Whether your goal is to check out the latest technology, connect with like-minded creators, or find clients to grow your business, attending a photography conference is certainly not a bad idea. Here in the United States, you’ll find a ton of different photography conferences of all sizes. We’ve gone ahead and rounded up some of the biggest photography conventions in the U.S. in 2024 to help you pick the best conferences to attend.
Biggest Photography Conventions
Imaging USA (January 28th – January 30th, 2024)
Imaging USA is a three-day photography convention brought to you by Professional Photographers of America (PPA). It takes place at the end of January in Louisville, Kentucky. It aims to not only help inspire you, but also help you grow your photography business. The 2024 edition of Imaging USA features over 90 speakers with inspiring keynote presentations, dozens of classes, exclusive discounts on photography products, and a tight-knit, supportive community.
On average, Imaging USA sees about 10,000 photographers from all over the world every year. This makes it a premiere opportunity for networking. You can be certain that no matter how niché your photography style is, you’ll be able to find like-minded individuals. The photography conference is held in conjunction with the International Photographic Competition (IPC). You can join the final award ceremony to view hundreds of award-winning images to help spark your creativity. If all of that isn’t enough, you’ll also love the photography expo. Here, you can get your hands on the latest gear and connect with representatives from your favorite brands. No matter what kind of photographer you are, you’ll get excellent value from attending Imaging USA.
Lens and Light (February 26th – February 29th, 2024)
Taking place at the end of February in New England, this photography convention is both an educational and a networking opportunity for photographers. The convention features 23 different speakers that are experts in everything from underwater portraits, to marketing, to astrophotography and everything in between. The convention creators have made four different tracks for you to choose from, including wedding, portrait, commercial, and creative. Regardless of your interests, picking the right track will reward you with classes that’ll help hone your craft in your respective style of photography.
WPPI (March 3rd – March 7th, 2024)
The WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photography International) takes place every year in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is catered particularly towards wedding and portrait photographers. This photography convention is for photographers of all skill levels. You can expect the convention to help you expand your business and learn new techniques to use both in the field and during post processing. Additionally, each day is loaded with keynote speakers from industry leaders, gear demos, hands-on experiences, and networking events.
This year in particular, WPPI had some additions to help photographers get involved and test their skills. A brand new feature called “The Playground” allows photographers to try out gear to capture portfolio-worthy images. “Master Series” summits give photographers all-day sessions taught by industry experts. These focus on particular skills to help you level-up your photography. Also, a new “Platinum Pass” gives you exclusive access to 1:1 mentor sessions and image reviews. This also includes an enticing private cocktail party with special speakers.
Whether you want to sharpen your camera skills or learn the best business practices to acquire clients, WPPI is one you can’t afford to miss if you’re a wedding and portrait photographer.
Shutterfest (April 2nd – April 4th, 2024)
Shutterfest is a photography convention taking place in April of 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri. This event is a little different from most photography conferences. It focuses more on hands-on classes and interactive experiences, as opposed to traditional lecture-style presentations. You can expect a lot of experiences where you’ll be the one pressing the shutter, opposed to writing down notes. Like most other conventions, you can expect industry leaders to help guide you through the whole process to help you sharpen your skills.
Shutterfest is adamant about making the convention highly shapeable to fit your needs, whether you’re a professional, someone who just picked up a camera, or anything in between. If you want to go on photo walks and attend shooting classes, you can spend your whole three days doing it. If you’re more interested in refining your business skills, you can spend your time attending classes on business. Want to network with vendors and ambassadors at your favorite brand? You’ll find that on the trade show floor. Regardless of what you hope to get out of the convention, Shutterfest is a truly moldable experience to help you in whatever pursuits you’re after.
ClickCon (2024 dates TBD)
Detroit is the backdrop for this four-day photography conference where the majority of the classes are taught as hands-on. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from many industry experts, borrow, and use new gear to capture photos of on-site models. There are over 150+ models for you to photograph. You can expect to grow your portfolio from this conference, making it perfect for photographers just starting their business. In addition, you can hit the trade show floor to snag stellar deals on the latest camera equipment or network with representatives from your favorite brands.
With 2024 just around the corner, planning to invest in yourself is one of the best choices you can make. No matter what you photograph or how you learn, if you want to be inspired and take your creativity and photography to the next level, there is a convention for you.
