Speaking Availability 2026

List of Keynote talks available:

  • Gardening for Gut Health – Small space strategies to improve your microbiome
  • Picture Perfect Phone Photography

New Presentations for 2026

  • Get those Photos off your Phone! – From snap to share
  • Framing Florals – Fabulous Floral Flatlay Photography

Updated 10/28/2025

Garden Comm Gold Medal Award Logo

:Garden Comm Gold Laurel Medal of Achievement:

Speaking and Broadcast – Live Presentation
Picture Perfect Phone Photography

Great for sharing with your Education Committee:

Testimonials

  • “Your presentation is fantastic, incredibly professional, really great slides and wonderfully explained. I’ve learnt lot’s of useful tips.”.- Garden Media Guild, UK, 2025

  • “Grace, you are a magician!” -Michele M (2025)

  • “Watching you edit is fabulous!!!” Mary-Kate M (2025)

  • “What a great amount of information! Thank you Grace!” – Erica Browne Grivas, Garden Comm 2024

  • Probably most useful education session I have ever attended.  – Garden Comm 2021
  • This alone was worth the price of the conference!  Garden Comm 2021
  • The tips I learned from both the Instagram and photography sessions changed my life! – Christy Wilhelmi, Garden Comm 2021″

Quick Speaker Bio

From genome research to garden photography, horticulturist Grace Hensley teaches gardeners how to turn everyday moments into stunning images that celebrate life and the power of plants.

Medium Speaker Bio

Grace Hensley is a Garden Comm Media Award-winning photographer and experienced international speaker, delivering highly practical talks, workshops and lectures both online and in person. Widely praised for her clear teaching and professional delivery, she helps audiences turn everyday photography into confident, publishable images.

Wordy Speaker Bio

Grace Hensley is an internationally published garden photographer and former biochemist who brings an analytical eye to the art of photography. Drawing on her background in horticulture and science, she helps gardeners see their plants in a new light using accessible smartphone techniques. Her engaging talks and workshops inspire creativity and confidence in capturing the natural beauty of gardens worldwide.

Downloadable Headshots

About Speaking Engagements

I offer presentations that bridge photography, science, and practical horticulture, outlined in detail on my Speaking page.  

Custom topics can be developed for specific audiences with advance notice.

A standard engagement includes:

  • One 45-60 minute presentation with Q&A
  • Digital handouts (PDF format) for attendee distribution
  • Pre-event consultation to tailor content to your audience

For Live presentations: Please provide projector with HDMI connection, screen and a room that can be darkened, lapel or handheld microphone, Backup computer to drive presentation using keynote or powerpoint.

For Zoom presentations, Please provide a zoom or google meet service that will last over 60 minutes

  • Multiple presentations or workshops in one day
  • Physical handouts or take-home materials (printing costs apply)
  • Hands-on demonstrations requiring materials
  • Early arrival for garden tours, plant sales consultations, or extended social time
  • Recording, photography, or content sharing beyond the event
  • Travel outside the Seattle metropolitan area

Booking and Logistics

I accept bookings 3-6 months in advance to ensure calendar availability and adequate preparation time. Rush bookings (under 8 weeks) may incur an expedite fee as they often conflict with peak photography season (April-September).

Professional speaking fees reflect preparation time, expertise, and travel. Rates vary based on:

  • Presentation length and complexity
  • Travel distance and time requirements
  • Custom content development
  • Non-profit organization status
  • Zoom vs Live – The speaking fee remains the same, but travel costs are removed.

Contact me directly for a quote tailored to your organization’s needs and budget.

 

For custom developed talks

  • 50% deposit due upon contract signing to secure your date
  • Remaining 50% due within 14 days following the presentation

For existing talks

  • Full amount within 14 days following the presentation

For all talks

  • Payment by check to Fashion Plants LLC
  • W-9 provided with contract for organizations requiring tax documentation

I understand garden clubs and horticultural societies operate with varying resources. Let’s discuss:

  • Whether your timeline allows for advance booking (lower rates for off-peak dates)
  • Virtual presentation options (omits travel costs)
  • Whether a shorter format meets your needs
  • Sponsorship opportunities within your organization

I offer a limited number of discounted presentations for non-profits and charity after travel costs are covered. I’m happy to work within reasonable budget constraints when possible.

Technical Requirements

Minimum requirements:

  • Projector and large screen with HDMI connection.
  • Backup computer in case of technical difficulties. I will be bringing my own laptop and backup presentation on a thumb drive. Will need USB-A slot.
  • Microphone appropriate to room size (lapel preferred for movement)
  • Table near presentation area for laptop and materials

Please confirm these at least two weeks before the event. If your venue lacks any of these, let me know so we can problem-solve together.

I provide digital handouts (PDF) via a link at the end of my talk that you can distribute via email or print as needed. This keeps costs down and allows attendees to access materials on their devices. If you prefer printed handouts, I can prepare print-ready files, or printing costs are additional.

Recording and photography require advance discussion regarding:

  • Intended use: Allowed for members only; absolutely no public facing links.
  • Duration of availability: prefer 2 weeks maximum after the event
  • Credit and attribution required
  • Compensation for extended content use
  • Still photography of the event is allowed.

I’m generally happy to accommodate recording with appropriate agreements in place.

Travel

Yes. For Seattle area events, travel is included in the base fee. For events requiring:

  • More than 45 minutes drive time: mileage reimbursement at IRS rate
  • Overnight stays: accommodation and meal per diem
  • Travel to Portland or other cities: travel day fees apply
  • All travel expenses are outlined in the contract before booking confirmation.

I typically arrive 30-45 minutes before the presentation for setup and sound check. If your event includes pre-talk activities you’d like me to participate in (garden tours, vendor browsing, social hour), please note this when booking as it may affect scheduling and fees.

Working Together

To create the best presentation for your group:

  • Audience size and experience level
  • Specific interests or challenges your members face
  • Any topics to emphasize or avoid
  • Previous speakers or topics that resonated well
  • AV capabilities and venue details
  • 60+ days before event: Full refund 
  • 30-59 days: 50% of total fee retained
  • Under 30 days: Full fee retained (date may be rescheduled within same season)

Weather or emergency cancellations: I prioritize rescheduling your event as soon as possible.

Email me with your preferred date, location, and topic of interest. I’ll respond within 2-3 business days with availability and a preliminary quote.