ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR IE 2010

Hey Everyone,

Ok so after hours and hours of debating, we have finally settled on a date when ONLINE REGISTRATION will be for IE 2010.

If you haven't as yet seen who the 2010 instructors are, check out the previous post for the instructors list.

So here is the date.

See you all soon.

Rockie


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ONLINE REGISTRATION DATE:

DECEMBER 18th, 2009 @ 12pm


gotto: http://www.imageexplorations.ca to register !

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DATES for IE 2010 !

Many of you have been asking about the exact dates for IE 2010.

IE 2010 is on JULY 11th to 15th ( a sunday to thursday)


OPEN REGISTRATION IS ONLINE ON JANUARY 1ST, 2010 AT :

HTTP://WWW.IMAGEEXPLORATIONS.CA


I will post for you the launch of the online registration once it is up and January comes !

Stay tuned for more info for this coming year.


Rockie


PS. if you haven't as yet, Please make sure you subscribe to our blog or our news letters so you get real time updates regarding everything for Image Explorations !

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IE 2010 INSTRUCTORS LIST !!!!!!!

Hey everyone,

So I know it has been a very long while since I have posted a blog. And there has been some very very good reason for it. And truth be told, if you are reading this right now that, this is one of the huge reasons why I haven't been posting.

But instead of stalling (like I so want to right now ... LOL) I will let you all in on the extremely exciting IE 2010 INSTRUCTORS LIST !

Oh and just one more thing .... Have fun trying to chose which class you are going to take !

Cheers,

Rockie

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Foundational Photography - Steve Kozak

Portraiture - Carl Caylor

Contemporary Portrait /Small Boutique - Jed and Vicki Taufer

Advanced / Carriage trade portraiture - Tim and Beverly Walden

Contemporary Wedding - Stephen and Jennifer Bebb

Contemporary Posing and Speedlite work - Scott Robert Lim
Wedding Style

Lightroom / Workflow - Kevin Kubota

Advanced Photoshop - Jack Davis

Painter and Photoshop - Jane Conner Ziser

Fast Track Photography - Dane Sanders

Business of Photography - Andre Amyot

Children Photography - Dennis Craft

The 5 Ateleirs - Arthur RainVille

Beyond Your Brain - Joe Glyda and Carol Andrews



SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Lawrence Chan from Tofurious.com

• Lawrence will be sharing about Search Engine Optimization for your photographic business

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re: Wacom Tablet Intuos Videos reposting

Thanks to Rob who pointed this out to me.. but apparently Joe re: linked his vid's so I found them again and have reposted a fresh link for you all regarding Wacom's New Intuo's Tablets.

So with out further a do.... here they are.

Peace all,

Rockie

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Wacom Intuos4 med Tablet Tutorials

Hey everyone,

Finally back online with y'all. Things at IE 2009 were totally awesome and will have a ton of vids and pics to show you all what happend this year. More on IE2009 and IE2010 in upcoming posts.

But for now I wanted to talk about the New Wacom Intuos4 med tablet.

This year at IE2009 this particular tablet was a huge hit ! Actually Beau Photo Sold out of this at IE. And me being one of them I happily took one home and posted on it on my FB and Twitter account. But to my sergrin, many posted comments back at how disappointed they were at the tablet !

So instead of creating my very own video tutorials, I went on to youtube.com

and found Joesph Sliger, Wacoms very own Techie and

IE 2007 Wacom Tech support provider.

In the following 3 vids Joe does a great job at explaining the key functions and set ups for the Intuos4 med. So if you have ever had any problems or have not unpacked yours yet, then have a watch at these vids and you will be rockin.

I have already set up my express keys with actions and functions and man is it fast !

I give this tablet a 2 Thumbs up !!!!!!!!

So watch and enjoy.

Rockie

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Joe and Carol Interview (Part 2)

Here is Part 2 of the interview with Joe and Carol.

See ya at IE 2009 !

***For online registration, visit us at: http://www.imageexplorations.ca***

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Joe and Carol Interview (Part 1)

Here is the first part of the interview.

Rockie

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Meet Joe Glyda and Carol Andrews : Instructors for Image Explorations 2009 !

Every year at IE we have some of the best Master Photographers who come to share their heart and skills with us. But every now and then, there comes a course that is way out of the box of the "normal" photographic course. In fact it is so way out of the box, that it is literally difficult to put into words What goes on in it, Who should be in it, and How it would impact a photographer.

Well, meet Joe and Carol. They are the instructors for B.Y.O.B. (Beyond Your Own Brain)

This is one of those courses where it really is hard to share with you what it is, but more than that, just how much this course can impacted your life as a photographer.

So instead of trying to explain it, I decided to simply put the video on record mode and just let them share with you.

The interview was broken up into 2 parts. I know this sounds like alot, but I think once you watch and hear what Joe and Carol share, you will agree with me that these are 2 remarkable people and not just remarkable photographers. They're great friends of mine whom I love.

So permit me to introduce to you: Joe Glyda and Carol Andrews and B.Y.O.B

Rockie

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The Truth... It hurts sometimes

I just saw this great video on Dane Sanders Blog... (will talk more about Dane in an upcoming post as he will be our Opening speaker at IE 2009 this year in July !) Anyways, when I saw this vid I was like, "Right on ! Finally someone speaking the Truth about the economy !

Have a listen and let me know what you think ! More about this in the next post !

Rockie

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LORI NORDSTROM: IE 2009 Children/Maternity Instructor (Part 2)

Here is some more info on Lori Nordstrom who is teaching our Childrens/Maternity Course at IE2009 this year !

If you haven't yet, check out the little interview I did with her on our last post to get a feel for who Lori is, what is on her heart and what she is going to be teaching !

Be Blessed Y'all !

Rockie

Her Bio :

Lori Nordstrom owns a boutique studio specializing in maternity and newborn portraits located in the picturesque town of Winterset, Iowa . Lori is a PPA approved business instructor and marketing consultant for Studio Management Services.

She counts sharing with other photographers through PPA, and her own studio workshops as one of the things she most enjoys. Lori is in her sixth year of working with the Leukemia and LymphomaSociety through her studios Little Angels campaign.

In 2008 her studio raised over $35,000 for the Society and was recognized through Oprahs Big Give. Lori has earned several Kodak Gallery, Fuji Masterpiece, and PPA LoanCollection awards for her images and storybooks.

What She will be Teaching :

Join us for a look at Lori's non-traditional approach to photography,marketing, and the client experience. Whether you are just starting out, or ready for a new direction, get ready for a boost of inspiration as Lori shares with you ways to keep your passion at the core of all you do.

Lori will explore:

1. Finding your niche market
2. Defining your marketing personality, marketing that works
3. Product development and presentation and the client experience from start to finish
4. As well as Photography demos and instruction“

Each of you have a fire in your heart for something. It's your goal in life to keep it lit.

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LORI NORDSTROM: IE 2009 Children/Maternity Instructor

Hey Everyone....

Just got back from Texas School 2009 ! What a great school ! For those of you who don't know, Texas school is practically our Sister or Brother School. Don Dixon who is the Head Director for Texas School was instrumental in helping Don MacGregor 10 yrs ago in starting Image Explorations !

Anyways while I was down there I found Lori Nordstrom and decided to do a quick interview with her to introduce you all to who she is and what she will be teaching this year at IE 2009 !

Check it out y'all !

Rockie

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NEW UPDATES !

Hey Everyone,

Sorry for being so absent for so long, but been traveling the world for a while so Blogging has been a bit tough. If your interested you can visit my own Blog to read about what I was doing and in what Countries I visited in a matter of 3 weeks !

Ok... so just some heads up...

1. Travel INFO
If you have not read out blog posting on this please READ IT ! Some very important tips on your flight schedule that you need to know. Just go to our Categories and click on INFORMATION !


2. NEW INSTRUCTOR Profiles and Interviews coming up ! So if you don't know who all our instructors are, not to worrry. As the following posts will give you a great intro to some of our Super instructors for IE 2009 !


Don't forget to message us if you have any questions.

Can't wait to see you all at IE 2009 !

Rockie

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TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR IMAGE EXPLORATIONS ATTENDEES !

Hey all...

Ok this post is for the IE 2009 ATTENDEES !

So if you are NOT YET coming then you can do 1 of either things:

1. You can get right on our website and Register for a butt kickin course at IE 2009 !
2. You can tune out and wait for my NEXT NEW POST coming in 2 days !

Hope to see ya at IE 2009 !

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FOR ALL OUT OF TOWNERS COMING INTO IE 2009 !

We have been asked this question a lot lately so I thought I would post it up for you all to read.

For booking FLIGHTS :

1. Book ARRIVALS for Sunday at be at : 12pm and NO LATER. This will ensure that you get to our OPENNING PROGRAM which is featuring Dane Sanders from FAST TRACK PHOTOGRAPHY and register and drop off luggage all before that happens.
2. Book DEPARTURES for Thursday to be at: 4PM and NO EARLIER. This will ensure that you will get to yhe airport by our chartered bus service in time to check in and go through security before your flight leaves.

WHERE ARE YOU FLYING TOO ?

• You are needing to FLY DIRECTLY TO : VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT in British Columbia, Canada.
• Your departure should be from the same airport as well.

EARLY ARRIVALS THE DAY BEFORE:

• for those of you flying into Victoria the day before, Don will shortly be sending out a mass email with hotel cost for the 1 day stay.
• everyone will be meeting up that Saturday night for a GREET AND MEET at a local pub or lounge. Details will be announced shortly.

OUR BUS CHARTER SERVICE:

There is a small cost for our BUS CHARTER SERVICE.

• $50.00 cdn for BOTH WAYS
• $25.00 cdn for ONE WAY

This is a very very small price to pay considering taking the taxi would be way more than this as well as renting a car that you don't need other than for the ride up to the school and the ride back from the school.

If you have any other questions, please do email us with your questions at the following:

Rockie - rockie@therockphotography.com

Don - don@macgregorstudios.com

Carol - carol@macgregorstudios.com

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JUNE IE SUPER SHOOT DETAILS

Hey all,

For those of you interested, the JUNE IE SUPER SHOOT is just around the corner.

Here are the general details:

Date: JUNE 21st, 2009

Time: 1pm - 9pm (with dinner break in the middle with everyone)

Location: NEW WEST (Antique Alley)

Theme: models will be dressed in Spy/Bond/film noir theme

Shoot Challenge: we will only be allowed to light the models with Speedlites !

Cost: $50 pre-register (closes 1 week before) or $60 at the event

Contact Rockie at: rockie@therockphotography.com for payment details

LIMIT: 20 photographers. So first come first serve.


If you have any questions please leave us a comment or email me at the addy up above.

Hope to see you there in June.

Rockie

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IE SUPER SHOOTS !

Hey all,

So recently we launched our IE SUPER SHOOTS!
These are small little super shoots that will happen 4 x's a year.

The first of these super shoots happened in April at IRONWORKS STUDIO and man it was a blast. I will be posted up some more images shortly. But for now I wanted to post up the winners for the super shoot.

Each Super shoot comes with a Critique night, where our images that we create are critiqued and judged. The winner of each super shoot receives a prize of a HALF PRICE TUITION for Image Explorations and a super Trophy to take home. To top that we also had 3 runners up for the competition and they all received each, a free 16x20 Fine Art Print that will be printed at MacGregor studios !

For more information on future Image Explorations Super shoots either subscribe to our blog here or connect up with us at our IE SUPERSHOOT groups page on Facebook.

Anyways for now here are the images from APRILS supershoot for the winner, and 3 runners up.

Let us know what you think. More images to come shortly.

Rockie

Leanne - WINNER OF THE APRIL SUPER SHOOT

Jet - FIRST RUNNER UP for April Super Shoot

Amy - SECOND RUNNER UP for April Super shoot

Michael T - THIRD RUNNER UP for April Super shoot

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So you think a group of 8 is tough hey, try 800 people !

Check this out guys, this is a very good snap shot at the reality of a career in photography. Its not all glam. But if you know your stuff, you can sure work.

This photographer, Bert does a super great job at this shoot where he needs to photograph 800 people for a conference.

Let me know what you think.

Rockie

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SuperHeroes Rise in Tough Times

Just caught this article from Cnn.com on how the love or fancination with "Super Heroes" is on the rise once again.

It seems in the past when times where tough because of economics, people turned to "Super Heroes" for hope and inspiration. It seems that more than 70 years ago during the depression and beginnings of World War II, that such heroes as Superman, Batman, Wonder Women and Captain America became Legends. And it seems that it is again coming back.

With the Success of Batman and Ironman recently, other Hero movies have been scheduled for production such as Captain America, Avengers, and Thor.

Guest Curator Jerry Robinson was quoted as saying ... ""I think heroes are back. I think you can almost chart it. The times are not so good -- we're looking for heroes."

So here are my thoughts for the end of the week.

1. Who are your "Heroes" right now whom are bringing you Hope and Inspiration ?
2. How might the public looking for "heroes" translate to something special with your career or business ?

Post up your Comments. I would love to hear What you all have to say.

Rockie

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10 Values Worth Repeating

Here is a great list I read on Church of the Customer Blog today.

There is definitely lots to think through in this list, infact there is lot on this list that we should really be paying attention to concerning our business as a photographer.

But lets take it one step further during this time of Economic "tightening" as I prefer to say... Read though the list below and and actually assign a number value for each one. Rate it on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being your weakest (I need to really improve in this area) and 10 being your strongest (meaning I am doing just great at this).

Then after you have rated yourself and hopefully honestly, take your top 2 LOWEST Rankings and honestly ask yourself WHY these are low and then make a plan to focus, and improve on those for the following 6 months.

Be blessed all, and stay encouraged !

Rockie

1. Deliver WOW Through Service
2. Embrace and Drive Change
3. Create Fun and A Little Weirdness
4. Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded
5. Pursue Growth and Learning
6. Build Open and Honest Relationships With Communication
7. Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit
8. Do More With Less
9. Be Passionate and Determined
10. Be Humble

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Diet Coke and Mentos !

Ok.. so I just saw this on Youtube. Man is this hilarious. But as you watch this vid... give this some thought...

1. What is being marketed here ? Diet Coke or Mentos
2. Is the Story being told successfully ?
3. What impact or impression did the video leave with you afterwards ?
4. Could this be applied to your next marketing strategy for your studio ?

Rockie

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Some Thoughts about Change !

Just ran across this post from Seth Godin. Seth as a great blogger and writer about marketing. I will mention more about him and many others in my next post. But for now, have a look at what Seth shared in his blog about CHANGE !

Remember... change is always in evitable. But it is HOW we change that makes the difference for the future.

Rockie


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Consider for a minute the pivot points available to you:

• Keep the machines in your factory, but change what they make.
• Keep your customers, but change what you sell to them.
• Keep your providers, but change the profit structure.
• Keep your industry but change where the money comes from.
• Keep your staff, but change what you do.
• Keep your mission, but change your scale.
• Keep your products, but change the way you market them.
• Keep your customers, but change how much you sell each one.
• Keep your technology, but use it to do something else.
• Keep your reputation, but apply it to a different industry or problem.
  

Simple examples:

• Keep the musicians, but change how you make money (sell concerts, not CDs).
• Keep making guitars, but make bespoke expensive ones, not the mass market ones that overseas competition has made obsolete.
• Keep the punch press and the lathe, but make large scale art installations, not car parts.
• Keep your wealthy travel clients, but sell them personal services instead of trips to Europe.
• Keep the factory that makes missiles, but figure out how to make high-efficiency turbines instead.

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10 Things to Do During the Recesssion !

Here is a list of 10 things you can consider doing during this recession. I know it is tough and hard on alot of people right now, and watching the news is not exactly encouraging either. But try thinking of it this way... if you were just the same as last year right now... would you possible have the time to make some changes in your life that may benefit you for years to come ?

10 Things You Can Do During the Recession

1. Attend one of the many professional development workshops to upgrade your skill set.
2. Start a blog if you have not and if you already have a blog, maybe it is time to make some changes or improvements on it or blog more consistantly
3. Take a Business course focusing just on internet marketing and Viral marketing
4. Start making a habit to read busines blogs by some of the top Bloggers and Internet marketers out there.
5. Upgrade the look of your Website !
6. Re-brand your company
7. Add a new product line or even learn a new product line now and master it so when the recession ends you will be ready to showcase it.
8. Team up with a group of photographers to share and work on your skill sets.
9. Team up with a another photographer and share studio space and costs. (ie. printing...)
10. Just Be Thankful..... as "this too shall pass".

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NEW: Pocket Wizards New TTL Flash Triggers !

Ok guys and gals,

If you haven't seen these amazing little things yet, the check out this vid. I am so blown away by the Technology that we have today ! You know I am gonna be in line at IE2009 Vendors from Beau Photo to buy me a set of these ! I think the coolest part of these new flash triggers is the ability to utilize the full range of shutter speeds with their Hyper Sync Speed mode. Can't wait to get my hands on one.

Rockie

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Did you know your Canon 30D can do this !

Notte Sento (English subtitles) from napdan on Vimeo.


So... a fellow photographer I know, Bandele, posted this great video today about a short romantic movie of a girl who misses her train to Milan and is set to wait overnight in Rome until Dawn.

What blew my mind about this short story was how it was made from 4500 + photographs shot on a canon 30D ! Thats right !!!! A canon freakin 30D !!!!!!!!!!

Folks this goes to show that there really is no limit as to what we can do as photographers if only we would think "out of the box".

Have a watch and let me know what you all think.

Cheers.

Rockie

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INSTRUCTORS: Jed and Vicki Taufer - Contemporary Portraits / Marketing

Image Explorations is so proud to introduce to you Jed and Vicki Taufer !

Jed and Vicki are NEW INSTRUCTORS at IE2009.

Together these 2 make an unbelievable pair in the industry. Not only do they have a 7000 sq/feet studio at hand but they have one diverse portfolio and market. Join them as they discuss with you how to get from "Basement to Boutique".

Here is a little bio of them and what their course is all about !

Jed and Vicki Taufer started V Gallery in the basement of their first house and in just a few years they had a 4,000 square foot studio, 8 employees and speaking engagements all over the world.

How did they do it? What went right? What went wrong?

Join them as they cover the answers to these questions and much more. The Taufers don't believe you need a huge space for a great studio. Find out how to make the most of your space no matter where it is or how much square footage you have.

They'll cover hiring employees, delegating responsibilities and avoiding micromanagement by setting up workflow systems. They'll also cover shooting, lighting and posing as well as marketing, sales and photoshop tips and tricks. Learn how to use the space you have or how to plan for the studio you want. "Basement to Boutique" is a comprehensive class that covers all the bases.

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10 Things you could do better today

Chris Brogen posted this a while back. I love it. Why? Because it is short and sweet and straight to the point.

When life gets busy for us, really we have only have 2 options.

1. Stay status quo
2. Make changes and better our life
   

(more on this in my next post about HABITS)

So have a look at the list below that Chris posted. Are there at least 1 that you can focus on in the coming next moth to better your life and your busines ?

Rockie

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10 Things You Could Do Better Today

1. Improve your response time to requests.
2. Improve the brevity and simplicity of your email correspondence.
3. Connect with five new people and seven existing colleagues or friends each day.
4. Inspect your business process cycle from start to finish for improvements.
5. Rethink your approach to helping others succeed.
6. Increase the amount of times you connect others together to build new relationships.
7. Resolve three pieces of unfinished business, no matter how painful.
8. Live closer to your goals and your main points of focus, and less by reaction.
9. Take time to thank the people who make your life possible.
10. Rest and unplug.

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Success is linked to 10,000 hours !

One of my fav reads this winter has been this book called "Outliers" by Malcom Gladwell.

In essence, this book is about Success, and people who have become successful. But what makes this book different from all the others is how Malcom brings it down to 3 main components that all successful people have in common.

Once of the main common denominators with all successful people has been 10,000 hours. It seems that everyone who has become successful in their craft, skill or career, has committed to over 10,000 hours in their field. In fact Malcom mentions how Bill Gates and the Beatles even invested themselves in well over 10,000 hours.

So here is the just of the story I am telling.

We often view success and failure from a view of what I did right or wrong.

What if it is merely the fact that you have not finished your 10,000 hours ?

When I think of all the successful people in the world right now, I find it hard to think that they had gotten to where they are merely by accident or because they were just so gifted. I think the fact that they invested and worked hard at their craft and skill helped in getting them there.

So as a photographer, where are you right now ?

Are you one who has finished his/her 10,000 hours and if so, are you maybe ready for a "swing change" much like Tiger Woods, and take your game to another level ?

Get this book and have a break. It will not only inspire you but give you much food for thought during this time where the economy is rough.

Peace,

Rockie

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Greg and Lesa Daniel (Carriage Trade / Advanced Portrait Instructor)

Have you ever wondered how you could create a single image from your session and turn it into a master piece, and then print it in to a large Canvas wall portrait and charge a good value for it ?
Well, if you have, this class is for you !


Meet Greg and Lesa Daniel.

Greg and Lesa are a dynamic duo who teach the art of Fine Art Portraiture at Image Explorations. Just one look at their work should convince you to take this class. I was blessed in being able to meet them in person last year at Texas School and then at Image Explorations 2008. There are very few that I know of who really have the masters touch in this area,which I think is becoming a lost art, yet it is an art that can create a long lasting photographic career and a profitable one. If you have a vision for such a career as a photographer, then look no further as Greg and Lesa will show you how to have this kind of life.

Have a look at their course description below and view their images. I know you will come away both blessed and Thankful that you took their course.

Rockie

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The Anatomy of a Successful Portrait Artist

Let Greg and Lesa show you the anatomy of their highly successful studio. You will discover the secrets of how to expect and get what you and your clients want from each session. The topics which will be covered are:

• Creating a Desire to own your products through a marketing strategy that will bring in the right clients.
• Building Relationships to understand your clients’ vision.
• Executing the Vision by producing outstanding photography ultimately fitting your brand and product line.
• Satisfying Their Need with an emotional presentation culminating an experience that will produce a sell had visualized!
  
  

Greg and Lesa will show you how to create images for the subject out of the interaction of your imagination and their personality. Greg believes to make images that are truly creative you need to get beyond your heart, and with technical mastery enable you to create an emotion, a feeling with your images. In this class you’ll learn the artistry and relationships of portrait photography. Greg says, “Good photography is technique, outstanding photography is transcendent”. They will inspire you and tell you what it takes to market your work at the highest level.

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