MODE: The World’s Photography Festival

Art Streiber is a Los Angeles-based photographer specializing in portrait, reportage, entertainment, and advertising photography. His portraits have appeared on the covers of Vanity Fair, Empire, Entertainment Weekly, Wired, The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, and Variety, and his work has been selected for American Photography and Communication Arts Photography Annual for years. Streiber has photographed key art and promotional campaigns for major television networks, motion picture studios, and streaming services including NBC, CBS, ESPN, CNN, Netflix, Amazon, Paramount, and Universal. His advertising clients include Fabletics, Flecha Azul Tequila, Mazda, Chase, and Oakley. His fine art prints are represented by The Photo Gallery in Halmsted, Sweden, and The Fahey Klein Gallery in Los Angeles.

Chris McDuffie is a photographer and filmmaker based in Minneapolis who has been shaping the visual arts landscape for over a decade. His path into photography and film is rooted in a creatively diverse childhood where he dabbled in music, fashion design, and home movies. This eclectic background has informed his inquisitive approach and the distinctiveness of his work. His portfolio spans collaborations with high-profile clients like Nike, YouTube, Aveda, ESPN, GQ, StockX, and Target, among others. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is a passionate tech enthusiast, particularly fascinated by the rapidly evolving world of generative AI and its role in the future of image-making. McDuffie's career is not just a reflection of his skill but also his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the dynamic world of photography and filmmaking.

Diana Zalucky is a multifaceted artist and photographer with nearly twenty years of experience, who over the last decade has extended her practice to include direction for motion and integrated projects. Raised in the US Virgin Islands as the daughter of a Turkish mother and Ukrainian father, Diana brings a richly layered perspective to everything she makes. Her warmth and infectious energy have a way of drawing out the best in her subjects, infusing each project with authenticity and genuine spirit. It is this innate ability to connect with others, to transcend barriers and bask in the essence of their individuality, that sets her apart. Diana has called California home since 2014. A storyteller at her core, she is always pushing herself into new creative territory, most recently as the creator of a podcast and a bestselling children's author. When she's not on set in Los Angeles or traveling the globe for projects, she can be found surfing, writing, reading multiple books at once, or simply being in nature near her home where the mountains meet the sea.

Sandro Miller is a Chicago-based photographer and video artist known for his compassionate approach to portraiture and cultural documentation. Inspired by Irving Penn at age sixteen, Miller has spent decades mastering light and exploring diverse subjects, from actors and athletes to bikers, matadors, and hidden tribal cultures. Miller has published eighteen books, including Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich: Homage to the Photographic Masters (2020), Crowns: My Hair My Soul My Freedom (2021), and Steppenwolf 50 (2026). His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the globe and featured in publications including The New Yorker, Smithsonian, and The Guardian. Beyond his commercial and artistic practice, Miller is a committed advocate who lends his studio and skills pro bono to charitable causes addressing homelessness, health, education, and social justice.

Da'Shaunae Marisa (b. 1996) is a Cleveland-born, Los Angeles-based multi-disciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur working across photography, film, and public art. Through this practice, she reimagines traditional visual narrative by centering healing, joy, and creative expansion. Her practice spans photojournalism for international publications, fine art collage rooted in ancestral memory, and brand collaborations that merge storytelling with social impact. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, National Geographic, Time, the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Aperture, the LA Times, the Guardian, and more. Her client roster includes Google, the Getty, Nike, Converse, Target, For Freedoms, and Snapchat, among others.

Penny De Los Santos is a visual storyteller, photographer, and director who has traveled the world documenting people, food, and culture for publications including National Geographic, Bon Appétit, Saveur, and Eating Well. From the historical all-male dining clubs of the Basque Country to third-culture life on the Mexican-American borderlands, these experiences are at the heart of Penny's work — shaping the subjects they choose and the way they make photographs. Her distinctive perspective and creative style have attracted commissions from Starbucks, Walmart, Target, and Martini & Rossi. She has also received numerous grants and fellowships, including the National Geographic Photography Grant, the Eastman Kodak Photography Grant, the Canon USA Photography Grant, and the Parsons School of Design Marty Forsher Fellowship. Penny is based in New York City.

Jessica Glassberg is an American photographer, cinematographer, and writer known for her work in climbing and adventure media. Her photography focuses on athletes, landscapes, and the culture surrounding rock climbing, capturing both the physicality of the sport and the quieter, human moments that define life within climbing communities. Rooted in photojournalism, her broader body of work spans portraiture, expeditions, extreme sports, and women’s stories, combining documentary storytelling with a refined visual sensibility. She collaborates with leading outdoor and lifestyle brands including Adidas, The North Face, and Red Bull, and contributes to major publications such as Sports Illustrated and Outside. In addition to her creative practice, Glassberg is a photo historian and researcher. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on early Western American photography and the construction of American identity following the Civil War, and in 2022 she received her doctorate in Visual Arts and Culture from Université de Paris. Her scholarly background grounds her contemporary image-making in a deep understanding of photography's cultural and historical foundations.

Jon Glassberg is an American documentary and adventure filmmaker who works as a director, cinematographer, and producer. Beginning his career as a professional climber, Glassberg transitioned behind the camera to document pivotal moments in outdoor sports, earning recognition for his immersive cinematography and character-driven storytelling. His projects have taken him around the world, including coverage of climbing’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, where he captured the sport’s historic introduction to a global audience. Glassberg is the founder of Louder Than 11, a production company dedicated to authentic storytelling in extreme environments. His commercial work includes 'The Cliffside Shop,' a Cannes Lions-winning campaign for its innovative outdoor storytelling. His latest feature documentary, Girl Climber, has screened globally in theaters and IMAX, earning festival recognition worldwide.

Beth Huerta is an editor, agent, educator, and AI artist whose practice merges choreography, photography, and generative image-making. She began her career in movement and performance before transitioning into photographic production and artist development, a path that shaped her approach to visual storytelling and curation. Huerta has worked with renowned photographers—including Howard Schatz, Art Streiber, Sandro, and Theo Westenberger—in roles that supported both their creative work and professional trajectories. Her editorial and agenting experience spans artist representation, production oversight, AI-driven creative development, and long-term career guidance. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Photography Program at Drexel University and has taught at University of the Arts as well as serving as a guest instructor at Columbia College Chicago. Huerta mentors emerging photographers through NYC Salt and serves on the Advisory Team for FreshLens Chicago. Her current work with generative tools exists alongside her long-standing commitment to photography and artist advocacy. She approaches AI not as a replacement for traditional image-making, but as part of an evolving conversation about authorship, methodology, and the future of visual expression.

Kelley Luikey is an award-winning fine art photographer based in South Carolina who specializes in birds. She is known for her signature soft, dreamy style that brings a painterly, intimate quality to her images. Her work consistently places among the top images in national and international competitions, including those hosted by the National Audubon Society and the North American Nature Photographers Association. While much of her time is devoted to photographing the birds of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Kelley also travels in pursuit of new species and fresh perspectives, embracing the challenge and excitement of bird photography in diverse environments. She shares her knowledge through one-on-one instruction, mentorships, and small group trips, helping other photographers approach bird photography with greater intention, artistry, and creativity. Kelley's fine art bird images are featured at Pluff Mudd Art Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. She donates 2% of every sale to Audubon South Carolina, supporting efforts to protect both resident and migratory birds. Through her imagery, Kelley hopes to inspire others to cherish and protect the extraordinary beauty of birdlife in the Lowcountry and beyond.

Rob Grimm is a commercial beverage, food, and product photographer with a bold, cinematic style and a serious obsession with glass, liquids, and great design. Rob has built high-impact campaigns for brands like Jack Daniel's, Bacardi, Woodford Reserve, Kraft, and Panera, but what really sets him apart is how he blends old-school craft with new-school tools—bringing AI-integrated workflows into the studio without ever losing the human touch. Rob is a creative partner, a problem solver, and someone who has never stopped evolving.

Emmy-nominated director and National Geographic photographer Keith Ladzinski's unparalleled aesthetic for visual storytelling has earned him over 30 editorial stories, television productions, and branded projects for National Geographic, including 5 cover stories. His work has earned him a litany of awards in both photography and film. His insatiable hunger for creativity has taken him across all 7 continents — multiple times over — capturing films, advertising, and television content for clients such as Disney, Apple, National Geographic Channel, Oprah, The Discovery Channel, Canon, Dell, Adidas, ABC, Honda, The Weather Channel, and Red Bull TV, to name but a few. Keith brings a wealth of experience to every project through his instincts and expertise as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and director of large-scale productions. He has worked as a director and director of photography in environments ranging from organized studios to chaotic and harsh locations — the Arctic, jungle, high-altitude mountains, underwater, and the driest deserts on the planet. His eye for imagery has garnered a following of over 1.6 million on Instagram and some of the highest engagement rates on the National Geographic Instagram hero feed.

Over his 30-year photography career, Jimmy Steinfeldt has worked with everyone from Miles Davis to the Ramones. Born in Minneapolis, he first picked up a camera at age 14, with cars among his earliest subjects. Jimmy moved to California to study at San Diego State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. After college, he shot his way through countless road trips and rock concerts armed with his first real camera—a one-hundred-dollar Minolta!

House of Dance Twin Cities is Minnesota's first and premier dance studio dedicated to teaching the highest quality Hip Hop Dance and Breakdancing classes to people of all ages and experience levels. The studio has key partnerships with the NBA/WNBA Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx Basketball organizations. House of Dance Twin Cities is the Midwest regional representative/host of the competitive circuit for youth/adult breakers on the pathway to the 2024 Olympics.

Polly Irungu is a Kenyan-born, Washington, D.C.–based photographer, photo editor, and community builder who believes deeply in the power of visual storytelling to create access, equity, and change. Driven by curiosity, care, and a strong sense of responsibility, Polly is especially committed to uplifting Black and African women creatives whose stories have historically been overlooked. A former White House photographer and photo editor, she is passionate about representation, fairness, and building systems that allow talented people not just to be seen, but to thrive. As the founder of Black Women Photographers, Polly is most energized when she's connecting people, opening doors, and helping creatives gain the confidence, resources, and opportunities they deserve. Passionate about mentorship, collaboration, and community-building, she values both the craft of photography and the business behind it—believing sustainable careers are just as important as powerful images. Whether documenting history, leading conversations about equity in the creative industry, or supporting emerging photographers, Polly approaches everything with intention, generosity, and a belief in collective success.

Brooke Shaden is a fine art self-portrait photographer, writer, entrepreneur, and naturally curious spirit. Shaden’s work doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of existence, in fact, she is drawn to it. Her work explores grief, the self, and identity. She sells her work in galleries, licenses it for book covers and album art, and gives motivational speeches around the world in the hope of fulfilling her lifelong dream: to inspire creativity in others. She lives by the tenet of the great Jerry Uelsmann: if I have a goal it is to surprise myself.

Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere. Spanning outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. Through social media, Chris strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, and to inspire them to explore for themselves. His visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on prominent global campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, speak on the TED stage, design product lines, educate, and publish a growing collection of books. Along with his team, Burkard is based out of his production studio and art gallery on the Central Coast of California. At the age of 39, Burkard has established himself as a global presence and influence. He is happiest with his wife, Breanne, and their two sons at home in California.

Andy Best is an award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and photographer whose work spans wild landscapes and deeply personal narratives. A lifelong artist, he began in his grandmother's studio with pastels and oil paints before studying film in Portland, Oregon in the early 2000s. Over more than 15 years, Andy has built a career creating cinematic work for leading outdoor brands and publications. His travels and projects have taken him from Baja to Alaska and across the world — often alongside his two daughters — capturing the relationship between people and the wild places that shape them. He is a regular contributor to National Geographic Travel and Sony, and continues to produce films and campaigns through his independent production company, Lone Bison Films. His mission remains constant: inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Director, photographer, collaborator, and hooded sweatshirt enthusiast Dan Saelinger is known for his colorfully creative work and collaborative spirit. He got his start in New York shooting conceptual imagery for major magazines, honing his creative ideation skills before relocating to Bend, Oregon, where he now works with global brands while enjoying a West Coast lifestyle with his family. Dan's work spans food, portraiture, tech, still life, animation, and motion—a mashup of pop cultural references and art history influences. His imagery is visually clean yet bursting with nuanced detail, and he brings a sense of creative playfulness to every set. Dan holds an MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has taught at the School of Visual Arts.

At his core, David Johnson is a storykeeper and creative bridge-builder. Chicago-based and shaped by life on the South Side and in the suburbs, Johnson is a creative storyteller and cultural translator whose work has taken him worldwide — first on a volunteer trip to El Salvador, then as a staff photographer for an Ethiopian newspaper. The creative freedom to "go cover the city" meant he could move at his own pace, stopping to meet people, hear their stories, and take part in their world, capturing it all in vivid color. These early encounters laid the groundwork for his understanding of himself as a cultural translator. Johnson communicates the visual language of the subject, audience, and brand, providing space for each group to see themselves fully within the work. Johnson's sense of what is meaningful also powered the formation of True Chicago in 2017, an arts nonprofit that empowers Black and brown youth in Chicago to own their creative futures. Born from a spontaneous workshop, the platform now hosts conferences and a quarterly mentorship program, equipping the next generation with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive. In 2020, he founded KNDRD, a creative agency built to help brands like Microsoft, Pepsi, and Coors show up more authentically in culture and build real relationships with growth communities. At the heart of KNDRD's work is the belief that translating intention into meaningful cultural connection isn't optional but essential. David's work has taken him across global cities including Shanghai and São Paulo, but his heart stays in Chicago, where he is committed to building creative infrastructure that lasts.