Northern Exposure 2025

Mark your calendars! Northern Exposure 2025 is set for Friday, April 4 – Saturday, April 5 at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Murphy Hall on the East Bank of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

Northern Exposure is an anything-but-the-same-old conference to talk photography, video and storytelling. For the last several years, photojournalists have shaped the way we receive news about the pandemic, unrest, social justice and more. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been important. Let’s gather to learn from each other and inspire one another.

Join us on Friday for a student-focused program (everyone is welcome to attend) with a Friday keynote and get-together open to anyone. On Saturday there will be great keynote speakers and breakout sessions.

A light breakfast is provided each day and lunch is included in your registration. Pre-registered attendees will receive a flash drive. (Day-of registrations may only receive a flash drive if available).

Early Bird Pricing: $60/pros and $15/students, Friday breakfast and boxed lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Sunday breakfast, and a flash drive. Saturday only, $50, Sunday only, $25. Students, Friday only, $10.

After March 1: $75/pros and $20/students, Friday breakfast and boxed lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Sunday breakfast, and a flash drive. Saturday only, $50, Sunday only, $25.

On Site Registration (April 4-5): $75/pros and $20/students, Friday breakfast and boxed lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Sunday breakfast. Saturday only, $50. Flash drives available as inventory allows.

We’ve got great speakers!

We’re excited to have Minnesota native and National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths with us, and thrilled that former photojournalist, educator and expert on journalists and trauma Lisa Krantz will join us, too, along with Chip Somodevilla, Getty photographer based in Washington, D.C. as our keynote speakers.

In addition, we have some great breakout sessions, with Caroline Yang talking about her work with double exposures, Dave LaBelle leading a photo walk, Deb Pang Davis on how to publish a photo book, Carlos Gonzalez talking sports, Carly Danek on telling better video stories, Brian Peterson on shooting night skies and Mark Brown talking about his new documentary, to name just a few.

Special track for editors and word folks

Breakout sessions focused on how to grow your audience by improving the visual journalism on your websites and social feeds: Understanding what makes images effective, working with freelancers and putting together fair and thoughtful contracts. We’re hosting a mini-meetup to give editors, producers and news leaders a low-pressure way to connect with freelance photographers around Minnesota. 

Congrats to the photo contest winners!

Photographer of the Year: Maya Giron, Rochester Post Bulletin

Complete Pro winners list and images are here

College Photographer of the Year: Matt Sullivan, University of Minnesota

Complete College winners list and images are here

Look back at 2024 In Pictures (Of Course)

Early Bird Pricing: $60/pros and $15/students, Friday breakfast and boxed lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch and a flash drive. Saturday only, $50.

After March 1: $75/pros and $20/students, Friday breakfast and boxed lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch and a flash drive. Saturday only, $50.

On Site Registration (April 4-5): $75/pros and $20/students, Friday breakfast and boxed lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, Sunday breakfast. Saturday only, $50, Sunday only, $25. Flash drive available as inventory allows.

Thanks to these folks for supporting the conference and contest