Sports Photography: Focusing on the Action

Experience an action-packed night of inspiration, emotion & incredible sports photography with Kelly VanderBeek & Leah Hennel!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of sports photography with renowned photographers Kelly VanderBeek and Leah Hennel! Ignite your creativity with inspiring presentations that take a look into all elements of sports photography, from prepping for the big event to immersing yourself in the emotions of a big win or loss. It's all in the passion for capturing the sport!

What’s in store?

Meet & Greet | 6:30 - 7 PM – Mingle with Kelly and Leah, along with fellow Calgary creatives over welcome refreshments and snacks.

Seminars - Focusing on the Action | 7 PM – Get ready to be inspired by Kelly and Leah! The presentations (45 min each) will take a unique look into sports photography, sparking new ways for you to approach your next sports event.

Live Q&A | After the Presentations – As the evening wraps up, ask your burning questions or express your comments with an open, interactive Q&A with Kelly and Leah.

About the presentations:

Kelly VanderBeek - The Secret to Catching the Action: It’s All in the Prep
Behind every great moment—whether in sport or life—is preparation. From physical readiness and mental sharpness to having backup plans when conditions shift (bad locations, limited mobility, cold, rain, or delays), preparation is the difference between missing the moment and capturing it. This talk explores the habits, mindset, and research strategies that allow you to anticipate, adapt, and be ready when the action unfolds.

Leah Hennel - Emotion and Anticipation in Sports photography
What makes a photo unforgettable isn’t just what it reveals — it’s how it makes you feel. In this talk, we’ll go behind the scenes of sports to discover the emotional moments that happen off the field and away from the action. Sports photography isn’t just about action, it’s about emotion, the atmosphere, those in-between moments. How composition and anticipation work together to capture the human side of sport — the quiet focus before a race, the behind-the-scenes drama during a game, the heartbreak after a loss.

Learn more and register HERE.