Pre-conference Clinics

The 2026 Nashville convention will feature two extended, intensive seminars focusing on visual storytelling and editing. These six-hour interactive sessions, led by two highly rated presenters, will delve deeply into advanced techniques designed to sharpen the skills of photojournalists and editors at all levels. Make an investment that will take your visual storytelling or editing skills to a deeper level.

Both sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, with a lunch break (lunch included). The opening session of the convention will follow at 4:30 p.m.

Participants will need to bring a laptop or mobile device with Internet access.

Visual Storytelling Clinic

Monday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration fee (with convention registration): $99, includes lunch
Registration fee (without convention registration): $149, includes lunch

The Mission Behind the Frame: Moving hearts and minds

This one-day clinic will explore how images move people, build trust, and communicate the heart of our organizations. Through participant-submitted photographs, a variety of other examples, and a live one-hour shooting challenge, we’ll look closely at creating visual stories that build bridges and make connections. Designed for media professionals at all levels, the foundation of who we are and who we’d like to be will guide us over the course of this challenging day.

Instructor: Jim Veneman

For twenty-five years Jim has served as a university professor of photojournalism. He has covered many national and international stories. Most recently Jim and Carol were involved in covering Hurricane Milton in Florida. In 2011 he received the National Press Photographers Association’s highest award for teaching photojournalism, the Robin F. Garland Educator Award. Jim and Carol now teach photography at The Paris Academy for the Arts, and at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon, as well as weekly classes at the Huntingdon Middle School, and with young women at Youth Town in Pinson, Tenn. Their classes introduce students of all ages to the idea that amazing photographs aren’t just found in faraway places, but often in the familiar moments we overlook. Incredible images are often hiding within the simplest scenes, and at times they are right in front of us. Photography has provided a way for Jim to share the stories of people in relationship with one another, and encourages viewers to make a difference in the lives around them.

What others say:

“Mr. Veneman is incredible. His class goes way beyond how to take a photo…it teaches you about telling stories through the lens. His life experience in the field is remarkable.”
“Jim Veneman is a fantastic teacher.”

Editing Clinic

Monday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Registration fee (with convention registration): $99, includes lunch
Registration fee (without convention registration): $149, includes lunch

For the Love of Editing: The editor as coach, archaeologist, surgeon and diplomat

Editing is something we can’t simply study; we have to do. And in the doing, we get better at our craft. Whether you’re new to the role of editor or you have some experience under your belt, join us to gain a few more tools for your editing toolbox, as well as to engage in hands-on editing practice.

Highlights of the workshop:
• Learn to coach your writers to become stronger at their craft, and practice creating a focus statement
• Distinguish between 3 types of editing: developmental, line editing & proofreading
• Practice the first two types of editing with others in the workshop, using actual articles

Instructor: Diane J. McDougall

Diane J. McDougall believes that the best articles result from a trusting partnership between creator and editor. Her personal portfolio as writer and editor specializes in magazines — from the faith-based nonprofit world (Bible & Society and World Vision) to airline magazines (Ethiopian Airline’s Selamta) and higher-ed (UVA’s Virginia Magazine and Seattle Pacific University’s Response). But she’s also worked on specialty publications for clients as diverse as International Justice Mission, Preemptive Love and the U.S. Postal Service. She’s now available via McDougall Editorial for freelance writing and editing, and the coaching of writers and editors.

What others say:

“Awesome seminar. It helped me a lot as an editor and gave me some new tools to freshen up my editing/writing. Diane was personable and I liked the mix of presentation and group work. A lot of good input to take back to my team. Many great take-aways!”
“Smooth, well-informed, up-to-date. Loved her heart for nurturing and developing young writers—few young editors would even think of this. Good interactions and pacing.”
“Excellent! Everything about this workshop…I would definitely attend any workshop that she leads in the future.”