Reflections on The Fist Women’s Winter Photography Conference
The inaugural Outdoor Photo Alliance Women’s Winter Photography Conference in Estes Park, Colorado, has officially come and gone—and what an unforgettable experience it was! After a year and a half of planning, dreaming, and pouring our hearts into this event, seeing it come to life exceeded every expectation.
From the moment we arrived, there was an energy unlike anything we could have imagined. Seventy incredibly talented, supportive women gathered to connect, inspire, and uplift one another. Some came alone, some with friends, but by the end of the weekend, new friendships had formed, creative sparks had ignited, and a true community had taken shape. Watching these women share their stories, push creative boundaries, and encourage each other was nothing short of inspiring.
And let’s talk about our speaker lineup—ten phenomenal women photographers said yes to this vision.
Dawn Wilson, Michele Sons, Jen Walton,
Franka Gabler, Sarah Marino, Sherri Mabe,
Beth Young, Charlotte Gibb, Viktoria Haack
They traveled from across the country, put their trust in us, and left feeling just as invigorated as the attendees. Beyond their talent, they were approachable, kind, and genuinely invested in the experience. It wasn’t just a conference; it was a movement.
Speaking of stepping outside comfort zones—Shanda, Jeanie, and I took the stage as speakers, and let’s just say I hadn’t spoken in front of a crowd since college. Nerve-wracking? Absolutely. But I knew this was a room filled with support, which helped a little, nerves still consumed me. My talk, “Silencing the Inner Critic – Finding Confidence in Your Creative Journey,”was something I felt deeply about, and seeing it resonate with others was incredibly rewarding.
None of this would have been possible without our amazing sponsors who believed in us, our incredible volunteers, Nancy Kuokawa and Brie Stockwell, and, of course, every woman who showed up with an open heart and mind.
Englewood Camera FLM Tripods Sigma Maven Filters Tamron NMFA Peak Design Adobe
And here’s the best part—we’re already dreaming up the next Women’s Photography Conference. Where will it be? Stay tuned. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
