For decades, photography has shaped fashion, music, journalism, sports, activism, and the internet itself. Yet the people behind the lens have never had a festival built for them.
Until now.
What is MODE?
You know those mysterious emails we’ve been sending? The cryptic hints, the “something big is coming” energy? Well, the wait is over. Welcome MODE by Flickr—an immersive three-day photography festival coming to Minneapolis September 18-20, 2026.
For over 20 years, Flickr has connected photographers around the world — sharing work, building community, and proving that the lens is one of humanity’s most powerful tools. But there’s something that only happens when we’re together in person. Call it energy. Call it a vibe. The kind of spontaneous, face-to-face moment that can’t be recreated behind a keyboard.
So we did something never done before. We built MODE. MODE isn’t a conference. MODE isn’t a meetup. It’s a photographer’s playground — where you’ll rub elbows with your heroes, make new friends, and improve your craft all at once. Think live music, hands-on workshops, photowalks, darkroom sessions, lectures with your heroes, and so much more. MODE brings photography from behind the screen and into the scene.
Why Minneapolis?
Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of spending meaningful time in Minneapolis while working alongside local partners to bring MODE festival to life. Throughout that time, this community has shown us what resilience, creativity, and togetherness look like. The city continues to navigate complex and defining moments in its history, and what we’ve witnessed is an unwavering commitment to connection, culture, and care for one another.
Every visit, every introduction, and every conversation reinforced why Minneapolis felt like the right home for MODE. There is a warmth here that is unmistakable, an enthusiasm for the arts, a spirit of collaboration, and a belief that creativity can help bring people closer together. Together with the city and its creative community, we’re building something bigger than a festival: a gathering place for artists, photographers, storytellers, and curious minds in one of the most culturally alive cities in the country.
And yes, Minneapolis in September is chef’s kiss. The city pulses with a thriving arts scene, incredible historic venues across downtown, and a community that knows how to celebrate creativity with heart and authenticity. With the support of Mayor Jacob Frey and city leaders, MODE will take over multiple iconic spaces throughout the weekend, bringing artists and audiences together across the city.
As Mayor Frey shared, MODE represents an opportunity to bring new energy to local streets, support small businesses, and create meaningful opportunities for artists, vendors, and residents alike. We couldn’t agree more. That shared belief is exactly why we’re so excited to welcome the global creative community to Minneapolis this September.
Minneapolis: Our City. Our Lens.
Minneapolis is a city that’s practically buzzing with creative energy. Whether your scene is food, fashion, dance, or architecture, you’ll find a rich community that can’t wait to welcome you and show you what this city is made of. And among those passionate creatives are our personal faves: the photographers documenting every memorable moment.
In this film, we take you through the streets, studios, and spaces that make this city unlike anywhere else. Because before the workshops, the keynotes, and the photo walks kick off this September, we wanted you to feel what’s waiting for you here.
Seven ways to experience MODE.
We’ve organized MODE around seven thematic pillars, each representing a different expression of photography:
Change – World-shifting storytelling and photojournalism
Next – Emerging tools, technology, and the future of the craft
Money – The business side of photography
Motion – Video, moving images, and everything in between
Culture – Music, fashion, food, and the moments that define us
IRL – Analog processes, film, and tangible photography
Earth – Outdoor, environmental, and conservation photography
Whether you’re a street photographer, a landscape shooter, a portrait artist, or someone who just loves taking photos of their dog, there’s something at MODE for you.
The lineup (so far).
Leading this year’s festival as MODE’s Artist-in-Residence is Brooke Shaden – a fine art photographer and storyteller whose ethereal, cinematic self-portraits blur the line between photography and painting. Brooke will be embedded throughout the weekend, bringing her singular creative vision to workshops, conversations, and collaborative moments across all three days.
Taking the keynote stage are photographers who have shaped the way we see the world: Chris Burkard, who has spent his career pushing into the planet’s most remote and extreme environments; Keith Ladzinski, an award-winning photographer and filmmaker who follows humanity’s most extraordinary pursuits; and Jimmy Steinfeldt, an iconic rock photographer and Minneapolis native whose career behind the lens spans decades and legends.
MODE’s programming spans every genre and discipline in photography. Attendees will hear from legendary portrait and fine art photographer Sandro Miller, celebrated for his masterful command of lighting and iconic visual storytelling; Polly Irungu, founder of Black Women Photographers and a leading voice advancing equity and representation in the industry; and documentary photographer and visual storyteller Penny De Los Santos, renowned for her immersive work exploring food, culture, and identity around the world. The full lineup is growing – Check out the lineup
A festival built on our values
MODE isn’t just about photography, it’s about creating an entirely original and unrepeatable experience that reflects who we are as a community. That means:
- Accessible venues for all attendees.
- Diverse, thoughtfully curated programming that represents the full spectrum of photography.
- Sustainability measures built into every aspect of the festival.
- Comprehensive safety protocols so everyone can focus on what matters: connecting and creating.
MODE is built with the same care and intention that goes into everything we do at Flickr, and that includes the planet: MODE is 1% for the Planet certified
Get Your Pass
Early Bird passes are on sale now and availability is limited.
Flickr Pro members receive exclusive festival perks, including access to a dedicated Pro Lounge and early access to workshops throughout the event.
View pass options and pricing at modefestival.com
More speakers, workshops, and musical acts will be rolled out in the coming months.
Follow along for updates:
On Flickr: Join the MODE group
Also, follow us on; Instagram: @modebyflickr TikTok: @modebyflickr Threads: @modebyflickr