SEMINAR + REVIEW

Inspiring Keynote Speaker, Maddie McGarvey

Maddie McGarvey is a documentary photographer and visual journalist based in Columbus, Ohio. Her work focuses on long-term, intimate storytelling that explores the intersection of family, poverty, health, and policy in the United States. Her projects have examined issues including generational poverty in Appalachia, hunger and food insecurity, maternal health within the prison system, and the impact of environmental and industrial disasters on communities.

Career-propelling Workshops

Workshops 2026 is designed to meet photographers wherever they are in their careers — whether you're refining your sourcing and reporting practice, building a stronger portfolio, exploring video, or learning how to stay safe in the field. Attendees can choose from sessions led by working professionals from The Baltimore Banner, NPR, National Geographic, Time, and more. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with tools you can put to work right away.

The Importance of Sourcing in Photojournalism

Teacher: Jessica Gallagher

How sourcing builds strong relationships in communities and leads to more impactful visuals.

Publishing a Photo Book

Teacher: Rachel Wisniewski

Hear how Rachel Wisniewski turned her photo project, L'dor V'dor, into a published book.

Video Producing

Teacher: Kara Frame

Hear from Kara Frame on producing video projects such as NPR's Tiny Desk Concert.

Photography Beyond the Medium

Teacher: Michael Wichita

Come hear Michael Wichita discuss all things photography outside of the medium of photography.

Strategies for Your Photography Portfolio

Teacher: Kristen McNicholas (The Kalish)

A well-edited portfolio is key to reaching your clients and demonstrating your strengths as a visual storyteller. This session will discuss strategies for a strong portfolio presence.

The Elevated Portrait

Teacher: Stephen Voss

Strong opinions, loosely held: the planning and improvisation that go into making a meaningful portrait.

Video for Photographers

Teacher: Maria Cardona

Come learn how to produce quality video work, even when on a photo assignment, with Maria Cardona.

Safety in the Field

Teacher: Leah Millis

Learn how to stay safe in difficult situations with Leah Millis.

And of course, the portfolio reviews!

We’re securing talented editors and photographers from companies and publications such as The New York Times, The Baltimore Banner, US News, Education Week, AARP, and more. Check out this year’s list here. And be sure to check back often as we add names regularly!

Camera cleanings and demos

Participants can bring their gear for free cleanings and checks by technicians from Canon, Sony, and Nikon. Plus they’ll have all kinds of equipment to look  at and all the gear talk you can handle!

Closing reception and special 20th anniversary celebration

After a day of learning and getting inspired, its time to relax with your WPOW community. This year, we’re kicking it up a notch to celebrate 20 years of WPOW!

Chat with reviewers and other participants, plus, during the reception, we’ll draw the winner of the grand prize for the WPOW fundraiser, a NEW CANON CAMERA!

Reception-only tickets are available!

Support WPOW and win!

Each year at the Seminar+Portfolio Review we hold a special fundraiser to help support all of the amazing programs and activities of WPOW. 

Plus, your donation enters you to win from a long list of prizes, including a brand new Canon EOS R5 Mark II Body + RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM + RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM + Battery Grip!

You can also enter to win reviews by top editors, gear, computer software, memberships, services, photo books, and of course our beloved WPOW-branded swag!

WPOW is a 501c3 and all donations will directly support our programming and operational expenses.

About the Seminar+Portfolio Review

The Seminar + Portfolio Review is WPOW’s largest annual event. We are very proud of its evolution since the first review in 2011. This growth is thanks to the many WPOW volunteers and reviewers who have given their time to help and inspire both new and seasoned visual journalists. The event is an opportunity to learn from our esteemed speakers and to share your still, video, and multimedia work one-on-one with industry leaders in Washington, D.C.- a base for many of the world's top visual journalists, editors, and publications. Editors from National Geographic, NPR, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, and more will be on hand to conduct the portfolio reviews. In addition, Canon, Nikon and Sony offer complimentary equipment clean and check services.