Category: Science & Technology

Lenses, Learning, and Legacy: Highlights from Imaging USA 2025

Imaging USA 2025 in Texas united photographers for top-tier education, gear expos, networking, and business growth—America’s premier photography conference for professionals and creatives alike.


By Milton Kirby | Grapevine, TX, | February 5, 2025

The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) kicked off its flagship annual gathering—Imaging USA—on February 2 at the sprawling Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, just a 30-minute drive from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

A Hub of Innovation, Education, and Business

Imaging USA, the nation’s premier photography event, saw a convergence of over 10,000 photographers, from part-time enthusiasts to seasoned professionals. The three-day conference was a testament to the scale and significance of the photography industry.

Photo by Milton Kirby Natalie G. attends to network and hone skills
  • The three-day conference was a treasure trove of educational workshops and classes, offering a wide range of topics from technical lighting and portraiture to marketing, business coaching, and post‑production strategies. The depth and breadth of learning opportunities were unparalleled. A vibrant Expo Hall hosting 130+ exhibitors, offering hands-on gear demos, software showcases, and educational experiences from leading industry brands.

Imaging USA was not just a conference, but a vibrant community of creative minds. The networking opportunities, including the popular Networking Avenue, photowalks led by industry experts, and social events like welcome and closing parties, fostered a sense of connection and collaboration.

This year introduced several standout elements:

  • Keynote speaker, Shola Richards, CEO and Founder of Go Together Global, kicked off the event with a powerful presentation that energized attendees for the year ahead.
  • A revamped International Photographic Competition (IPC) with live audience voting incorporated into real-time judging—a first for Imaging USA
  • Pre‑conference classes from January 30 through February 1, offering in-depth instruction on topics like studio lighting, Photoshop, and niche genres like boudoir and sports photography.
  • The PPA Cares Initiative, focused on sustainability through eco‑friendly signage, donation of leftover materials, and reusable event merchandise..
  • Community hubs like the Stadium Club for school‑sports‑events photographers and a Bridging the Gap Speaker Lounge for business development insight from PPA gap class experts.
  • More Photo Walks, six interactive photo walks sponsored by Fujifilm, Nikon, and VSCO. These free, hands-on experiences allowed participants to practice their photography in real-world settings with a small group of fellow attendees. 

Networking, Parties & Recognitions

Conference attendees indulged in photowalks, model shoots in the stylish Networking Avenue bays, and multiple social occasions—highlighted by a lively Rhinestone Cowboy-themed Welcome Party and a festive Closing Party to wind down and celebrate camaraderie. On Tuesday evening, world-renowned photographer Dan Winters received PPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presenting at the Award & Degree Ceremony during IPC Finals.

Community Feedback & Atmosphere

Anecdotal reactions from attendees echoed the sentiment that the experience was impactful. Photographers cited fresh ideas, business insights, and valuable personal connections formed at the conference—even planning future collaborations and sharing successes online.

Internet chatter among attendees, including social media and Reddit posts, hinted at excitement around gear demos, mobile‑versus‑traditional debates, and questions about bridging the gap between creativity and commerce.

Looking Ahead

With Imaging USA 2025 wrapping up, PPA has already announced its future venues: Nashville in 2026, Charlotte in 2027, and a return to Grapevine in 2028. Meanwhile, attendees departed with fresh inspiration, new tools for growing their businesses, and a strong sense of community.

Bottom Line: Imaging USA 2025 was a power-packed photography summit—education, technology, and community all wrapped in a grand Texas backdrop. It offered plenty for artists, entrepreneurs, and gear junkies alike.

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Bambhu Innovation: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future

Bambhu Innovation, founded by Walter Griggs, focuses on sustainable materials, particularly bamboo-based products. Their flagship Eco-Polymer offers a biodegradable alternative to plastics, supporting environmental goals while fostering local partnerships and a legacy for future generations.


By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA January 11, 2025

In a world grappling with environmental challenges, Bambhu Innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, blending sustainability with technological ingenuity. The company’s mission is simple yet transformative: to create materials that help businesses achieve sustainability goals while delivering measurable environmental impact.

A Journey Rooted in Purpose

Walter Griggs, a seasoned expert in material handling with over 15 years of experience, laid the foundation for this visionary enterprise. Initially, Griggs and his company SquarePac, Ltd. focused on optimizing warehouse operations through innovative racking and packaging solutions. Over time, he noticed a growing opportunity to address the environmental impact of waste, particularly in industries reliant on disposable materials.

Photo courtesy of Bambhu Innovation – Walter Griggs

During the pandemic, Griggs pivoted from material handling to supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) to organizations like Southern Company and MARTA. This period marked a turning point for Griggs. Witnessing the appreciation for their life-saving efforts inspired him to explore avenues that combined business with a more profound sense of purpose.

The Bamboo Breakthrough

The game-changer? Bamboo. Known as one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, bamboo reaches full maturity in just 5–7 years. It boasts a tensile strength comparable to steel and remarkable soil-cleansing properties, making it a sustainable powerhouse. “Bamboo is a super plant,” Griggs, Co-founder and Senior Vice President, Industrial & Building Materials of Bambhu Innovation, said. “Anything we can do with wood, steel, or concrete, we can essentially do with bamboo.”

Leveraging this incredible natural resource, Bambhu Innovation has developed bamboo eco-polymer and bamboo composites, materials designed to combat deforestation and reduce landfill waste. These advanced materials are biodegradable, non-toxic, and leave no microplastics—offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

Innovating for a Sustainable Future

The company’s flagship product, Eco-Polymer, is a next-generation biodegradable material composed of 70% renewable biomass. It can replace conventional plastics like HDPE, polystyrene, and ABS without requiring changes to existing production infrastructure. “Imagine a material that eliminates microplastics and works seamlessly with existing machinery,” Griggs explained.

Ideal for companies with robust sustainability goals, Eco-Polymer meets the demands of the

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, which holds manufacturers accountable for the environmental impact of their products. Whether packaging, stretch film, or single-use items, Bambhu Innovation aims to replace petroleum-based plastics with eco-friendly alternatives.

Beyond Business: A Community-Centric Approach

Griggs envisions a hybrid model that fosters local partnerships with bamboo farmers, creating a network to supply raw materials for production. This approach supports regional economies and provides a sustainable outlet for bamboo growers.

Moreover, the company emphasizes the importance of life-cycle assessments to understand the long-term environmental impact of products. “Recycling is valuable, but it’s not enough,” Griggs said. “Only a small fraction of recycled items avoids the landfill. We need to do better to protect future generations.”

A Call to Action

As Bambhu Innovation scales its operations, the company invites businesses and investors to join its mission. From large-scale manufacturers to small enterprises seeking greener solutions, Griggs and his team are eager to collaborate.

For more information, visit the Bambhu Innovation website or reach out through the contact page.

“This isn’t just about business,” Griggs concluded. “It’s about leaving a legacy. Our grandkids will thank us for the choices we make today.”

Bambhu Innovation is proof that purpose and profit can coexist—fueling a brighter, greener future for all.

New CHaRM Facility Opens in DeKalb County, Atlanta-based Nonprofit Expands Sustainable Services

DeKalb County inaugurates Live Thrive’s second CHaRM facility, a 8-acre site for recycling hard-to-recycle materials, promoting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement in metro Atlanta.


By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA – June 7, 2024

DeKalb County welcomes the latest addition to its environmental initiatives with the opening of Live Thrive’s second CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) location. Live Thrive, a prominent Atlanta-based nonprofit promoting sustainable practices, inaugurated its newest facility on an expansive 8-acre site.

DeKalb Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs Chuck Ellis said, “This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards forwarding our community’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and educational achievement.

From left to right: Lesa Mayer City Commission City of Decatur, Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe, Founder & Executive Director, CHaRM, Larry Johnson, former DeKalb County Commissioner, Chuck Ellis, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, Wayne Powell, President Belvedere Neighborhood Association

The journey to this day began in 2020 when discussions between DeKalb County and Live Thrive, Inc. took shape.

This collaboration has been nurtured and supported by many dedicated individuals and organizations without whom this would not have been possible.”

This transformative initiative aimed at bolstering environmental responsibility and community engagement took a significant step forward by DeKalb County. The project garnered unanimous support throughout its development, thanks in part to the leadership of Former Commissioner Larry Johnson, who chaired the Next Committee and ensured funding availability.

Engineering and construction costs for the CHaRM facility totaled a substantial $1.9 million, with an additional $52,000 allocated for site cleanup. The location, once a neglected dumping ground, has been revitalized into a beacon of sustainability. Funding for this ambitious endeavor was made possible through county-appropriated capital and American Recovery Funding.

CHaRM DeKalb will serve as a vital drop-off facility for hard-to-recycle items within the community. These items include but are not limited to appliances, mattresses, paint, glass, cooking oil and books. For more information visit the CHaRM website.

Beyond its environmental function, it will also serve as a hub for learning, growth, volunteerism, and internships for youths. By engaging young individuals in the field of sustainability, the facility aims to foster job opportunities and spur economic growth while instilling values of responsibility and stewardship that will benefit the community for years to come.

Mr. Ellis remarked, “DeKalb County Leads by example regarding environmental responsibility and community engagement.”

Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the CHaRM facility, special recognition was extended to Live Thrive. Their commitment to managing the new facility stands as a testament to the power of unity in working towards a common goal.

As DeKalb County continues to prioritize environmental responsibility and community engagement, the unveiling of the CHaRM facility marks a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and vibrant future for its residents.

Led by Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe, Founder & Executive Director, CHaRM has been at the forefront of Live Thrive’s mission since its inception in 2010. The organization has continuously championed sustainable practices, aiming to divert millions of pounds of household hazardous waste and other hard-to-recycle items from Atlanta’s landfills and water systems.

The inception of Live Thrive’s CHaRM initiative can be traced back to the organization’s pivotal role in organizing Atlanta’s first household hazardous waste collection event in September 2010. This groundbreaking event successfully diverted over 75,000 pounds of waste, highlighting the pressing need for a permanent drop-off facility. Subsequently, Live Thrive spearheaded nine additional events, culminating in the opening of the first CHaRM location in Atlanta in 2015.

The new DeKalb County facility extends Live Thrive’s reach, offering recycling and reuse services to the community. The organization’s commitment to environmental health is evident in its multifaceted approach, encompassing not only waste diversion but also educational initiatives. Live Thrive conducts CHaRM facility tours for various groups, including civic, corporate, and community organizations, providing insights into the materials accepted and processing systems. Additionally, the organization hosts school field trips and offers on-site sustainability seminars for added convenience.

In 2021, Live Thrive introduced the CHaRM Corporate Challenge (CCC), collaborating with Atlanta-based corporations to promote sustainable material management practices. The initiative, which encourages companies to have their employees drop off recycling at CHaRM during April, aims to foster a collaborative effort towards sustainability. In 2023, the CCC achieved significant success, diverting nearly 140,000 pounds of materials from Atlanta’s landfills and water systems.

From its humble beginnings as a blog sharing sustainable efforts, Live Thrive has evolved into a cornerstone of environmental advocacy, amplifying the voices of individuals, communities, and businesses, large and small. The partnership with Live Thrives underscores the power of grassroots initiatives. With the expansion of its CHaRM facilities, the organization continues to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in metro Atlanta.

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