2023 Nature Photography Summit
Super Sessions
You won’t want to miss these special, two- or three-hour Super Sessions! Ray Pfortner and Joe McDonald, two of our most popular presenters, take you on a deep dive into important issues like how to price your images and photographic techniques like macro photography and photostyling. Add one or more Super Sessions to round out your Summit experience and walk away with even more key insights to help your photography, your career, and your business.
SUMMIT – REGISTER – TRAVEL AND LODGING – SCHEDULE – KEYNOTE SPEAKERS – BREAKOUT SESSIONS – SUPER SESSIONS – FIELD TRIPS – PORTFOLIO REVIEWS – EXPO AND TRADE SHOW – FAQ
Cost: Each of Ray Pfortner’s Super Sessions is $50, payable during registration.

© Ray Pfortner
Ray Pfortner: Showing Your Photography: Why, What, Where, When and How (including the fine art of pricing)
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 2 – 4:00 p.m. Lecture
Have you ever been told you should show and sell your photography? Have you ever imagined exhibiting your photography? Explore the realities before you do, or to improve your next show experience if you have shown before. Showing is not to be entered into lightly – there are many challenges. But the opportunities are so worth it, if you plan thoughtfully and thoroughly. We will discuss all aspects, from approaching a venue and consignment agreements to selecting what to show and even how to hang and promote. We will also focus on the fine art of pricing – not just wall art and other retail products, but licensing to third parties, since licensing is a likely opportunity that comes from showing your work. You will learn how to avoid pricing in a vacuum, including where to turn for help to get the price your work deserves. (Headshot photo credit: Eva Blanchard)

© Ray Pfortner
Ray Pfortner: Photostyling: The Art Of Arranging
Sunday, May 7, 2023 8 – 10:00 a.m.
Increasingly the most memorable, most evocative nature photographs are not found but created. The photographer takes control, gathering and arranging what is in front of the lens. The key is having the imagination, taking this leap of faith to create something new and entirely your own, but also knowing restraint. We will explore the work of established photostylists like Andy Goldsworthy and Darrell Gulin. Then we will try our hand at photostyling our own images. Bring your camera. We will have a selection of materials, but consider bringing your own. For all skill levels wanting to step beyond the predictable. (Headshot photo credit: Eva Blanchard)

Sphinx moth © Joe McDonald
Joe McDonald: Effective Macro and Closeup Photography
This two-part supersession is $100, payable during registration.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 12-2:00 p.m. Lecture and demonstrations, and
Sunday, May 7, 2023 8-11:00 a.m. Hands-On Session
There are some key essentials everyone should know, and many do not, on making effective macro and closeup photographs. This Super Session will take a deep dive into macro photography. Joe McDonald will cover lenses, little understood depth of field concerns, flash techniques, and useful accessories. Joe will also talk about focus stacking and other computer techniques to yield stunning macro photography. The second part of this Super Session on Sunday is a chance practice these techniques with Joe McDonald by your side. Ask questions, show your work, get help with techniques and really learn how to do closeup photography.
Note: This is a two-part Super Session. Participants must enroll in both in Wednesday’s and Saturday’s sessions. Wednesday is a prerequisite for Sunday. Bring camera and gear to both sessions. Wednesday’s session will be a good chance to see what your equipment can do. Sunday’s session will be actually taking photos, so bring your tripod and any other necessary equipment.
