HANDS-ON PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION
FROM LEADING INDUSTRY EXPERTS
August 12-14, 2024 | Atlanta, GA
Bokeh Photo Summit
STARTS IN
DAYS
HOURS
MINS
SECS
speakers
OUR SPEAKERS
We’ve curated a lineup of amazing speakers to guide you on your journey of skill refinement and business advancement. Learn from industry leaders in wedding, portrait, and boudoir photography, as they take you to new heights in your professional journey.
Portraits
Branding
Boudoir
Portraits
Lighting
Lighting
Beauty
Weddings
Wedding Videography
Content Creation
Boudoir
Portraits
Marketing
Bethany Ellen
Maternity
CRYSTAL UQDAH
Branding
COMING SOON
Sales
Sponsored by Floricolor
Speakers
0
Attendees
0
+
Hours of Inspiration
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Photo Walks
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Amazing Experience
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CONFERENCE
ABOUT CONFERENCE
Embark on a transformative journey at the Bokeh Academy Photography Summit, an immersive experience crafted for photographers of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in hands-on shooting experiences amidst custom-designed bays and wedding sets, refining your craft within a supportive community. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive in a passionate community dedicated to the art of photography.
INFORMATIVE LECTURES
Delve into a wealth of knowledge as industry experts share insights that will inspire the growth of your business. Gain valuable perspectives that ignite new possibilities for advancement in your professional journey.
HANDS-ON TRAINING
Refine your skills through hands-on interactive learning experiences that offer unique opportunities to elevate your craft and bolster your portfolio that set you apart from your competition and help you attract your ideal client.
EXHIBIT HALL
Our tradeshow features some of the leading companies in our industry. Showcasing the latest photography-related products, services, and technologies and also offers additional portfolio building and networking opportunities.
Sponsors
OUR SPONSORS
Get Tickets
Book Your Ticket
General
$599
3 Day FULL Conference Pass
$599
FREE Album from Floricolor ($200 Value)
Standard Registration
Ticket is non-refundable/transferable
VIP
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
EVERYTHING IN GENERAL PLUS
VIP Gift Bag
Early Registration
VIP Party Pass
Custom Company T-Shirt
Exclusive Portfolio Review Webinar
Lifetime Access to conference replay
Ticket is non-refundable/transferable
Schedule
EVENT SCHEDULE
With a blend of insightful talks and in-depth hands-on training sessions. Our schedule is geared to boost not just your technical skills but also your business know-how. With limited class space, secure your spot by registering now, ensuring you won’t miss a single moment.
AUG 12
AUG 13
AUG 14
AUG 12
when & where
8:30am
Buckhead Room
Seminar
Welcome
André Brown
Kick off Bokeh Summit with a warm welcome from founder Andre Brown. In this opening address, Andre will set the tone for the days ahead—sharing what makes this event special, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your experience. Get ready to be inspired, connect with your community, and dive into an unforgettable journey of creativity and growth.
9:00-10:45am
Buckhead Theater
Keynote
Big Sales Energy
Felicia Reed
Sponsored by Konpoli
At 40, Felicia Reed walked away from her 9-to-5 and built a thriving luxury photography business from scratch—completely redefining what success looked like in her life. In this powerful keynote, Felicia shares the mindset shifts, sales strategies, and client experience secrets that helped her step into her worth and sell with unshakable confidence. This class will help you overcome pricing fear, craft an unforgettable luxury experience, and unlock the revenue you’ve been leaving on the table. It’s not just about making more—it’s about showing up fully in your power and building a business that supports the life you truly want. Because when you lead with Big Sales Energy, abundance follows.
11:00-12:45pm
Buckhead Room
Live Demo
Empowering Female Portraits: Posing and Lighting with Purpose
Marta Ponsko
Step into the studio with Marta as she shares her expert techniques for posing and lighting women in a way that flatters every body type and celebrates individuality. With a focus on maternity, fashion-inspired, and contemporary portraits, this class will teach you how to guide your subjects with confidence, sculpt with light to enhance or conceal, and create images that feel both powerful and beautiful. Marta will also dive into the emotional side of portraiture—how to build trust, boost confidence, and help women feel seen and radiant, even if they walk in feeling unsure
11:00-12:45pm
East/West Paces
Seminar
The Headshot Side-Hustle
Gary Hughes
Portrait and wedding photographers often struggle with the slow season—but what if you could build a steady income stream with headshots without diluting your boutique brand? In this class, you’ll learn how to craft and grow a headshot brand, understand different job types and pricing models, communicate effectively with B2B clients, and implement simple yet powerful marketing strategies. Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding an existing offering, this session will give you the tools to keep your studio busy year-round.
11:00-12:45pm
Presidential Suite
Hands-On
Capturing Authentic Connection in Couples Boudoir
Ria Rouse
In this Hands-On, we’ll focus on what happens before the main shot—the small, easy-to-miss moments that show real connection. I’ll show you how to spot them, shoot them, and help your couples ease into natural, intimate movement without rushing.
11:00-12:45pm
Ballroom Foyer
Hands-On
Creating Vibrant Portraits with Color Gels
Ivan Duran
Discover how to bring new life to your portrait photography with the creative use of colored gels. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn to set up lighting with gels, experiment with vibrant color effects, and craft unique visual moods. Whether you’re looking to add subtle enhancements or bold statements to your portraits, you’ll gain practical techniques and creative insights that transform your images.
2:00-4:00p
Buckhead Theater
Seminar
Profit like a Pro: Capturing hidden cash in your business
Prudence Rufus
Sponsored by 17 Hats
Many photographers unknowingly miss out on valuable tax deductions, better pricing strategies, and smarter business structures that could put thousands back in their pockets. Prudence reveals the most common money mistakes photographers make and practical, easy-to-implement fixes that lead to higher profits, lower taxes, and long-term financial success.
2:00-4:00p
East/West Paces
Seminar
Words for Photographers: Find Your Voice. Build Your Brand
Damaly Shepherd
Are your images strong but your marketing falling flat? Join photographer and coach Damaly Shepherd for a powerful session on communicating your value in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. You’ll learn how to craft messaging that sets you apart, attract premium clients who align with your values, and create content that connects—without burnout. Walk away with actionable strategies, a downloadable guide, and a renewed approach to marketing that honors both your business and your creativity.
4:00-5:45p
Buckhead Theater
Hands-On
Mastering Long Exposure for Creative Studio Portraits
Bee Trofort-Wilson
Bee Trofort-Wilson breaks down lighting concepts to help you create bold, dynamic portraits of athletes and models. Whether you’re photographing a yoga instructor, high school senior, or fashion talent, Bee will guide you through the process of using long exposure to craft visually striking and unforgettable images. You’ll learn how to master the right studio lighting and camera settings for long exposure, and how to incorporate color gels, grids, and a variety of modifiers to elevate your portraits. Bee will also share her approach to directing athletes and models with confidence, ensuring you capture both energy and emotion in every frame. This class delivers practical techniques you can immediately apply to your own sessions—no matter your photography focus.
4:00-5:45p
Buckhead Theater
Hands-On
Light in Harmony: Balancing Constant at Artificial Light
Jiggie Alejandrino
This hands-on lighting workshop is designed for photographers who want to elevate their ability to seamlessly blend ambient and artificial light in any environment—indoors or out. Through guided instruction and live shooting opportunities, you’ll learn how to assess available light, make intentional lighting decisions, and use off-camera flash to enhance rather than overpower your scene. From soft, natural looks to bold, dramatic effects, this class will help you understand light direction, quality, and balance so you can create images that feel timeless and intentional. You’ll have the opportunity to set up, light, and photograph a model, walking away not only with new skills but with portfolio-ready images you created yourself.
4:00-5:45p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
Creative Wedding Portraits with OCF
Justin Benson
Sponsored by Aftershoot
Elevate your wedding photography game as we guide you through the art of using off-camera flash to create stunning, beautifully lit moments. Join us to master the techniques that will make your wedding photos shine with elegance and sophistication.
4:00-5:45p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
Photographing Spaces: Techniques for Real Estate and Interiors
Brian Wagoner
Learn how to capture spaces that sell with this in-depth class on real estate and interior photography. You’ll explore essential techniques for lighting, composition, and styling that help showcase homes, commercial spaces, and architectural details in their best light. From shooting tight condos to sprawling estates, you’ll gain strategies for working with natural and artificial light, minimizing distortion, and creating images that highlight flow, function, and atmosphere. Whether you’re shooting for realtors, designers, or builders, this class will give you the tools to create clean, compelling visuals that elevate listings and attract clients.
4:30-7:00p
Westin Pool
Live Demo / Hands-On
Dive In: The Essentials of Underwater Photography
Ric Lewis
Dive into the world of underwater photography with this fun, fast-paced beginner class. Designed as the perfect starting point, you’ll learn the essentials—safety tips, must-have gear, lighting techniques, and camera settings—so you can confidently capture stunning images beneath the surface. You’ll also pick up practical hacks to make your first underwater shoot a success, no prior experience needed. Come curious, leave confident, and start seeing the water through a whole new lens.
6:00-7:00p
Buckhead Room
Seminar
Level Up Your AI Workflow: Ultimate Social Media Hack
Jen Stitt
Ready to stop guessing and start posting with purpose? In this high-impact class, Jen—AI expert and creative strategist—will show you how to streamline your content creation using AI tools that save time, reduce overwhelm, and deliver branded, audience-focused posts with ease. Whether you’re a busy photographer, creator, or entrepreneur, you’ll learn how to ditch generic filler content and craft engaging, on-brand messaging that stands out. From generating dynamic captions to integrating AI into your daily workflow, this session is your shortcut to smarter, faster, and more impactful social media.
6:00-7:00p
East/West Paces
Seminar
Google Loves You (If You Let It): Stand Out With Smart SEO & Blogging
Candace Connor
Your dream clients are searching—your website should be ready to meet them. In this session, we’ll explore how to elevate your online presence through intentional SEO, full-site optimization, and meaningful blog content. I’ll share the free and affordable tools I use to get found on Google and turn organic traffic into aligned, high-value bookings without relying on trends or paid ads.
6:00-7:00p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
Shoot the Story: Fast Posing, Real Emotion, Powerful Images
Marvin Blue
In Shoot the Story: Fast Posing, Real Emotion, Powerful Images, we’ll get straight to the point—how to pose your couples fast, capture real emotions, and tell their story through every shot. This hands-on class is all about working efficiently without losing the heart of the moment. You’ll learn how to move quickly, keep things natural, and make each photo count, all while building a narrative that flows. By the end, you’ll walk away with the skills to shoot stunning images without the stress, making every frame a part of a bigger story.
6:00-7:00p
Presidential Suite
Hands-On
Posing, Lighting, and Styling for Male Boudoir
Katrina Cross-Daniels
Step into the world of male boudoir photography and learn how to create bold, confident, and compelling portraits that celebrate strength, vulnerability, and individuality. This class will guide you through the essentials of posing, lighting, and styling specifically for male clients. You’ll explore techniques for sculpting the body with light, directing authentic expressions, and styling sessions that reflect each client’s personality and comfort level. If you’re ready to expand your portfolio and offer a more inclusive, empowering boudoir experience, this class is for you.
8:00-10:30p
Buckhead Theater
Opening Mixer
Come and celebrate the commencement of the Bokeh Summit at our lively opening night mixer! Connect with fellow photographers, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere, get to know the models and unwind amidst an exciting and dynamic conference ahead.
AUG 13
when & were
9:00a-10:45
Buckhead Room
Seminar
Business Blueprint for Commercial Photographers
Stevie Reid
This workshop is designed to help photographers navigate the essential business aspects of their career. Focusing on critical areas like contracts , pricing strategies, business insurance, and intellectual property protection, this class will equip photographers with the tools and knowledge they need to manage the business side of their craft. By understanding how to structure contracts, set competitive prices, protect their work, and manage risks, photographers can build a sustainable and profitable business. Perfect for those looking to establish a solid foundation for long-term success in the photography industry.
9:00-10:00a
East/West Paces
Seminar
The Business of Personal Brand Photography
Crystal Uqdah
Join us for an immersive workshop designed for experienced photographers ready to elevate their personal branding photography business. This session will dive deep into advanced techniques and strategies to help you stand out in a crowded market. Learn how to identify and cater to niches, from solopreneurs to small businesses, and develop comprehensive packages that meet diverse client needs.
11:00-12:45p
Buckhead Room
Live Demo
Fine Art Fashion: Blending Style and Story in Modern Portraiture
Jonny Edward
Sponsored by Millers Photo Lab
Step beyond surface-level beauty and into the world of intentional, story-driven portraiture. In this class, Jonny Edward guides you through his creative process for blending fine art aesthetics with fashion-inspired styling to create portraits that evoke emotion and narrative. You’ll explore how to develop a cohesive visual concept, work with light to sculpt mood, and pose with purpose to capture authenticity. Learn how to elevate your work by weaving style, symbolism, and story into every frame—whether you’re working with models or everyday clients.
11:00-12:45p
East / West Paces
Seminar
Shoot, Show, & Sell: Maximizing Sales with Same-day Photo Reveal
Angelica Pompy
Teach photographers how to elevate their client experience and boost product sales with seamless same-day photo reveals. Photographers will learn strategies for preparing, executing, and showcasing client images right after the session, creating instant emotional impact. They’ll leave ready to confidently lead their clients from camera to cart, turning that “wow” moment into a full-on sales celebration!
11:00-12:45p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
Crazy, Stupid, Light 2.0
Scott Robert Lim
Sponsored by Cheetah Stand
Take your lighting skills to the next level in this hands-on course designed for photographers ready to move beyond basic flash techniques. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, events, or creative setups, this workshop will show you how to master off-camera flash with confidence and control.
You’ll learn how to manage multiple flashes for dimensional lighting, creatively use gels to correct white balance or add dramatic flair, and balance flash with ambient light in both indoor and outdoor settings. You’ll also explore the use of diffusers and modifiers—like softboxes and umbrellas—to create soft, flattering light
11:00-12:45p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
8 Creative Wedding Portraits in 2 Minutes
Michelle Harris
Sponsored by Sigma
Get ready to unlock bold, creative wedding portraits—fast. In this hands-on photowalk, Michelle Harris will show you how to capture **8 unique shots in just 2 minutes** using simple tools and quick-thinking techniques that add major variety under pressure. You’ll learn how to move with purpose, elevate your creativity, and stand out with images that look anything but rushed. If you’re ready to shoot smarter and level up your portrait game, this is the class you don’t want to miss.
12:30-2:00p
Buckhead Room
Lunch & Learn
From Capture to Creation: AI Tools for Photographers
Justin Benson
Sponsored by Aftershoot
Discover how to harness the power of technology to take your photography business to the next level. In this class, you’ll learn how to streamline your workflow, enhance your client experience, and market your brand with precision and creativity. From automation tools to modern marketing strategies, we’ll show you how to work smarter—not harder—while standing out in a crowded market. If you’re ready to grow your business and wow your clients at every step, this session is for you.
1:30-6:30p
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall & Shoot Bays
Visit with our vendors, explor new tech and hone in your new found skills at our open shoot shooting bays. This is the ultimately playground for photographers to test new gear and expand your portfolios. Need help? The team of Bokeh Coaches are available at the shooting bays to assist you.
3:30-4:45p
Exhibit Hall
Hands-On
Mastering the Modern Headshot: Lighting, Expression & Impact
Yvens B
Sponsored by Tamron
What makes a headshot truly perfect? In this class, commercial and headshot photographer Yvens B. walks you through his proven process for creating striking, clean, and client-approved headshots every time. From lighting setups that work in tight spaces to subtle posing cues and expression coaching, you’ll learn exactly how to elevate your headshot work. You’ll also discover Yvens’ approach to working with professionals, actors, and corporate teams — including how to prep clients, deliver consistent results, and maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re looking to refine your style or scale your headshot business, this class is packed with actionable insights.
4:30-5:45p
Exhibit Hall
Live Demo
Prism Play: Painting with light and color
Amber Henry
Ready to add a burst of creativity to your images? In Prism Play, Amber Henry-Spencer takes you beyond the basics and into the world of refracted light, reflections, and vibrant color using prisms and creative modifiers. Learn how to use simple tools to add dimension, emotion, and visual interest to your portraits—right in-camera. Amber will walk you through her process for shooting with intention, experimenting with light, and embracing the unexpected to create artistic, eye-catching results. Whether you’re working in natural light or flash, this class will help you unlock new creative potential and elevate your portfolio with bold, painterly images.
8:00p-12:00a
East/West Paces
Party
Trap Karaoke
Unwind with your fellow attendees after a long day of learning at Trap Karaoke. Join the fun by performing one of your favorite hip-hop or R&B hits, or simply hang out, enjoy some food and drinks, and relax as you recharge for Day 3.
AUG 14
when & were
8:30-8:45a
Buckhead Room
Keynote
Closing Remarks
André Brown
his is your moment to reflect, recharge, and walk away inspired. We’ll celebrate the connections made, the knowledge shared, and the growth sparked over the past few days—while giving you one last dose of motivation to take your creativity and business to the next level…. Plus a few surprises!!!
8:45-9:00a
Buckhead Room
Spark Session
The Power of Automation
Pic time
Explore how Pic-time’s innovative automations can transform your workflow, elevate client experiences, and reclaim valuable time. Discover practical strategies to optimize your sales process and gallery management, ensuring the ultimate client experience and empowering you to generate revenue effortlessly, even while you sleep.
9:00-10:45a
Buckhead Room
Keynote
The Psychology of the Story: How to Hook, Persuade, and Sell Without Selling
Joey Thomas
Sponsored by Intuition Backgrounds
People don’t just buy photography. They buy feelings, stories, and certainty. This keynote breaks down how to use proven psychological hooks and story frameworks to create messaging that connects fast and sells naturally. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, seniors, or any work that requires speaking to another human being, you’ll discover how to position your offer, communicate your value, and close more clients without sounding salesy or lowering your price. If you want to turn attention into income and master the art of high-converting conversations, this is the class you can’t afford to miss.
11:00a – 12:45p
Buckhead Room
Live Demo
Dramatic Lighting Techniques for Maternity Portraits
Esther Kay
Sponsored by Dreambooks Pro
Discover how to create dramatic, emotive, and artful maternity portraits by mastering the use of light and shadow. This immersive class covers lighting fundamentals, posing techniques that flatter and evoke emotion, and creative methods like chiaroscuro and backlighting to add mood and depth. Whether you’re working with natural light or studio setups, you’ll learn to sculpt light intentionally and elevate your maternity work with elegance and timeless artistry.
11:00a – 12:45p
East West Paces
Seminar
AI-Powered SEO for Photographers
Myrna Daramy
Think SEO is dead? It’s not—it’s evolving with AI, and this class shows you how to harness it to grow your photography business. Learn how AI can help boost your visibility, attract high-intent clients, and write smarter, faster content. You’ll leave with five actionable steps to make your website more discoverable and the confidence to let search engines do the heavy lifting in bringing clients to you.
11:00a – 12:45p
Bokeh Ballroom
Hands-On
Master Reception Lighting
Andre Brown
Sponsored by Westcott
In this interactive session, Andre will lead you through a fully decorated 4000 sqft ballroom, unveiling his strategies for lighting wedding receptions. You’ll gain insight into multiple lighting techniques for capturing the décor, speeches, and dancing, with both constant light and off-camera flash. By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with stunning images to add to your portfolio and the essentials to transform even the most modest wedding into a lavish affair.
11:00a – 12:45p
Presidential Suite
Hands-On
Dynamic Posing for Boudoir: Create More, Sell More
Marco Ibanez
Sponsored by Dreambooks Pro
Join us for a focused photowalk dedicated to mastering dynamic boudoir posing techniques that maximize both creativity and efficiency. In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn how to produce a wide range of high-impact images in a short amount of time, using thoughtful transitions and subtle adjustments that require minimal movement from your client. This approach not only enhances the client experience by keeping them comfortable and confident, but also allows you to deliver a larger gallery—leading to increased product sales and overall client satisfaction. Ideal for photographers looking to elevate their workflow and results.
11:30-12:30p
Exhibit Hall
Photo Walk
TBD
TBD
…
1:15-2:00p
Buckhead Room
Lunch & Learn
Shoot, Show, Sell: Increasing your revenue with Fundy Designer
Michelle Harris
Sponsored by Fundy Designer
Ready to boost your photography income without burning out? In this class, you’ll learn how to use Fundy Designer to streamline your workflow from shoot to sale. Discover how to design albums and wall art quickly, present with impact, and increase your average sales with less effort. We’ll cover proven strategies for in-person and virtual sales that help you sell confidently and consistently. Whether you’re new to IPS or looking to level up, this session will show you how to turn every session into a high-value experience. Walk away with a clear system to grow your revenue and wow your clients.
1:30-6:30p
Exhibit Hall
Exhibit Hall & Shoot Bays
Visit with our vendors, explor new tech and hone in your new found skills at our open shoot shooting bays. This is the ultimately playground for photographers to test new gear and expand your portfolios. Need help? The team of Bokeh Coaches are available at the shooting bays to assist you.
8:00p-12:00a
Bokeh Ballroom
Finale Party
Excellence Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening of dinner and drinks at our Finale Party! Put on your finest attire for this black-tie optional affair, and let’s toast to the spectacular conclusion of the inaugural Bokeh Photo Summit. Let’s celebrate in style as we mark the beginning of many more years to come. Don’t miss out on this elegant and memorable celebration!
HOST HOTEL
WHERE TO STAY
Westin Buckhead Atlanta
Stay in the heart of the action with onsite accommodations, granting you instant access to enriching lectures, exclusive photo walks, lively parties and invaluable networking opportunities with fellow attendees and sponsors. Not to mention, Attendees staying on site will receive an exclusive conference gift bag.
FAQs
YES! We’ve selected an amazing team of models to be available for you to shoot all 3 days of the event. Along with professional hair and makeup and styling so they look their best for you while you level up your portfolio.
Class registration is set to begin July 10th with First access to classes for the VIP attendees. Registration for basic ticket holders will be July 17th at which time you can register to claim access to the remaining class spots.
Although we don’t want to force anyone to dress up, we highly encourage it. Bokeh Summit is an event catering to creatives who want to appeal to a luxury clientele, of course we want to go out in style.
You should stay at the host hotel of course. The Summit is jam packed with events from classes to social gatherings, don’t miss a moment by trying to stay someplace else. Plus we’ve secured a group rate that you can take advantage of several days before and after the summit so you can plan time to see the sights in Atlanta.
Message us at info@bokehacademy.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
QUESTIONS?
Support