Sponsored by
Nikon Ambassador D'Ann Boals
Bio:
Award-winning portrait photographer and photography educator D'Ann Boal’s first photographs were of her baby son, and it wasn’t long before documenting his life turned into a hobby, then a passion, and eventually a boutique business aptly named Smitten & Swoon Photography. D’Ann specializes in creating romantic and ethereal family images both in-studio and in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, where the scenic landscape provides ideal locations for distinctive and personalized environmental portraits. Her enthusiasm for teaching began with a master’s degree in education and her early career as a fifth-grade teacher.
She’s now come full circle with workshops and in-person and online classes that cover imaging techniques as well as strategies for running a successful photography business. D’Ann is also a Click Community Mentor and a Profoto Ambassador and has led retreats internationally, spoken on stages at WPPI, Imaging USA and Click Away, and has taught for Click Photo School, PPA and numerous industry retail outlets.
Sponsored by
Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom
Bio: Kristi Odom is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, and a motivational speaker. A photographer and filmmaker, her work focuses on connecting people emotionally to animals and celebrating those who have a connection to the natural world. When she is not at home in Longmont Colorado, she travels the world photographing and teaching.
Kristi teaches photographers to improve their work through advanced camera skills and by creating an emotional connection with their subjects. Her accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature’s Best Photography awards, which exhibited her images at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. She also was included in National Geographic’s 2021 collection for Best Animal Photos. Her work has appeared either online and/or in print for the following clients: National Geographic, Nikon, Forbes, Rollingstone, Microsoft and Outside Mag.
Sponsored by
Nikon Technical Specialist Paul Van Allen
Bio: Paul Van Allen is an internationally published photographer and author. A Nikon employee for over 25 years, Paul is part of the Nikon Professional Services team. One of Paul’s skills on which Nikon has come to rely is his unusual ability to take extremely complex photographic technologies and concepts and distill them down so that they are easily understandable. He uses a mixture of images and humor to create and present entertaining and informative programs in his position at Nikon. Paul’s passion for teaching is only overshadowed by his lust for learning.
Having started his professional career as a staff shooter for a sports magazine, his recent photographic interest and specialties include wireless flash and Milky Way Landscapes, Portraits and extreme macro using focus stacking. Through personal projects and professional assignments Paul is extremely well versed in nearly everything Nikon. Nikon Ambassador, Vincent Versace may have described him best when he called Paul… “the Swiss Army Knife of Nikon”.
Sponsored by
Canon Explorer of Light Erin Babnik
Bio: Erin Babnik is known internationally as a leading photographic artist, educator, author, and speaker. She is a Canon Explorer of Light and a member of the venerable nature photography team Photo Cascadia. Her expressive style of landscape photography springs from an unusual integration of wilderness exploration, progressive techniques, and a classical education in the arts.
Erin has offices on two continents and travels extensively to teach photography workshops and for speaking appearances and commercial projects. Her images appear in a wide range of publications and products, but a commitment to photography education forms the core of her interests. In her talks and articles, Erin is known for blending educational insights with a flair for inspiration, making her one of the most highly requested speakers of her generation.
Sponsored by
Canon Ambassador Juliana Broste
Bio: Juliana Broste, “TravelingJules,” is a 12x Heartland Emmy award winning Travel Video Journalist–a producer, shooter, writer, editor and host.
Whether you spot her in front of the camera or behind the lens, you'll recognize this fierce female filmmaker sporting pink lipstick and an armful of camera gear! She showcases adventures around the world with signature style, creating content for travel brands, media outlets and her vlog.
Sponsored by
Canon Specialist Ryan Brown
Bio: Ryan Brown, M. Photog., M. Artist, Cr. CPP, is a photographer in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Photography from Central Missouri State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State University.
Ryan also has earned the degree of Master of Photography, Master Artist and Photographic Craftsmen. In addition to being a photographer, Ryan is an Account Manager for Canon USA.
Sponsored by
Sony Ambassador Morgan Heim
Bio: Morgan Heim is a wildlife photojournalist, filmmaker and adventurer focusing on coexistence and how human-influenced environmental change impacts wildlife. Her goal is to find the beauty, humor and perseverance in the struggle to make the world a better place. She began her career studying fisheries, listening to whales and working on dam removal projects.
Now she uses her background in ecology and journalism to tackle subjects such as roadkill, living with cormorants, deer migration and the environmental impacts of drug cartels on forestlands.
Sponsored by
Sony Ambassador Zabrina Deng
Bio: Zabrina is based in California who travelled the world to do wedding, engagement & portrait photography. She is a SONY Artisans of Imagery and a holder of WPPI master photographer. A processor for over 60 international award-winning photos. Zabrina is one of the world's Top 50 World's Best Destination Wedding photographer from Junebug Weddings and has been featured on RangeFinder Magazine's 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography.
She has accumulated 6 times 1st place winner and two International Image of the Year awards from WPPI since 2011. Her work has been published on International Master Photographer Vol 1, Vanity Fair (USA), Town & Country (Thailand), Cosmopolitan Bride (China), Elle (Hong Kong), Stuff Magazine (UK), Vogue Italia's PhotoVogue. Zabrina has also photographed the Grammy Award winner R&B band All-4-One for their 20th anniversary album CD cover. Zabrina is also a speaker for major photographic conferences across America & Asia to train professional photographers taking their craft to the next level.
Sponsored by
Fujifilm Ambassador Caroline Tran
Bio: Caroline Tran, named Creator of the Year by Rangefinder Magazine, is a globally recognized photographer celebrated for her inspiring and creative work. A master of adaptation, she has consistently led the industry by strategically navigating changes and disruptions.
Through her expertise in marketing and workflow, Caroline remains at the forefront, offering online coaching to empower photographers to work smarter. Her philosophy? Work hard, play harder – striking the perfect balance for a thriving career and fulfilling life.
Sponsored by
Fujifilm GFX Specialist Joshua Conti
Bio: With more than 28 years of experience in professional imaging and audio/visual production, Joshua Conti brings a seasoned and inspiring perspective to today’s photo and video landscape. Josh will talk through the Fujifilm GFX Large Format system, why it is different, and how it can impact your photography and business.
Josh is passionate about helping professionals and businesses find the right tools to tell better stories, push creative boundaries, and build connected, collaborative communities.
Sponsored by
OM System Ambassador Peter Baumgarten
Bio: Peter Baumgarten is an award-winning professional photographer and educator based on Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest fresh water Island in Ontario, Canada. He has lead photography courses and workshops for novice and enthusiast photographers and travels across North America as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador providing lectures and seminars on landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography.
His love of photography has also become a great excuse to continue his other passion – exploring the great outdoors through wilderness camping, canoeing and kayaking.
Sponsored by
Panasonic Lumix Creator Dustin Armstrong
Bio:
With nearly a decade of experience, Dustin is a seasoned video producer with a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Media from Utah Valley University. Having crafted compelling content for creative agencies, large corporations, and prominent YouTube personalities, Dustin brings a wealth of diverse expertise to every project, driven by a lifelong passion for content creation.
Sponsored by
Panasonic Lumix Technical Specialist Matt Frazer
Bio: Matt Frazer is the Business Development manager for Panasonic Lumix Cameras and Panasonic camcorders. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Matt has trained and supported thousands of video professionals on the latest video technologies and has developed camera technologies to support high volume photo professionals (think school and youth sports portraits).
Matt has produced over 100 training videos and has been the executive producer of 8 digital shorts. When not working for Panasonic, Matt Frazer is an avid film buff who can be found wasting away in his theater room watching as much HDR content as his wife and kids will allow.
Sponsored by
Tamron Lens Ambassador Charley Voorhis
Bio: Charley Voorhis is a documentary filmmaker, director, and cinematographer based in Washington State. With Voortex Productions since 2004, he’s crafted visually impactful films and branding campaigns that connect with audiences. His work includes projects like Harmony Field, Project Pivot, and Voortex Live: a multimedia performance with Wenatchee Symphony.
Charley combines a passion for story, immersive visuals, and a nimble production style built for remote, challenging environments. As a Tamron Image Master, he’s also taught several workshops across the country on visual storytelling. Charley will speak to his experience owning and operating a production company for over two decades and share stories of lessons learned along the way.
Sponsored by
Sigma Ambassador Meg Loeks
Bio: Meg lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with her husband and children. She is a fine art and portrait photographer whose nostalgic work centers around the home. In-between photographing her family, she teaches several online and in-person domestic and international workshops.
She is honored to be a SIGMA Ambassador, Profoto Legend of Light and 2022 Lightroom Ambassador. Meg is also a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a nonprofit organization which gifts families battling pediatric cancer a free photo session.
Sponsored by
Tiffen Steadicam Axis Specialist Bridger Eberhart
Bio: Bridger Eberhart is a Steadicam operator with two years of hands-on experience bringing stories to life through camera movement. He currently serves as Sales Manager at Tiffen, where he combines technical expertise with customer support.
In addition to his role, Bridger is an instructor at Steadicam workshops, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of operators. His passion for storytelling continues to drive his work both on set and in the classroom.
Sponsored by
National Geographic Photography Tommy Joyce
Bio: Tommy Joyce is an award-winning documentary director, National Geographic filmmaker and passionate photographer based in Boulder, Colorado. Tommy's career in visual storytelling was inspired by a love of skiing, the outdoors, and the wildlife of our planet. Tommy co-founded Triage Creative, where he still serves as Managing Director. Tommy’s work has taken him around the globe, from diving with fur seals in Antarctica to following world-class mountaineers through the heights of the Himalaya. He has told stories featuring the world’s greatest athletes, lifestyles, and brands on all seven continents.
Tommy primarily focuses on fast-action wildlife and character-driven stories that explore the depths of human emotion and the boundaries of our capacity for achievement. With nearly 15 years of experience behind him, Tommy’s ability to deliver premium visual assets under a tight deadline has earned nearly two dozen film festival awards and a pair of Telly’s. His portfolio features national TV spots, branded content, and feature-length films.
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