Opening General Session - Outsiders

Welcome to Kanab!

Introduction to the Conference and the Speakers

SPEAKERS:

DUSTIN LEFEVRE - I grew up in the foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains and developed a deep love of the outdoors through a childhood of exploration. My mother always had a camera in hand, so it didn’t take long before I was asking to borrow it. Soon I got one of my own and I was hooked. My passion for photography and my love of the outdoors have grown together ever since and at times have bordered on obsession that has shaped my life in many ways. I even met my wife Emily through photography by purchasing a lens from her on the local classifieds. Any chance I get, I can be found wandering the desert, looking for cool rocks and seeking conditions that make for unforgettable images and experiences. I transitioned to digital photography early on, but I still enjoy taking my film panorama camera out in the field. As I have progressed, I have really enjoyed sharing my experience and knowledge of photography through workshops throughout the Southwest. If you are reading this, you probably also have a love for photography and I hope to run into you out in the field some day.

PHIL MONSON - Having started a love of photography shortly after graduating college in 2007 with an entry-level camera and a three-week trip to Europe, Phill discovered the incredible Desert Southwest, and has dedicated the last decade to capturing this diverse landscape. He regularly presents to small and large groups discussing landscape and astro-landscape photography techniques, and is well known in the landscape photography arena of the new digital age. Recently, Phill has taken on a new endeavor in design and creating an apparel line focused on promoting wilderness ethics and how to Adventure Responsibly. Phill lives near Salt Lake City, UT with his wife and two children.

RYAN SMITH - Combining his professional experience as a corporate trainer with his passion for photography, Ryan has a knack for sharing the technical aspects of photography in an easy to understand way through various workshops, and events through the west and beyond including the Hawaiian Islands. He enjoys adapting to the various needs of his attendees whether it's in the field learning the technical side and composition techniques, or if it's in the classroom focusing on perfecting post editing techniques to help achieve a print ready image. Ryan also enjoys sharing his print selling success as experience as a gallery represented artist .

DAVID SWINDLER - David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer based in Southern Utah. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked many years in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. Back in 2014 he quit his day job to follow his true passion. As a photographer, he has traveled to many locations around the world and has extensive experience with landscape, wildlife, night, and macro photography. He runs Action Photo Tours full time and finds great satisfaction in taking people to remote and beautiful places in the Southwest and helping them take the best photos possible.