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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.

Alica Cerullo

Annie Marie

Bruce Royal

Carla Lynn

Don Ward

Emily Davis

Jamie Boler

Jennifer Denton

Josh Russell

Katie Swatek

Kristin Jones

Meredith Ryncarz

Nathan Loker

Scott Detwieller

Tye Allen

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

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

PROGRAM: Coming Soon 

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

Josh Russell Photography
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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

The Restart Specialist
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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

Scott Detweiler Photography
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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

Katie Swatek Photography
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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

Carla Lynn Photography
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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

Royal Photography
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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

Jen Denton Seniors
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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

 

The Red Elephant Studio
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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

Click Studios Texas
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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

TWA Photography
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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

3rd Creative
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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 SUMMIT

Join this hands-on photography class with leading mentors! You will get full demos and hands-on instruction on a variety of lighting styles and posing tips to elevate all types or subjects from High School seniors to Athletes. Your mentors include: 

Kristin Jones
Nathan Loker 
Annie Marie  

JUMP START TWO

DESIGN SUMMIT

Add this class with Professor Alicia Cerullo! You will get a full day of instruction on a variety of design tips and tricks, including platforms like Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, and even some video tips. 

SPECIAL GUEST

DARTY + MICHELE HINES - CONFERENCE HOST

JEFF GUMP - BLUE STAGE HOST

Check back this Fall as we continue to add to this incredible educational line-up. Still need to register for SYNC 2026?

Start HERE. 

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  • HOME
  • SYNC 2026
    • About SYNC
    • Register
    • Schedule
    • Resort + Travel
    • Speakers
    • Events
    • Trade Show
    • Image Comp
  • LUMINARY
    • Luminary Exchange
    • Luminary Video
  • SYNC Store
  • SYNC FAQ's
  • ABOUT US
    • About Us
    • Videos
    • Favorite Things
  • CONTACT