As New Year’s resolution setting comes to a close, it’s time for photographers and cinematographers to turn those goals into action — and there’s no better place to find actionable guidance and inspiration than a photography conference. Whether it’s networking, hands-on learning or uncovering new gear, a photography conference will help you uncover tried-and-true strategies and creative ideas to kickstart your best year yet.
From Las Vegas to New York City, here are eight top photography conferences to put on your calendar for 2019 (so far!):
Imaging USA: January 17 – 22, Atlanta
As the longest running photography conference and tradeshow in the U.S., Imaging USA brings together 10,000 photography professionals for three days of sessions, keynotes and tradeshow exhibits, as well as set tracks for specific photography verticals (e.g., wedding). Imaging USA also offers three days of pre-conference classes to help photographers perfect their skills in a small group setting.
Ready to sign up? Here’s some advice on how you can get the most out of Imaging USA.
WPPI February 27 – March 1, Las Vegas
Specializing in wedding and portrait photography, WPPI gives 13,000+ attendees access to networking, educational sessions and key exhibitors with the latest gear. Sessions focus on everything from business growth to new shooting styles, while networking events include a fun run and nightclub happy hours. WPPI includes a wide variety of content for wedding filmmakers, too.
PhotoPro EXPO February 21 – 25, Cincinnati
One of the Midwest’s premier photography conferences, PhotoPro EXPO brings creatives to the heart of Cincinnati for a week of education, networking and fun. The event, hosted by photography veterans Bert and Al Behnke, offers content for hobbyist and pro photographers with offerings like mentoring, live demos and a print competition.
ShutterFest April 23 – 24, St. Louis
With an aim to shake up the photography conference norm, ShutterFest focuses on intimacy and personal connection. The two-day event includes in-the-field workshops and hands-on classes with some of the industry’s leading photographers. For 2019, they’ve added ShutterFest Extreme, an extra day focused on the business side of photography in a classroom setting.
Out of Chicago June 28 – 30, Chicago
For the past five years, Out of Chicago has delivered top-notch photography lessons and workshops to its global base of attendees. It’s evolved into the Midwest’s largest photography conference, with instructional tracks tailored for advanced and beginner photographers. Beyond its main summer conference, Out of Chicago has expanded, well, out of Chicago, with conferences in places like Costa Rica and Moab.
Adorama Inspire: June 2019, New York City
In 2018, we brought an exciting new conference to the heart of New York City: the Adorama Inspire Conference. The week-long conference featured hands-on education, designed-to-share experiences, inspirational (and actionable) panels plus an interactive gear expo — and we’re bringing it back in 2019! With events such as a photo tour of the empty MET to a rooftop portrait session, we’re making Adorama Inspire bigger and better for 2019.
PhotoPlus October 24 – 26, New York City
PhotoPlus takes over New York City’s Javits Center in late October with the largest photography and imaging show in North America. The event, which draws 20,000 attendees, features over 100 educational seminars, workshops, photo walks and master classes, as well as 200 exhibitors and brands.
For a glimpse into the conference, here’s a look at news and excitement coming out of PhotoPlus 2018.
Feature image via Shutterstock
