Find Your Niche at Imaging USA!
Published: July 14, 2026
A common pitfall for many photographers and small business owners starting out is the fear that specializing may limit their services and cut into potential sales. At Imaging USA, a world-class collection of speakers has already found their niche, created successful businesses, and are now offering to share their secrets with you!
Imaging USA offers a wide range of classes tailored to various photography specialties. With general sessions scheduled from January 31 - February 2 and pre-conference classes in the days leading up to the main event, there’s something for everyone looking to spark inspiration or learn new photography techniques.
Set yourself apart as a professional photographer and plan to arrive early at the conference and seize every opportunity for growth with pre-conference classes. There are also tons of general sessions during the three main days of Imaging USA that you can attend!
Headshot Photography
The Complete Actor Headshot Session and Workflow
Learn Pete Coco's complete actor headshot workflow, from attracting and booking acting clients to creating images that help them get cast. He covers client styling, makeup artist partnerships, real-time coaching, pricing strategies, and how to blend commercial and dramatic portraits into one session to increase sales and give actors a stronger, more versatile portfolio.
Why Companies Still Hire Photographers: Creating a Corporate Headshot Experience AI Can't Replace
Follow Glynns Thomas through every stage of a real corporate team headshot project, from the first client inquiry to final image delivery. Discover practical systems for client communication, project organization, and on-site execution that keep sessions running smoothly and encourage repeat corporate business.
Commercial Photography
Commercial Photography 101: Contracts, Bids, and Red Flags
Whether you're preparing for your first commercial assignment or looking to strengthen your process, Ab Sesay shares a practical framework for success. Learn how to create bids, navigate contracts, manage talent and crews, avoid common pitfalls, and confidently handle commercial productions from inquiry to final delivery.
Real Estate Photography
On-Location Real Estate Workshop with Jonathan Lee
Join Jonathan Lee for a full-day, on-location workshop covering his complete approach to real estate photography. Learn how to evaluate spaces, overcome lighting challenges, create compelling compositions, and work efficiently to deliver the high-quality images real estate clients need.
Registration includes bus transportation to the property in Charlotte.
Nature Photography
Photographing the Big Cats of the World
Award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Dooley shares his expert approach to photographing the world's most iconic big cats. Learn the best locations and seasons, essential gear, animal behavior, and field techniques for capturing stunning images of tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, and pumas.
Pet Photography
Dogtography: Building a Pet Brand
Jennifer Hillenga reveals her blueprint for building a profitable pet photography brand. From attracting clients and increasing sales to photographing dogs with confidence, attendees will gain practical business strategies and watch a live demonstration of posing pets and their owners.
Experienced pet photographer Arica Dorff reveals the systems behind her thriving on-location business, from nationwide client booking and location scouting to virtual ordering sessions and high-value wall art sales. Attendees will also learn practical posing and post-production tips for creating polished pet portraits.
School and Event Photography
The Portrait Photographer’s Guide to Social Event Photography for Year-Round Income
Steve Foisy provides a practical roadmap for expanding into social event photography, from proms and galas to corporate celebrations and fundraisers. Attendees will learn how to book repeat business, diversify their services, and create reliable income throughout the year.
Sponsored by: Candid Color Systems
Inside School Photography: Systems - Strategy - Scale
Rodney and Shiloh Getz reveal what it takes to build a successful school photography operation. From securing contracts and optimizing picture day logistics to scaling your business with efficient systems, attendees will gain actionable strategies for sustainable growth.
Sponsored by: Candid Color Systems
Combining Traditional to Trending – Team Sports & Media Day
Take an inside look at how Alison Carlino transforms ordinary team photo days into premium Media Day experiences. Through real-world workflows, marketing insights, and a live athlete demonstration, she'll show how thoughtful planning and creative execution can elevate both the client experience and your bottom line.
Sponsored by: Miller's Professional Imaging
Wedding
Abhi Sarkar explores what it takes to photograph luxury multicultural weddings with confidence, authenticity, and respect. Through real-world insights, he shares how to build trust across cultures, navigate multi-day celebrations, and create an elevated client experience rooted in preparation, empathy, and cultural understanding.
Getting Started in Wedding Photography
Take the guesswork out of growing your wedding photography business with Scott Johnson, who combines decades of experience with straightforward advice on marketing, client experience, and business growth to help photographers replace uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Film Photography
Film Photography in the Digital Age
Bill Manning demystifies film photography for today's professionals, showing how to select film and cameras, streamline workflows with photo labs, and integrate film alongside digital to expand creative possibilities and client offerings.
Fine Art Photography
Master the Art of Photoshop with Sandra Pearce
Sandra Pearce brings her 15 years of experience to this class and will teach you how to turn ordinary images into expressive, painterly works of art. Sandra makes advanced techniques approachable, even for Photoshop novices, and she reveals custom brushes, hidden tips, and painterly workflow.
Be an Early Bird and Save!
We hope you will join us at the Charlotte Convention Center from January 31 - February 2, 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina!
To gain access to the entire show, you can register now and take advantage of our best deal – the Early Bird Special– and save $100 on your All-Access Pass! Early bird pricing expires after October 31, so be sure to take advantage of this deal while it lasts! Save on travel and use our special discounts on air travel through Delta or Southwest Airlines!
We look forward to welcoming you our photography expo and convention! Get ready for three days of events for photographers, photography education, and more at Imaging USA 2027!