November 13, 2024
Recap of the Peculiar Conference 2024: Community, Creativity, and Connection
The Peculiar Conference 2024 at BWI Marriott was an unforgettable weekend where community, creativity, and connection came together in a powerful way. From pre-conference workshops to impactful sessions, photo walks, and our signature morning glory Sunday service, it was an experience to remember. And, yes, we even polished off every last Honey Old Bay chicken wing Marriott had to offer! Here’s a full look via our official 2024 conference video below.
We opened up our 32 foot Main Stage on November 8th with an opening statement that welcomed everyone and recommended that all introverts take off their introvert hat and absorb the moment while amongst the other hundreds of creatives.
With over 250 attendees, 9 vendors, 12 models, 4 glam team members and over 3 separate campuses for the entire experience we managed to inspire, educate, and reenergize the crowd with over 19 hand selected facilitators from across North America.
Pre-Conference at Service Photo in Baltimore
We kicked things off with a few pre-conference events starting with a our “warm up” photowalk down in the Woodberry area of Baltimore, then met with our friends at Service Photo (our neighborhood camera store) in Baltimore, Maryland, where Canon, Nikon, and Sony met us with open arms. Photographers had the chance to explore the latest gear and receive great deals, ensuring everyone was set for the creativity to come. Huge shoutout to Burke Siem and the Service Photo family for continually supporting the Peculiar Collective 5 years in a row (2019-2021 workshops, 2022-2024 conferences)
Our Sponsors & Vendors
A huge thank you to our premier sponsors— 17Hats, and Aftershoot—whose support made Peculiar Conference 2024 a reality. Our gold sponsors, Evoto, Floricolor, PicTime, Showit, Westcott, Lead Savage and Photo Flash Drive provided invaluable resources and expertise. Our featured vendor, Fundy, was represented by Andrew Funderburg himself, who shared insights on how his album creation company can elevate photographers’ client offerings.
Dynamic Welcome Mixer with NiiTo5
Our Welcome Mixer was the perfect way to start the conference. The band NiiTo5 delivered an electric live performance, filling the space with energy, connection, and excitement. This opening event brought everyone together, setting the tone for an inspiring weekend.
Release of Kiati Plooks Collective Ban
Exciting news Kiati Plooks’ ban was released. After showing off at an NYC photowalk with a mixture of fashionable shots and composite images he was placed on an ARTificial “no posting ban”. During the mixer we held a mock trial that included the Aftershoot team having their ambassador’s back in representation.
Peculiar Labs, Courses, and Breakouts
With over 20 courses and labs attendees were able to take deep dives into photography, videography, marketing tactics, tax preparation, and podcasting.
This year’s lineup included the debut of Peculiar Labs, which gave attendees an intimate, hands-on environment to explore specific skills like SEO, Google My Business, advanced editing, and other essential topics. Our wide selection of courses and breakout sessions covered both the creative and business aspects of photography, allowing participants to choose their own paths for growth and development.
Industry Icons and Inspiring Guests
We were honored to host two pioneers of off-camera flash (OCF)—Keydrin Franklin and Derrell Ho-Shing—who teamed up with model Diana “The Model Nurse”. Their sessions added depth and hands-on insights to mastering OCF, empowering attendees with techniques to elevate their work.
We also welcomed Sophia Barrett and Derek Barrett back to Peculiar Conference 2024, where they delivered not only a powerful lecture but also a hands-on demo showcasing how to make a high impact on a low budget—a must-see for photographers wanting to maximize their resources. As per usual Sophie never upsets. She used Tedora as her muse for maternity and shocked attendees with lighting techniques using Geekoto lights and pocket fog machines by Ulanzi and a floral backdrop from Baby Dream backdrops.
Sophia Barrett’s talk was on Big Creative Impact on a budget. She gave attendees first hand knowledge on how to build unique sets, and build creative floral arrangements with attention to detail.
From New York, Ab Sesay and Sophia Williams joined us, bringing a wealth of knowledge with multiple lectures and demos on hard light and how to capture skin tones effectively. His expertise made a lasting impression, providing photographers with fresh approaches to lighting and portraiture.
Bi-coastal heavy hitters were present to even include thee Chris J. Evans. He came through the doors with the sharpest of outfits as executer of luxury wedding photographer. His talk inspired a variety of attendees, and provoked them sharpen their brand presence.
To add execution to the conference Jean Carlo Penaloza of the Outspoken podcast came through with an entire podcast suite having live dialogue with special guests.
Backdrop Fests: International Flair and Endless Creativity
Our photo walks, known as Backdrop Fest, offered photographers unique, styled experiences. With multiple backdrops, models, and looks—including an international carnival-inspired look by Kiki—attendees had endless creative options to explore and photograph. These sessions allowed photographers to expand their portfolios and experiment with diverse aesthetics, making the Backdrop Fest a true highlight of the conference.
Glam
Makeup
This year we came back with our same glam squad. Tanika Cornish Sebe Mephosa, and added Lola to the mix.
Hair
Once again, fashion hairstylist, Ariana from NYC came back for her second year in a row to style the hair to provide backdrop fest attendees a leg up for their portfolio. From natural styles to Afro-inspired styles she pulled looks
Models
- Diana
- Lashira
- Mindy
- Monique
- Adeola Olawoye
- Ah’Niyah Fife
- Keke
- Bo
- Tedora Matthews (Maternity)
- BreShe
- Nikki Lister
- Michaela
- Jabari
Post-Conference Workshop
Throughout the conference we had an MVP, Jonny Edwards. He literally worked the entire conference capturing portraits for speakers and special guests. In true warrior fashion, he came with fashionable outfits and signature backdrops that included a textured muslin backdrop from Backdrop Gallery.
After the conference, we hosted a special post-conference workshop led by Jonny Edwards at Kiati Plooks studio in Ellicott City. This hands-on session focused on the art of continuous lighting, helping photographers refine their techniques and learn how to carve light onto subjects to create stunning, dynamic portraits.
Looking Ahead
From the high-energy Welcome Mixer, learning opportunities to inspiring worship and incredible learning opportunities, Peculiar Conference 2024 was an event that left a lasting impact. We’re grateful for everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to `its success. We’re already excited to see what Peculiar Conference 2025 has in store!
Stay connected with the Peculiar Collective throughout the year, and we can’t wait to see you again next year as build our list of 2025 facilitators and surprise guests!
