun-filled three days. It was a novel experience in general since this show was a creator-focused industry event rather than webmaster-focused like XBIZ LA or fan-focused like X3. I didn’t know 90% of the people because many attendees were not only independent creators but also very new. This caused me some anxiety in approaching new people to photograph since many are not used to this type of attention in person. I know the purpose of this event is for networking, but my social awkwardness exacerbates what I’ve previously called the porn convention paradox.
Security was pretty tight screening everyone that that tried to get into the event or one of the parties, which created a safer environment without fans creeping around. I wasn’t even sure I could get in because there was a registration snafu, but the right people vouched for me. The energy was electric as many focused on having a good time without worry. There were a lot of giveaways, and the people that did recognise me were happy to see me.
I also didn’t know Miami could get that hot in May. I knew about the humidity but had mostly stayed indoors in my previous summer trips to the area. Just spending an hour by poolside gave me bouts of dizziness that was probably caused by dehydration, but the venue was well stocked with free cold water to prevent disaster.
I’ve mentioned many times previously how much I hate doing red carpets even though the photos can come out decent. Not only is it a stressful experience behind the carpet, many of the people who walked the carpet at the XMA Creator Awards are doing this for the first time and need explicit instruction on what to do. I don’t know if it was the heat from the earlier day, but I found myself waning in the middle of the procession. I couldn’t stay to watch the awards due to exhaustion. When I started in my career, I would see old men with walkers, scooters, and oxygen tanks shooting the carpet so I feel sheepish about complaining about its physical toll, but I am closer to them in age than most of my current peers. This was a smaller event so I may never be able to shoot another red carpet again.
Thanks to Theresa and XBIZ for throwing such a great three-day event.
