2023 Conference
Join us for the 2023 Pas de Deux Dance Photography Conference in Chicago. The conference takes place Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23, 2023. The conference will include a Trade Show with three studio setups for working with dance models. We also have presentations, photo walks, demonstrations and studio setup classrooms. The conference will take place a the Chicago Hilton on Michigan Avenue. Outdoor photo locations include Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Lake Michigan waterfront as well as urban looks with L trains and streetviews.
Early Registration for the three day conference closes October 15, 2022. The early rate is $435
Student Rate for the three day conference is $315.
We also offer the option to register a second photographer from your studio at a discounted cost.
PC: Kristen Blickhan Chicago 2021 Workshop
Important Policies for Attending the Conference
One of the special features of Pas de Deux is the opportunity for a variety of ways to learn. We offer traditional classroom presentations as well as demonstrations and portfolio-building experiences. Dancers ages 12 and up can apply to model as part of the conference experience. Because some of the dancers are minors, Pas de Deux Photo has policies in place to protect dancers from harm. Past policies include maintaining safe ratios of adults and dancers, providing a safety and etiquette presentation during the first day General Session, having parent chaperones and giving dancer support from our dance creative directors.
This year we are expanding our programming and policies. Pas de Deux Photo is committed not only to preventing harm to underage dancers, but to being a leader in education of adults working with and supporting dancers. PDD is taking a more comprehensive and holistic approach. We are offering and encouraging all photographers who work with dancers who are minors to complete the SafeSport® Trained Core course and to see our resources list. For the conference, all photographers, speakers, volunteers and staff are required to complete a criminal background check, complete a training course on safety and abuse prevention, and sign a more extensive Code of Conduct before attending the 2023 conference.
You can read more here about our approach to attendee expectations and safety.
Friday July 21
General Session with Keynote - 9 am - 11 am
Lunch (included) - 11 am - 12 pm
Trade Show - 12:45 pm -2:45 pm
Breakout Sessions- 2:30pm - 7:45 pm
Reception - 8 pm - 10 pm
Saturday July 22
Sunrise excursions - Adler Planetarium or Buckingham Fountain - 5:15 am
Morning Greeting - 8:30 am - 8:45 am
Breakout Sessions - 9 am - 12 noon
Lunch (included) 12 noon - 1 pm
Trade Show 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Breakout Sessions 2:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Reception 8 - 10 pm
Sunday July 23
Sunrise excursions - Adler Planetarium or Buckingham Fountain - 5:15 am
Morning Greeting - 8:30 am - 8:45 am
Breakout Sessions - 8:45 am - 12 noon
Trade Show 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Lunch (on your own) 12:30 pm -1:30 pm
Breakout Sessions 1:30pm - 4:15 pm
Closing Session 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Schedule at a Glance
Pre Conference - Thursday afternoon & evening
Explore some amazing locations on this extended photo walk (up to four miles in all) from Millenium Park to the LaSalle Street Bridge, including the Riverwalk & Michigan Avenue
Sunday night post- conference
Enjoy the city during the Golden Hour and at night. Bring your lights for photo sessions at Buckingham Fountain with Navy Pier lights in the background.
Monday Rain Machine Workshop
Located at Ron McKinney Studios in the northwest suburb of Crystal Lake, come learn about rain machine portraits. Must have your own transportation.
Location: Hilton Chicago at Michigan Avenue (720 S Michigan Ave)
The Michigan Avenue Hilton -- located at 720 South Michigan in Chicago - is across the street from some of Chicago's most iconic and unique locations. Off-site excursions include Grant Park, Millenium Park and outside of Adler Planetarium. Indoors, the architecture provides for amazing photographic experiences.
Sleeping room rates for the conference start at $199 a night for a single or double room. Reservations can be made beginning one year ahead of the conference on July 21, 2022.
Join us in Pas de Deux - build your portfolio, connect with other dance photographers, grow your business, and expand your skills. Great for hobbyists, experienced photographers, and everyone wanting to grow their art and their business.
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Contact us with questions - Ron@pasdedeuxphoto.com
Join Pas de Deux Photo now
Secure self-parking and valet parking are available on site. Rates are available on the Hilton webpage. Downtown Chicago is accessible from both Midway and O'Hare Airports.