SYNC: One of the Best places for IPL: In-Person Learning!

Have you noticed how everyone is doing a class on In-Person Sales (IPS)? If you haven’t heard, or don’t yet do it, it is a game-changer and can mean the difference between a potentially fabulous sale and no sale. Or, to be more blunt and direct, the difference between success and failure in your photography business! While the millennials want everything online, the truth is: the sales process of figuring out what you truly want for a portrait order rarely happens as a self-guided tour! Having a knowledgeable guide is vital for a client to know what to purchase and what will fit their personal needs. The ability to see and feel products in person and talk through a myriad of topics to reveal what is truly valued most, is vital! Most of us agree with that, and hopefully most of you are doing that in your photography businesses.

But let me also bring up the topic of In-Person Learning! (IPL, for the sake of this article). We are in the middle of an online era where we think we can get everything we need online in the solitude of our own homes! There are countless hours of photo education online (and some of it is good, too) but it is missing a huge element! The personal and vital interaction that communicates more than words. How can we possibly learn the nuances of interaction, seeing how things are done in 3-dimensional space and feeling the energy of living, interacting people without being with them? We are beings who thrive in community and exchange energy in proximity. Add that fact to the reality that photographers are very personal, visual and typically energized by people- you get a combination that is unmatched for inspiration and the filling up of the creative soul!

Over the past few years, we have seen the attendance decline at many photography events, which makes us sad, but we also see a few still going strong and thriving. SYNC [Senior and Youth National Conference] is relatively young, (celebrating its 10^th year this year), and is bigger than ever, truly focusing on the community learning aspect. One thing I love is the fact that there is only one speaker at a time and everyone gets to see them (no need to choose). The community that is being built by SYNC and other similar organizations is benefitting from not only deeper education, but the camaraderie, friendship and loyalty that is built through personal interaction.

Remember, it’s not just the in-person classroom time; it’s the lunchtimes, the walking thru the hallways, the hotel lobby, tradeshows and the social evenings—all those times of interacting with fellow photographers that enrich our ability to see and help us grow in our businesses in many ways that are hard to articulate. We know it is a bit more expensive, (just like that wall portrait) but will be something you will cherish for years to come—something that will touch your heart and potentially change your life in the long run. Why do we encourage families to buy that wall portrait or for brides to purchase that album? We know the value and it goes so much deeper than words. Remember that when you consider online vs in-person learning too. Yes, it is an investment, but the value far exceeds the cost!

This year at SYNC, there will be another Fabulous Event where you can win and entire set (background, lights & props) along with a new Camera!! Lumix is sponsoring the SHOOTOUT again! Last year it was a huge hit!! CHECK OUT LAST YEAR’S ENTRIES AND WINNER!

Each contestant gets FIVE MINUTES to shoot the same model on the same background/props with the same equipment and a Lumix Camera! We will print an 8×10 and display it in trade show. The winner’s image will be selected by judges and presented at the SYNC Awards!! This Year’s Theme: Urban Streets!

Plan to Play and WIN!

Cameras provided by Panasonic Lumix

Lighting provided by Westcott

Background by BackgroundTown

Printing provided by Canon/Bay Area Printing

Winner’s prize [LUMIX G85 kit ($1000value)] provided by Panasonic Lumix

Plan on playing… plan on winning!!

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