15th Annual Black Hills Photo Shootout. A weekend of photography, socialization, and fun!
Keynote Speaker: Erik Kuna with Special Guest Instructor: Rammy K.
Schedule of Events
Pre-Conference Workshops
9:00am - Noon: Advanced Equine Portraiture
Designed for Mid-Level and advanced photographers, this 3-hour pre-conference session with Craig Weinberg focuses on mastering high-end equine portraiture in a sophisticated setting. Learn to balance the use of professional studio strobes with natural light to create stunning, fashion-forward images of horses. With on-site horse handlers to ensure safety, you'll have ample opportunity to hone your lighting skills while working closely—but safely—with these magnificent animals. Note: This is an advanced course; along with their own camera system and tripod, participants should bring a deep respect and basic understanding of working around horses, along with an aptitude for advanced lighting techniques in animal and fashion photography.
3:00 - 5:00pm.: Rodeo Photography Workshop: Capturing the Action
Join us for an action-packed photography workshop focused on the excitement and grit of rodeo featuring the BHSU Rodeo Team. We'll be photographing live roping and barrel racing events, where you'll have the opportunity to capture fast-paced moments and the raw energy of the arena.
This hands-on workshop will emphasize techniques for freezing motion and mastering the art of panning to convey speed and movement. Whether you're looking to sharpen your timing or improve your focus-tracking skills, this session is designed to help you elevate your action photography.
Required Gear: A medium telephoto lens (70–200mm recommended) is essential to safely and effectively photograph the action from a distance.
Location: Seven Down Arenas.
9:00 - 10:30am: Spirit Of The Land: A Photographic Journey Through Dakota & Lakota Heritage
Step into a powerful, story-rich experience during this pre-conference workshop celebrating the strength, beauty, and heritage of Native American culture. Guided by themes of tradition, identity, and connection to the land, this immersive session will feature a variety of models. Set in a natural outdoor location that honors the spirit of the Dakota & Lakota people, this is more than a photo shoot - it's a respectful collaboration and cultural experience designed to inspire compelling, authentic imagery. You will have the opportunity to explore portraiture, motion, and storytelling, while honoring the resilience and grace of indigenous heritage through the lens. Image by: Jay Grammond.
Location: High Plains Western Heritage Center.
Friday Night Welcome/Keynote
Welcome & Check-in: 5:15pm - 5:45PM. Keynote 5:45 - 6:45pm. (Those who wish to - can head to the special event near Bear Butte right after the Keynote.)
"The Five P's: What It Really Takes to Become a Successful Photographer"
Description: Mastery doesn't come from gear or some magic setting. It comes from the grind. In this keynote, Erik Kuna shares the five things that separate successful photographers from the rest—not talent, not luck, even though those help — but, it a mindset and habits that fuel long-term growth as a professional photographer. It's a dive into the relentless pursuit of craft: learning constantly, failing forward, making adjustments, and pushing through the plateau. If you're serious about making your mark with a camera, this talk could be your wake-up call and maybe even your roadmap to success.
Special Events
"Illuminating the Night: A Light Painting Adventure Under the Stars"
Join Erik Kuna - author of "The Night Photography Book" - for a hands-on, after-dark experience where we turn the great outdoors into our studio. In this immersive light painting class, we'll explore how to blend starlight, ambient glow, and constant light to craft striking nightscapes - all captured in a single exposure. You will learn how to control light in the field like you would in the studio, but with the stars as your backdrop and the landscape as your canvas. Come ready to create experiment, and see the night in a whole new light.
This event is a FREE bonus session for those Shootout registrants that wish to participate. Friday night, after the Keynote.
Also, be sure to check out the Lunch n' Learn on Saturday; presented by J Grammond Photography
Additional Dates:
