Presentations

Detailed Information About the 2025 Presentations is Coming Soon.

Check out Past Events

FriDAY May 24th

Paul Zizka

Paul Zizka

Shooting the Impossible: The Power of Previsualization and Planning in Outdoor Photography

Adventure photography can be opportunistic, fuelled by the adrenaline of the moment and the desire to document a journey. But, for Paul Zizka, adventure photography has become something more: an opportunity for play and pre-visualization, and a process where imagination means real-time conditions to conjure and capture “the impossible”.

In this seminar, Paul will pull back the curtain on some of his most memorable photographs, what it takes to create stand-out images, the resources he uses to plan and execute them, and the impact these photographs have made in both his business and his life as an artist. Consider this your backstage pass to the intricacies of Paul’s most cutting-edge imagery.

Rachel Jones Ross

Rachel Jones Ross

Under a Northern Sky

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey "Under a Northern Sky" with Sony Alpha Collective member Rachel Jones Ross. Rachel will whisk you away on a photo-story-adventure, filled with captivating stories, breathtaking images, and priceless insights gained from her unique experiences of both living in the north and photographing northern landscapes.

Josh McGarel

Josh McGarel

From Idea to Image: Following Your Creative Vision

With stories from British Columbia, Antarctica, and the Scottish Wilderness, Josh shares his approach to personal projects and how curiosity often leads the way. “From Idea to Image” explores the journey from initial inspiration to final composition, the process of blending photography styles, and turning a creative vision into compelling imagery.

Michelle Valberg

Michelle Valberg

The Dance of Light and Life: Creativity in Motion in Wildlife Photography

Through my lens, I've witnessed the raw beauty and profound emotions that define the wilderness. Together, let's explore the untamed spirit of wildlife, where each image tells a story of resilience, grace, and the enduring power of our natural world. Join me in celebrating the magic of wildlife photography and the boundless creativity it inspires.

SaturDAY May 25th

Jim Brompton

Jim Brompton

The Business of Nature Photography

Join Kase Filters ambassador Jim Brompton as he delves into not only the newest products from Kase but his near 50 years of experience running a professional photography business as well. Jim gives us the straight skinny on what being a pro really entails - from what it takes to make the leap to fine art printmaking and sales to workshops to product distribution and the hustle of everything else in between. Jim’s decades of experience in the field has given him valuable insights on business and life, which will be helpful for both those thinking about dipping their toes into the professional pond and those who have been pros for years.

Jacquie Matechuk

Jacquie Matechuk

Fill That Cup with Inspiration

There are few moments of intensity that can compare to laying on the ground just a few feet from a massive Alaskan brown bear or listening to the grumbling stomach of a wild elephant as it caresses her baby. Perhaps locking eyes with a great grey owl or having a mountain gorilla brush gently by your shoulder is something that you want to experience in your life. In this presentation Jacquie breaks down the walls and shares her most memorable experiences. The precious moments she surrenders to and how they’ve helped her find balance in her life and grow as an artist. Journey from the lush solitude of Alaska’s pristine wilderness to the intoxicating diversity of East Africa. Its a buffet for the senses, designed to inspire and delight.

Eric Seemann

Eric Seemann

Focus on the Viewfinder

Having a passion can be a very positive and uplifting thing for one's mental health.
For Eric, photography is not only his passion but his profession, thus an instrumental part of his life. Eric's love of his photographic career goes beyond his images; by sharing his experiences with magazines and through speaking engagements.
That said, as a reputable and leading wildlife photographer, Eric's passion for photography and the outdoors has become a therapeutic tool for his mental health. Today, he aspires to inspire others through his photography. After the loss of his wife, four years ago, he feels the camera saved him from going down an uncertain path.
Follow along as he shares his favorite images, stories and how his camera and subsequent passion for photography may have saved his life. Eric now focuses on his viewfinder and the life within.

Kyle Brittain

Kyle Brittain

Capturing Nature’s Fury: Tornados, Wildfires and Other Extremes

Kyle Brittain’s background as a wildland firefighter, climber, storm chaser, and journalist has led him to witness some fleeting, but intense moments in nature – including tornadoes, wildfires, and other extreme weather phenomena. Over time, he learned to start carrying a camera around with him. Today, he actively seeks out these events as part of his work as a freelance journalist. In this presentation, Kyle discusses the steps he takes to increase his chances in capturing these rare moments in nature, while staying as safe as possible.

SUNDAY May 26th

TJ Thorne

TJ Thorne

Shoot From Your Heart

In this presentation TJ talks about how he uses curiosity, experimentation, and exploration in his process to create work that is personally significant and internally driven. This isn't a "how to" presentation, it's a presentation that offers up different perspectives and philosophies that can help you to find a deeper connection to your work.

Tracey Halladay

Tracey Halladay

Emerging from the Shadows: A Journey from Darkness to Light & Somewhere in Between

A life-saving kidney transplant and the roller coaster of emotions, physical issues, and limitations in the years following have changed the way Tracey views the natural world around her. In this talk, she will share stories and images that express the feelings she has experienced and how photography has helped to release these emotions and find peace in the wildness of the Earth. Tracey will also discuss how her new passion for life, along with the gear she has, is used to capture photographs that depict the artistic side of nature.

The Launstein Family

Launstein Family

A Life of Passion (Together)
Join the Launstein family as they share stories and lessons learned from their life together as wildlife photographers. Their passion for wild animals and wild places has brought unforgettable moments and treasured shared experiences, but they've also had to go through frustrating stretches without filling their memory cards with the images they had hoped for. They will share some of the keys they have found that unlock the door to success in wildlife photography.
Craig Hilts

Craig Hilts

The Art of the Experience

Exploring the joy and art of experiential photography and why it may be more important than ever.

Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of experiential photography with Craig Hilts, a self-taught enthusiast whose passion for capturing the essence of moments has shaped his unique perspective on the art form.

In this captivating presentation, Craig will share stories of his adventurous encounters and serendipitous moments that have fueled his love for experiential photography. From unexpected discoveries to daring escapades, each experience has contributed to his eclectic approach, free from the constraints of a singular style.

Explore why, in an era dominated by technological advancements, it's more crucial than ever to reconnect with the joy of photography. Craig will delve into the profound significance of embracing the experience.

Panel Discussion

Social Media and It’s Impacts on Our Creativity and Mental Health
These days it seems like social media is both a blessing and a curse. It allows us to share our work, connect with our audience and customers and meet other like-minded photographers. It can also inspire us through the work of our peers and those who inspire us. But there’s a darker side to photography and social media that seems to be lurking ever closer to the surface - algorithmic dominance, competition with other photographers, the rise of the influencer and the time required to get ahead can have disastrous consequences on our mental health. Our panel of presenters discuss the pros, the pitfalls and the ways they stay sane through it all. 
The Lightchasers Conference 2022 had so many wonderful speakers who re-sparked my interest in photography. I have been to many other photo conferences over the years but this was the first one that all the speakers brought so much to the table - all were great speakers, fabulous photographers and really inspired me again! I fully recommend that photographers, regardless of skill level, should attend Lightchasers Conference 2023!
Sharlene Stanley
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