The image connection - why Rochester, New York is a fitting site for the 1994 Rochester Photographic Society of America Regional Convention, May 25-30, 1994

PSA Journal, Jan, 1994 by M. Larry Shillito

Create Images at the World's Image Center

Hello, fellow photographers. Greetings from Rochester, New York. First of all, we here in Rochester would like to be the first to wish PSA a Happy 60th Birthday in 1994. We can't think of a better way to celebrate PSA's 60th birthday than welcoming you to Rochester, New York, the image capital of the world: Everything for everybody will be at the 1994 Rochester PSA Regional Convention, May 25 - 30, 1994. Rochester, a city of spectacular scenery, cultural delights, theater, music, and fine arts will be yours to explore.

There is no better time or place to share the friendship and excitement of fellow photographers, diverse photographic programs and numerous photographic opportunities. The 1994 Rochester PSA Regional Convention will bring all of these together for you!

Rochester--"The World's Image Center"

Imaging is the art and culture of Rochester. It is home to Eastman Kodak Company, Bausch and Lomb, Xerox, and the Rochester Institute of Technology, all imaging giants. With a metropolitan population of over one million, it is the third largest metro area in New York State. It is surrounded by an abundance of fresh water, beautiful parks, and scenic spots.

It is situated on the south central shore of Lake Ontario and is easily accessible from both the US and Canada. It is easy to get here. Greater Rochester International Airport offers over 250 daily flights to and from all major cities. By land, you can take Amtrak or drive on US Interstate 90 and its feeders right to our front door.

Yours to Discover

The Hyatt Hotel will be your conference home. It is brand new and centrally located. Within easy walking distance from your hotel is the spectacular 96-foot Upper Falls of the Genesee. You will have your own "Niagara" at your hotel doorstep! The newest attraction is High Falls Park which includes the Ponte de Rennes Pedestrian Bridge, Granite Hill Commons and the Center at High Falls exhibit area, not to mention the free nightly laser show. The Lower Falls of the Genesee provide further photo opportunities. All this, and you haven't even started for Niagara yet!

Beside your hotel is the Rochester Riverside Convention Center with its granite walls and stunning 64-foot galleria that opens onto an outdoor terrace overlooking the Genesee River. A great place for architectural and abstract shots. Midtown Plaza, America's. first covered indoor shopping mall is great for shopping and photos. Just down the street is the internationally known Eastman Theater where the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra performs with world renowned artists. Behind your hotel is more entertainment at the GEVA Theater.

Architecture in Rochester is quite noteworthy. Many modern glass and mirror-fronted buildings share the skyline with historic landmarks such as the statue of Mercury atop the Lawyer's Co-Operative Publishing Building. For those photographers who like abstracts, Rochester is your place and most are right around your hotel.

Main Street itself is a center of attention. The recent renovation ties together the historic and the modern. Photographers can enjoy promenade-style sidewalks, Victorian bus shelters and street lamps and even the ornamental railing on the Main Street bridge. In the background you can see the over 100year-old aqueduct for boats for the Erie Canal.

The City Hall atrium will keep the serious photographer busy for hours. The restored structure consists of a three-story, glass-covered marble and stone atrium. Surrounded by its columns and fine decorative detail, a visitor might think he is in Spain or Italy. Many professionals have photographed this marvelous structure. We know you will want to spend time here too. You can easily walk to the atrium from the hotel.

More Discoveries

Many exciting places await you within walking distance from your hotel. The most notable to photographers, of course, is the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House. This is a unique place. A must for all photographers, this is both a photographic and film museum as well as the historic home of George Eastman. Inside you can enjoy a variety of exhibits and lectures. Outside you can enjoy and photograph the grounds and gardens. There will be an evening reception here as part of the convention schedule.

At the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, you can explore 5,000 years of the world's greatest art, from relics to French Impressionists to the 20th Century. Both the interior and exterior invite your photographic curiosity and challenge your photographic eye!

Nightly planetarium shows at the Strasenburgh Planetarium in the Rochester Museum and Science Center combine theater and astronomy.

For a step back in time, you'll have an opportunity to visit the Genesee Country Village in Mumford, New York. This is truly a photographer's gold mine and features an early American village with 57 restored buildings depicting the 19th Century in Western New York. There are daily demonstrations by interpreters and crafters in early American attire. Antique furnishings and interiors provide the mood and background for effective people and still-life photography. A convention tour of this lovely place is scheduled as an all-day outing with teaching, demos, and models. See the proposed convention schedule at the end of this article.