Bokeh Academy Speaker Submission

Bokeh Academy is looking for passionate photographers, educators, creators, and industry professionals who can deliver meaningful, practical, and engaging learning experiences for our community.

2027 SPEAKER APPLICATIONS NOW LIVE

At Bokeh Academy, we’re focused on delivering sessions that are practical, inspiring, creative, and highly relevant to modern photographers and creators. We’re especially interested in speakers who can teach real-world strategies, creative techniques, and business insights that attendees can immediately apply to their work.

A little insight on types of session we look for:

Creative Photography Techniques

Teach photographers how to create stronger, intentional images through lighting, composition, posing, storytelling, and creative direction strategies.

Photography Business & Growth

Help photographers build sustainable creative businesses with better branding, marketing, pricing, client communication, and growth systems.

Editing & Post-Production

Share your editing workflow, retouching process, color grading methods, delivery systems, and post-production techniques for modern photographers.

Social Media & Content Creation

Teach creators how to grow their audience, create engaging content, build authority online, and strengthen their digital brand presence.

Wedding & Event Photography

Lead sessions focused on capturing real moments, improving client experience, managing event workflows, and creating unforgettable visual stories.

Emerging Technology & AI

Explore how modern technology, AI tools, automation, and evolving creative workflows are shaping photography and digital content creation today.

Speaker Requirements & Event Standards

To ensure a high-quality experience for all attendees, speakers must meet the following requirements:

Active Professional Presence:
All speakers must maintain an active, up-to-date website showcasing recent work and current industry involvement. Applications without a professional website will not be reviewed.
Structured Session Outline:
Each submission must include a clear and organized session outline that accurately reflects the content being presented. Session descriptions should align with the actual attendee experience.
Attendee Resources:
Speaker notes, slides, or supporting presentation materials (when applicable) should be made available to attendees staying at host hotels. These materials are a valued part of the Bokeh Academy experience.
Professional Audio Standards:
Microphone use is required in open or large presentation spaces to ensure every attendee can clearly hear and engage with the session.
Organized Hands-On Experiences:
Hands-on sessions must include a clearly defined operational plan covering instruction flow, gear coordination, multiple shooting groups, and trigger management across different lighting brands when applicable. Well-structured experiences create a better environment for all attendees.
Professional Conduct:
Session time is intended to deliver value to attendees and maintain the integrity of the event experience. Promotion of external coaching programs or unrelated sales activities during scheduled sessions is not permitted.

FIRST-TIME SPEAKERS

We’re excited to welcome new voices and fresh creative perspectives to the Bokeh Academy experience.
A limited number of first-time speakers may be selected as part of our emerging educator program. Selected speakers will typically present one session as an opportunity to showcase their expertise and connect with the photography community.

* Please note that first-time speaker sessions may be unpaid.

IF ACCEPTED, YOU’LL ALSO PROVIDE:

Model & Production Requirements

Details regarding models, wardrobe styling, hair, makeup, props, or any production elements needed for your session.

Recommended Gear for Attendees

A list of cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, accessories, or tools attendees should bring or prepare in advance.

Presentation & Technical Needs

Projector, audio, power access, tethering, display requirements, or any additional technical support needed for your session.

Space & Shooting Requirements

Information about lighting control, shooting bay setup, studio layout, staging needs, or any special environmental requirements.

Submission Guidelines:

Deliver Advanced, High-Value Education

Bokeh Academy is committed to delivering a premium educational experience for attendees. We encourage submissions that go beyond introductory or surface-level topics and instead focus on actionable strategies, real-world workflows, creative depth, and advanced insights that attendees can immediately apply to their work and business.

Consider Submitting an Alternate Topic

Due to the high volume of speaker applications, some overlap in subject matter is expected each year. Submitting an alternate session topic is strongly encouraged and may increase your opportunity for selection by providing additional flexibility during the review process.

Community & Event Culture Matter

We place a strong emphasis on community, collaboration, and shared creative experiences. Priority is given to applicants who have previously attended the summit and are already familiar with the event environment, attendee expectations, and overall culture. If you have not attended before, we still warmly encourage you to apply. Your applications will also be considered for other education opportunities. Fresh perspectives and new voices are an important part of the Bokeh Academy experience.

Again we thank you so much for wanting to be a part of this event. The first round of speakers will be announced on JULY 29, 2026. Please be on the lookout for an expectance letter.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open June 22 – July 14, 2026.

Applications take about 15 minutes. Have your website, a short bio, and a rough class concept ready before you start. You won’t be able to save and return.