About Us
Live your best creative life
Out of Chicago began in 2011 as a blog by Chris Smith to share his photography adventures. Since then it has evolved from a published book, “The Photographers Guide to Chicago”, to the first and largest annual midwest photography conference of its kind. Things have changed since then, but the vision has remained the same, which is to connect and immerse enthusiasts and professionals alike with the best possible learning experience around photography.
Today, Out of Chicago creates immersive, in-person and online photography conferences each year, attracting the world’s best photographers from their field for you to connect and energize your photography alongside the pros. We are all photographers ourselves, so we understand what it takes to be inspired and get to the right place at the right time to get that one epic shot. Each conference is unique and creative allowing you to interact and learn something new every time. Our in-person, hands-on events take you to epic destinations throughout the year, such as Acadia, Moab, and Yosemite National Park. And once-a-year, you can attend our live, online, global photography conference where over 50 world-class photographers gather in one place, at one time, to share their discoveries from the past year, and for you to learn, share and get feedback from the pros.
Join us and be part of a community as passionate about photography as you.
Our Team
We Travel. Teach It. Do It Together. And Share A Common Passion – Photography.
Chris Smith, Founder
Out of Chicago started in 2011 when Chris began to photograph our beautiful city. Chris used his knowledge from the blog to write “The Photographer’s Guide to Chicago”. Chris’ vision has always been to connect passionate photographers with each other, which has lead him to creating destination oriented conferences each year. Chris loves photographing the city and using his 17+ years of teaching physics experience to teach others about his photography passion. When he’s not creating new events for Out of Chicago, you will find him hanging out with his wife and two kids or playing hockey. csmithchicago.com
Anne Belmont, Lead Coordinator, Flower and Garden Conferences
As a team member of Out of Chicago, Anne helps plan and run many of our conferences and is a lead coordinator for the flower and garden conferences. Anne specializes in flower photography and teaches with Out of Chicago and other conference venues and her private workshops. As a Lensbaby Ambassador she works in partnership with Lensbaby to spread the love of their creative lenses. annebelmontphotography.com
Chrissy Donadi, Lead Coordinator, Landscape Photography Conferences
Chrissy is a landscape and wildlife photographer, master naturalist, and photo educator. With a passion for landscapes and a knack for teaching, Chrissy ensures each conference offers an immersive experience for photographers of all levels. In addition to her organizational role, Chrissy brings her expertise as a photography instructor to the Out of Chicago conferences. Her dedication contributes to creating unforgettable events where attendees can learn, connect, and capture the beauty of the world around them. chrissydonadi.com
Jennifer Renwick, Lead Coordinator, Landscape Photography Conferences
Jennifer Renwick is a nature photographer and educator, serving as Lead Coordinator for Landscape Photography Conferences at Out of Chicago. With a background in geology and veterinary medicine, Jennifer’s journey into full-time photography was fueled by her love for the American West’s rugged landscapes. Jennifer’s expertise in visual storytelling and capturing intricate details enriches the immersive conference experiences she creates for photographers of all levels. jenniferrenwick.com
Bob Wojda, Video Director
Bob has been working in the video industry for thirty years. He’s traveled the world as a producer and director and started his own full-service production company in 2008. Bob’s interest in DSLR cinematography brought him to the Out of Chicago team where he both teaches and assists with the moving picture side of the organization. Besides shooting, Bob races sailboats in the summer and enjoys watching movies with his family.
Malinda Leonard, (formerly Kavetschanky), Operations
As a team member of Out of Chicago, Malinda helps with everything from everyday accounting to big picture details on new events. She is passionate about making Out of Chicago a strong community of photographers and loves meeting new friends. In addition to photographing Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Gardens, and travel, she enjoys portrait photography too. malindakavphoto.com
Nichole Vild, Media Specialist
As an Out of Chicago team member, Nichole manages the Out of Chicago YouTube channel. She builds our community by curating inspiring selections from our talented instructors. Although Tennessee-based, Nichole travels the world extensively, finding inspiration for her photography from the depths of the ocean to high up in the sky. nicholevild.com
Tiffany Brotherton, Customer Service
As a team member of Out of Chicago, Tiffany helps with everything customer-related. She enjoys helping the conference attendees through the full conference journey. She is passionate about traveling the world with her husband, Brett, in their RV. They plan on traveling to all 63 National Parks to make unique landscape and wildlife images.
Ariel Faith, Web Manager
As a team member of Out of Chicago, Ariel helps with web development, user experience,
content strategy etc. She loves to venture to places both old and new seeking opportunities for personal and community growth. She enjoys photographing personality portraits, nature, abstract impressionism, architecture and the infinite world of botanicals. arielfaithphotography.com