Photography allows me to step into different worlds, meet incredible people, and document meaningful work. Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to photograph a training session led by my friend Sandy "Macky" Scott II, who runs Indigucation, a program dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through culturally relevant mental health services, advocacy, and innovative programming. It was an inspiring experience—one that blended my passion for branding and event photography with the chance to witness an exceptional trainer in action.
Meeting Macky
Macky and I first met at an event where he was conducting training for Ho-Chunk Inc.’s apprentices. From the moment we started talking, the conversation was very natural. We joked, shared stories, and naturally built a rapport. Over time, he has become not just a friend but also a supportive colleague. He reached out to me after seeing my posts about the ups and downs of running a business, offering encouragement and insight. When he mentioned needing event photography for one of his training sessions, I was excited to be part of it.
Photographing the Training Session
For this session, I traveled to Winnebago, where Macky was leading a training for his program. He wanted branding-style photos to use on his website and social media, images that would showcase his professionalism, engagement, and the dynamic atmosphere of his training sessions. I arrived at 11 AM and spent an hour documenting the event, focusing on moments of interaction, learning, and leadership.
Macky is an incredible trainer—his sessions are well-organized, thoughtful, and engaging. Watching him in action reminded me of how, as we grow, we start becoming the mentors we once looked up to. Seeing him command the room with such ease and clarity was inspiring.
My Photography Approach
For this shoot, I used my Canon R6 Mark II paired with my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Initially, I thought I’d be working in a gym, but the training took place in a conference-style room. The lighting setup worked well, allowing me to rely on natural light to avoid disrupting the session.
My settings for the shoot were:
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/125
ISO: Auto (to adjust for the mixed lighting)
Since the lighting conditions varied, I fine-tuned the colors in Lightroom, ensuring consistency and balance throughout the images. The final results captured the energy of the room, the focus of the trainees, and Macky’s dynamic presence as a trainer.
Why Branding & Event Photography Matters
Sessions like this highlight why branding and event photography are so valuable. These photos will be a great asset for Macky’s program, showcasing the professional and engaging environment he creates. Authentic images help build credibility, providing potential clients and partners with a glimpse into the experience.
Event and branding photography is one of the services I offer, whether for business professionals, trainers, or companies looking to elevate their online presence. These images go beyond simple documentation—they tell a story, capture a mood, and create a visual narrative that strengthens a brand.
About Indigucation
Macky’s program, Indigucation, is dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through culturally relevant mental health services, advocacy, and innovative programming. Over the past year, Indigucation has made a profound impact, offering five transformative trainings focused on recognizing mental health challenges, building financial literacy, understanding data sovereignty, and equipping individuals with the tools to lead with confidence.
Beyond training, Indigucation operates three life-changing programs:
Mentorship Initiative – Guiding and inspiring future Indigenous leaders.
Male Talking Circles – Creating space for connection, healing, and open conversations.
Youth Filmmaking Program – Amplifying Indigenous voices and stories through creative expression.
Their engaging activities celebrate culture, strengthen family ties, and bring communities together in meaningful ways. In just one year, Indigucation has served 310 relatives across four Nebraska tribes, creating lasting change through culturally centered support and advocacy. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of community members, partners, and participants. Together, they are breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating opportunities for future generations.
To learn more about Indigucation and its mission, visit their Facebook page.
Final Thoughts
Working with Macky on this project was an absolute honor. Not only did I get to capture powerful moments, but I also got to witness a talented trainer doing what he does best. I’m grateful for opportunities like this—to support my friends, document their work, and create images that will help them grow their brands.
If you’re looking for professional branding or event photography, let’s connect! Whether it’s training sessions, business events, or personal branding images, I’d love to help tell your story through photography.
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