Where Photographers and Industry Leaders Connect

For over 40 years, Summit Workshops has been at the forefront of photography education. What sets Summit apart is its unique blend of expert instructors, awe-inspiring locations, and support from top partners like Sony Pro Support. At Summit, you’ll photograph stunning settings, receive personalized critiques, and build connections with elite professionals. Whether you’re an enthusiast or pursuing a career, Summit fosters a community dedicated to advancing your photography journey.

Lighting

Our Story

Over 40 years ago, renowned sports photographer Rich Clarkson founded the Summit Series of Photography Workshops to address the growing need for education and networking in the photography industry. Since then, Summit has evolved into a hub for top photographers across various genres—sports, lighting, adventure, nature, and wildlife—who come together to teach hands-on workshops. This collaborative approach has fostered a strong, lasting community of instructors and peers, making Summit a premier destination for photographers looking to enhance their skills and build meaningful connections.

Our Method

Work One on One with instructors

Work One on One with instructors

At Summit Workshops, students have the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with seasoned photography professionals who have spent years mastering their craft. This personalized approach allows participants to ask questions, learn advanced techniques, and receive tailored guidance from experts. More than just a workshop, Summit fosters meaningful connections between students and instructors, giving attendees the chance to build lasting relationships with some of the most respected names in the industry, ensuring they leave with both skills and valuable mentorship.

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Hands on Learning in the field

Hands on Learning in the field

We believe the best learning happens in the field, not just the classroom. Whether it's capturing fast-paced sports or breathtaking nature, students gain hands-on experience with real-time guidance from industry professionals. This method allows them to immediately apply techniques, ask for advice on the spot, and refine their craft as they work. Beyond gaining invaluable feedback, students also grow their portfolios, capturing high-quality images in stunning settings alongside their peers and expert instructors.

 

 

Amazing Access and support

Amazing Access and support

We provide unmatched access and support to our students by partnering with local organizations at each workshop location. This ensures access to unique events, activities, parks, models, and more, creating a rich environment for photography. With support from industry leaders like Sony Pro Support and Westcott Lighting, students also have the opportunity to test cutting-edge equipment and gear. This hands-on experience, combined with access to premium resources, allows participants to expand their skills and explore new creative possibilities.

 

Meet the Summit workshops team

Summit Founder Rich Clarkson
Workshop Founder

Rich Clarkson
Summit Owner Chris Steppig
Owner / Director

Chris Steppig
Summit faculty Meg Helms
Social Media / Marketing

Meg Rice
Summit Instructor Matt Stirn
Program Manager, Photojournalist, Archaeologist

Matt Stirn
Summit Faculty Ian Segebarth
Workshop Faculty / International Travel Provider

Ian Segebarth
Workshop Founder

Rich Clarkson

Rich started the Summit Workshops over 30 years ago due to the importance of networking and education in photography. Rich is the former Director of Photography at the National Geographic, Topeka Capital Journal, and Denver Post. He was also a longtime contract photographer for Sports Illustrated and a legend in Sports Photography. Rich was one of the 50 most influential individuals in American photography by American Photo magazine. Rich is a member of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, recipient of the William Allen White Medal, Luice award in Achievement in Sports. He is also the recipient of Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Award.

Owner / Director

Chris Steppig

Chris has spent his entire career at Summit Workshops, joining in 2004 as his first job out of college, becoming director in 2014, and taking ownership of the company in 2019. That trajectory shows in how he runs it: he oversees every part of the Summit experience, workshop operations, scheduling, logistics, faculty, marketing, and partnerships, with a belief that the best photography workshops don’t just teach technique, they build the kind of connection that shapes people as much as their pictures.
That belief has been tested and deepened through Chris’s work off the trail. He previously served on the board of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), a global network of visual storytellers using photography to advance conservation, including six months as the organization’s interim executive director, and continues to support iLCP’s fundraising efforts today. The experience reinforced what Chris has long believed: that photography, at its best, is a way of paying closer attention to the people and places in front of the lens, and that the stories worth telling are built on real connection first.
Social Media / Marketing

Meg Rice

Meg Rice works in digital advertising, is an avid social media scroller, a strong writer, and an amateur photographer. She enjoys all things communications and conservation, and is especially passionate about communications for conservation efforts. She loves being able to share stories through her writing and multimedia work to inspire and educate others. 

Meg graduated with degrees in Journalism and Mass Communications and Environmental Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2021. Today, she aims to travel more, keep writing and work on her photography skills. 

Program Manager, Photojournalist, Archaeologist

Matt Stirn

Matt is a photographer, writer, and archaeologist based between Boston and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He holds a graduate degree in Environmental Archaeology and focuses on stories related to culture, history, and conservation. Matt is a Contributing Editor for Archaeology Magazine, a National Fellow at The Explorer’s Club and has written and photographed over three dozen feature stories for publications including Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Global News, and GEO. Matt’s work at Summit is diverse and ranges from assisting at our core workshops to planning and running many of our international and destination workshops.

Workshop Faculty / International Travel Provider

Ian Segebarth

The founder and owner of Rainshadow Expeditions, Ian has spent the past decade traveling and guiding in over 40 countries, covering every continent. He has a background in conservation biology and environmental science, which has fueled his passion for nature and exploration. Ian is a highly experienced scuba instructor and technical cave diver, and has completed thousands of dives all over the world, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Antarctica, and the Caribbean. He is also a contributing photographer for National Geographic Magazine, and his film work has appeared on Discovery Channel and BBC. In addition to guiding, Ian still has ongoing research and exploration in numerous locations around the world, and he will be happy to share his expertise on these topics.

Contact us for more information!

If you have questions, we're always happy to help. Please feel free to give us a call at (303) 519-2523, or reach out to us at our contact page with any questions. We can't wait to hear from you, and we're excited to have you join us a photography workshop soon!
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