Not only is Imaging USA the ideal place to network with fellow photographers and check out new gear, it’s also packed with educational sessions led by seasoned photographers who share tips and tricks with their peers. Professional Photographer asked three Imaging USA speakers new to the lineup for 2026 to share their journeys, their sessions, and what inspired them to want to share their knowledge at next month’s conference. (Note: Imaging USA speakers are chosen by a committee of PPA members.)

These Q&As have been edited for length and clarity.

Angie Birmingham, M.Photog.
Jeff and Angie Photography
Corpus Christi, Texas

Professional Photographer: How did you get into your niche of photography?

Angie Birmingham: I’ve always been an outdoorsy soul, happiest with dirt on my boots, wind in my hair, and a horizon to chase. So, when I picked up my camera again after an 18-year break, it felt like coming home.

At first, I explored portraits and rustic weddings, drawn to the human stories and fleeting moments. But the deeper I went, the more I realized my heart was elsewhere. The light filtering through the trees, the quiet rustle of feathers, the raw beauty of a wild animal pausing just long enough for a shot—that’s where I felt alive. That realization changed everything. I stepped away from weddings and portraits and devoted myself fully to nature photography. I also lead nature photography workshops. I want others to experience that same magic.

PP: What do you love most about your work?

AB: What fills me up most isn’t just the images—it’s the people. From curious kids picking up a camera for the first time to older adults rediscovering their spark, I’ve had the joy of guiding people of all ages into a world where creativity, confidence, and nature collide.

Spending my days outdoors in wild places filled with wonder is already a gift. But getting to share that with others? That’s the heart of it all. Every workshop, every shared sunrise, every excited “I got it!” from behind the lens deepens my own love for this art and the natural world.

And let’s be honest, I love the travel. New landscapes, new wildlife, new friendships. It’s not just a job, it’s a calling, a lifestyle, and a legacy I’m proud to be building, one frame at a time.

PP: Why did you apply to be an Imaging USA 2026 speaker?

AB: I’ve seen firsthand how nature photography creates what Japanese people call shizen moments: those rare, grounding flashes where everything just clicks. Through our business, Jeff and Angie Photography, and our nonprofit, Sharp Shooter Foto, I’ve spent years guiding photographers of all ages and skill levels to chase those shizen moments. Imaging USA is a place where community and creativity meet and I want to be a voice on that stage reminding us all that photography isn’t just about what we see—it’s about what we feel.

PP: What is the name of your Imaging USA 2026 pre-con class, and how did you arrive at that?

AB: My session is called “Nature Photography: Into the Wild … Indoors!”—and, yes, the title was very intentional. I wanted something playful and unexpected—something that makes you pause and say, “Wait, what?” Because while my heart lives in the outdoors photographing birds, wildlife, landscapes, and tiny wonders most people walk right past, this session takes place indoors. No tents. No bug spray. Just a classroom full of inspiration, stories, and practical tools to help photographers bring the wild back into their work.

PP: Can you share one tidbit, tip, or highlight from your class?

AB: You’ll discover hidden gems for your next outdoor shoot, must-have gear that works in the real world, and how birds, landscapes, and wildlife can reignite your creativity no matter your niche.

PP: What do you love most about Imaging USA?

AB: The electric energy that fills the air the moment you walk in. It’s more than a conference—it’s a creative homecoming. You’re surrounded by people who get it: the passion, the hustle, the art, and the late nights spent chasing light or perfecting a shot.  

Vail Fucci
Vail Fucci Photography
Newton, Massachusetts

PP: How did you get into your niche of photography?

Vail Fucci: After having my children, I realized I no longer wanted to spend weekends away shooting weddings. Around that time, an administrator at my kids’ school asked if I could take headshots for her daughter’s real estate business. I quickly watched Gary Hughes’ class on headshots (on PPA’s YouTube channel) to prepare, then scheduled the session. I enjoyed the experience so much I decided to make headshots the new focus of my business.

PP: What do you love most about your work? 

VF: Helping people see how beautiful they truly are. Most people dread having their photo taken, but with the right lighting and posing guidance—and the ability to see their images right away—they realize they can look just as photogenic as celebrities on magazine covers. That boost of confidence is powerful; I’ve even had clients cry tears of joy when they see their photos.

Photography has also opened incredible doors for me. I’ve done headshots for a Nobel Prize winner, photographed football coach Bill Belichick’s birthday party, and even been on stage photographing VIPs at a Coldplay concert.

PP: Why did you apply to be an Imaging USA 2026 speaker?

VF: Changing careers to become a professional photographer was one of the best decisions of my life. In the 15-plus years I’ve been in business, I’ve learned countless lessons, many of which can help other photographers build more profitable careers. I want to share a clear blueprint for success, so others don’t have to struggle through the same trial and error I did.

PP: What are the names of your pre-con class and Imaging USA 2026 session, and how did you arrive at them?

VF: My pre-con deep dive session is called “From Passion to Profit: Turning Your Photography Dream into a Thriving Business.” I made a major pivot in my life, leaving a career in scientific and regulatory affairs—with a Ph.D. in bioethics—to become a professional photographer. Photography not only brings me joy but also provides a far better living than my previous career. Over the years, I’ve seen so many talented photographers with incredible passion for their craft struggle with the business side of running a studio. I’ve made it a mission to help others achieve both their creative dreams and financial success.

My general educational session is called “Fast, Flattering, and Fully Delivered: Lighting and Workflow for High-Volume Headshots Retouched and Delivered Instantly.” One of my specialties is high-end, high-volume headshots. For years, photographers have offered on-location headshots at offices, conferences, and conventions, but the process often meant hours of back-and-forth with clients for image selection and endless post-processing. My approach eliminates that.

After herniating two discs in my cervical spine, I could no longer lift heavy gear for on-location shoots. That challenge pushed me to design new setups that are easy to travel with, quick to set up, and still deliver beautiful, professional-quality light. The Ice Lights have been the perfect solution, and I want to show other photographers that you don’t need bulky, heavy equipment to create top-notch results on the road.

PP: Can you share one tidbit, tip, or highlight from each of your sessions?

VF: At “From Passion to Profit: Turning Your Photography Dream into a Thriving Business,” I will teach you the basic SEO principles I used to move my website from page five of Google search results to the first page for “Boston Headshot Photographers.” That dramatically increased the number of bookings I receive without any added expenses.

At “Fast, Flattering, and Fully Delivered: Lighting and Workflow for High-Volume Headshots Retouched and Delivered Instantly,” I will teach you how to cut your post-processing for headshots and portraits down to nearly zero and boost your income through more effective in-person sales.

PP: What do you love most about Imaging USA?

VF: What I love most about Imaging USA is the community it fosters. It’s an incredible opportunity to reconnect with photographers from across the country, meet new colleagues, and build lasting relationships.  

Jada and David Parrish
Jada + David
Richmond, Virginia

PP: How did you get into your photography niche?

Jada Parrish: It was a COVID-19 pivot. David and I had been wedding and portrait photographers for about seven years, but after hundreds of weddings, we were starting to get a little jaded. We realized we were photographing on autopilot. Twenty-twenty was supposed to be our busiest, most profitable year yet … and then COVID hit. Rescheduled and canceled weddings added so much stress to an already tense time.

We had just signed a lease on a big new studio in February 2020, but it sat empty for months. Eventually, we started using it for fun sessions for ourselves, starting with simple portrait sessions on paper backdrops; then one day David had the idea to build a set. The first time we saw the photos from that set, we were hooked. We dove headfirst into conceptual photography.

PP: What do you love most about your work?

JP: We love that our work has become almost like mixed-media art, blending set design with photography. Every set is built with the camera angle and lens choice in mind, which lets us manipulate space and create optical illusions within the frame. We love filling each set with color, turning it into its own vibrant, surreal world.

PP: Why did you apply to be Imaging USA 2026 speakers?

JP: We want to share what we’ve learned on our photography journey. Over the past five years, we’ve really discovered our creative voice and started making work in a style that’s distinctly ours. We believe that’s so important, and we want to inspire other photographers to push their creativity and see that photography has no limits.

PP: What is the name of your Imaging USA 2026 Jan. 9 pre-con class, and how did you arrive at that?

JP: Our class is “Discover Your Creative Voice: Exploring Creative Set Design,” a full-day pre-con session, where we will break down creative set design and show how color theory, lighting, and thoughtful set construction all work together to help you create more meaningful, impactful photos.

PP: Can you share one tidbit, tip, or highlight from your class?

JP: There will be lots of color, a beautiful model, and it will be like nothing you’ve experienced before. If you’ve been feeling stuck creatively, this is the session for you.

PP: What do you love most about Imaging USA?

JP: This is our first time attending and we are so excited to experience it!  

Amanda Arnold is a senior editor.