Pas de Deux Photo is hosting its third annual dance photography conference at the Chicago Hilton on July 21-13, 2023. The Pas de Deux Photo community comprises dance photographers of all levels from all over the world. Its first conference in 2020 was in Phoenix, and its second was held in Austin in February 2022.

Pas de Deux Photo was founded and directed by Beth and Ron McKinney from the Chicago suburbs. They own the Ron McKinney Photography studio in Crystal Lake that focuses on dance photography.

Rachel Neville, Jordan Matter, and Taylor-Ferne Morris from Australia were the featured speakers at our inaugural conference. Lois Greenfield and Andrew Eccles were our featured speakers at Austin.

Harlequin Floors has announced their support of the conference as a studio setup sponsor and supporter of the Gala benefitting Chicago Dancers United. The company’s popular Harlequin Hi-Shine™ flooring is a favorite of photographers. It will be displayed in several sessions, including Saturday’s session by Chris Stark, featuring Dance Art Techniques using the reflective, glossy vinyl floor. 

The Pas de Deux Dance Photography Conference emphasizes hands-on learning, community, and fun. There are photographer-led photo walks, off-site photo sessions, studio setups, and a trade show with businesses important to dance photographers. All attendees can meet with a conference speaker for an individual portfolio review.  

There are also pre- and post-conference photo walks and classes. The Chicago location makes for edgy urban looks, gorgeous lakefront photos, and glamorous city pictures. The theme of the conference is “Bright Lights, Big City,” and the excitement of Chicago is sure to be infused into all aspects of the event.

On Friday evening, winners of the 2023 Pas de Deux Dance Photography Competition will be announced, followed by a reception featuring a gallery of images placed in the Top Ten of each category. Saturday evening, the conference is hosting a gala to raise money for Chicago Dancers United, a local Chicago non-profit that supports the local dance community. The Chicago Dancers Fund provides short-term financial assistance to dance professionals with critical medical needs and more extended-term support for the health and wellness of dance professionals.

Professional dance photographers, hobbyists, part-timers, and beginners are welcome at the conference. We will celebrate dance photography, get inspired, learn to grow our studios, meet valuable reps from our partner businesses, and make friends.

More information about the conference can be found here:  https://www.pasdedeuxphoto.com/conference-1