How to Start and Run Your Successful Fitness Photography Business
with Ryan Lomer Ouellette
In this presentation I will share my story of how I got started in Fitness Photographer and eventually included Body Building Stage Photography as well as Model Portfolios. Over the years through networking and hard work, I have made many lifelong connections, expanded my reach and photographed events with some of the biggest names in the body building world.
I will share my proven method of how I find, create and keep my clients coming back. You will also learn how to get your images published, how humor and personal approach can build a lifelong connection with competing athletes, influencers and models. I will walk you through my social media strategy and demonstrate a typical photo session, start to finish. At the end of the presentation, you will have the necessary knowledge to start and run a profitable fitness photography business or a rewarding side hustle.
We are going to learn, have a lot of fun and great pictures will just happen.
Register early as space is limited.
Members are free. Guests must register and pay in advance. Register early for a discount. No refunds or onsite registration.
ABOUT RYAN LOMER OUELLETTE
Owner & Head Photographer at Lomer Photography
I made a life-changing decision to buy my first camera seven years ago, an impulse that sparked a passion for photography I never expected. Two years later, at the age of 44, I left behind my 19-year career in architecture to pursue photography full-time. What started as a hobby quickly transformed into a career, and now I’m proud to be a full-time professional photographer.
My work has garnered recognition in both the fitness and fashion photography worlds, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Olympic athletes and IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding) Pros worldwide. As a published photographer, my images have graced the covers of numerous magazines, both nationally and internationally.
I specialize in fitness photography, where I combine my passion for capturing the strength, dedication, and artistry of athletes. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft, and my work has taken me across various stages, including those of the CPA (Canadian Physique Alliance), NPC (National Physique Community), and IFBB.
While fitness remains at the core of my work, I’ve always loved challenging myself creatively. Photography isn’t just a job for me - it’s a lifelong passion, and I’m constantly learning new techniques to push the boundaries of my craft. At Lomer Photography, we focus on creating memorable, powerful images, all while having fun in the process. Great pictures happen when passion, creativity, and collaboration come together.
Capturing the Essence of Dance Photography
with Robert Meek
Discover the art of showcasing the talent of your next athlete with incredible imagery.
Robert Meek, a 37-year veteran of dance photography, will guide you through multiple lighting setups, posing techniques, and special effects that will elevate your dance and sports photography. With his expertise, you'll learn how to capture the dynamic movements and intense emotions of dancers, transforming your photos into captivating works of art. Robert will provide you with the skills and insights needed to bring out the best in your subjects, making your work truly stand out.
This event will allow for hands-on participation, so bring your cameras, we will be using Godox Lights so if you have a trigger for your camera, it may be beneficial to bring it.
ABOUT ROBERT MEEK
Robert Meek, a distinguished photographer based in metro Detroit, brings 37 years of experience to his craft, specializing in portrait and commercial photography. His passion for photography ignited during his college years, culminating in a certification from Oakland Community College. In the 1990s, he founded Robert Meek Photography, amassing a portfolio of notable commercial credits, including work with Goodwill Industries, McCann Erickson Advertising, Somerset Mall, Michigan Health Care Corporation, and Cattleman’s Beef. His impressive body of work has been featured in numerous publications such as the Troy Portfolio, ATG Integrator Magazine, Detroit Women’s Metropolitan Magazine, and the Detroit Metro Times. He also gained recognition as a listed photographer for Productions Plus and various modeling agencies.
Currently, Robert operates RSM Photographic in Sterling Heights, where he focuses on senior portraits, competitive dancers, family portraits, and professional headshots. His studio has been honored with the ClickOnDetroit Vote 4 The Best "Best Photographer" award and has consistently ranked in the top 5 in subsequent years. Adding to his expertise, Robert holds a commercial certification as a drone pilot from the Federal Aviation Administration, incorporating aerial photography into his offerings.
A committed community member, Robert volunteers annually with Neighbors United, contributing his skills to create a calendar for the #walkfortheRED event, which supports Michigan firefighters and their families battling cancer. In recent years, Robert has embraced a more creative direction, collaborating with young artists to infuse his work with innovative and energetic styles, further enriching his diverse portfolio.
Portrait and wedding photographers, even really successful ones, often have the same problem: the slow season.
What if you could build another source of income that could keep your studio busy all year?
What if you could take advantage of the high demand for headshots without hurting your boutique studio brand?
In this program, you will learn:
- How to craft a headshot brand and make it grow
- The different types of headshot jobs and how to price them
- How to communicate with B2B clients and speak their language
- Simple and effective marketing strategies
Whether you plan to grow an existing headshot brand or start something new, this class is a perfect primer to get you on the right path.
Register early. Space is limited. Attendees must register and pay in advance. No refunds or onsite registration.
ABOUT GARY HUGHES:
As the child of photographer parents, it is ironic that Gary Hughes's professional life included everything but photography until life led him back to the path for which he was ultimately destined, photographer. In 2008, he and his wife, Julie, founded Hughes Fioretti Photography, and, in the years since, have grown their business by making a name for themselves as THE place to get headshots in Central Florida.
Aside from running a studio in Winter Park, FL, Gary is also in demand as a photography educator and travels often, teaching his methods to photographers all over the world. His main focus as an instructor is to empower photographers to create the type of business that sets them free to live the kind of life they want.
Gary’s work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World, while his educational articles have appeared in Professional Photographer, PetaPixel, Huffington Post, and Canon Learning.
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 2:30 pm Lunch
2:30 - 6:00 pm
Volume Headshot Masterclass
Do you ever notice the photographers posting all those big headshot jobs on social media and wonder, how do they get that kind of work? How do they pull it off? Or maybe you’ve done some team and event headshots and you want to book more of it and refine your process. This is a workshop you do NOT want to miss.
Gary Hughes and his team shoot 7,000 headshots a year, and he is going to spend a full day telling you exactly how he pulls it off.
In this full day workshop you’ll learn:
- Creating a B2B brand that businesses will respond to
- Crafting a website that will convert big leads into clients
- Marketing methods to bring in big clients
- How to bid for, book, and onboard corporate clients
- Shooting, organizing, and delivering team and event headshots (LIVE SHOOT)
- How to KEEP your clients once you have them
This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a photographer who is booking and shooting this work on a daily basis. You will get real answers to the important questions and zero fluff. Find out how to get organized, make more money, thrill your clients, and grow your business in a single day of education.
ABOUT GARY HUGHES
Annual Awards Ceremony
Please join us for an evening of fellowship and celebration! Catch up with old friends and meet new members, while looking forward to the upcoming membership year.
6:30 Festivities Begin
7:00 Dinner (cash bar available)
8:00 General Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony
Meet the newly appointed 2024 DPPA executive board and directors.
Show your support for fellow members as they receive service and competition awards, including the 2024 Photographer of the Year!
Everyone must be registered to attend. Registration ends after June 15th. No walk-ins or late registration.
