October 6-8,2019, Tomayia Colvin Education hosted its second The Photo Cookout Photography Conference + Expo in the magical city of New Orleans and it was indeed Good Vibes Only. Over 225 attendees participated in the event held at the Ace Hotel sponsored by Sony. The photography conference is the first of its kind to celebrate diversity and Black photographers that includes an all-Black speaker line up. The Photo Cookout aims to give photographers of color an opportunity to connect in person, form life long relationships, and support in their businesses.

“For me as the Founder, it was everything that I knew our community needed.”

– Tomayia Colvin

For many attendees, the energy, love, and support was contagious and was a whole “mood.” Something that only happens in the movies, but this time it was in person and happening in real life.

Support.

Family.

Encouragement.

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

~African proverb.

On Sunday, attendees arrived by party bus to the Peristyle in City Park and were served some of the best-baked beans I had ever tasted. The potato salad fell a bit short, but that didn’t stop our family reunion, line dancing, and positive vibes. Fundy Album designer graciously provided slushes to the attendees.

Afterward, speakers Toni Shaw, Teshorn Jackson, Britney Smith, Keith Claytor supported by Profoto, Rhonisha Franklin, Kanayo Adibe, and Toni Black supported by Stella Lights, and Petronella Lugemwa led attendees on photo walks on learning the basics of street photography, lighting, photographing cultural couples, and much more.

On Monday morning, founder of The Photo Cookout, Tomayia Colvin greeted attendees and opened the conference for a full two days of presentations and photo walks from marketing, editing, posing, and taking their business to the next level.

Monday evening closed out with a surprise second line band and attendees paraded down Carondelet to Bourbon street with their cameras, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs.

Tuesday was another full day of seminars and attendees closed out the conference with a Harlem Nights’ themed party and danced the night away from the sounds of DJ.

Check out the documentary film by Smitha Lee

We look forward to seeing you in 2020 in the beautiful city of Chattanooga on October 4-7, 2020!