Speaking Engagements

Photo by Guy Tal

"Colleen could talk about mud and it would be good. She is an excellent presenter!"
~Anonymous, Sun City West, AZ

"Colleen Miniuk gave the most inspiring and moving keynote I've ever heard!"
~Eric Bennett, professional photographer

"Your keynote was one of the most memorable keynotes I have ever listened to. You are an inspiration to us all." ~John Barclay, professional photographer

“An excellent presentation. One of best I’ve seen on the topic, which is one of my special interests.” ~ Gerald Zaltman, Author of “Unlocked” and The Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Business Administration Emeritus at Harvard Business School

“This was 69 minutes of the best, intelligent explanation of the creative process I have ever heard.” ~Lou B.

While I have yet to speak on the thrilling topic of mud (despite finding mud absolutely fascinating!), I'd welcome the opportunity to speak with your camera club, group, or organization.

All of my presentations are educational and inspirational. They offer specific techniques and tips for improving your photography--everyone will gain new ideas and/or inspiration no matter your skill level or camera type. My talks are NOT 60 minutes of "look at my pretty pictures," "let me tell you about all the cool places I go," or "you should buy my books."

Program topics and duration can be specifically tailored to your audience's interest and the time available. Popular topics include:

Technically-focused:

  • "Seeing the Light in Outdoor Photography"

  • "No More Rules! Human Perceptions in Composition"

  • "Critiquing Your Own Work"

  • "Joy in the Little Things: Macro Photography"

  • "Make a Splash! Photographing Moving Water"

  • "In-Depth on Depth: Creating Dimension in Landscape Photographs"

  • "Wild About Photographing Wildflowers"

  • "The Anatomy of a Great Landscape Photograph"

Creativity-focused:

  • "Pay Attention! Constructing More Mindful Photographs"

  • "Visualization: Picturing the Unique Possibilities"

  • "The Art of Seeing Differently" / "Going Beyond the Cliche"

  • "Finding Your Creative Voice"

  • "Get Reinspired: Keeping it Fresh"

  • "Conceptual Blending: It Takes Two"

Business-related:

  • "Selling Your Work (Without Selling Your Soul)"

  • "Clowns, Snowballs, and Boats: What it Takes to Be a Freelance Photographer"

  • "You Can Sleep When You're Dead: My Photographic Journey"

I also offer critiques/image review sessions for photography clubs, where members focus on a specific challenge, and we schedule a time to review the images technically and creatively. It's a wonderful way for photographers to learn!

I’ve generally stopped judging camera club competitions especially those that only ask for rating photographs numerically and assigning awards. Art is expression, not a competition. If the camera club competition allows for the chance to offer a constructive critique based on the creative intent of the photographer, then I’d be happy to support your efforts. (As Gerry Bishop with the Charlottesville Camera Club said, “I can't recall anyone who has judged for us in the past 15 years who has your depth of knowledge about photography, and your fairness in scoring was exemplary.”)

With my extensive travel schedule, most of the presentations I give are online via Zoom.

Speaking fees depends on the event type, presentation style, presentation length, and travel expenses. A formal quote will be provided to you once the presentation details are confirmed. I am willing to work with organizational budgets. That said, please understand since I am a full-time freelance, I am unable to speak for free or for below minimum wage. A professional presentation takes a minimum of 8-10 hours to prepare and deliver, longer if it’s a brand new presentation.

To get a taste of my presentation style, please visit my Webinars page where you can see both trailers for longer presentations and free webinars alike.

To schedule an exciting presentation, please complete my Speaking Engagement Request Form to outline your unique topic interests, schedule, and budget. I look forward to hearing from you!

Past Speaking Engagements

My notable past speaking engagements include but are not limited to the following (references available upon request):

Major Events:

  • 2023 Mid-Atlantic Photo Visions (Closing Keynote Speaker)

  • 2023 Outdoor Writers Association of America Annual Conference

  • 2023 Out of Olympic

  • 2023 North American Nature Photographer’s Association Summit (NANPA)

  • 2023 Out of Chicago LIVE! (Closing Keynote Speaker)—watch the replay of “What’s Enough”: https://youtu.be/cYoGYhEe8x0?feature=shared

  • 2023 Out of Desert Botanical

  • 2023 Coastal Camera Club’s Virtual Beach Bash

  • 2022 Out of Acadia (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2022 Women with Vision sponsored by Hunts Photo & Video

  • 2020 Out of Great Smoky Mountains

  • 2022 Out of Chicago LIVE! (Closing Keynote Speaker)

  • 2022 Out of Death Valley

  • 2022 Northern California Camera Club Council (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2021 Outdoor Writers Association of America Virtual Conference

  • 2021 Florida Camera Club Council Annual Conference

  • 2021 Out of Chicago LIVE!

  • 2020 Arizona Camera Club Council (ACCC) Fall Round-Up (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2020 Great Smoky Mountain Summit

  • 2020 Out of Acadia (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2020 Outdoor Writers Association of America Virtual Conference

  • 2020 Out of Chicago In-Depth

  • 2020 Out of Chicago LIVE!

  • 2020 Out of Yosemite

  • 2019 Wisconsin Area Camera Club Organizations (WACCO) Photography Seminar (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2018 New England Camera Club Council

  • 2017 Great Smoky Mountain Photography Summit

  • 2017 Out of Acadia Conference (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2017 Photocon Capture!

  • 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 Moab Photo Symposium

  • 2014 Photographic Society of America (PSA) Annual Conference

  • 2014 Arizona Camera Club Council (ACCC) Spring Round-Up (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2013 Garden Club of America Photography Section Conference (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2012 Photographic Society of America (PSA) Annual Conference (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2012 Cooperative Communicators Institute (Keynote Speaker)

  • 2012 Arizona Professional Photographers Association (AZPPA)

  • 2010-2016 Outdoor Writers Association of America Annual Conference

  • 2010 & 2012 Sedona PhotoFest

  • 2010 Arizona Camera Club Council (ACCC) Fall Round-Up

 

Camera Clubs, Groups, Churches, & Other Venues:

  • Arkansas Outdoor Photography Club (AR)

  • Arizona Wilderness Coalition (AZ)

  • AZ Photographers Meetup (AZ)

  • Boise Camera Club (ID)

  • Boston Camera Club (MA)

  • Brandon Camera Club (Manitoba, Canada)

  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum (AZ)

  • Camera Club of Brevard (FL)

  • Camera Guild of Sun City (AZ)

  • Camera Naturalist Photo Club (NJ)

  • Cape Cod Arts Center (MA)

  • Cayuga Nature Photographers (NY)

  • Chandler-Gilbert Community College (AZ)

  • Changing Hands Bookstore (AZ)

  • Charlottesville Camera Club (VA)

  • Chester County Camera Club (PA)

  • Colorado Mountain Club-Photo Section (CO)

  • Delta Photo Club (CA)

  • Denver Photographic Society (CO)

  • Des Moines Camera Club (IA)

  • Des Plaines Camera Club (IL)

  • Dobson Ranch Garden Club (AZ)

  • Eastern Maine Camera Club (ME)

  • Enchanted Lens Camera Club (NM)

  • Englewood Camera Club (CO)

  • Englewood Camera Club (FL)

  • Estrella Photo Group (AZ)

  • Festival Camera Club (AZ)

  • First Light Camera Club (ME)

  • Focus Camera Club (CO)

  • Fountain Hills Photography Club (AZ)

  • Garden Club of America (Multiple clubs in multiple states)

  • Gateway Camera Club (MA)

  • Gilbert Visual Art League (AZ)

  • Grand Canyon University (AZ)

  • Grand Photo Club (AZ)

  • Houston Innerloop Photo Club (TX)

  • Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club (FL)

  • Laramie County Community College (WY)

  • Lehigh Valley Photography Club (PA)

  • Leisure World Photography Club (AZ)

  • Loveland Photography Society (CO)

  • Mile High Wildlife Photography Club (CO)

  • Millbrae Camera Club (CA)

  • Monte Vista Camera Club (AZ)

  • Morton Arboretum Photographic Society (IL)

  • Mount Desert Island Photography Club (ME)

  • North Virginia Photographic Society (VA)

  • Northern Arizona University (AZ)

  • Oregon Coast Photography Association (OR)

  • Orlando Camera Club (FL)

  • Outdoor Writers Association of America (Multiple states)

  • Pebble Creek Camera Club (AZ)

  • Phoenix Camera Club (AZ)

  • Photo Arts of South Florida (FL)

  • Photographer's Adventure Club (AZ)

  • Photography West (AZ)

  • PhotoMidwest (WI)

  • Prescott Photo Club (AZ)

  • REI (AZ)

  • Saddlebrooke Digital Imaging Group (AZ)

  • Saguaro Camera Club (AZ)

  • San Francisco Bay Area Meetup (CA)

  • Sarasota Camera Club (FL)

  • Schenectady Photography Society (NY)

  • Scottsdale Digital Interest Group (AZ)

  • Sedona Camera Club (AZ)

  • Shades Valley Camera Club (AL)

  • Silverleaf Club (AZ)

  • Sibley's West (AZ)

  • Singh-Ray (Mutliple states)

  • Stony Brook Camera Club (MA)

  • Sun Lakes Camera Club (AZ)

  • Sunland Springs Camera Club (AZ)

  • Sunland Village East Photo/Computer Club (AZ)

  • Sundust Gallery (AZ)

  • Tampa Bay Camera Club (FL)

  • Tempe Camera (AZ)

  • The Bay Area Photography & Exploration Society (CA)

  • The Camera Store (AB, Canada)

  • The Nature Consevancy at the Hassyampa River Preserve (AZ)

  • The Villages (FL)

  • The Well Red Coyote Bookstore (AZ)

  • Through Each Others Eyes (AZ)

  • Towerpoint Camera Club (AZ)

  • Trilogy Photo Club (AZ)

  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park (AZ)

  • Trilogy Photo Club (AZ)

  • Vienna Photographic Society (DC)

  • West Valley Photo Club (AZ)

  • Westbrook Village Photography Club (AZ)

  • Wickenburg Photography Club (AZ)

  • Yavapai Digital Arts and Photography Club (AZ)

TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST ATTENDEES

“Wonderful presentation, Colleen! Reminded me so much of my mentor Nancy Rotenburg. Your inspiration and enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you, thank you!” ~Kristina M.

“Fantastic presentation! I'm definitely re-watching this session, it really shows just how the visual process is properly utilized!” ~Gregory V.

“Best presentation I have seen you do since WACCO in Milwaukee a long time ago TY You have changed me again.” ~Pat M.

“Really excellent perspective on creativity!” ~Bob R.

“Thanks Colleen! I love this approach, pulls together so many concepts on creativity. Thanks for reinforcing the idea that this is all about self-expression!” ~Ingrid B.

“Very inspirational! I love your approach to photography...and life! Thank you, Colleen.” ~Caren L.

“Great presentation. Blends well with what we heard from Freeman Patterson last night. Take that as a big compliment! Thank you for sharing yourself with us.” ~Pam C.

"I spent 35 years in the college classroom and her presentation was a stellar example of tailoring the message to the audience. She illustrated everything she talked about with her incredible images, and handled a very trying, misbehaving computer system with humor. If you ever get to attend a workshop, a presentation, literally anything that Colleen presents, do yourself a favor. Make sure you’re in the front seat. It will be a journey you’ll truly appreciate. Well done Colleen, well done." ~Tim C., Sun City, AZ

“…a quick note to say that your presentation tonight was probably the best I've experienced in my short time (a year) with the group. Thank you for the in-depth, challenging, and, dare I say, geeky, topics, tips, and explanations. I greatly appreciated the whole thing!” ~Kirk D.

“Creative people who can also use the left side of their brain are rare. You are a rare gem."
 ~Dik S., President, Grand Photo Club, Sun City West, AZ

"Absolutely wonderful job yesterday, Colleen. It was the most comprehensive, best organized and best presented one-day seminar I have ever attended - hands down. I hope you know how much we enjoyed it and how much we learned. As you know, we have some excellent amateur photographers in our club. They are in awe of you, your knowledge and your wonderful spirit. Creative people who can also use the left side of their brain are rare. You are a rare gem." ~Dik S., President, Grand Photo Club, Sun City West, AZ

"I had the pleasure of attending both of your seminars at the ACCC this past weekend.  I want to tell you that you were the best speaker I have heard in a long time.  The topics of both sessions were very interesting and appropriate.  You have a great gift for presenting the material.  I really enjoyed myself. I hope that I get the opportunity to see you again in the future." ~Larry Gohl

"I've sponsored many speakers in my other life with Fujifilm and Colleen was right up at the top with the best of them last night. Really enjoyed myself." ~Tom Cuffari

"Thoroughly enjoyed her presentation. I feel as though I've had a B12 vitamin shot after watching & listening to her." ~Anonymous

"Great program last night. You certainly put together an intellectually stimulating presentation unlike anyone else.  I really need to watch it again."   ~Henry H.

"What a fabulous presenter. Great material, plenty of concepts to think about for artists in any creative field." ~Ann Horvis Wallace

“Thanks for your great presentation. I loved your quotes and your images…it was inspiring and the best we’ve had in quite a while.” ~David Chauness

"Your enthusiasm is powerful and your approach to photography is simple which makes those of us who struggle, see your view in a whole different light." ~Claudia Thompson

“This has been a profoundly meaningful hour. I almost skipped it and am SOOOOO glad I didn’t. She really resonated with my heart.” ~Helen N.

“Thank you for all the things to consider. I wish I had seen this 50 years ago.” ~Jeffry

"Colleen, you are truly a gifted speaker and artist.  One person commented that you should be doing inspirational speaking. Many would agree. Thanks so much for your time and effort.  The dedication to your craft is apparent." ~Ed Rana

"Colleen gave excellent information and practical tips that anyone could use to improve their skills. She was an awesome speaker, very interesting, kept your attention. So glad to have had the opportunity to attend." ~ Carol Hagood

“Presentation  - Awesome, Course Materials – Excellent, Interaction with Colleen – Priceless” ~John Miguel

"Everyone who attended ACCC last Saturday L O V E D  your presentation.  A great job as usual." ~Ella Schrieber

"I and my fellow Trilogy members in attendance really enjoyed your presentation on photographing wildflowers. You are an exceptional presenter and exciting to listen to. Thank you." ~Gary Zoeller

"Great presentation tonight. Very concise, grand explanations, easy format and just enought to remember and have fun with. Thanks for keeping stretching us in great directions." ~Mary Elizabeth S.

"Kudos to you – you def. caught my attention at ACCC with “creativity” – really loved both your presentations and learned (as I always do from you!) so much.  Also thanks so much for the “resources” list – I will be chasing those down also! Anyhow wanted to let you know that you are just the best presenter…..love your sense of humor and style, and that you were open to so many questions!" ~Carol Komassa

"Thank you for the great talk you gave yesterday at the ACCC Round Up. You made the day way more fun than it would have been without you...Anyway, thank you so much for making yesterday a huge success." ~Maryann Rapp

"Another great and stimulating presentation Colleen. Thank you...You're a terrific photographer, writer, speaker and teacher. The club loves you." ~Dik Salsbury

"Thank you for an awesome presentation and contagious enthusiasm at todays ACCC spring round up. Your (sic) an inspiration to all!" ~Greg McKelvey

"What great and practical tips from Colleen tonight on finding and shooting wildflowers. I'm ready to go!!! Thank you!"~Sandy Klewicki