2026 SPEAKER TEAM
Get a quick preview of the inspiring educators leading this year’s sessions. Scroll down to explore their classes in more detail—and be sure to check back often, as we’ll continue updating this page throughout the year.
SYNC 2026 Speakers + Programs
At SYNC, we believe continuous learning is essential for your growth. Our conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with top experts in HS Senior and Youth Sports photography. Thanks to our intimate conference size, you’ll have the chance to connect directly with these leading professionals. From mastering new techniques to refining your business strategies, you’ll gain valuable insights that set you apart. In the end, you’ll have the chance to Find Your People—the leaders and educators who will inspire and support you on your journey.
Main Stage Programs (included in all registrations)
GREEN: All conference programs
ORANGE: HS Senior programs
BLUE: Sports/Volume programs
Pre-Event Classes (additional fee)
Luminary Exchange - Thursday 2/19
Jump Start Classes - Friday 2/20
Additional Opportunities (included in all registrations)
SYNC has additional education that will happen in the evenings during the SYNC Lounge and during trade show hours. Plan on attending all events to get the most out of what SYNC offers.
ALL CONFERENCE PROGRAMS
On occasion, we will all gather together for dynamic all-conference programs and keynotes that will appeal to everyone in the audience no matter what your specialty.

JOSH RUSSELL
STAGE: All Conference Program
TOPICS:
AI
Senior Photography
Volume Sports
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Josh Russell Photography
Kaukauna, WI
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 100+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 5+
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 11

MEREDITH RYNCARZ
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: All conference program
TOPICS:
AI
Business
SPEAKER PROFILE:
The Restart Specialist
Richmond Hill, GA
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 50+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: N/A
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 16

SCOTT DETWEILER
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: All conference program
TOPICS:
AI
Creativity
Ethics
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Head of Quality Assurance at Stability.ai
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 40+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: N/A
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 19

ROD EVANS
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: All conference program
TOPICS:
AI
Creativity
Photography
Inspiration
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Coming Soon
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 50+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: N/A
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 30

BRAD DEEL
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: All conference program
TOPICS:
Social Media
Lighting
Motivation
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Coming Soon
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Location Only
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 75
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 2
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 7

DANI MACK
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: All conference program
TOPICS:
Social Media
Lighting
Motivation
Marketing
Inspiration
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Coming Soon
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Location Only
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 100
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 200
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 3
ORANGE STAGE PROGRAMS
The Orange Stage includes programming on High School Senior photography, business, sales, photoshop, and marketing. Speakers are listed alphabetically.

KATIE SWATEK
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: Orange (HS Seniors)
TOPICS:
Senior Photography
PROFILE:
Katie Swatek Photography
Lake Andes, SD
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 65+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 10+
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 13

CARLA LYNN
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: Orange (HS Seniors)
TOPICS:
Senior Photography
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Carla Lynn Photography
Murfreesboro, TN
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 145 +
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 0
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 21

BRUCE ROYAL
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: Orange (HS Seniors)
TOPICS:
Senior Photography
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Royal Photography
Ironton, OH
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 100+
ANNUAL TEAMS/LEAGUES: 10
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 17

JENNIFER DENTON
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: Orange (HS Seniors)
TOPICS:
Senior Photography
Business
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Jen Denton Seniors
San Antonio, TX
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Home-Based Studio
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 80+
ANNUAL TEAMS/LEAGUES: 0
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 20
BLUE STAGE SPEAKERS
The Blue Stage includes programming on High School and Youth Sports, athletes, schools, and other types of volume photography. Speakers are listed alphabetically.

JAMIE BOLER
PROGRAM: Coming Soon
STAGE: Blue (Sports/Volume)
TOPICS:
Sports/Schools Volume Photography
SPEAKER PROFILE:
The Red Elephant Studio
Scottsville, KY
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 500+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 25+
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 15

EMILY DAVIS
Program: Coming Soon
STAGE: Blue (Sports/Volume)
TOPICS:
Volume Sports
SPEAKER PROFILE:
Click Studios Texas
Krum, TX
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Retail Space (brick and mortar)
ANNUAL SESSIONS: N/A
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 175+
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 14

TYE ALLEN
Program: Coming Soon
STAGE: Blue (Sports/Volume)
TOPICS:
Volume Sports
AI + Graphic Design
SPEAKER PROFILE:
TWA Photography
Springfield, Oregon
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Location
ANNUAL SESSIONS: N/A
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 600+
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 7

DON WARD
Program: Coming Soon
STAGE: Blue (Sports/Volume)
TOPICS:
Volume Sports
Workflow
Lighting
Graphic Design
Templates
SPEAKER PROFILE:
3rd Creative
Wichita Falls, TX
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Home-Based Studio
ANNUAL SESSIONS: 30+
ANNUAL TEAM/LEAGUES: 30+
YEARS IN BUSINESS: 10
JUMP START CLASSES
ABOUT JUMP START CLASSES
Jump Starts are all-day pre-conference classes that take place on Friday, February 20 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. They are designed to provide a deep dive into a particular topic in a smaller class size. Jump Starts have limited seating and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Jump Start classes require the main event registration and an additional fee.
DEADLINE TO ADD A JUMP START IS JANUARY 31, 2025.
Price of classes: $199 (food and drinks are on your own)
Already registered and need to add on a Jump Start class? See the What's What for information on adding a Jump Start Class or email us at you.rock@syncrocks.com for instructions.
Looking for the Luminary Exchange? Click HERE.
JUMP START ONE
LIGHTING + POSING: Hands-On Training to Transform Your Portrait Work
Step out of the classroom and into an exciting photography experience! This hands-on Jump Start is designed for portrait photographers who want to master lighting and posing across a variety of subjects, from high school seniors to athletes and more.
Join an award-winning team of mentors as you rotate through curated stations around the resort, exploring both indoor and outdoor setups. You’ll get up close with multiple lighting styles, posing techniques, and real-world demos, with time built in for shooting and experimenting under expert guidance.
Cap off the day with a group Q&A where your instructors come together to answer your biggest questions and share final tips to keep your creative momentum going.
Instructors:
Annie Marie
Craig Lee
Kristin Jones
Nathan Loker
Spots are limited! Don’t miss this dynamic way to kick off your SYNC experience with confidence behind the camera.
JUMP START TWO
DESIGN SUMMIT
Ready to Elevate Your Visuals? Join Alicia Cerullo for a Power-Packed Day of Creative Design + Editing!
If design or editing has ever slowed you down, or if you're simply ready to sharpen your creative edge, this Jump Start class is for you! Alicia Cerullo is a sought-after expert known for making design feel approachable, inspiring, and impactful.
Spend a full day diving into the tools you use most, like Canva, Photoshop, and Illustrator, plus get pro tips on simple video tools that make your content stand out. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting confident with design, Alicia will walk you through time-saving strategies, brand-polishing tricks, and real-world applications tailored to photographers.
Seats are limited—grab yours early and start your SYNC experience with creative momentum.