Resources, Guides & Mentoring for Professional Photographers

November 8, 2026 | Ankeny, Iowa

Professional Photographers of Iowa's one-day photography conference designed to help photographers accelerate their creativity, sharpen their skills, and build meaningful industry connections. Whether you're a professional photographer, aspiring photographer, content creator, or creative entrepreneur, Fast Forward delivers hands-on learning, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and real-world business insights in a high-energy, community-focused environment. This event is paired with a hands-on workshop the following day, you can attend one or both.

👉 Register Here

January 29 - February 3, 2027 | Charlotte, North Carolina

I'm Teaching a Pre-Con (1/30): Stop Running Your Business Like It's 2009

Most photographers don’t actually have a photography problem. They have a “my business runs on caffeine, chaos, and sticky notes” problem. In this class, Jaimy Ellis breaks down the modern workflows, automations, and AI-assisted systems she uses to keep her business running smoothly without losing the personal connection clients actually care about. From inquiry responses and lead nurturing to booking workflows, session prep, follow-up emails, and content repurposing, attendees will learn how to stop manually reinventing the wheel every single week. This isn’t one of those overly techy “here’s 97 automations you’ll never use” classes. It’s a real-world look at how photographers can create systems that save time, reduce burnout, improve client experience, and honestly make running a business feel way less overwhelming. Jaimy will also cover where AI and automation are actually helpful, where they become a disaster, and how to build workflows that still feel human instead of sounding like a customer service chatbot named Brad.

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February 19-22, 2027 | Destin, Florida

I'm Teaching: Spin It or Starve - Building a Marketing Web That Catches Bookings

Marketing can make you feel like a jumping spider, you know...the ones who look all cute and cuddly and are constantly flailing their arms trying to attract attention....if this is you, this class is your intervention. Gen Z (and Gen Alpha, am I right?) don’t fall into bookings by accident; they get snagged in a web: social content, search results, AI recommendations, reviews, authority signals, and peer validation. In this course, senior photographers will learn how to spin a deliberate, modern marketing spiderweb for 2027. One that attracts the right clients and doesn’t collapse under its own weight. We’ll break down current best practices in social media, SEO, and AEO (AI search), then show you how to weave them together into a system that actually holds. No flailing. No dangling threads. Just a strategic web that builds trust, supports inclusive messaging, and will get you the kill...I mean...converts attention into consistent bookings. 

👉 Register Here With My Unique Link (it helps me out!)

March 5-8, 2027 | Amana, Iowa

I have had the pleasure of serving on the board of directors for Professional Photographers of Iowa for many years and am honored to be the Immediate Past President during this convention. I'm proud to help plan and attend an amazing event where professional and aspiring photographers, as well as creative entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn and connect in a fun and welcoming environment.

Along with nationally acclaimed speakers this event highlights connection and community through networking hang-outs, an awards banquet and print display, opportunities for hands on learning, the chance to meet industry vendors, and (my favorite) a killer closing party with DJ Riley Mullane.

👉 Register Here