2019 EDUCATION

MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS

One thing that defines our unique portrait photography conference is you never have to choose which classes to take or tracks to follow. You have the opportunity to see every main stage presentation. In our community, we sit together and learn together. We also bring in studio owners who are in the trenches with active busy studios, just like you. Our uncommon stage design is different from all other conferences. With state of the art sound and video, there is not a bad seat in the house. Listed below are the talented photographers who will be on the main stage at SYNC 2019.

DAVID BECKHAM

DAVID BECKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY 
Pickerington, Ohio 

PROGRAM: The Elements of Fashion Posing for Seniors 

The Elements of Fashion Posing for Seniors – We aren’t going to learn poses, we’re going to break down posing into elemental steps that you can use to combine with any situation and client to make them look their best. We’ll go thru the communication process that I use to help them see themselves in the best way possible. We will set ourselves up to be the expert with your client so that they have complete confidence in you as their photographer and can create a great experience with them. And of course, I have some great stories and videos to get right to your heart and remind you of why we are doing this amazing profession in the first place. 

About David: 

After pursuing two other careers and enjoying them tremendously, I decided it was time to follow a life-long passion for portrait photography. I started relearning in the late nineties and began David Beckham Photography and set up a basement studio. My goal was to be just like the pioneers of senior photography, Kent Smith and Larry Peters, but cheaper. I had visions of growing to tremendous proportions. Well, that dream never happened. As soon as I developed my own fashion based style, my own Senior Model Program, and my own way of using OCF did I make an impact. I opened my studio in 2008 and have seen 15-25% growth every year since. In 2012 I changed to only offering Senior and Fashion photography and my best sales ever. My work has been published in many national magazines over the last year and I have a TOP 10 photo in the 2016 PPA ‘s Grand Imaging Awards in the Senior category. Senior Style Guide has chosen my work three years in a row for their coveted Hot 100 list. During the summer of 2017, I was honored to be able to speak at an event honoring the Top 100 Studios in the country. I speak and teach at multiple PPA events, SYNC, Shutterfest 16, 17, and 18. I also lead “Everything Senior Workshops” from my studio and on location 4-6 times a year.

David Beckham Photography

MEGAN DIPIERO

Megan DiPiero Photography 
Fort Myers, Florida 

PROGRAM: The Secret to the $10k Sale 

You may not like what I’m about to tell you. But hear me out. Ready for the secret? Every big sale starts with a conversation. And the easiest way for you and your potential client to get the convo rolling is by picking up the phone. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the phone is the key to success! The phone can be a scary and intimidating tool. But it doesn’t have to be. Over the years I’ve developed a foolproof guide to Fun and Fearless Phone Consultations. And I’m ready to lay it on ya. Stop losing the lead to texts, emails, and Messenger, and discover how to close sky-high sales with clients that will love you! At the end of this program, you’ll be set to multiply your bookings, say goodbye to costly cancellations and reschedules, and finally master the forgotten art of true client connection 

About Megan: 

Megan is a successful full-time professional photographer and entrepreneur, who has been sharing everything she knows about business from the moment she figured it out. Out of her modest home studio in Fort Myers, Florida, Megan does over $400,000 in annual portrait sales, with a sales average of $4000. Rise to the Top! with Megan DiPiero is her Facebook forum for pro photogs who want to enhance their business skills and learn together in an uplifting, supportive environment.

Megan DiPiero Photography

Kay Eskridge

Kay Eskridge 
Phoenix, AZ 

SPONSORED BY: WHCC 

Program:
Terrific Tween Photography 

If you are a professional photographer looking to offer a portrait experience that will bring year-round cash flow, allow you to feel good about what you do AND give your clients something to RAVE about . . . this is a perfect program for you.

Social media has changed the face of how today’s young people deal with self-image, especially girls in their tweens and teens. Body positive messages are becoming very popular and it is my goal to become a part of this movement with my photography and the experience that comes with these programs.

I’ve hit the jackpot focusing on offering photography options for tween-agers (9-12 years old). Especially with young ladies as it’s providing me with a platform to become their photographer of choice when it comes to their High School Senior portraits. It also leads to family portrait opportunities a parent is always involved with the session or event scheduling, transportation and image ordering.

The portrait experiences I cover are:
• Primp & Pose is an awesome group Portrait Party where they also learn age-appropriate makeup
• M & M (Me and Mom) has become a huge hit for a mother/daughter bonding experience

Partnership Marketing Campaigns are also covered as they play a big role in all of the programs. We’ll also talk about social media and how images are shared and why it is so IMPORTANT to reach this generation as to the value of photographic prints.
 

About Kay: 

Combining her passion for photography and her love of people, Kay Eskridge’s studio, Images by Kay & Co. has earned a sterling reputation for high-quality lifestyle portraiture. Kay takes great pride in not only the imagery she creates but also the high level of customer service she provides. Specializing as a lifestyle portrait artist, Kay’s clientele has come to rely on her to capture images from all of life’s special events, from maternity to newborns, tots to ‘tweens’, High School Seniors to summer family vacations and even intimate images captured through the CelebrateSexy division of her studio. Her focus on relationships, creative approach to portraiture, unique perspective on customer service and clear vision about business has provided her with much success doing something she loves. Kay is a member and Past President of the Arizona Professional Photography Association and is one of Kodak-Alaris’ Approved Speakers. She is a PPA Certified, a Master-Photographic Craftsman and holds numerous awards, including the National Award, the Arizona Photographer of the Year, the Kodak Gallery Elite Award, the Phoenix Portrait Photographer of the Year, and the Arizona Illustrative Photographer of the Year.

Images By Kay

MARISA MILLER and SARAH DICKEY

Focal Point 
Farmington, Michigan 

SPONSORED BY: H&H Color Lab 

PROGRAM: Coming Soon 

About Marisa and Sarah: 

Marisa Miller and Sarah Dickey, along with the owner, Michele Jakacki run the largest multi-purpose studio in the Detroit Metro area, Focal Point Studio of Photography. They pride themselves in maintaining a boutique experience while catering to a high volume clientele. The business started in 1973 in a 300 sq. foot booking office, shooting on location families and children. They now occupy a 10,000 sq. ft. studio and a 5,000 sq. ft. studio located in two quaint and popular towns in Michigan. Focal Point’s larger studio is also home to their retouching artists and lab. The studio attributes it’s success to staying ahead of the trends, serving repeat loyal clients and making their studio an environment that keeps a long-term amazing support staff. They are admired for their work in senior portraits, families, babies, athletes, and dancers. In addition, they service over 30 major corporate accounts on an annual basis. The entire crew at Focal Point challenges themselves in every aspect of the business from effective marketing campaigns, to beautiful portraits, to good old-fashioned customer service.

FOCAL POINT

Jenn Lewis

JENN LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY 
Clemmons, NC 

SPONSORED BY: Miller's Professional Imaging 

PROGRAM: Coming Soon 

About Jenn: 

Jenn is an award-winning portrait photographer based in Clemmons, North Carolina who concentrates on seniors and headshots. She began her photography business 11 years ago as a “mom with a camera”. With a determined work ethic and tenacious personality, she grew her part-time business from her living room to her full-time 1600 square foot studio while multiplying her sales average by 10. She is an army of one, but her ADHD helps her to multitask like a BOSS. 

Jenn loves this relationship-based business. She lives to attend conferences where she has learned great business practices like combining good sales techniques and a great experience all while taking killer photos. But the networking (which usually takes place at the bar) might just be her favorite part. 

Jenn is easily recognized by her crazy curly hair, which has been rumored to give her superpowers in her salesroom. She enjoys road trips, long walks on the beach, and pink Starbursts.

Jenn Lewis Photography

CARLA LYNN

CARLA LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY 
Murfreesboro, TN 

SPONSORED BY: Miller's Professional Imaging 

PROGRAM: See It Differently. Seniors. Life. Everything. 

This program will include the following topics: 

INSPIRED 
• Inspired to grow your business 
• Inspired to know you can overcome failures and not be discouraged. 

AUTHENTICITY 
• To be HONEST with yourself and find out what your TRUE passion is (so you can be really good at that) 
• Being real. 

UNDERSTAND 
• Understand your market- who they are/where they are at. 
• Understand to use platforms (IG, Text, videos on phone, etc) and use them to GROW and EXPOSE your passion. 
• Understand why clients are hiring YOU. 

About Carla: 

Carla Lynn is a senior portrait photographer committed to giving her seniors an experience that leaves them feeling empowered. She operates a successful studio in Murfreesboro, TN where she provides high-end artwork and sells custom albums to more than half of her clients.

Carla Lynn Photography

NATE PETERSON

NATE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
 
New Richmond, Wisconsin
 
SPONSORED BY: WHCC
 

PROGRAM: High School Seniors All-Inclusive Album-Based Experience 
 

During this class, you’ll hear the unique way in which Nate Peterson and his team raised their Senior sales averages with results that will blow you away. Nate shares the details of his studio’s Grand Experience package that includes a three-hour session, hair, makeup and a beautifully detailed Senior album. Nate will go over his approach with pre-qualified clients, boosted sales averages and a focus on products clients want to purchase. You will learn all about the different ways to make Senior Portraits engaging and exciting, telling each unique story and creating a milestone experience for your clients. Nate and his team have done the legwork so benefit from their experience and discover how you too can boost your Senior business in ways you never imagined! 

About Nate: 

As a child, Nate Peterson was constantly doodling, never knowing this artistic talent would shape his career path. Formally trained in graphic design and visual communications, Nate then added photography to the mix and with the introduction of the digital camera, fell in love with the craft.
 
Since then, he’s been on a life-changing, nation-wide crash course, training with the leaders of the industry through PPA and state and local affiliates, WPPI, SYNC, and more, with the goal of becoming the premiere portrait artist in his area. Nate’s career has skyrocketed and with that, the expansion of his studio's personalized services, professional abilities and boutique product options.
 
Today, NP Design & Photography specializes in contemporary high school Senior portraits, sentimental family portraits, commercial product photography and edgy sports images, based on the belief that a portrait is an artistic expression of its subject. The studio is known for creating the “Grand Experience” in which high school seniors are treated to an all-inclusive session experience bundled with a custom designed album as the base package. Outside of his studio, Nate strives to help others find their photographic paths and stays active as a member of the American Society of Photographers, the Twin Cities PPA where he serves as a 2017 Board Vice President, the Wisconsin PPA and the Iowa PPA.
 
Nate, and his wife, Teresa, live in a newly remodeled portion of their commercial studio building, reverse engineering the “home-studio" to the “studio-home.” The studio is in New Richmond, WI and serves clientele from the surrounding area, including the Twin Cities metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Nate is a PPA Master Photographer (M.Photog) and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP). He believes these degrees are a large part of his success in marketing his abilities to his clientele.

NP Design Photography

JESSICA ROBERTSON

Jessica Robertson Photography 
Ashland, Virginia 

SPONSORED BY: Richmond Professional Lab 

PROGRAM: Bridging the Gap between Passion and Profit 

Most of us begin our photographic career with what we believe to be a “Passion” for photography. As our interest progresses for this wonderful field, we look to covert our new found love into profit. The subsequent steps are crucial to the success that may or may not follow. While this program is a must-see for newer photographers, it is also critical for those who want to improve their business and creativity. Organization of the process allows for creativity and perfecting the process leads to profit. The program includes a step by step process to increasing business and profit by exempting a pragmatic approach to an artistic endeavor. Coming Soon 

About Jessica: 

Jessica Robertson created Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry over 15 years ago and currently serves the Richmond, Virginia area from her 3000 square foot retail space in Ashland. With the support of her team, Robin and Karen, Jessica personally photographs over 200 seniors each year. She also photographs families, children, pets, and headshots. These additional 100 sessions a year create a full circle of life studio based upon relationships. 

The studio’s authentic imagery reflects their commitment to timeless, creative, memorable, unique, and storytelling portraiture. In an age of digital manipulation, filters and flash drives, Jessica handcrafts her images with light and detailed retouching. This dedication to quality and consistency results in superior printed portraits which hang in her clients’ homes and are handed down from generation to generation. 

Because of her commitment to her photographic style and her pragmatic business philosophy, Jessica has established a reputation as the premier senior portrait photographer in her area. 

While Jessica strives to create artistic and consistent high-quality imagery, she recognizes how critical it is to stay focused on the fact that her art is a business. This has always been a crucial aspect of her success. Although the photography market is ever changing, she has been able to increase her gross sales and profit margin consistently each year. Jessica creates imagery that stands the test of time and forges relationships with her clients that withstand fluctuations in the economy.
Jessica holds a degree in Art with a Concentration in Photography from Guilford College. Jessica has earned her PPA Masters of Photography, VPPA Associate Fellow of Photography, and VPPA Fellow of Photography degrees. And in January of 2018, Jessica also received her PPA Master Craftsman degree. Since Jessica started competing in PPA’s national print competition, her work has been included in the esteemed Loan Collection seven times and she has been recognized as Professional Photographer of the Year five out of the six years she has participated. Through her professional affiliations and print competitions, Jessica strives to constantly improve her skills. 

Her professional life is balanced with being married to her husband John and raising their two girls Grace, age 6, and Jaclyn, age 2. A full and busy life for sure! She is grateful for her family and for her ability to build and maintain a sustainable business based on her passion for photography.

Jessica Robertson Photography

VICKI TAUFER

Vicki Taufer 
Morton, IL 

SPONSORED BY: WHCC 

PROGRAM: Coming Soon 

About Vicki: 

Jed and Vicki Taufer have been involved in the photography industry for almost 20 years. They co-founded their studio, V Gallery, in Morton, IL in 1998. With a focus on artistic portraiture, Vicki specializes in photographing people, pets, and commercial shoots. V Gallery has been everything from a small home-based studio, to a large storefront with multiple employees, and everything in between. Vicki has a passion for people. Her journey with a camera has taken her and Jed around the world. They have been recognized internationally through their teaching, awards, and publications. Vicki’s goal is a healthy work/life balance. At work, she focuses on photography, marketing, and sales. Jed’s focus is technology, workflow, and educating other photographers. Over the last several years, Jed and Vicki have also had the opportunity to work for their favorite lab, White House Custom Colour.

V Gallery

2019 JUMP STARTS

Jump Starts are a great way to add incredible educational value to your SYNC registration. The Jump Start classes are a mix of classroom style and small group workshops for all levels of photographers. The 2019 Jump Start instructors are listed below.

What you need to know

• All Jump Starts are on Friday, March 1, 2019, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Full SYNC event registration is required
• Additional fees are required for each Jump Start class
• Space is limited for each Jump Start class (see below for class sizes)
• No refunds for Jump Start classes

JUMPSTART ONE - DAN FRIEVALT - $139
Class size: 40

JUMP START TWO - MICHAEL AND MELIA WINSLETT - $139
Class size: 30

CLASS THREE - SANDRA PEARCE - $129
Class size: 25

DAN FRIEVALT

Frievalt Photography 

De Pere, WI 


PROGRAM: 

Montages and Composites are killer items that can add considerable profits to your studio. With my easy to learn techniques, you don't have to spend all day creating them. Time is money, so I will show you all my time-saving secrets to create these super artistic images that will make your studio stand out from everyone else in your area! 

I dive right in by teaching you all my secrets on how to Market, Price, Sell, Shoot and Create Montages. We will have models on hand for you to shoot and walk you step by step through my entire process. You can follow along and create your own Montage so bring your camera and computer. We will have all the lighting supplied my MoLight. Next, I will show you super easy techniques to create jaw-dropping Composites that don't take all day to build. 

Basic knowledge of Photoshop layers and blending modes required as well as basic understanding of your camera functions. 

About Dan: 

Dan Frievalt M. Photog, CR. is a photographer that enjoys blending creative light with graphic design to create artistic images that evoke drama and tell a story. Dan's formal education includes an Associate degree in Marketing Communications and has worked as a Graphic Artist for 12 years before changing his career path to photography in 2005. “I always enjoyed photography but ever since digital capture I have found a new voice in creating images by combining my design background with my eye for photography.” 

Dan has been named Wisconsin Professional Photographer of the Year four years in a row and Artist of the Year two straight years. His studio has also been named one of the Top 100 Studios in the Country by his photography peers. Dan has earned many awards including the Canon Par Excellence Award, Fuji Masterpiece Award, two ASP State Elite awards, PPA Platinum, Gold and Silver awards and three Kodak Gallery Awards. 

Dan has also been honored to have his images published in several magazines including the cover of Professional Photographer.

Frievalt Photography

Michael & Melia Winslett

Michael & Melia Seniors 

Carrollton, GA 



PROGRAM: 
Revive Your Light: Giving New Life to On-Location Lighting 

A senior photo shoot is like a series of dances, a fine ballet of ever-changing lighting, locations, styles, feelings, and expressions. The goal is to know how these elements affect each other so that you can dance confidently around altering levels of light, pockets of shadows, unwanted color casts, and sometimes uninspiring locations, all while directing and dealing with the emotions of a teenager. Knowing your craft so well that it becomes second nature—so that you can focus on directing your subject into flattering poses and genuine expressions—is key. In both classroom and live photoshoot format, discover how to make lighting decisions and looks based on the attributes and confidence level of each unique senior. Get the most out of your gear for studio quality results on location and 3-dimensional images that enliven your work and amaze your clients. 

You will learn: 
● How to craft a lighting setup that compliments your senior and the given scenario, and coach your model accordingly 
● Which types of light sources and modifiers are right for the senior’s unique features AND comfort level on the shoot 
● How to direct your subject and build confidence quickly for stellar images that make your seniors look and feel their best 
● How to control and position light on location for dynamic images that stand out and flatter your model 
● How to shoot in difficult light! Take control of ambient light on location to create the highest quality starting file in camera 
● How to use this information to develop or refine your “YOUNIQUE” style and wow your target market 

About Michael & Melia : 

Known for their seemingly paradoxical sense of fun and passion for excellence, Michael and Melia have built their senior brand around meticulously crafted lighting, luxury finished artwork, and creating an authentic and uplifting experience for their seniors. They
launched Michael&Melia Seniors in 2011 after Michael’s many years in the creative industry, from video direction and production to web design, photography, and live show production. With heart and soul in every M&M collaboration, laughter is bound to happen
when you’re around this duo- they might even suddenly burst into song (both are musicians) or simply trip and fall (oops).

Michael & Melia Seniors

SANDRA PEARCE

Sandra Pearce Photography 
Okeechobee, FL 



Program: The Art of Painting in Photoshop 

Painting in Photoshop is an alternative for you to paint beautiful art pieces rather than attempting to learn a new program. I took many classes from the best Coral Painting instructors in the business. When I did find time to pen and actually paint in Painter, I found I had forgotten most of what I had been taught. Photoshop is where we feel comfortable and are familiar with the tools. The learning curve is drastically decreased. I decided to teach myself to pain using what I knew and loved Photoshop. 

You will learn: 

• How to paint with the airbrush 
• The mixer brush and how it works 
• Painting Modes 
• Extracting images for painting composites 
• Finacial aspects of adding art line to your business 

About Sandra: : 

Sandra Pearce is one of the most sought-out digital artists in the photographic industry today. She is a Master Artist, Master Photographer, and Craftsman. She is an Image Excellence and Image Excellence Bar Recipient. Sandra has had the opportunity to speak to thousands of professional photographers across the country from guild-level programs to state and national conventions. Her experience in digital imaging has set her apart in competition and she has been awarded Artist of the Year by the Florida Professional Photographers numerous years, Canon Par Excellence 2015 & 2016, Kodak Awards, Fuji Awards and others through the years. Sandra has been in the top ten for GIA Awards since its inception in 2010. Sandra won the GIA Award for 1st Place in the Art Category in 2010 and 2016 at the Imaging Awards.

Sandra Pearce Photography

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

SYNC provides a wide variety of additional educational opportunities at our conference and trade show. The speakers and events listed below happen in the evenings or during trade show hours. You can pick and choose the topics you are interested in.

SYNC SPORTS STADIUM - DETAILS COMING SOON

HANG OUT ONE - DETAILS COMING SOON

HANG OUT TWO - DETAILS COMING SOON

HANG OUT THREE - DETAILS COMING SOON

SYNC LOUNGE - A swanky place to chill and be inspired with Melanie Anderson. Sponsored by Miller's Professional Imaging.

Melanie Anderson

SYNC Lounge Facilitator 

Melanie will be hosting some educational fun in the SYNC Lounge - sponsored by Miller's Profesional Imaging. 

PROGRAM: Coming Soon

Anderson Photographs

Leslie Conway

Hang Out One 

 Inspiring Teens Magazine 

PROGRAM: Coming Soon 

ABOUT LESLIE: I am a teen photographer, dreamer, doer, and for one hour a day, every day, a lady of leisure. In between spending quality time with the men in my life and kitten cuddle time with my half leopard nightmare, I run Teen Leadership, Media, and Fashion Programs from my five-room studio suite just outside of Philadelphia, PA. While also acting as the Managing Director for Inspiring Teens Magazine & iTi STYLE Magazine, hosting & attending multiple events throughout the country to promote all the above, I also sneak in chocolates and stalk your Instagram accounts. 

Inspiring Teens® is a combination of leadership programs and workshops for teen girls in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area who want something “extra”. They build character, self-esteem, and skills for resumes out of the experiences created based on individual dreams and ambitions. In doing so, they’ve created phenomenal opportunities not only for their members, but for teens all over the world. 

A lot of their efforts is spent in the production of Inspiring Teens Magazine, a magazine that highlights teens all over the world doing things they should be given a shout out for. In a world full of media where teens are not always highlighted in the best way, the members love that they get to meet other teens out to make a difference, out to be their best, and inspiring others by achieving their goals. 

This interactive program/discussion will give you action steps get started that night: 

*how you can start your own magazine from scratch 

*how to build & keep your team motivated to keep the content new and fresh 

*how to find your “why” in it all to keep it on track 

*and how to keep it a REAL magazine and in the hands of the people you need to see it 

*how to get sponsors and subscriptions 

*how to host events to promote your magazine and the teens in it
And/or 

*how you can join in our efforts of nominating if you know inspiring teens who deserve to be in our circulation of subscribers across 4 countries (and growing!) 

*how you can join in our collaborating with us if you’re interested in all this, but the above steps seem super overwhelming 

I have planned a special night for SYNC to open the minds of other photographers to explore the possibilities to help you do more, learn more, earn more, and give more – even if you think you are already doing it all, know it all or don’t have time to learn or earn any more. I hope you join us.

Inspiring Teens Magazine