Yes friends, it's official. The DWF is broadening its horizons, and expanding to include portrait photographers. Most wedding photographers shoot portraits, and there is a growing number of portrait photographers out there. So we’re adding a focus on portraiture on the DWF.
What do these changes mean? For now, not a whole heck of a lot. We already have an active DWF Pro Portrait Forum and the DWF Boudoir Forum, as well as other forums where the business of portraiture is discussed—just visit DWF Marketing & Sales, or the Gear Forum! Some of the best portrait shooters are already active on the DWF, like Robert Alvarado and Mark Robert Halper.
Are you letting amateur portrait photographers in? New members will be vetted the same way we've always vetted wedding photographers. They need either a web site that markets their services professionally, or a Tax ID number. FlickR, personal blogs and so forth don't qualify. New portrait focused members will help drive better, more in-depth discussion for everyone interested in growing their skill and business in portrait photography.
Should we call it the DWPF now? We're not changing the forum's name or logo. The DWF is an abbreviation given by it's members, and we want to hold on to it, because we're proud of our community!
Though the changes will be small, you’ll find a new commitment to portraiture on the DWF. For instance, you'll find more portrait focused content on DWF U, in convention seminars and we even have a few surprises up our sleeves! Love it? Hate it? Discuss it
Who Says Learning Isn't Sexy?
We're featuring two hot videos this week on DWF U! First up, we've got David Beckstead. Fresh from the DWF Convention sponsored by Simply Color offering up some tips and tricks on none other than his area of expertise, composition. David goes in-depth to talk about more of his stunning images, providing us with a glimpse into his thought processes and ideas.
Then we warm things up a bit, with Critsey Rowe and her boudoir inspiration lesson. Presented just last week at DWFC 2010, Critsey shares some ideas and tips for shooting boudoir! Longer than our normal format, this is 10 solid minutes of sizzling posing and inspiration to help get you warmed up for boudoir! DWF U
DWF Members in Newsweek!
Usually we’re excited about DWF members featured in bridal magazines. But take about exposure! Photos from two DWF members are on millions of desks in the current edition of Newsweek magazine. Charlotte Geary and Ryan Brenizer have photos featured in a cover story about Conservatives and Gay Marriage. DWFers Work Featured in Newsweek
DWF Convention Wrap-Up
We want to express our gratitude to the DWF members, incredible speakers, and sponsors who made DWF Convention 2010 sponsored by Simply Color Lab an amazing success.
Attendees are talking about their experiences, and posting pix with reckless abandon. See countless shots of DWFers in action, and of course, infamous DWF Sloppy Dancing Video, plus read the attendee Report Card. It’s all in the DWF Convention Forum.
Bridal Fair Do's and Don'ts
The grooms have proposed, the brides have said “yes,” and they’re now shopping. Are you ready to seize the moment at your local bridal fair? Before you get ready for the bridal fair, consult this important list of do’s and don’ts contributed by DWF members with years and years of experience with bridal fairs. Kick butt at your next bridal fair.
Reach Out, Live!
Did you get our Holiday Gift, last week? The DWF has debuted LIVE CHAT. After you befriend fellow DWF members, you can chat with them one-on-one, ala Facebook. It’s one more way to be a part of the DWF community and make connections. Take advantage by befriending some fellow DWFers, right now! Easy instructions
DWF Convention Registration Closed
And without further fuss and muss, the DWF Convention 2010 Sponsored by Simply Color Lab is now officially closed. We're looking forward to seeing so many of you down in Nashville in just a few short weeks! There will be some excellent partying, networking and of course, intense education from the finest photographers in the industry!
Click on over to the DWF Pro Forums to read all about it!
All Hail the New King & Queen!
All hail the King! David Getson! All hail the Queen! Petra!
Thanks toFinao for creating this contest, and awarding airfare, hotel, convention registration, and cash to both the new King and Queen, whom we'll see in a few short weeks in Nashville at DWF 2010.
Most important, thanks to each of YOU for your generous donations. Together we've raised $ 5,087 for The Soul Society. Since the DWF offered to match donations up to $2,000 on Monday Dec 14th, we'll kick in the rest of the way, as promised, bringing the total you've donated to $ 5,565... THANK YOU! And remember it's not to late for you to join David and Petra in Nashville. DWF Convention Registration
A Very Candid Skip Cohen
DWF Convention speaker Skip Cohen tells all, from being a parent’s worst nightmare to some of his best marketing advice for photographers. Check back next week for Part II of our interview with Skip. Be sure to visit his blog and website. Both are chock full of some interesting articles and great advice. Check out part I now
Cyber Monday Photography Deals
Every professional photographer I know loves a good deal and today is the day to find them online. We’ll be posting the hottest Cyber Monday photography deals for professional photographers right here on the DWF photographers blog! Some hot deals are popping up like Lightroom II for just $169. (That's like almost half off)
New on DWF U 
