Why I Attend Photography Conferences

I’m just returning from another successful, jam-packed photography conference—this one in Vegas. Did I leave the conference hotel to explore the Strip? Nope. Well, except for one dinner at a different hotel.

I’ve been told this is the photography conference of the year. The one you don’t want to miss. So, I went. And it didn’t disappoint.

From industry leaders delivering in-depth presentations on every photography topic imaginable to companies showcasing the latest gear and software, these conferences have it all. Think camera giants like Canon, Sony, and Nikon. Think software powerhouses like Adobe with Lightroom and Photoshop. And even companies pioneering AI specifically for photographers.

Beyond the tech, there are also educators teaching business strategies—how to streamline workflows, manage contracts, schedule clients, and optimize online galleries. Some speakers are purely there to inspire—reminding us why we love this work in the first place. It’s 3–4 full days of content, networking, and a showroom floor packed with everything a photographer could dream of.

Why Do I Keep Going to These Conferences?

Lately, I’ve been getting questions from family and friends about why I continue to attend these events year after year. So, I thought I’d share my reasons here.

Imagine this: You’ve had the same hairstylist for years, and while they do a fine job, you start wondering—are there newer techniques out there? Different tools? More modern styles?

So, what do you do? You ask around. And most people will tell you they love their hairstylist because they stay updated. They learn the latest trends, test new products, and—most importantly—they continue their education. How? By attending trainings and conferences.

That’s exactly why I go.

Photography is constantly evolving, and I want to make sure I’m staying ahead of the curve—whether it’s learning new editing techniques, improving my efficiency, or adopting emerging trends that will benefit my business. And when it benefits my business, it benefits you, my dear subscribers.

While WPPI (the conference I just attended) was massive—over 2,000 attendees, vendors, and speakers—I’ve also been to smaller, more intimate events that were just as valuable.

Below is a quick rundown of some of my favorite conferences and educational experiences.

WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International)

This is the Babe Ruth of photography conferences. While it originally catered to wedding photographers, it now covers all types of photography. The scale is huge, and the learning opportunities are endless.

SPAC (Sports Photographers Association Conference)

This one is geared toward volume photographers—people like me who work with large groups at once, such as school portraits, sports leagues, and corporate headshots. It’s also in Vegas but much smaller than WPPI, making it more focused and industry-specific.

The Reset Conference

This might be my favorite conference. It’s limited to about 200 attendees (mostly women photographers), and their philosophy is simple: no one conferences alone. If someone is sitting by themselves, they get invited into a group. It’s such a welcoming, supportive environment that fosters real connections. The content is fantastic, but the sense of community is what makes it feel like a big sister hug for three days.

Retreats

These are on my radar for the upcoming year! Retreats are smaller, usually 10–15 photographers, and often hosted in an Airbnb with all-inclusive perks—sometimes even a private chef. The focus is on deep-dive education, collaboration, and real talk about running a profitable, sustainable business without burnout. The best part? The friendships and shared experiences with others who truly get it.

Shoot-Alongs

These are more informal but still incredibly valuable. A host photographer organizes a styled shoot—often testing a new technique, location, or wardrobe collection. Families volunteer as models (not professional models, just those who answer a model call—more on that in another blog!). These events are usually paid but provide photographers with beautiful new images for their portfolio and marketing.

Final Thoughts

Attending conferences and workshops isn’t just about learning new tricks—it’s about staying inspired, connected, and always growing. Each time I invest in my education, I bring that knowledge back to my clients, ensuring they get the best possible experience.

If you’ve ever wondered why I keep going back, now you know! And who knows—maybe next year, I’ll be speaking at one of these conferences instead of just attending.

Would you be interested in hearing about my biggest takeaways from this year’s WPPI? Let me know in the comments!