Lens & Land | Nebraska Photo Expo

March 6 - 7, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn | Omaha, NE
17879 Chicago Street

Presented by Rockbrook Camera

Purchase Early Bird Tickets | $95

Speakers Seminars

Schedule FAQs

Sunflower field with a warm glow at sunset

Lens & Land Nebraska Photo Expo welcomes any photographer who feels most at home outdoors. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, wide-open landscapes, or the quiet moments in between!

Over two days, you’ll hear from accomplished photographers and brand ambassadors, explore real-world techniques for photographing nature, and connect with local photographers who share a passion for the land and the craft of photography.

Guest Speakers

Learn from photographers who spend real time in the field.

Alyce Bender

Tamron Americas Ambassador

Bender is a professional nature photographer, writer, educator, and tour leader based in the USA. Her passion for wildlife and the natural environment compels her to connect others with nature through sharing both visual art and in-field experiences that promote conservation, creativity, and ethical photography. When she isn’t in the field creating or leading photography tours where participants explore and expand their personal vision and naturalist skills, she offers a variety of educational programs for photography organizations large and small and is a contributing writer and photographer for the Journal of Wildlife Photography.

Instagram: @abenderphoto

Mike Mezeul II

Nikon USA Ambassador

Mike Mezeul II is an extreme nature and landscape photographer, as well as Nikon Ambassador, based out of Colorado. His work focuses on documenting the power and beauty within the world’s most powerful natural events, focusing primarily on severe weather and volcanoes. His work has been published with National Geographic, BBC, PBS and other publications to help tell the story of the beauty and power of our planet. When he is not on a project, he spends his time leading workshops around the world in which he shares his passion for photography through inspiring and educating individuals of all ages and skill levels.

www.mikemezphotography.com
Instagram: @MikeMezPhoto

Ryan Brown

Master Photographer, Master Artist,
Certified Professional Photographer

Ryan Brown is a photographer in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Photography from Central Missouri State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State University. Ryan also has earned the degree of Master of Photography, Master Artist and Photographic Craftsmen. In addition to being a photographer, Ryan is an Account Manager for Canon USA.

www.ryanbrownphoto.com
Instagram: @ryanphotog

Eric Fowler

Nebraskaland Regional Editor

Eric Fowler was born in Hastings. He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1988 and completed his Bachelor’s at Chadron State College in 1993. After six years as a writer and photographer with newspapers in Chadron and Scottsbluff, he joined the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1998 as Publications Editor. He has been a member of the Nebraskaland staff since 2001. Fowler spends as much time as he can in Outdoor Nebraska. When he’s not photographing wildlife, landscapes or people enjoying the state’s outdoor resources for the magazine, he’s enjoying them himself while hunting, fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking or camping with family, including his wife and son, and friends.

Nebraskaland Magazine:
magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/
Instagram: @nebraskaland
Instagram: @eric.fowler1

Jeffrey Z Carney

Professional Photographer

Jeffrey Carney is a Nebraska-based photographer and videographer focused on documenting the people, wildlife, and landscapes of the Midwest. After a long career in journalism, including roles with the Associated Press in Kansas City, Omaha World-Herald, and corporate leadership positions with Berkshire Hathaway Media Group and Lee Enterprises, Jeffrey now spends his time capturing his native Nebraska. His work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, LIFE, Nebraskaland, and Nebraska Life. In addition to his landscape and wildlife photography, Jeffrey supports conservation efforts along the Platte River, including work with the Crane Trust.

Michael Cerizo

Master Photographer &
Photographic Craftsman

Michael Cerizo is a professional photographer whose career began in 1989, inspired by the imagery of National Geographic. He pursued photography full time, building a successful portrait career with studios in Iowa and Nebraska, and holds both a Master of Photography and Craftsman Degree from Professional Photographers of America. Alongside portrait work, he has long explored fine art and scenic photography, traveling widely and documenting stories from around the world. His work focuses on capturing the “soul” of his subjects, from people and landscapes to objects and architecture. Michael is guided by the philosophy, “Photograph what you feel, not just what you see.”

Instagram: @cerizoman
Facebook: michael.cerizo

Jerred Zegelis

Professional Photographer & Educator

Jerred is a professional photographer and educator with more than two decades of experience helping people see the world more clearly through both imagery and instruction. His work focuses on nature and landscape photography, creating images that bring color, calm, and connection into everyday spaces. His prints are displayed in homes, hospitals, and healing environments across the country. Jerred has taught photography in both classroom and field settings, guiding students of all levels to build confidence in their gear and creative vision. Grounded in a belief that nature restores and inspires, his work reflects a thoughtful approach to light, place, and presence which is always rooted in curiosity and the moment.

www.jerredz.com/
Instagram: @jerredz
YouTube: @JerredZ

Kurt Johnson

Nature and Healing Arts Photographer

Kurt has been taking pictures practically all his life. From his early days with his dad’s Kodak Brownie camera to his time as a photojournalist and architectural photographer. He eventually landed on his true passion: photographing healing nature images. Kurt spends his days traveling across the US, capturing nature images for hospitals, healthcare, and wellness environments in his own backyard and beyond. From small rural hospitals to large-scale healthcare environments (like Mayo Clinic, CHI, Allina Health, and Kaiser Permanente), he’s seen how nature can improve patient outcomes, uplift cancer patients, rejuvenate overworked hospital staff, and reduce the need for long hospital stays and medications.Seeing the power of bringing nature indoors gives him purpose and hope, which is why you’ll rarely find him far from a viewfinder.

Seminar Topics

Top: Brown bear standing in water with a rocky shore. Bottom: Scenic view of mountains and forest with a colorful sky. Images by Alyce Bender

10 Principles of Nature Photography

Alyce Bender
Professional nature photographer, writer, educator, and tour leader

There are certain principles that, when implemented, elevate an image regardless of the specific genre within nature photography. In this session we will look at these ten key aspects of nature photography, defining them and discussing how to achieve them.

Friday, March 6 | 9am

Top: Ducks in a pond with a blurred background. Bottom: People playing near a waterfall in a forest. Images by Eric Fowler

Photographing Nebraskaland

Eric Fowler
Nebraskland Regional Editor
Nikon System

From the bluffs of western Nebraska to the banks of the Missouri River, Eric Fowler has photographed nearly every corner of the state, documenting its quiet beauty, resilient wildlife, and the people who call it home. In this presentation, Eric shares stories from the field, behind-the-scenes insights, and the photographs that have defined his decades-long career.

Friday, March 6 | 11am

Top: sandhill cranes along the Platte River Bottom: Chimney Rock in Nebraska. Images by Jeffrey Carney

Landscapes & Wildlife: Composition, Light and Moments

Jeffrey Carney, Professional Photographer
Sony Alpha System

A workshop for photographers of all skill levels, Jeffrey Z. Carney will share best practices and techniques to help elevate your nature photography in 2026. You'll hear the stories behind his Nebraska landscapes and wildlife photography, especially his unique approach to researching topics, planning trips, overcoming challenges, and finding inspiration in the work of other artists and organizations. He will also share tips to help you develop a personal style to your photography.

Friday, March 6 | 2pm

Vision Quest

Michael Cerizo, Master Photographer & Photographic Craftsman
Canon System

Guided by his philosophy, “Photograph what you feel, not just what you see,” this session encourages photographers to slow down, see with fresh eyes, and create images that connect on a deeper level.

Friday, March 6 | 4pm

Top: Lenticular cloud over a lake with mountains. Bottom: Red volcanic eruption. Images by Mike Mezeul II

Earth, Wind, Fire, & Water - Documenting Our Planet

Mike Mezeul II, Nikon USA Ambassador

A powerful visual and narrative exploration of the elemental forces that shape our world. This presentation delves into the raw beauty and dynamic power of nature through the lens of storytelling. From the rugged landscapes of Earth’s terrain to the invisible yet ever-present force of wind, the fierce and transformative nature of fire, and the life-giving flow of water, each element is captured with awe and intention. You'll hear the stories behind the images, thought processes, challenges, technical aspects and more, as we traverse the planet in this visual journey.

Saturday, March 7 | 9am

Two contrasting landscapes: a small island with a lighthouse and a vast desert valley.

Techniques for Epic Landscape Photography

Ryan Brown, M. Photog. M. Artist Cr. CPP, MBA
Canon USA Account Manager

This class will focus on elements and techniques in the camera that create dramatic landscapes and captivating travel imagery from visualization to print. Some of the topics covered will be cameras, lenses, filters, composition, as well as post-production and printing techniques for creating the ultimate piece of art.

Saturday, March 7 | 11am

Butterfly on a purple flower with two people standing in front of nature-themed wall art.

Beyond Likes: Real-World Ways to Share and Sell Your Photography

Kurt Johnson, Nature and Healing Arts Photographer
Fujifilm System

Jerred Zegelis, Professional Photographer & Educator
OM System

You’ve taken photos you love, and then what? They get posted, they get a few likes, and then they’re often forgotten. This class is for photographers who want to do more with their images and in this seminar, you’ll learn ways to make something real, share it with intention, and even a quick way to sell your work online immediately. Join nature and landscape photographers Jerred Zegelis and Kurt Johnson for a practical, step-by-step session on what photographers can do with their work. Photographers of all levels can find something here in order to find ways to make the world a more beautiful place with their nature and landscape photography.

We’ll cover:
How we do what we do.
Prints & Wall Art
Books, Zines, and Small Runs
Selling Online
Getting Into Galleries
A “start now” workflow

Bring your laptop. We will end with everyone in the room able to create a ready-to-publish online shop within minutes.

Saturday, March 7 | 2pm

Photo Expo

Spend time one-on-one with industry experts from leading camera brands.

Ask questions and get hands-on with gear, with the reps who know it best.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 6

8am | Social Hour & Photo Expo

9am - 10:30am | 10 Principles of Nature Photography with Alyce Bender and Tamron Lenses

BREAK & Photo Expo

11am - 12:30pm | Photographing Nebraskaland with Eric Fowler

LUNCH BREAK Off Premises

2pm - 3:30pm | Landscapes & Wildlife: Composition, Light and Moments with Jeffrey Z. Carney

BREAK & Photo Expo Expo

4pm - 5:30pm | Vision Quest with Michael Cerizo

Saturday, March 7

8am | Social Hour & Photo Expo Opens

9am - 10:30am | Earth, Wind, Fire & Water: Documenting Our Planet with Nikon Ambassador, Mike Mezeul II

BREAK & Photo Expo

11am - 12:30pm | Techniques for Epic Landscape Photography with Ryan Brown from Canon USA

LUNCH BREAK Off Premises

2pm - 3:30pm | Beyond Likes: Real-World Ways to Share and Sell Your Photography with Jerred Zegelis & Kurt Johnson

Register Now for $95 Early Bird Pricing Through January 31!

All Access Pass | 7 Seminars + Photo Expo - $129 Regular Price Starting February 1

Register & Purchase Tickets

You’ll be taken to our secure registration page to complete your ticket purchase.

Event Location & Accommodations

Hilton Garden Inn Omaha West
Salon A & B
17879 Chicago Street | Omaha, Ne 68118

If you would like to stay on site, we have a block of rooms available to reserve for $139 per night. King size bed, sleeps up to 2

Book Your Room

FAQS

Lens & Land is a two-day event. Attendees are encouraged to attend both days to get the most out of the experience.

Lens & Land | Nebraska Photo Expo is ideal for photographers interested in nature, wildlife, and landscape photography. It’s designed for enthusiasts and serious hobbyists who want to improve their skills and learn from experienced photographers.

No. You don’t need to be a professional, just a basic understanding of your camera and an interest in learning more about photographing the natural world.

This event is best suited for photographers who are comfortable with their camera and want to build on their skills. Some sessions may be more advanced, but photographers at many experience levels will find value.

Lens & Land is primarily an educational seminar-style event. Any hands-on or live demonstrations will be clearly noted in the schedule.

No, this event does not include lunch. However, we have built in an hour and a half for patrons to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant in Village Point.

Yes. You’re welcome to bring your camera or gear, especially if you’d like to ask questions during sessions or test equipment at the expo. Since this is primarily a seminar event, you will most likely not be actively using your gear.

We anticipate participation from leading brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Tamron, and others. Brand participation may vary.

Yes, tickets are 100% refundable up to March 2, 2026. Cancellations after this date will not be refunded. Tickets are transferable. Requests should be directed to kellylee@rockbrookcamera.com.