Speakers
We have an amazing and diverse lineup of six plenary speakers for the conference.
The Conference will include 12 amazing speakers presenting a total of 18 sessions over three days.
Further details will be added as they become available.
Plenary Speakers
Tuesday, July 14
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Richard Martin
'Crossing the Boundaries - Stepping Outside Your Zone'
As photographers we often hear the comment “that’s not my area” when referring to a specific kind of subject matter. This session provides an opportunity to examine why photographers should make images for themselves first and foremost. Focus on why it is important is to stay true to your own voice, values, and personality and how to interweave these unique qualities into your photography, while simultaneously enjoying the process of photographing subjects that are personally meaningful to you. I will examine a body of work characterized by the way design, form, and structure nourishes my sense of wonder and regardless of genre, often connected to the essence of landscape as I refer to as ‘Landscapes of the Mind”, my roots in photograph.
Richard Martin was a long-time contributor to Photo Life magazine (currently contributor to ELEMENTS magazine) and pursues photography as a medium of visual expression. He is best known for his unique vision with a personal style characterized by a strong sense of composition, colour, and the use of light. His work combines an architectural love of geometry, pattern, and texture with a painter's sensitivity to the creative art of implementing aesthetic. Richard inspires participants with his photography and visual design workshops, tours, and seminars around the world.
"My photography is a celebration of the visual world. It originates straight from the heart, honest and direct. Inspired by colour, texture and light, I make photographs to express feelings surrounding my experiences, searching for visual equivalents to those feelings."
10:30 am - 12:00 noon
Kelly VanderBeek
'Don't Miss It: Mastering the Art of Capturing Split-Second Moments'
In high-speed environments, there’s no time to hesitate—no second chances. Whether it’s a game-winning goal, an emotional exchange, or a fleeting glance, the magic lies in being ready before the moment happens. This talk dives into how to train your instincts, sharpen your awareness, scope a venue like a pro, and build the muscle memory needed to shoot with precision.
You’ll learn practical techniques, mindset strategies, and real-world examples to help you stay locked in, anticipate the unpredictable, and never miss the shot that matters most.
For over a decade, Kelly VanderBeek professionally threw herself down mountains at speeds exceeding 145 km/h—earning her place as an Olympian and World Cup medallist. Today, she channels that same energy and passion into her entrepreneurial work, which specializes in communications excellence. Her work as a broadcaster, photographer/videographer, speaker, and educator focuses on connecting people through story.
Since transitioning from competition, Kelly has helped cover 8 Olympic Games and brings a creative edge behind the lens as an award-winning photographer and SONY industry advisor. Her work has appeared in international newspapers, magazines, and commercial campaigns.
Beyond her public-facing roles, Kelly remains deeply committed to high-performance sport, serving as a Director with both WinSport and Alpine Canada—helping shape the next generation of Canadian athletes.
Wednesday, July 15
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Nadya Kwandibens
'The Lens Bears Witness: An Indigenous Perspective'
Red Works Photography founder and photographer Nadya Kwandibens delivers a powerful overview of her photographic journey spanning 26 years documenting contemporary Indigenous realities across Canada, underscoring the pivotal role photography plays in shaping—and challenging—the (in)visibility of Indigenous lifestyles and cultures."
Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is an award-winning photographer, a Canon Ambassador, and the current Photo Laureate for the City of Toronto. In 2008 she founded Red Works Photography. Red Works is a dynamic photography company specializing in natural light portraiture, headshots sessions, plus event and concert photography. Her work has been exhibited in group and solo shows across Canada, the United States, and selected Canadian Embassies around the world.
In 2018, Nadya won the Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Arts Award. Jurors stated, “Nadya is an intrepid, ground-breaking, and influential artist. She has brought an Indigenous voice to portrait photography that recontextualizes images and shows us our true selves.”
In addition to commissioned works, Nadya delivers empowering photography workshops and presentations for youth, universities, and community groups. She currently resides in Tkarón:to on Anishinaabeg, Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas of the Credit, on Dish With One Spoon Territory.
10:30 am - 12:00 Noon
Larry Louie
'The Voice of My Camera: A Retrospective'
The Voice of My Camera is a journey for those who believe photography is more than an image—it’s a conversation. It is where the lens becomes a storyteller. Through my documentary work in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and the Philippines, I explore humanitarian realities while revealing the remarkable resilience and character of the communities who welcomed me into their lives. This work bears witness to difficult challenges, yet equally honours the power, grace, and unwavering strength of the people who face them.
Larry Louie is a Doctor of Optometry in Edmonton, Canada. He has come a long way since his recognition by IPA as the 2007 Discovery of the year. His work in humanitarian documentary photography started out as a serious hobby, which has garnered international attention and interest. He now divides his time between his practice and his art.
Larry has increasingly focused his lens on remote cultures facing rapid change, assimilation, even disappearance, as urbanization and globalization erode traditional ways of life. He also explores the challenges that arise where people’s lives are caught between the past and present, documenting the social issues of groups that modern society has touched but left behind.
His passion for documentary photography over the years has won him numerous international accolades. His work has been published in magazines and exhibited in various venues around the world. He has given numerous presentations on his photography projects to organizations, photo groups and schools hoping to inspire others to follow in their own passions.
“To appreciate the beauty of a landscape, we must open our eyes. To appreciate its people, we must open our minds.”
Beyond the Darkness Book by Larry Louie (2020)
Thursday, July 16
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Monika Deviat
'The Art of Darkness: Creativity in the Night'
Photography is challenging in darkness and low-light conditions. When your eyes can’t fully see your subject, how do you create images with strong, compelling compositions? Light is a crucial element in photography - chased often, discussed and analyzed, and sometimes cursed when it doesn't cooperate. While losing light makes photography more difficult, darkness and starlight open a new world - one that encourages a completely different way of seeing and thinking creatively.In this presentation, Monika will share how her creative ideas for nightscapes develop, how she envisions and plans compositions, and how she interprets a scene when working with only the lights from stars in the night sky. She’ll explore what makes a strong night image and how to balance artistic intention with technical considerations. Monika will also discuss embracing spontaneous moments and adapting to what nature presents, demonstrating how the night itself can become a source of inspiration.
Monika Deviat is an award-winning photographer and Nikon Canada Ambassador based in Alberta, Canada. She is not just a photographer, though. Monika is a metalhead, speaker and educator, pole and aerial athlete and instructor, hiking guide, and non-practicing physicist.
Her photography career started in darkness with concert and event photography. In 2015, Monika shifted from shooting stars on stage to stars in the sky. Night photography became her favourite genre, and it goes hand in hand with her landscape and adventure images. Monika doesn't just document moments, she immerses herself in them, often venturing into the wildest, darkest, and most challenging environments to bring back awe-inspiring photos. Monika's photography does not fit into a single niche and she shows her versatility, technical skills, and creative eye across multiple photography genres.
Her work has appeared in various books and publications, including Canadian Geographic, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, and CNN.com. Beyond photography, Monika is an engaging educator and speaker, leading workshops that blend knowledge-sharing with memorable experiences. Some of her current projects focus on dark sky preservation, and she has recently presented a BBC radio documentary, Licence to Operate a Space Object, exploring the impact of light pollution on our night skies.
10:30 am - 12:00 Noon
John E. Marriott
'How to Make a Difference with your Photography in the Conservation World'
Learn how professional wildlife photographer John E. Marriott became one of the world’s most well-known wildlife conservation photographers, including being just one of nine Canadians that are fellows of the International League of Conservation Photographers and founding his own wildlife charity.
John will take you on a journey through his career and explain how certain events changed his fortune and determination. He’ll share insight on how you can also move into wildlife conservation photography or support other photographers that do.
John E. Marriott is one of Canada’s premier professional wildlife photographers, with a career spanning three decades and images published worldwide by National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Canadian Geographic, McLean's, and Reader’s Digest. He is an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, a Canon Ambassador, and the co-founder of the EXPOSED Wildlife Conservancy environmental charity.
John has been awarded three times in the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, including winning the Animal Portraits category in 2024.
John has produced eight coffee table books, including The Kootenay Wolves: Five Years Following a Wild Wolf Pack (2022), What Bears Teach Us (2020), Tall Tales, Long Lenses: My Adventures in Photography (2017), The Pipestone Wolves: The Rise and Fall of a Wolf Family (2016), and the international bestseller, Banff & Lake Louise: Images of Banff National Park (2007).
John prides himself on being a conservation photographer known for photographing wilderness scenes and wild, free-roaming animals in their natural habitats.
John currently lives in Canmore, Alberta with his wife Jennifer and his son Porter.
Concurrent Session Speakers
Tuesday, July 14

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Larry Louie
'A Quiet Scream'
A Quiet Scream reflects the internal cry that rises when grief and tragedy become overwhelming—too deep for words, yet impossible to ignore. Over the past year, I faced a series of devastating personal events, and this work grew out of that raw, private scream.
Photography has always been my grounding force—not for creating pretty images, but for seeing clearly, documenting honestly, and expressing what cannot be spoken. Shaped by illness and the pandemic, this project turns my lens toward the immediate world around me: family, friends, and acquaintances.
A Quiet Scream is a portrait of pain held quietly—and the courage that grows in its shadows. It gathers unfiltered moments from daily life, a testament to suffering carried in silence, and to the strength that slowly, steadily emerges from it.
See Bio Above in Plenary Speaker Section.

1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Monika Deviat
'Low Light and Live'
Monika began her photography career in the dark photographing concerts and events. Low-light environments are not the usual way to get into photography.
They require gear that can handle situations with little light and knowledge of how to push your gear while still getting sharp-quality images. Moments happen quickly and are fleeting during concerts and events. How do you anticipate these moments? How do you ensure you capture them and tell the story of the moment or the feeling? What can you do to prepare?
Every concert, festival, and event is unique. Learn the tools you can use flexibly and creatively, and ensure your success in low-light conditions.
See Bio Above in Plenary Speaker Section.

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Rebecca Simrose
'Wild Canada'
A photographic exploration of wild places and wildlife in Canada from NWT to BC and Alberta mountains and wildlife from Grizzly bears to Polar bears , eagles and sea otters.
I’m Rebecca. I’m a landscape photographer with a fierce dedication to exploring wild places. Photography is a passion and obsession for me. Five years ago, I left my 20-year career in medicine and medical education to pursue photography full time and I haven’t looked back.
I’ve spent weeks in the Summers in a tent or bivy, hiked many km with a backpack half my weight, hiked to glaciers and frozen lakes in Winter, and frozen in the predawn on mountaintops and never felt more like I am where I belong. This is where I feel most alive.
I hope my photography will inspire people to connect with this beautiful planet and our beautiful Canadian places and love and protect them. I hope I can inspire people to get out to the wild places, because I think they will find there the peace and happiness the I have found. We live in one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. I am proud to call Canada my home.

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Dara Ojo
'Photographing Arthropods for Art, Science, and Conservation'
Ethical field practice, focus stacking workflow, and narrative strategies that shift public perception of insects and other arthropods, with Canadian case studies and recent work.
I am Dara Ojo, a macro photographer and conservation storyteller based in Edmonton, Canada. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, my early exposure to biodiversity shaped my deep appreciation for the natural world. However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 isolation in China that I discovered my passion for macro photography.
What started as a creative escape became a lifelong pursuit of capturing the intricate beauty of arthropods. Through high-resolution photography, I challenge misconceptions and inspire appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures. My work reveals the mesmerizing textures, colors, and behaviors of insects and arachnids—bringing attention to their vital roles in our ecosystems.
My journey has taken me across China, Canada, and Costa Rica, documenting arthropods in their natural habitats. Whether deep in the rainforests or navigating the rugged Canadian wilderness, I aim to bridge the gap between art and science, fostering curiosity and conservation through visual storytelling.
Wednesday, July 15

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Kelly VanderBeek
'Take Better Pictures of Your Family. Every Time, Everywhere'
For many of us, what we really want to capture are authentic moments in our lives, to help us hold onto and remember the people and memories we hold closest to our hearts. How do we do that? How do we help people we know well are comfortable when we’re holding a camera? How do we craft authenticity in imagery? I can help you do that with easy-to-follow tips and tricks.
See Bio Above in Plenary Speaker Section.

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
John Marriott
'Getting Wild About Photography: How to Become a Better Wildlife Photographer'
Learn about wildlife photography from one of Canada’s premier wildlife photographers, John E. Marriott. This one-hour seminar covers the latest in what John considers his top lessons in how to become a better wildlife photographer.
This is an evolution of John’s most popular seminar, which began in 2010 as a beginner-to-advanced overview of your optimal camera settings and techniques for a diverse range of wildlife photography encounters and situations.
Join John as he shares with you his experiences photographing grizzly bears, wolves and other wild predators, and reveals his latest selection of tips, techniques, and easy-to-access locations for getting incredible wildlife shots.
See Bio Above in Plenary Speaker Section.

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Michael Winsor
'From the Edge of a Continent: Connecting with Newfoundland and Labrador Through Photography and Storytelling'
This presentation celebrated Canadian photography through the discovery of Newfoundland and Labrador - a place where connection to land, ocean, and culture plays a vital role in creating meaningful images. through photographs of icebergs, puffins, whales, rugged landscapes, dramatic seascapes, and fishing villages, Michael explores how slowing down and engaging with the environment leads to stronger, more authentic photographs. Rather than focusing purely on technical settings, the presentation emphasizes storytelling, awareness, and emotional connection to place. Attendees will learn how feeling the landscape, understanding its rhythm, and immersing themselves in the surroundings can transform how they see and photograph a scene. Newfoundland and Labrador serves as the perfect example of a region still being discovered, offering endless opportunities for photographers willing to look beyond the obvious and connect more deeply with the land.
Michael Winsor is an internationally award-winning photographer and educator who believes photography is about more than images—it’s about connection, place, and purpose. Based in Newfoundland and Labrador, he is the owner of Newfoundland Photo Tours and has spent over a decade guiding photographers into wild, remote, and meaningful landscapes, helping them slow down and see with intention. A multi-year Team Canada member at the World Photographic Cup, Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions through photography, Michael’s work has been featured in various magazines and on Canadian postage stamps. Known for his honest, real-world teaching style, he inspires photographers to move beyond gear and settings, focusing instead on storytelling, patience, and personal vision. His presentations encourage photographers to reconnect with why they picked up a camera in the first place—and how photography can become both a creative and life-changing practice.

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Stella d'Entremont
'How to Transform Photos into Powerful Stories (French or English)'
Learn how to turn your photos into stories. In this presentation, Stella d’Entremont breaks down the “language” of photography — from visual cues to composition, depth, colour harmony, and the elements that guide the eye. Discover how to create images that feel intentional, balanced, and full of life.
Photographer, Visual Artist, Author, Educator
Stella d’Entremont is a Canadian visual artist and professional photographer whose work in wildlife, nature, and landscape focuses on storytelling through imagery. Born in the Acadian fishing village of West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, and proud of her fourth-generation Métis heritage, Stella draws deep inspiration from the land, sea, and culture that shaped her life.
A graduate of Chamberlayne Junior College in Boston, she developed her photographic voice through mentorship and years exploring Canada’s wild spaces. Her recent work includes three solo exhibitions and the publication of ACADIENNES – Voix de la génération silencieuse | Voices of the Silent Generation, a portrait and storytelling project honouring Acadian women and their lived histories.
Stella currently serves as President of the Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA). A certified CAPA judge since 2021, she has adjudicated photographic competitions internationally, nationally, and locally. In 2024, she was named a CAPA Fellow in recognition of her artistic contributions and community leadership.
She is also a member of the Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick (AAAPNB), reflecting her commitment to supporting Acadian culture and the broader arts community.
Beyond the lens, Stella is a dedicated educator. Through workshops, critiques, and personalized mentorship, she helps emerging photographers build confidence, develop their craft, and discover their own visual stories.
Thursday, July 16

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Richard Martin
'Geometric Abstraction'
With a focus on the abstract qualities of form and structure, I will concentrate on architectural elements as raw material for abstract images. Working with straight techniques to interpret the subject to make abstract designs. The intent is not to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead use shapes, colours, forms and gesture to achieve its effect.
See Bio Above in Plenary Speaker Section.

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Stasia Schmidt
'Spark to Blaze: Finding Your Unique Creative Vision in Photography'
We live in a world saturated with imagery; we’re flooded daily by the endless stream of social media, advertising, and the visual noise of everyday life. Amid this constant stimulation, it can be difficult to cut through the clutter and discover what we, as artists and photographers, want to create - what gives voice to our individuality and makes out souls sing.
In this talk, Stasia will share practical, in-the-field approaches to entering the creative flow state behind the camera. She will also explore how to move past the roadblocks that often arise when striving to create work that feels both meaningful and honest.
Stasia Schmidt is a fine art photographer based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her landscapes and portraits show attention to simplicity and form; she is drawn to unexpected surrealism and femininity within the natural environment. Her work has been part of group exhibitions in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In addition to being the 2024 Canadian awardee of the Leica Women Foto Project, Stasia was recognized for the Ephemerality series in her home province of Alberta and was declared the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year by the Exposure Photography Festival. Her first art photo book, also titled Ephemerality, was published in 2025 as part of the 2024 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize in Photography. The medium of photography is Stasia’s chosen method of exploring creative boundaries and challenging expectations in order to create provocative, vivid, and resonant art.

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Nadya Kwandibens
'TBD'
See Bio Above in Plenary Speaker Section.

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Craig Hilts
'Stormborn: Photographing the Fury and Beauty of Prairie Weather'
An adrenaline-filled look at photographing severe weather safely and artistically, inspired by dramatic storm photography.
Prairie Fire Photography
Craig Hilts is a self-taught photographer who calls the Canadian prairies home. He is most well known for capturing breathtaking storm images that invoke the raw beauty and power of some of mother natures most dynamic forces. Based in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Craig has spent over 17 years mastering the art and craft of photography by exploring the natural beauty and dramatic skies of the Canadian prairies and beyond.
Photography, for Craig, is about capturing moments that evoke emotion and tell stories through light, atmosphere, and perspective. His work often features powerful summer storms, majestic northern lights, and starry night skies, with each image reflecting his adventurous spirit of going out and just seeing the true beauty that the world has to offer. His photographic pursuits take him on the road year-round, traveling tens of thousands of kilometers annually in search of unique and unforgettable scenes to share with his audience.
Craig’s photographic work has been shared and enjoyed all over Western Canada and the world both through the purchase of his fine art pieces for personal and corporate collections and through the publication of his first book Living Skies. He has also been featured in numerous publications and received recognition through multiple awards including receiving the Photographer of the Year award at the annual Lightchaser Conference and a installation in the Biosphere Museum in Montreal Quebec.
Through Prairie Fire Photography, Craig Hilts celebrates the raw beauty of the natural world, transforming fleeting moments into timeless works of art that inspire wonder and reflect the vast landscapes of the Canadian West.
