Rough Rider Rendezvous 2026 is the ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts. This convention offers a platform for passionate photographers, industry experts, and innovators to gather, share knowledge, and showcase their work. Visitors can expect engaging workshops, inspiring talks, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Join us for an exciting experience where creativity meets community, ensuring that everyone leaves inspired and equipped with valuable insights to elevate their photography skills. Come discover the vibrant world of photography with us this year!
Field Trips
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MOUNTAIN BIKERS ON TRAIL
Jairo Ramos Lagos is a former professional cyclist and coach for the Honduran National Team who now calls Medora, North Dakota home. As owner of Dakota Cycling Adventures, Jairo has become a leading ambassador for mountain biking in the Badlands, helping riders from around the world experience the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail. Jairo will be joined by fellow mountain bikers against the stunning Badlands backdrop for a special photo opportunity celebrating adventure, community, and the spirit of the trail.
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FRONTIER HISTORY AT BAR X
Escape to a working ranch and trail ride camp located in SW ND just south and east of Medora by 20 minutes. Nestled in the heart of the Badlands, you will capture Cowboy's in classic pose, riding horses up and down trails. We may even see a cowboy working a pony in the round pen. Bill Cody and Badger will be set up for portraits in a rendezvous type setting. We may also see a glimpse of a black powder rifle being used for flash and smoke.
Field Trips
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INDIGENIOUS DANCE AND CULTURE IN THE BADLANDS
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Medora’s Badlands, this immersive on-location field trip offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with and photograph members of three affiliate tribes from the New Town, ND area. Photographers will experience the powerful intersection of rich history, vibrant motion, and stunning landscapes, all while learning directly from the community. We will emphasize cultural respect, collaboration for local Indigenous communities, and responsible photography practices. In order to honor our dancers, tips will be highly suggested and can be in cash the day of or can be added to your registration form.
LIGHT PAINTING NIGHT SHOOT
Thursday & Friday Night Photo Shoots
We're working on several exciting evening photo opportunities for Thursday and Friday nights. If you would like to participate, please indicate your interest on the registration form. Locations and times will be announced once plans are finalized.
Workshops/Programs
DISPLAYS AND DISPUTES
Carol Polich
Polich will engage you into courtship rituals and wild behaviors between birds and mammals, plus comparing these behaviors to action photography. Learning wild behaviors requires patience and perseverance on the photographer’s part. Once this experience and knowledge is gained, anticipation becomes a portal into a quick shutter release in capturing exquisite images. Studying sports action takes the same patience and concentrated effort.
Join this presentation which includes the article written by Polich, “The Artistry of Feathers and Flight”, experimenting with slow shutter speed giving a ghostly & unusual effect with images.
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CAMERAS FOR KIDS
Carl Wegener
Carl Wegener runs the “Recycle Your Camera for Kids” program, now in its eleventh year. It repurposes donated digital cameras, made increasingly available as people switch to smartphones, into hands-on photography classes for students ages 9–14, allowing each participant to keep a camera and continue shooting beyond the course. In addition to running his own classes, Carl now helps nonprofits and organizations launch similar programs, with donated cameras reaching as far as Sweden and supporting displaced Ukrainian students, while classes have been held in schools, libraries, youth centers, 4-H groups, and other community settings; he hopes to expand the program further by sharing his experience and encouraging others to donate unused gear or start their own initiatives.
LETTING OFF STEAM
Carol Polich
The portal into Yellowstone National Park comes from “Letting Off Steam”, an article by Polich for the Big Sky Journal, a Montana magazine. The natural elements of steam, dust, fog, and blizzards are the key words with the idea of photographing the park’s natural wonders as we look through steam and inclement weather. These conditions give unique perspectives when we’re not always comfortable with “Mother Nature”.
Workshops/Programs
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam Papin
What is Story in Photography
How do you tell a story in a single frame? How do you communicate narrative visually? Join Adam Papin, a veteran journalist, as he explores the techniques and skills necessary to succeed at telling stories in photojournalism, both from a news and sports perspective, many of which are transferable to other areas of photography. You'll also learn what an editor looks for when evaluating photographs for publication, as well as some of the most common and easily fixed issues he sees in photography.
Adam Papin is an award-winning journalist, both in print and photography, including winning the 2023 Sports Photograph of the Year in the Ohio News Association's annual contest. He has years of experience photographing news and sports, including a season covering the Ohio State men's basketball team during 2022-2023 before moving to The Minot Daily News in Minot, North Dakota and becoming its sports editor. When he's not photographing sports, he spends time photographing wildlife at the National Wildlife Refuges that surround the Minot area. His work can be viewed at www.papinphotography.com.
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UKRAINIAN PORTRAINTS AND DANCE
Name TBD
From Southwest North Dakota, The North Dakora Ukrainian Dance Association is keeping a vibrant tradition alive. We are a mixed age Ukrainian dance group dedicated to preserving Ukrainian dance and culture in North Dakota.What makes us unique isn’t just our footwork—it’s our people. Our dancers range from seasoned performers to energetic beginners, representing a true "village" of ages. While some of us carry Ukrainian lineage through generations, many of our members joined simply out of a love for the culture. To us, Ukrainian dance is a gift meant to be shared by everyone, regardless of ancestry.We dance to honor the rich history of the Ukrainian spirit through authentic music and costume. The North Dakota Ukrainian Dance Association is proof that tradition doesn't just belong to the past—it belongs to anyone with the passion to keep it moving.
LENSBABY
Name TBD
Shoot Extraordinary
Lensbaby's mission is to "Shoot Extraordinary." Their lenses offer an experiential, hands-on approach to photography, encouraging artists to embrace imperfections, light flares, and creative blurs instead of relying purely on sterile, edge-to-edge sharpness. This Zoom class will inspire you on how Lensbaby can transform your photography style by using these creative lenses
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UKRAINIAN DANCERS
Name TBD
From Southwest North Dakota, The North Dakora Ukrainian Dance Association is keeping a vibrant tradition alive. We are a mixed age Ukrainian dance group dedicated to preserving Ukrainian dance and culture in North Dakota.What makes us unique isn’t just our footwork—it’s our people. Our dancers range from seasoned performers to energetic beginners, representing a true "village" of ages. While some of us carry Ukrainian lineage through generations, many of our members joined simply out of a love for the culture. To us, Ukrainian dance is a gift meant to be shared by everyone, regardless of ancestry.We dance to honor the rich history of the Ukrainian spirit through authentic music and costume. The North Dakota Ukrainian Dance Association is proof that tradition doesn't just belong to the past—it belongs to anyone with the passion to keep it moving.
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NORTH DAKOTA TRAFFIC SAFETY COUNCIL
Rustin Kramer
Rustin Kramer will discuss the reality of railroad tracks both active and decommissioned. Is your photo worth the risk? Learn and be an advocate to other photographers with the details about railroad safety.