Kirsten Lewis is not your typical keynote speaker; she embodies the essence of storytelling through her lens. As she takes the stage, there's an undeniable energy that emanates from her, a blend of passion, creativity, and authenticity that captivates her audience from the moment she begins to speak.

Dressed in attire that reflects her vibrant personality, Kirsten exudes confidence and warmth, immediately establishing a connection with her audience. Her presence is magnetic, drawing listeners in with her genuine enthusiasm for her craft and her desire to inspire others. With a background in photojournalism, Kirsten brings a unique perspective to her keynote presentations. She shares stories of her experiences from around the world, using her photographs as windows into different cultures, communities, and human experiences. Each image she presents is not just a snapshot frozen in time but a narrative waiting to be explored, filled with emotion, depth, and meaning.

What sets Kirsten apart as a keynote speaker is her ability to weave together storytelling, photography, and life lessons seamlessly. She doesn't just talk about composition, lighting, or technical aspects of photography (though she certainly could); instead, she delves into the heart of what it means to be a storyteller with a camera. She discusses the power of empathy, the importance of building trust with her subjects, and the art of capturing authentic moments.

Throughout her keynote, Kirsten shares anecdotes from her own journey as a photographer, including the challenges she's faced and the lessons she's learned along the way. She speaks openly about the vulnerability of her craft, acknowledging that every photograph she takes is a reflection of her own perspective and experiences. Yet, she also emphasizes the universal nature of storytelling, reminding her audience that we all have stories worth telling and sharing. As Kirsten speaks, her passion for photography is palpable, igniting a spark of inspiration in her listeners. She encourages them to embrace their creativity, to see the world with fresh eyes, and to find beauty in the ordinary moments of life. Her message transcends the boundaries of photography, speaking to the power of storytelling as a force for connection, understanding, and change.

By the time Kirsten concludes her keynote, there's a sense of excitement and possibility in the room. Her words linger in the air, leaving her audience inspired to pick up their cameras and capture their own stories, to embrace the journey of creativity, and to find joy in the art of storytelling. As they applaud her heartfelt message, they know that they've been touched not just by a talented photographer but by a genuine storyteller whose passion shines through in every word she speaks.

© Lisa Hibbert

KEYNOTE

speaker

2024
    Lawrence, KS Foundation Workshop “Intuition. The 6th Sense”

2023
    Denver, CO Friends of Fearless “Because One Day We All Die”
    Niagara, OT True North “In The Overlap”
    Lawrence, KS Foundation Workshop “Intentional Storytelling"

2022
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI. “This Is What I Know"
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI Addressing Lack Of Diversity In The Photography Industry Panelist
    Chatham, OT True North CoHost with Raquita Henderson
   
2021
    Nashville, TN The Gathering (Virtual) “Lessons From A Bear”
    Leipzig, Germany Dokumentarische Familienfotografie Feature (virtual) “Personal Projects”


2020
    Monteal, Canada Photographer’s Unite (Virtual) “In Your Own Words”
    Mumbai, India Capturing WOW Global Summit (Virtual) “Documentary Family Photography”
    Dallas, Texas Dallas Center For Photography “Picturing Home” Panelist (online)
    London, UK Photografemme (virtual) “Lifting the Lid on Documentary Family Photography” 
  

2019
    Portland, Oregon Real Life Conference For Women. “Own It"
    Astana, Kazakhstan The Art Of Content Conference “Storytelling, A Commercial Business”
    Aktobe, Kazakhstan The Art Of Content Conference “Storytelling, A Commercial Business”
    Washington, DC Focus On The Story Photo Festival Personal Project Panel
    Miami, Florida. Storytellers Conference “Own It”
    Aachen, Germany Fearless Photographers Conference “Own it”

2018
    Queretaro, Mexico Baby F Conference. “Nothing Is Better Than Real Life”
    Mumbai, India PEP Conference “The Imbalance Of Life And Work”
    Mumbai, India PEP Conference “Childhood’s Eulogy”
    Mumbai, India PEP Conference “Nothing Is Better Than Real Life”
    Glen Rose, Texas Foundation Workshop “The Human Condition"

2017
    London, UK Elevate Conference “Nothing Is Better Than Real Life”
    Budapest, Hungary Fearless Conference Europe “Nothing Is Better Than Real Life”
    Buenos Aires, Argentina FDF “Nothing Is Better Than Real Life”
    
2016  
    Las Vegas, NV. WPPI "Kids Do Weird SH*T"
    Newport, RI Inspire Photography Retreats. "Finding Your Own Voice” 
    Charleston, SC Fearless Conference. “Kids Do Weird SH*T”
    Canmore, Canada Real Life Conference For Women. Full Day Keynote “Documentary Family Photography"

2015 
    Washington, DC CAP Guest Keynote Speaker. "Documentary Family Photography"
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI Platform Class. "The Fear of Photography"

2014 
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI. NIKON. Featured Speaker. 2 Programs. “Day In The Life Sessions”
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI Platform Class. "Finding Your Own Voice"
    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Family Photo Conference. Full day Presentation. “Documenting Families”
    Mystic, CT. MYSTIC. Presentation. “I’d Rather Be Dating My Clients”
    Vancouver, Canada Canada Photo Convention “I Just Effed That Up"

2013  
    Sevilla, Spain FDF Sevilla. Presentation. “The Power of Pictures”
    Scottsdale, AZ. The Foundation Conference. “Lessons I’ve Learned From My Friends & Family”
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI. ProDPI Booth Presenter. “Documentary Family Photography”
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI. Cliente’ Hometown Hero Presenter. “The Power of Pictures”
    Vancouver, CA Canada Photo Convention. Presentation. “Finding Your Own Voice” 

2012   
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI. Photographer’s Ignite. Speaker. “I learned My Lesson”
    Vancouver, CA Canada Photo Convention. Presentation. “All The Lessons I’ve Learned . . . .”

2011  
    Las Vegas, NV WPPI. Photographer’s Ignite. Speaker. “I’m 33. Single & a Wedding Photographer.”

featured speaking experience

© Linda Bouritius

keynote
    speaker

"Kirsten doesn't just educate, inspire, and entertain her audiences—she transforms them."

~Lanny Mann, TWO MANN STUDIOS

"Kirsten lives to create, share and teach. From the stage she presents wholeheartedly with a commanding and measured presence. You leave her talks with more lessons than you could ever anticipate. Long lasting impacts are not easy to come by in this life and Kirsten's talks hold several in my heart and mind."

~ Mary Moore, Real Life Conference Owner

My. God. Every time I hear Kirsten speak it makes me want to do more. Be better, as a person, an artist, as a woman. She makes me think so deeply about the way I see the world and the possibilities that I could be missing. She teaches openness and vulnerability. She teaches heart forward compassionate living and I can find new things to learn every time I watch her.
I choose conferences because she’s the speaker.
If you want to change your peoples whole heart she’s who I would chose with out hesitation.

~Raquita Henderson, Pinxit Photo

"I've never met anyone who sees the world the way Kirsten does. Her ability to see and make pictures of our real life is magical. She inspires and nurtures us to see the world the way we do and then pushes us to make the most incredible art. I have been her student for many years and when I asked her to speak at True North I just wanted to share her magic with everyone that I knew. She makes you feel seen and heard because she genuinely sees and hears you. Every time I'm with her or when I hear her speak she inspires me to be wonderful and see the wonder in the world. I'm grateful for her existence in our community and in my life."

~Sarah Jane Rabideau, True North Conference Owner

Kirsten Lewis is hilarious, insightful, full of wisdom, and one of the most creative people I have ever met. Her talks won't just change the way you photograph, they'll change the way you think. You'll start to notice things you didn't notice before. She'll challenge you in the best of ways, to not just be a better photographer, but a better human.

~Erika Jensen Mann, Two Mann Studios

"I've never felt so uplifted after crying for 40 minutes straight."

~Dave Fay, Worn Leather Media

Kirsten Lewis Bethmann's superpower is her innate ability to not only TELL a story, but also DEMONSTRATE the story. She crafts her messages with movement and then words. Her messages are passionate, candid, funny, and real. She always leaves me with the feeling that I'm not alone with the craziness life brings. I could listen to her a million times and never tire of her candor.

~Cathy Breslow, Brewlow Imaging

I saw Kirsten at WPPI In 2016. She inspired me to follow my heart and be the artist I wanted to be, not what I thought would be marketable. I was alive in a brand new way after hearing her describe working with other families and being a part of their home taking candid shots of their lives.

~Tabetha Kilee, 

"In addition to her stellar photography, Kirsten is a genuinely caring and inspirational educator who has delighted many of our conferences over the years. She is truly a leader and advocate for the photography industry."

~ Huy Nguyen, Fearless Photographers Owner