speakers
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, maternity and boudoir photography, as they take you to new heights in your professional journey.
Maternity
Portraits
Lighting
Headshots
Content Creation
Marketing
Marketing
Boudoir
Lighting
Content Creation
Wedding Videography
Bethany Ellen
Maternity
Speakers
0
Attendees
0
Hours of Inspiration
0
Amazing Experience
0
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
SPONSORS
Get Tickets
GET YOUR TICKETS
Discount Applied After Coupon | Expires Dec 2
Discount already applied to Payment Plans
General
$499
Price after promo code applied
3 Day FULL Conference Pass
$599
Standard Registration
General Party Pass
Ticket is non-refundable/transferable
VIP
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Price after promo code applied
EVERYTHING IN GENERAL PLUS
Early Registration
VIP Swag Bag
VIP Party Pass
Access to Summit ’26 replay
VIP-Only Trainings & Events
Guaranteed Selection for Bokeh Las Vegas Workshop 2027
Ticket is non-refundable/transferable
Creator Pass
$169
$199
2 Day Expo & Shooting Bays ONLY
July 28 + 29 ONLY | 1PM-5PM
Ticket is non-refundable/transferable
Get Tickets
TICKETS
Discount Applied After Coupon | Expires Dec 2
Discount already applied to Payment Plans
General
$499
Price after promo code applied
3 Day FULL Conference Pass
$599
Standard Registration
General Party Pass
$200 Dreambooks Pro Credit
Ticket is non-refundable/transferable
VIP
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
$799
$1299
Price after promo code applied
EVERYTHING IN GENERAL PLUS
Early Registration
VIP Swag Bag
VIP Party Pass
Access to Summit ’26 replay
VIP-Only Trainings & Events
Guaranteed Selection for Bokeh Las Vegas Workshop 2027
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.
**Class Registration Begins June 15 for VIP Tickets & July 1 for General Tickets**
*Note: The schedule is subject to change, always reference the app for the latest schedule times & locations of each session.
JULY 26
JULY 27
JULY 28
JULY 29
JULY 26
when & where
2:00-8:00p
Buckhead Room
Registration Opens
Claim your badge and get ready for the week ahead!
3:00-8:00p
Off Site Location
VIP ONLY
Photo Field Day
Charles Nguyen & David Loi
Sponsored by Cheetah Stand
VIP attendees will walk into a location transformed into an exclusive location with multiple live sets. Each scene is styled, lit, and ready for you to work. You rotate through curated setups across every major genre: Weddings, Engagement, Boudoir, Beauty and Swim.
In true Bokeh fashion, every detail is handled for you. Models are prepped. Wardrobe is styled. Scenes are built for depth and variety. You focus on shooting, creating, and walking away with work you can actually use to book clients. Access is EXCLUSIVE to VIP attendees only. No add-ons. No day passes. If you are not VIP, you are not in the room.
4:30-5:45pm
Buckhead Ballroom
Hands-On
From Fear to Flash
JC Carey
Sponsored by Westcott
If off-camera flash feels intimidating, confusing, or just downright scary—you’re not alone. In From Fear to Flash, JC Carey breaks lighting down to the basics in a fun, approachable way designed specifically for photographers who’ve been avoiding artificial light. You’ll learn how to confidently add flash to your toolkit using Westcott’s latest wireless system, with hands-on demos that demystify gear, settings, modifiers, and more. Whether you’re using a speedlight or a strobe, this class will show you how to take control of your lighting, spark new creativity, and finally make flash work for you—not against you. No stress. No math. Just practical tools, real-world tips, and a whole new level of confidence behind the camera.
JULY 27
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 Room
Keynote
Shooting the Dramatic Portrait
Chris Knight
Sponsored by Konpoli
If you want to create memorable and dramatic portraiture, this class is a ‘must-see.’ Chris Knight will cover six essential tips to transform your lighting techniques to create drama. He’ll cover topics as diverse as personal style, ratios, cutting light, tightly controlled modifiers, painting broadly and mixing different qualities of light. After taking this class you’ll be prepared with new tools and techniques to take your portraiture to the next level.
11:00-12:45pm
Buckhead Room
Live Demo
Studio Lighting: From Essential Setups to Total Creative Control
Eli Infante
Join Eli Infante for a live, hands-on demonstration in which he breaks down studio lighting into simple, repeatable setups and shows you how to transform those foundations into dynamic, creative looks.
This 1-hour-and-45-minute session is perfect for photographers who want to build confidence in the studio while learning to create both clean, client-ready portraits and more stylized, portfolio-driven work.
You’ll start with the essentials, learning fail-proof lighting setups for consistent, professional results using minimal gear. Then, Eli will build on that foundation by introducing creative tools, such as the optical spot, to shape light with precision and add depth, drama, and storytelling to your images.
To finish, he’ll demonstrate how to maximize efficiency using Westcott’s Creative Mask feature, allowing you to create multiple lighting variations without changing your setup, perfect for high-volume sessions or delivering more variety in less time.
11:00-12:45pm
East/West Paces
Seminar
Turning 2K weddings into a 10K portfolio
Michelle Harris
Sponsored by Sigma
You don’t need luxury budgets to build a luxury-looking portfolio – you need strategy. In this fast, actionable class, you’ll learn how to transform everyday venues and timelines into editorial, high-end work that attracts premium clients. We’ll cover quick wins you can use at your very next wedding and a repeatable plan to upgrade your portfolio in 30 days.
You’ll learn how to:
* Scout micro-locations and craft clean, timeless backgrounds anywhere
* Pose couples with confident, elevated direction that photographs “luxury”
* Light fast (natural or flash) for crisp, cinematic images on tight timelines
* Design styled shoots that look expensive and leverage them for bookings
* Edit & curate like a magazine: color, consistency, and storytelling that sells
* Package your best work for Instagram, website, and consults to raise rates
11:00-12:45pm
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
The Fine Art Process from Start To Finish | Part 1
Ric Lewis
Step into a slower, more intentional way of seeing photography. This class/demo is designed to elevate how you observe and capture the world around you. Together, we’ll explore light, texture, form, and emotion—focusing not just on what we see, but how we interpret it through a creative lens. This experience encourages thoughtful composition, storytelling, and the beauty of subtle details.
11:00-12:45p
Presidential Suite
Hands-On
Boudoir & Brand: Photographing From Self-Intimacy
Latoya Dixon Smith
In an industry often driven by trends, posing formulas, and performance, this workshop invites photographers back into authentic connection with themselves and their artistry.
Boudoir & Brand explores how a photographer’s relationship with their own self-expression, sensuality, confidence, and emotional honesty directly shapes the images they create and the clients they attract.
Through guided discussion, live demonstration, and hands-on shooting, attendees will learn how to:
– Develop a recognizable artistic voice rooted in authenticity
– Create emotionally resonant client experiences
– Direct clients from presence instead of performance
– Build deeper trust and connection during sessions
– Use embodiment, movement, and storytelling to create more meaningful imagery
– Understand how personal intimacy and self-awareness influence brand identity and creative work
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to move beyond imitation and create boudoir work that feels personal, intentional, and unmistakably their own.
1:00-2:00p
Buckhead Room
Lunch & Learn
Crafting the Ultimate Family Session Experience
Carol DeAnda
Sponsored by 17 Hats
Great family sessions don’t start when you pick up your camera. They start the moment a client finds you. In this class I’ll walk you through my process from first contact to final delivery and show you how every touchpoint builds the kind of trust that makes clients easy to work with and excited to invest.
We’ll cover albums, client communication, location guidance, clothing help, and how I plant the seed for sales long before anyone sits down in a reveal. I’ll also get into the real stuff, working with difficult ages, keeping grumpy dads engaged, and my family posing flow system for moving through sessions in the most efficient order possible. Spoiler: it involves a lot of energy, my must have shots, and yes, animal sounds.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can use immediately to run smoother sessions, connect more deeply with your clients, and build a family photography experience that keeps your clients coming back year after year!
1:00-2:00p
Ballroom Foyer
Live Demo
Creating Luxury Sets with Simple Materials
Esther Kay
Learn how to transform any space into a high-end, client-ready set that feels intentional, elevated, and unforgettable. In this class, we’ll break down the art of set design how to create depth, dimension, and visual impact using simple materials like paper, fabric, frames, and backdrops. You’ll discover how to think like a designer, build sets with purpose, and create signature looks that instantly separate your work from the crowd. This is where creativity meets strategy turning everyday setups into luxury experiences your clients will invest in.
2:00-6:00p
Exhibit Hall
Hands-On
Exhibit Hall & Shoot Bays
TBD
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.
4:00-5:30p
Exhibit Hall
Hands-On
No Studio, No Limits: Shooting with Confidence Anywhere
Toni Shaw
What if you didn’t need a studio to create powerful, professional images?
Join this hands-on photo walk designed for beginner to intermediate photographers who are ready to break free from controlled environments and start creating anywhere. In this real-world experience, you’ll learn how to see light differently, adapt quickly, and build confidence shooting on location—no matter the conditions.
Using just 1–2 off-camera flashes, we’ll explore how to shape, control, and elevate natural light in unpredictable environments. You’ll see how simple lighting setups can produce dynamic, polished results without the need for bulky gear or a traditional studio.
If you’ve ever felt limited by not having a studio, this session will change how you shoot for years to come.
4:00-5:30p
Exhibit Hall
Hands-On
No Studio Required. Headshot Lighting That Works Anywhere
Anthony LaMothe
You don’t need a full studio to create clean, professional headshots. You just need to understand how to use light effectively. This class is designed to simplify your process and build confidence. By the end, you’ll know how to walk into any room, set up your lights efficiently, and deliver consistent, professional headshots.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to build simple, repeatable headshot setups using portable lighting in a small, controlled space. I’ll walk you through my 2 to 3 “go-to” setups using tools you probably already have to work quickly, look professional, and most importantly to make your clients look great.
We’ll start with a short intro and some core principles, then I’ll demonstrate each setup step-by-step, explaining how and why it works so you can recreate it confidently in your own sessions. Most importantly, this is a PHOTOWALK, so come camera-ready with your camera in hand. You’ll pair up, shoot each other, and rotate between sets while refining your ability to direct, and shoot with intention.
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.
8:00-10:30p
Ballroom Foyer
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.
JULY 28
when & were
9:00a-10:45
Buckhead Room
Keynote
Booked Solid: Proven Facebook Ads Strategies for a Six-Figure Photo Studio
Michael Anthony
Most photographers run Facebook ads on hope. They boost a post, throw a couple hundred dollars at it, get three junk leads, and call paid social broken.
I run ads as the engine behind two studios, one in Texas and one in California, and they book my calendars year-round at a cost per lead that still pencils out in 2026.
In this class I’m going to break down the exact system. How I structure offers that pull qualified buyers instead of price shoppers. The creative and ad copy that’s converting cold traffic right now, not the playbook everyone screenshot off YouTube three years ago. The funnel from first click to booked consultation, daily spend targets, and the numbers I watch in the first 14 days to decide if a campaign lives or dies.
I’ll also walk through how I use video to build trust before the consult, the audience and creative tests that actually move the needle, and the shift from optimizing for leads to optimizing for buyers, which is the single change that did more for my close rate than anything else.
If you’re tired of waiting on referrals and ready to fill your calendar from cold traffic on demand, this is the playbook I run every day across both markets.
11:00-12:45p
Buckhead Room
Live Demo
Light for Emotion, Pose with Purpose
Esther Kay
Sponsored by Millers Photo Lab
Master the connection between posing and lighting to create powerful, flattering, and emotive images every time. In this class, you’ll learn how to guide your clients with confidence while using light to shape, sculpt, and enhance the body. We’ll cover how small adjustments in pose and light direction can completely transform a final image creating softness, drama, or editorial impact with intention. This is about control, consistency, and creating images that not only look beautiful—l but feel elevated and sell.
11:00-12:45p
East / West Paces
Seminar
Building Campaigns That Create Demand and Drive Revenue
Felicia Reed
Your next big revenue stream might not be a discount or mini-session…
It might be a campaign people can’t stop talking about.
Using real numbers and lessons from the Empower Over 40 campaign, Felicia Reed shares how photographers can create mission-driven campaigns that attract incredible clients, elevate brand authority, and generate serious income.
In this class, you’ll learn how to:
• Create a campaign rooted in purpose and passion
• Build an offer clients want to say yes to
• Price for profitability, not survival
• Market your campaign with messaging that creates demand
• Use campaigns as a repeatable income strategy in your business
Attendees will leave with a plug-and-play campaign framework, pricing guide, and actionable steps to launch a profitable campaign of their own.
4:00-5:00p
Exhibit Hall
Hands-On
The Family Posing Flow Blueprint
Carol DeAnda
Sponsored by Tamron
Most photographers leave family sessions feeling defeated or unsure if they got everything they needed. What if you never had to guess again? In this hands-on photowalk class, you’ll experience my Family Posing Flow in action, not just hear about it. We’ll work with a real family together so you can see exactly how the flow unfolds from start to finish.
You’ll watch and practice how I move through groupings, build variety on purpose, and transition smoothly so nothing gets missed and no one is standing around waiting for direction. You’ll see how I talk to kids, how I loosen up the parents, and how I adapt on the fly when someone is grumpy, wiggly, or just completely over it. Finally, you will learn what my absolute favorite prop for family sessions is.
You’ll leave with a practical session roadmap, posing prompts you can use immediately, and the kind of muscle memory that only comes from doing it yourself. No guessing, no forgetting key shots, just a system that works every time you pick up your camera.
4:00-5:00p
Exhibit Hall
Hands-On
One Light, Big Impact
Zsa’nee Gaines
You don’t need more gear to create powerful images… you need intention. In this class, I’ll show you how to use ONE light to create bold, sexy, dramatic portraits full of mood and presence. Whether you’re photographing men or women, you’ll learn how to use light to highlight your subject, create depth, and bring out a confident, undeniable energy in every frame.
This is about creating from within. Letting go of fear. Letting go of rules.
You don’t need to understand lighting ratios to create something powerful. You need to trust your eye, trust your instinct, and learn how to see light in a way that feels natural and intentional. From soft and subtle to dark and dramatic, you’ll see how one simple setup can create images that feel strong, emotional, and full of impact.
If you’re ready to simplify your process and start creating work that feels bold, sexy, and full of mood… this class is for you.
11:00-12:45p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
TBD
Niah Aldrich
Sponsored by Cheetah Stand
…
11:00-12:45p
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
TBD
TBD
Sponsored by Sigma
…
1:00-2:00p
Buckhead Room
Lunch & Learn
TBD – Pic-Time
TBD
Sponsored by Aftershoot
…
1:00-2:00p
East / West Paces
Lunch & Learn
TBD – The Capture Rig
TBD
Sponsored by Aftershoot
…
2:00-6:00p
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
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.
JULY 29
when & were
8:45-9:00a
Buckhead Room
Keynote
Closing Remarks
André Brown
This 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
Creating Resonant Portraits using Lighting & Direction
Sophia Barrett
Sponsored by Intuition Backgrounds
Most photographers focus on posing as placement but powerful portraits come from alignment. In this live demonstration class, Sophia Barrett teaches how to direct both body and light to create images that feel as strong as they look. Learn how to guide clients from discomfort to confidence, use light to enhance emotion, and recognize when a pose truly resonates.
11:00a – 12:45p
Buckhead Room
Live Demo
The Fine Art Process from Start To Finish | Part 2
Ric Lewis
Sponsored by Dreambooks Pro
If you thought Part 1 was amazing, the journey doesn’t end when the demo is over. The images I capture will be used later that day in an editing session, where we’ll transform the photographs into refined, gallery-worthy pieces. This continuation bridges the gap between capturing and crafting, giving you a full fine art workflow experience from vision to final image.
11:00a – 12:45p
East West Paces
Seminar
Stop Overthinking, Start Booking: The Content System Photographers Actually Stick To
Jasmine Smith
You have the sessions. You have the photos. You have the ideas. What you don’t have is a system that makes it all make sense without burning you out.
Here’s the hard truth: your photos alone are not enough anymore. Between AI and market over saturation, the portfolio Instagram is dying. The photographers who book in 2026 are the ones showing the work, not just the result.
In this interactive Lunch & Learn, photographer and content strategist Jasmine Smith walks you through the six-part content framework she’s using to turn her own everyday work into a booking engine, and she’s bringing the receipts. Her own data. Her clients’ data. And data from a beta group of photographers running the system right alongside her in the weeks leading up to this talk.
This isn’t a system she figured out five years ago and polished for the stage. It’s the one she’s running right now, in real time, with the same full plate most of us are working with. You’re not watching a highlight reel. You’re stepping into the lab with her.
You’ll leave knowing exactly how to translate your expertise into your content, how to capture client testimonials without it feeling awkward, how to use the b-roll already on your camera roll, and how to ask for the sale without the ick.
A repeatable content system built to work with what you’re already doing. No trends. No daily posting pressure. No starting from scratch. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, branding, or boudoir.
Your work is already telling a story. This session teaches you how to leverage it to book clients.
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
Expo Foyer
Hands-On
OCF Portraits in a Flash
Francisco J. Hernandez
Sponsored by Dreambooks Pro
Francisco Hernandez explains his favorite light setups and the gear he uses for amazing portraits in under a minute. Don’t let the clock affect your ability to create great portraits at your photoshoots.
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.
1:30-5:30p
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.
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 June 15th with First access to classes for the VIP attendees. Registration for general ticket holders will be July 1st 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.co and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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Contact Us
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