Veterans are invited to attend PhotoCon OKC 2026, Oklahoma’s only regional level three-day interactive photography skills advancement convention, as immersive as their military experience. The event will be held Oct. 29- 31 in OKC at Embassy Suites by Hilton OKC Northwest.
Celebrating its 13th year, Bedford Camera & Video’s PhotoCon OKC helps photographers at every level bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world application, much like Veterans preparing for their first duty station. The event is widely recognized as the region’s largest photography and digital imaging show.
For more current information about the event, lodging discounts and special VIP access, visit www.photoconokc.com. Early-bird admission is $149, or $199 at the door, and the event benefits four local charities.
“PhotoCon fosters camaraderie between photographers from across the state and region that supports our creative endeavors,” said Richard Clifton, long-time prolific Oklahoma City photographer. “The master class sessions have let me hear speakers I have idolized for years and followed on Facebook and YouTube.”
The core of the educational experience is the lineup of two dozen expert speakers covering diverse genres. Instead of general advice, photographers can attend these targeted sessions to learn specific, actionable skills.
Keynote presentations include Hank Schyma and Kansas City Chiefs Director of Photography Steve Sanders.
Veterans can build technical mastery by learning complex workflows like astro-landscape photography and “night techniques” from experts like Tony Hebert, or dive into macro and nature photography with Don Hamilton.
Photographers are invited to move beyond camera settings by attending sessions on storytelling with Jason Domingues or learning how to generate income as an “Intentional Artist” with Brennen Nicole.
For photographers looking to expand into video, Ioannis Androitis is presenting on Sound for Visual Media & Podcasting, a critical skill for modern hybrid shooters.
The experiential learning, similar to military training, begins with building your portfolio and live shooting. This year, it offers its inaugural Open Car Show for more photography vistas on opening day.
Unlike typical conferences where attendees only listen, PhotoCon offers hands-on gear demos and live shooting scenarios that let them practice new techniques immediately.
The Thursday Night “Envoy Evening” kicks off with a free community night on Thursday, October 29. This includes live photo demos and model shoots, presenting a low-pressure environment to test gear and lighting setups before the main conference begins.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will have access to professional models for portfolio building. This is a rare opportunity to direct professional talent and capture high-quality images for websites or social media without the usual costs of hiring talent.
“Beyond PhotoCon, you see Bedford’s support for the photographer striving to learn more when they host their Third Thursday night photo walks several months during the good weather months,” Clifton said.
This spirit of support is strongest during PhotoCon, when expanding creative networks and growth often come from community critique and collaboration. The conference offers interactive photo walks, taking guided sessions out of the hotel to shoot alongside experts and allowing attendees to learn how professionals “see” light and composition in real time.
PhotoCon is designed to connect attendees with fellow creators, potential mentors, and brand representatives, facilitating the exchange of tips, location ideas, and business referrals.
The vendor-rich Expo floor lets attendees test proof-of-concept gear to build technical knowledge by physically testing equipment rather than relying on online reviews.
Attendees can test the latest camera bodies, lenses, and lighting modifiers from leading manufacturers such as Canon USA. This helps you understand exactly how new technology-such as mirrorless autofocus systems or off-camera flash-can solve specific problems in workflow.
A well-supported, popular photo-capture contest runs in the background during PhotoCon. This PhotoConTEST, a signature interactive event sponsored by Canon USA, runs continuously from opening night through the final day.
It is a real-time challenge where attendees apply what they learn immediately, turning the entire conference into their canvas.
Unlike traditional contests where you submit files online, this is a tactile, on-site experience. From the moment the doors open on Thursday evening (October 29), attendees are encouraged to capture images that best capture the spirit of PhotoCon. This includes photos of the professional models, candid moments from the photo walks, and dynamic images of the gear and the crowd.
Instead of uploading a digital file, attendees visit the Canon Printer Booth on the expo floor. There, Canon experts will help print attendees’ selected masterpiece (often a high-quality 13×19” print) at no charge as their official entry.
The printed image is then hung in the Hallway Gallery, creating a growing exhibition that expands throughout the weekend. This “Hallway of Fame” allows every attendee, speaker, and instructor to view, admire, and discuss the work, turning the venue into a living art gallery.
While the exact voting and judging mechanics can vary slightly year to year (often a mix of peer popularity and judge selection), the core “voting” typically involves a People’s Choice and peer recognition.
During breaks, attendees walk the hallway, critiquing and admiring the prints. The “buzz” around specific images often drives the popular vote or influences the final selection.
The contest usually closes for entries by noon on Saturday, with winners announced at the closing ceremonies or during the afternoon prize drawings. Winners often receive significant prizes, such as new camera bodies, lenses, or substantial gift cards.
“Use the professional models to make the most of the dedicated shooting bays,” Clifton said. “These controlled setups are designed to help you get a ‘contest-worthy’ shot using professional lighting.” • Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
