Speaker Bios

• Frank Smith “Travel Photography Near and Far”

  • Frank T. Smith, a self-taught photographer with a lifelong passion for the art, discovered his love for photography at an early age. Specializing in outdoor and architectural photography, Frank has traveled on global journeys to capture the essence of remote locations, documenting both the people and their cultures, often supporting philanthropic causes. As a proud member of the OM Ambassador program, affiliated with OM System (formerly Olympus), Frank utilizes the OM-1 and the OM-1 Mk II as his preferred cameras. When not venturing into distant locations, he explores local landscapes and seeks out unique architectural and urban decay sites for his photography. Beyond his photography endeavors, Frank generously shares his time and expertise through in-person and online forums, delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences nationwide. Recognized for his gift of communication and passionate approach, he inspires others through workshops, classes, and mentoring. Frank also serves as a judge for camera clubs and photography events, aiming to foster creativity and reveal the unnoticed. In addition to his photography, Frank has been creating a series of videos showcasing his photo shoots and providing insights into the details of each shot, accessible on his YouTube page. Widely respected in the commercial architectural photography community, Frank collaborates with developers, architects, engineers, and owners to capture the

    essence of their projects. His work has been featured in various media, marketing campaigns, print, exhibits, and philanthropic awareness initiatives. View Frank’s website at www.franksmithphotos.com.

• Joe McDonald “Best Techniques and Settings for Wildlife Photography”

  • Joe's been photographing wildlife and nature since 1966, starting with images of his pet turtles, lizards, and snakes he made as a high school freshmen. By high school he was selling photos to the National Wildlife Federation, and by his freshman year in college he was publishing in that magazine. Since then, Joe's been published in every natural history publication in the U.S., including Audubon, Bird Watcher's Digest, Birder's World, Defenders, Living Bird, Natural History, National and International Wildlife, Ranger Rick, Smithsonian, Wildlife Conservation, and more. He is represented by multiple stock photo agencies, both domestically and world-wide. He is the author of seven books, A Practical Guide to Photographing American Wildlife; The Wildlife Photographer's Field Manual; The Complete Guide to Wildlife Photography; Designing Wildlife Photographs; Photographing on Safari, The New Complete Guide to Wildlife Photographyand African Wildlife, A Portrait of the Animal World. His book, Designing Wildlife Photographs, was judged best book by the Outdoor Writers Association of America for 1994. In 1999 he produced Photographing on Safari, Joe and Mary's first instructional video. With Rick Holt and Mary Ann McDonald, he is also the author of Digital Nature Photography - From Capture to Output. Joe is a founding member of NANPA, the North American Nature Photography Association, is a NANPA fellow and a former Board of Director for that organization. He has conducted multiple educational sessions at the annual NANPA summits, and he and Mary Ann have been Keynote speakers at this event. He has also addressed nature photography groups around the country, in Arizona, California, Florida, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and elsewhere.

• Chris McGinnis “Best Techniques for Focus Bracketing and True 1:1 Macro Photography”

  • In 2014, Chris purchased an Olympus OM-D E-M10. It was his first ‘real’ digital camera. He was excited, but felt that essentially he had no idea what he was doing. In an effort to learn the ins and outs of his new camera and to improve his photography, he vowed to shoot (and share) at least one photo each day for an entire year. He joined Instagram and got started. After 365 days of shooting, sharing, and learning, he found myself more and more interested in the details. He bought a macro lens and hasbeen hooked ever since. Chris soon shifted his attention toward the beauty, design, and intricacy of arthropods which often go unnoticed. As he got deeper into the world of macro, he moved to an OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and then the OM SYSTEM OM-1. In early 2024, he upgraded to the brand new OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II. Even before Chris started producing macro images, he was drawn to the natural world and involved in the visual arts. As a kid growing up at the Jersey Shore, Chris spent plenty of time exploring outdoors and searching for small critters. When Chris was inside the house, he logged countless hours drawing in sketchbooks. Chris eventually earned my degree in graphic design from Moravian College and immediately began a career as a designer. After four years creating websites for a publishing company, Chris joined the Olympus America creative team and has been with Olympus for over seventeen years. Chris currently serves as Director of Creative Services and oversee all phases of Olympus’ graphic design, photography, and video production. He resides in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where the majority of my macro photos are made.

• Emilie Talpin “Refraction, Water Drop”

  • Emilie Talpin is an OM SYSTEM Ambassador and 3 legged Thing Pro Team. She grew up in Chalon-sur-Saône, France, the birthplace of Nicéphore Niépce and the first photograph. Despite this background, she got into photography very late and in 2018 joined a local camera club where she met a group of talented photographers and was inspired to dive deeper into the art of capturing moments in time. Now, everywhere she goes, it is with her trusted camera by her side. Lately, she has been concentrating on wildlife and macro photography, in particular water drop refraction, but will occasionally stray with friends to an astro or landscape photo shoot. As a former French teacher, she is inherently eager to learn and try new material; a practice also applied outside the classroom as she explores the world around her and chases her next photo.

• Lisa Cuchara “Tips and Techniques for Creative Photography”

  • Lisa Cuchara, PhD, OM SYSTEM Ambassador, Master Craftsman (PPA), Master of Artistry (PPA), Master of Photography (M. Photog.), HonNEC is very passionate about photography and enjoys both being behind the lens and in the digital darkroom. She loves to photograph nature but finds many subjects equally intriguing. Lisa and her husband Tom are known for their expertise in Photography and in Photoshop, and for their inspirational and informative photography workshops. Lisa has created numerous award-winning photographic images and enjoys sharing her vision, passion, and her knowledge! Her photographs have appeared in Adirondack Life, Wild Bird, Birder’s World, in calendars, on the cover of a fictional paperback novel, in many galleries & exhibitions. Lisa & Tom have published two books with Amherst Media “Create Fine Art Photographs from Historic Places and Rusty Things” and “The Frog Whisperer”. Check out our photo and editing classes, our photo events and workshops, and view our photographs at www.LisaTom.Photos. Also subscribe to their YouTube channel where they post photography tips and how-to’s https://www.youtube.com/@LisaTom.Photos/videos. Lisa would love an opportunity to inspire you with their "Creativity is contagious, pass it on" philosophy and “Don’t shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like” approach. Lisa and Tom love to Teach, Mentor, Motivate, and Inspire and they hope that their passion and creativity will inspire you to capture beautiful photons and manipulate pixels with impact. Get Tips & Tricks about photo ops, post-processing, creativity, gear, etc. and learn more about their photography classes and tours by joining their email list http://tinyurl.com/cuchara-photolist.

• Matt Suess “Best Techniques for Milky Way & Star Trail Photos”

  • Matt Suess. Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today. For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Association Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments. In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments. I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients. I am honored to be sponsored by OM SYSTEM/Olympus as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand. I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto

    Register here: https://www.omsystemretreats.com/register-here/p/summit2024