The PPBN Connect Conference 2026 brings together some of the best minds and biggest hearts in the photography industry!
Our speakers aren’t influencers or theorists — they’re real photographers who walk the walk and talk the talk. Every one of them is an expert in their genre, from family and newborns to branding, weddings, and pets. They’ve built thriving photography businesses, faced the same challenges you have, and know what it takes to succeed in today’s market.
You won’t find fluff, hype, or vague inspiration here. Each session is packed with practical, actionable strategies you can implement the moment you get home. You’ll leave inspired, motivated, and armed with clear next steps to elevate your business and your craft.
These are people from within our own PPBN community – photographers who genuinely love what they do, believe in sharing their knowledge, and are passionate about giving back to help others grow.
So get ready to learn, laugh, and level up.
Because this lineup? It’s the real deal.
Session Speakers
Our conference sessions are where business meets inspiration. Up to 60-minute talk dives deep into the strategies, systems, and mindsets behind running a thriving photography business. These sessions are designed to spark ideas, challenge your thinking, and leave you with clear next steps to grow your business with confidence.
Workshop Speakers
Our genre-specific workshops are where learning meets real experience. Each 3-hour session gives you hands-on opportunities to shoot, pose, light, and interact with clients under the guidance of industry experts. But it’s not just about taking photos – depending on the speaker and topic, you’ll dive into client experience, retouching, and even the sales process. Every workshop is unique, so make sure you read the descriptions carefully before selecting your session.
Please note: These are more intimate with a Max of 25 people and a minimum of 15 participants is needed for each workshop to go ahead – so rally your friends in your genre and let’s make it happen!
YES, you can swap and change. No, you can’t be at two places at the one time… so choose wisely 🙂
PLEASE NOTE: SESSION AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS WILL BE COMING SOON
Conference Schedule
This is what you need to do and where you need to be… in a snapshot!
Thursday – Registrations open from 4:30pm – 5:30 pm and then everyone is invited for welcome drinks at the bar that evening.
Friday and Saturday – All are invited to the morning beach sessions at sunrise.
Rego and tradeshow opens at 8:00 – 9:00am. Come get your coffee, check out the trade and get your front row seat!
EVERYONE is together at both morning sessions
Then break for Lunch, tradeshow and community
Attend ONE workshop for that afternoon.
EVERYONE MUST come back together for the afternoon Mystery Speakers.
Before heading out for the evening social events.
Sunday – As most people will be heading home at some stage. This is a casual, connect and co-working time in the Hotel.
FRIDAY 22ND MAY 2026
CRAIG TURNER-BULLOCK & CHARLOTTE REEVES
UNLEASHED PHOTOGRAPHY
EARLY MORNING BEACH PET SESSION – WORKSHOP
Friday 22nd May 6:30 am – 7:45 am
Join award-winning pet photographers Craig Turner-Bullock and Charlotte Reeves for a hands-on sunrise beach session designed to show you how to capture dogs at their absolute best. Watch as they demonstrate their approach to working with canine clients in a natural, dynamic environment – from posing and movement to capturing authentic personality. You’ll see how they create a varied portfolio of images that delights clients and showcases your skills. This workshop is all about observation, technique, and inspiration – from two of the industry’s leading pet photographers.
ELLE PAYNE
ALWAYS BELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
9 STEPS TO BUILD, IMPLEMENT AND OPTIMISE GROWTH
SESSION 1 – Friday 22nd May 9:30am – 10:30am
This session explores a nine-step framework behind building a scalable and profitable photography business. This session takes you from defining your goals and understanding your numbers to implementing systems, leading a team, and creating consistent marketing and client experiences. You will then learn how to optimise performance by analysing data and making targeted improvements that increase profit and efficiency. Elle’s straightforward approach, using practical spreadsheet tools, will give you the clarity and structure to grow your studio with purpose.
NATASHA SIMPSON
DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTENT IS EVERYTHING
SESSION 2 – Friday 22nd May 10:30am – 11:30am 
In a crowded social media world, how do you stand out as a photographer? With over 1 million followers across her social media platforms, Natasha Simpson is here to show you exactly how. In this session, you’ll learn how to define your brand identity, tell your story authentically, and create visual content that connects and converts. From understanding trends (and strategically ignoring them) to leveraging storytelling and your unique perspective, Natasha will give you practical tips you can use immediately. You’ll discover that everything is content, and that showing up, embracing creativity, and releasing perfectionism are the keys to building engagement, carving out your niche, and making a lasting impact online.
Workshops
DOUG WEITTENHILLER
TWIG & OLIVE
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Join Doug from Twig & Olive for a high-impact, hands-on workshop that explores what makes family photography both emotional and profitable. You’ll learn how to direct families with authenticity and energy, capturing real connection rather than stiff poses. Then, dive into the full modern workflow, covering AI-assisted editing, marketing automation, and client communication systems that actually save time and grow business. This session blends creativity, technology, and practical strategy, giving you tools you can use immediately. Expect to shoot, think, and laugh while re-imagining how family sessions can truly thrive in today’s market.
PLEASE NOTE: DOUG WILL BE RUNNING THE SAME WORKSHOP ON BOTH DAYS
CRAIG TURNER-BULLOCK & CHARLOTTE REEVES
EDITING PET SESSION
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Join Craig Turner-Bullock and Charlotte Reeves for a focused classroom session where the spotlight is on editing and creating images that sell. Using images from a recent beach shoot, they’ll walk you step-by-step through their editing workflow, showing how to select, enhance, and polish shots for maximum impact in client galleries.
You’ll also learn which products sell best in their businesses and how to present images in a way that encourages client purchases. This session is all about giving you actionable strategies to elevate your pet photography business.
TANAH BASLIE
Mastering Newborn Posing & High-Value IPS
NEWBORN – WORKSHOP
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
This workshop gives photographers a rare chance to learn directly from Tanha of Winni & Mini, one of Australia’s most sought-after newborn and maternity artists. Together, you’ll refine newborn posing with simple, safe techniques, learn how to draw out genuine emotion from expectant mothers, and get hands-on practice with Tanha’s signature flow. Then she’ll take you behind the curtain of her in-person sales approach — the exact system that consistently delivers average orders of $3,000+. By the end, you’ll walk away with clear posing confidence, a smoother client experience, and a proven IPS framework you can start using immediately.
PAULA BRENNAN
PAULA BRENNAN PHOTOGRAPHER
Lifestyle Personal Brand Experiences for 2026 Clients
PERSONAL BRANDING – WORKSHOP
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Personal branding is one of the fastest-growing genres, giving photographers a fresh creative playground and a new way to connect with the 2026 client – someone busy, brilliant, and craving ease, authenticity and storytelling that feels real. It’s a space where creativity, clarity and client experience come together, and where repeat bookings naturally follow. In this workshop, you’ll walk you through the kind of experience Paula uses to create contemporary, lifestyle-led branding shoots that fit beautifully into life-friendly hours while still opening the door to multiple-thousand-dollar shoot days. You’ll also shoot alongside Paula, explore new creative ideas, build your folio and see how this approach can reignite your artistic spark while expanding your earning potential – without the overwhelm.
TRINA JULIUS
Red Cherry Kindy & Childcare Photography + Preschool Photography Academy
The business of Preschool / Childcare Photography
PRESCHOOLS – WORKSHOP
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm 
Step inside the world of preschool and childcare photography with insights from my 12 years photographing children aged 6 months to 5 years across fully booked school terms. This session will explore the joy and creativity of outdoor play portraits, along with practical, actionable business strategies. Learn how I communicate effectively with directors and parents, how the registration process works, tailor your service to different centres, and confidently navigate what works—and what doesn’t—in this fabulous growing genre. We’ll finish with a Q&A so you can dive deeper into your next steps.
MICHEAL BRIGGS "BRIGGSY"
Candid Connection, Effortless BTS Content & Champagne Moments
WEDDING – WORKSHOP
Friday 22nd May 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Step into Briggsy’s world of candid, personality-driven wedding photography, where real connection wins every time. This high-energy workshop shows you how to bring your own personality into every interaction so couples feel relaxed, understood, and ready to have fun. You’ll learn how to communicate with clarity, direct without over-directing, and create an environment where genuine moments unfold easily.
Briggsy will also break down how to quickly and prolifically create your own BTS content while you shoot, keeping it simple and achievable no matter how hectic the day is. Expect movement, playfulness, micro-prompts, and reading the vibe of every couple. And yes, you’ll wrap it up with Briggsy’s signature champagne moment, learning how to capture the chaos with style.
JODIE SHANKS
Empowering women to see, feel & believe they are powerful, worthy & beautiful.
WOMANS EMPOWERMENT- WORKSHOP
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Jodie Lea is a trauma-aware, heart-led boudoir educator who blends emotional intelligence with refined artistry and high-impact product-based sales. She teaches photographers how to create emotionally safe sessions, read micro-expressions, guide body-aware posing, master simple-but-stunning lighting, and edit with empathy. Jodie is also an expert in product-driven IPS, showing you how to design and sell meaningful albums, wall art, and collections through grounded, ethical, connection-based sales. Her approach makes clients feel seen, supported, and confident investing in luxury products. Jodie and Allison teach side-by-side to give you the complete boudoir experience
MYSTERY SPEAKER
SESSION 3 – Friday 22nd May 4:30pm – 5:00pm
SATURDAY 23RD MAY 2026
SPEAKER TBC
Saturday 23rd May 7:00am – 8:00am
KYLIE GARNER
SESSION 5 – Saturday 23rd May 9:30am – 10:30am
JOHL DUNN
STRATEGIC. SCALE. GROW
JD MINDSET COACHING
SESSION 5 – Saturday 23rd May 10:30am – 11:30am
Without a plan and structure, even the most talented photographers can stagnate. In this session, Johl Dunn will guide you through the exact frameworks photographers need to move from “busy and overwhelmed” to “purposeful and profitable.” You’ll start with STRATEGY – crafting a clear vision and roadmap that gives your business direction and focus. Then learn to SCALE – practical steps to streamline processes, refine offers, and grow without burning out. Finally, discover how to GROW into the lifestyle you actually want. Walk away inspired, motivated, and ready to take action.
Workshops
DOUG WEITTENHILLER
TWIG & OLIVE
Friday 22nd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Join Doug from Twig & Olive for a high-impact, hands-on workshop that explores what makes family photography both emotional and profitable. You’ll learn how to direct families with authenticity and energy, capturing real connection rather than stiff poses. Then, dive into the full modern workflow, covering AI-assisted editing, marketing automation, and client communication systems that actually save time and grow business. This session blends creativity, technology, and practical strategy, giving you tools you can use immediately. Expect to shoot, think, and laugh while re-imagining how family sessions can truly thrive in today’s market.
PLEASE NOTE: DOUG WILL BE RUNNING THE SAME WORKSHOP ON BOTH DAYS
NATASHA SIMPSON
DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Colour Harmony, Posing workflow & Content Creation!
NEWBORN & CONTENT CREATION – WORKSHOP
Saturday 23rd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm 
Known for her stunning floral arrangements and impeccable design eye, Natasha Simpson leads this hands-on workshop exploring colour harmony, posing workflow, and creating content simultaneously. Using two beautifully styled setups with a model, she’ll guide you through her unique process – balancing lighting, composition, and styling while capturing content in the background. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how to create gorgeous imagery that’s also ready for social media. By the end, Natasha will show you how to pull it all together into a cohesive, visually striking body of work. This session is the perfect mix of shooting, styling, and content creation!
BELINDA RICHARDS
FROG DOG STUDIOS
Studio Pet Photography Essentials
PETS STUDIO – WORKSHOP
Saturday 23rd 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Join internationally acclaimed pet photographer Belinda Richards of Frog Dog Studios for a hands-on workshop that will transform the way you approach pet photography. Belinda, crowned International Dog Photographer of the Year 2025 and multi-time Australian Pet Photographer of the Year, will guide you through her signature approach, blending humour, empathy, and high-end artistry.
Learn creative lighting techniques, simple yet effective posing strategies, and streamlined editing workflows designed to elevate your studio pet portraits. This workshop will help you capture emotion, personality, and polish in every shot, giving you the confidence and tools to produce standout images that clients will treasure and book you for again and again.
KYLIE GARNER
Saturday 23rd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
ASHLEY SPAGNOLO
Luxury Weddings, Elegant Posing & High-End Branding
WEDDING WORKSHOP
Saturday 23rd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm 
Join Ashley for a deep dive into the refined world of luxury wedding photography. This workshop explores how to bring elegance, structure, and intention to every frame. From graceful posing and body-aware direction to composing scenes that feel editorial yet emotionally grounded. Ashley will guide you through lighting choices (including direct flash), working confidently in fast-paced environments, and crafting imagery that aligns with a high-end aesthetic. You’ll also uncover the foundations of building a luxury brand from client experience to visual style and consistency. Perfect for photographers ready to elevate their portfolio and position themselves at the top end of the market.
Allison Cole
Spicy Boudoir Posing & Profitable Systems
BOUDOIR – WORKSHOP
Saturday 23rd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Allison Cole is the no-bullshit, strategy-driven boudoir photographer behind one of Australia’s most profitable, personality-led studios. In this workshop, she blends the perfect mix of spicy, confidence-fuelled posing (without ever sexualising clients) and the business systems that actually make money with creating a magnetic brand with high-end marketing. But her true superpower is teaching photographers how to run a scalable, sustainable studio with payment plans, automation, and workflows designed specifically for busy working mums. Allison breaks down the exact systems that keep her studio booked 12–24 months in advance. ahead, from automated lead nurturing and online bookings. She teaches you how to build a studio that supports your lifestyle, not one that burns you out. Jodie and Allison teach side-by-side to give you the complete boudoir experience
MELANIE BIRT
SYDNEY HEADSHOT PHOTOS
HEADSHOTS/EVENT – WORKSHOP
Saturday 23rd May 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Join professional photographer Melanie Birt for a hands-on session exploring lighting, posing, and expression in real-world studio and corporate environments. Learn how to achieve flattering, consistent results for individuals, teams, and large-scale events using both strobe and continuous setups. Melanie will share practical techniques for directing clients, guiding posing flows, and drawing out authentic expression to convey personality and purpose. She’ll also discuss collaborating with sponsors and makeup artists, and managing on-site workflows for volume and event headshots. The session concludes with insights into the business of corporate event photography—capturing the essence of an event, efficient culling strategies, and curating galleries that not only document the occasion but also help clients promote future events.
MYSTERY SPEAKER
SESSION 6 – Saturday 23rd May 4:30pm – 5:00pm