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When running a company it's easy to get stuck in the preverbal hamster wheel if you haven't set forth a proper vision. Join business guru Laura Novak, and she'll tell you why it's so important to have a vision for your company and how that vision shapes all the other decisions you will make with your business. By attending this seminar will you will learn how to expand what you believe is possible for yourself - how to create a vision that is individual to your business, your personal goals and professional aspirations.
 

Laura Novak is the owner of Laura Novak Photography in Wilmington, Delaware. In the past four years Laura has taken a small part time business that she ran out of her home into a a thriving studio storefront that employs three full time employees and four part time freelancers and assistants. Laura was  named one of two photographers nation-wide as Kodak's Emerging Photographers to watch in 2007. Laura holds a degree in business administration from Northeastern University, where she graduated Valedictorian in her class.

Susan Stripling From Capture to Completion

Have you ever heard the phrase “oh, we’ll just fix it in photoshop” or had someone tell you they shoot raw to “save” their images in post?

Susan Stripling strongly believes that this is the wrong way to look at image capture and production.  From explaining how to use in-camera settings to produce a strong RAW file to converting that RAW file properly to a  workable JPEG, Susan will teach techniques and practical applications to work your images to their full potential. She will then show real-world photoshop tricks and tips for creating a compelling image - all from capture to completion.

Asked frequently about her “look” on the DWF, Susan relishes the opportunity to teach the community the techniques she’s approached about so often.
 

Susan Stripling owns and operates a boutique destination wedding photography business in Tallahassee, Florida.  Her wedding commissions span the globe: from Wisconsin to North Carolina, New York to Napa, Columbia to the Caribbean.  Her wedding work can be seen in the knot, modern bride, inside weddings, bride and bloom, and the style section of the New York Times.

Takeaways from this seminar:

• pre-visualizing the image before capture; knowing where you want the image to go from beginning to end.
• in-camera presets : why to use them, how to use them, and the effects they produce.
• raw production : tools available with the pros and cons of each, ways to enhance the images using each tool available,
  how to work at the image methodically and naturally instead of trend-following or guessing.
• photoshop production : tools available, shortcuts and quick tricks, color theory, and how to take your processed RAW
  file and create a final image that speaks volumes about you, your style, and your imagery.

Mentoring
Sessions

Jan 4th
2:00 -6:00 pm

Tony Hewitt Go on...  be the best you can be!

Tony Hewitt will change your thinking!

• Communicate - learn the power of your language and how you can effectively influence your photography clients, and understand what they really want.

• Connect - Utilise the incredible power of your networks. Create valuable and rewarding associations with clients and be the photographer they feel most comfortable with!

• See - learn to 'see' with more than just your eyes.

• Anticipate – learn the secrets of the professionals and how to 'capture the decisive moment!'

• Create – find out how to generate your own ”great ideas”  and learn how to make them grow.

• Maximise - your greatest asset . . . YOU!

Tony Hewitt is one of Australia’s leading People Photographers & Photographic Illustrators. He has received a 'Triple Master of Photography,' from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, a Fellowship from the New Zealand Institute, and has twice been awarded the AIPP WA Professional Photographer of the Year, along with many other national and international awards. Tony is consistently sought after as a professional speaker in both the photographic and corporate arenas. Presenting on subjects as diverse as Vision and Creativity, Life Skills, Marketing, Communication & Repoire, he has been invited to present throughout Australia and in the USA, Asia, and the UK. A rare mix of talents, he combines his twin passions for People and the Art of Photography  while offering a unique perspective on Life, Business, and the Challenges they hold.

Marcus Bell, on Tony Hewitt: 

“ . . . Great photography comes through passion and experience and the ability to let one's life experiences shape their work, such that it becomes art. Tony possesses this greatness. He is an amazing man who has led an amazing life. He has a great philosophy that he applies to all that he does in his life and in turn his photography. He is a dynamic, yet down to earth presenter with the rare qualities to be able to be diverse in his topic but true to his message, as well as having the ability to relate easily to people and be approachable. Tony is a true Australian character

Jerry Ghionis on Tony Hewitt:

“ . . . His images will leave you breathless. His approach will challenge you like never before. His uncanny ability to help you use your own qualities to further your endeavours, commands attention. His flair for teaching is unparalled in this country. Above all else, Tony Hewitt will inspire you with the confidence to take your photography, business and life to the next level.”

Tony Hewitt is sponsored by...

Keynote
Cocktail Reception
sponsored by
Bookcrafts.net

DWF Convention 2008
sponsored by

Phototerra 3D Lighting

Michael and Vera from Phototerra will shoot live to demonstrate the value of 3-dimensional lighting, instead of direct flash.  This seminar will cover equipment, technical aspects of white balancing 3D light, gels, and creating 3-D light effects with no extra equipment.  Michael and Vera will cover lighting for groups, tableshots, dark reception halls, portraits, and more.

Takeaways from this seminar:

• Lamp of Alladin : Did you know that your on-camera flash has a giant softbox, a reflector, a strobe and your assistant built in?  or how to create a studio light feel with just one on-camera flash anywhere you go?

• The darker the better or how to enjoy the dark reception venues with just one on-camera flash, without destroying the ambiance and becoming wedding planners best friend. Movement or still, you are guaranteed to have a studio wrap-around quality light

• Perfect portrait needs perfect light or how to create one, two or even three point light in any room with one on-camera flash.

Lena Hyde The New Successful Portrait Studio

This seminar is for new and established photographers wishing to break into the high end children's portrait market.

Lena will review the essential elements for operating a successful studio and generating a buzz with your target clientele in a comfortable, casual seminar.  Topics include:

Lena Hyde owns and operates a successful boutique studio in Palm Beach.  Her portrait work was in high demand for celebrities and socialites in Palm Beach and beyond. Before shooting people, Lena was an art educator in San Francisco and wrote an art column for the SF Chronicle. Her experimental photography has been internationally exhibited in galleries and museums, including Southeast Museum of Photography, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Gallery, American Embassy, Harare Zimbabwe; and Casa Fotografia Fuji, Brazil. Lena  is a founding member of DesignAglow.com, an online resource for photographers and designers.

Takeaways from this seminar:

• You'll get ideas for making an effective marketing piece.
• You'll discover how to make your website attract the high end client with just a couple of tweaks.
• You'll see how to increase your bottom line and workflow through simple pricing.

Marcus Bell The Power of Your Images

In a profession that is facing new challenges everyday and is becoming increasing harder to be in business, Marcus shares his knowledge base that will unlock a wealth of business that already exists within your studio. Learn the art of presentation, creative marketing and the ability to show the emotion in your images more creatively. Understanding the importance of referral business and how it would work for your business. New sales and marketing techniques that will allow you to take your pricing to the next level whilst connecting with your clients to create a smart business and understanding what this means to you now and in ten years time.

See new technologies on image production and presentation, creative marketing and also discuss practical ways of improving digital workflow.

Unlock the business that is already within you.

In 2006, Marcus’ studio, Studio Impressions, was named the #1 studio in Australia by a panel of 50 of industry leaders and in the same year was named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world. During the seminar Marcus will reveal his secrets, passion and understanding of what it takes to become the top at your profession. Marcus includes the latest techniques, experiences and tools he uses to make his studio successful and his business so personally rewarding from a creative perspective that solid financial success simply flows from the creativity of the work he produces.

Marcus Bell is a Master of Photography and Creative Director and Principal Photographer of Australia’s number one photography studio “Studio Impressions”. Marcus has been named in the top 10 Wedding photographers in the world by BBC Television, is the author of “Master’s Guide to Wedding Photography” published by Ameherst Media NY in 2006, and has been featured in three photography documentaries. In addition to Marcus' many accomplishments, he is the first photographer to be crowned the Australian wedding photographer of the year twice, in 2003 and 2005. In 2006 Marcus received the honor of being awarded the number one wedding Photographer in Australia judged by a panel of the top 50 leading industry professionals, based on both photographic and business achievement. His Studio, Studio Impressions has been named the #1 studio in Australia.  Marcus is a double Master of Photography in Australia and also holds his masters in the USA, and his fellowship in the UK. Marcus' qualifications also extend to being a qualified Master Print Maker and is recognized around the world as an educator on digital workflow and master printing techniques. His work has been published in over twenty book’s, countless magazines (that include many covers) in over 50 countries around the world.

Canon USA presents
Eddie Tapp
Canon Explorer of Light

Learn professional, practical digital workflow applications and Photoshop CS3 techniques as taught by one of the industries top professionals. Using terms that everyone can understand, Eddie Tapp takes the mystery out of achieving proper resolution, explains how to persevere pixel quality, techniques for color management, establishing your digital workflow and image enhancements that will simplify your life and change the way you work from capture to delivery.

Find your creative power… A host of Photoshop features will be covered along with establishing a productive workflow environment, channel and layer features & masking, advanced image enhancements and retouching techniques.  Learn steps to image processing and image pre-press for today's standards.  Learn how to use these digital tools to achieve a variety of artistic effects and how to prepare the image files for maximum input and output quality.  Eddie’s specialized techniques will also be covered.

This seminar is for anyone who has a digital workflow, beginner or advanced.  Be prepared to have fun learning digital solutions for your operation.

Takeaways from this seminar:

• Learn the importance of controlling digital color and tone

• Creative image enhancements that will speed-up your workflow

• Adapting color management that works best for you

12:30 pm
Sat, Jan. 5th

The DWF Luncheon!
sponsored by ProDPI
 

Join us at the Grand Hyatt Pavilion tent for lunch, and explore the future of wedding photography with our special guests: Mark Zucker |  Jerry Ghionis |  Denis Reggie

Luncheon Fee:  $45 per person.  All profits to be donated to charity.
 

Denis Reggie.  After 30 years, 1,800 weddings, and dozens of interviews on national television and in leading publications, Denis has been acclaimed America’s most respected and well known wedding photographer. Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric and each of the leading wedding and photo magazine have hailed him the “best of the best.” Since coining the phrase “wedding photojournalism” in the early 1980’s, his name has become synonymous with the documentary style and favored by his many celebrity clients including Mariah Carey, James Taylor, Rudy Giuliani, Vera Wang (for her own NYC wedding), John Kennedy Jr., and Alan Greenspan.  One of the Ten Best Wedding Photographers in the world, as named by American Photo Magazine.	Canon USA presents Denis Reggie: Canon Explorer of Light
Mark Zucker is the founder and president of Zookbinders Inc. He has led Zookbinders through three reinventions since the company produced its first album 11 years ago. Mark is a frequent speaker who shares his insights on running a profitable business and succeeding in professional photography.
Jerry Ghionis,  M.Photog. AHPA FSWPP. He is the  only Australian to be named among the Ten Best Wedding Photographers in the World by American PHOTO magazine.  He is the winner of over 15 worldwide wedding Album of the Year competitions.  The only Australian to be named an “Icon of Imaging” by Microsoft.

DWF Luncheon sponsored by

Yervant! Sex in the... wedding photography?

Yervant dares and Yervant does!

His radical leadership in glamour wedding photography has brought sensuality and fashion to albums and walls all over the world.  His name is an international trademark, and in this seminar, Yervant will explore his signature style, as he processes images live, and explains why his style works.  He'll reveal the Yervant Way, and gaze toward wedding photography's future. 

Yervant's presentation will raise your imagination to new heights, and keep you on the edge of your seat!

The creator of Page Gallery album design software, Yervant has won countless awards, including WPPI 2005 “Album of the Year” 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, and 1st Prize “Album of the Year 2005” from the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers).  A longtime DWF member and contributor, his work is featured on the home page of the Digital Wedding Forum.  Yervant’s studio is located among some of Melbourne’s trendiest cafes, restaurants and fashion houses. The studio boasts a décor that is striking in simplicity and abundant with elegance. A large selection of wall prints and albums are on display, and the best cup of coffee is always waiting for guests.

Jerry Ghionis Saturday Night, live with Jerry!

Jerry Ghionis has emerged as one of the most influential photographers of the 21st century. In 2007 alone, he was the only Australian named as one of the Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the world by American Photo magazine and was named an “Icon of Imaging” by Microsoft. Jerry won an unprecedented 4 out of the last 5 International Wedding Album of the Year Awards at WPPI to add to his long list of accolades. He continues to raise the benchmark of excellence as an artist who is admired and respected by his peers and loved by his clients.  As a dynamic public speaker, Jerry inspires and educates fellow professional photographers all over the world with his passionate approach to photography and his natural business acumen that has made him a leader in the photography industry.
 
After an unforgettable keynote presentation in 2006, Jerry is back to mesmerize you with ALL NEW "before and after" shots and will show how to turn ordinary locations into extraordinary scenes. He will demonstrate how he can make people laugh and even cry with a few simple words. Pose doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Jerry will show you how to make poses look natural, yet glamorous and fashionable at the same time.

Of course, if you have seen Jerry before you should expect the unexpected.

For the first time ever, the DWF and Finao Albums  will host a multi-category online photo competition with cash prizes up to $1000.  Details are coming soon on the DWF!

Winners will be announced during "Saturday night, live with Jerry Ghionis"

DWF Convention 2008
sponsored by

8:30 am
Sun, Jan 6th

Michelle Turner Finding the Diamond in the Rough

You'll discover practical ideas for handling less than ideal conditions, even when you're facing a time crunch at your weddings. This seminar will incorporate a live, outdoor shoot (weather permitting) and a demonstration of how Michelle processes the photos, using actions and textures to create images that will consistently impress your clients.
 

Michelle Turner is a photographer living in the rustic splendor of Maine.  To avoid frostbite during the frigid winter months, she photographs destination weddings and photographed over 12 international weddings last year. Michelle's first book on wedding photography and the evolution of the image is due out in early 2008 from Ilex Press.

Jeffrey & Julia Woods Plant, Cultivate and Harvest Wedding Sales

Are you tired of doing way to many weddings? Learn the good and bad from Jeff and Julia as they share how they went from photographing 35 weddings at a $5000 average in 2002 to photographing 25 weddings at a $12,000 average in 2007, all without changing their wedding packages. They will talk about what they have learned about being themselves, the art of selling, and the fulfillment they find in album design. Come and be inspired to be yourself and follow your passions.
 

Jeffrey and Julia's photography is a original blend that flirts with fun, fashion and art; as photographers they each have their own style which they enhance by working together to produce a unique perspective. Jeff’s love of vintage and modern culture coupled with Julia’s passion for capturing relationships and stories come together with creative images that showcase their client’s hearts and minds with contemporary urban imagery. They have developed and implemented acclaimed marketing strategies which are the foundation of their business’s success. They conduct private workshops instructing nationally and internationally recognized photographers in all aspects of studio management, marketing and creative inspiration.

Canon USA presents: Jeff & Julia Woods Canon Explorers of Light

Takeaways from this seminar:

• Learn what keeps a lot of photographers from moving to the next level of clientele.
• Learn how to give your clients the opportunity to invest more money with you.
• See the endless possibilities when you allow yourself to be who YOU are.

Impressions are everything.  Just ask yourself what impression clients get from your marketing material. 

This seminar will teach the importance of planning and executing a graphic design strategy,  You'll learn how to use the grid system to create a style manual.  This style manual will give your studio a solid and consistent approach to your marketing efforts.

Christa will define and illustrate the appropriate use of elements, and principles, and present the moethod of using grid systems to effectively organize information into a unified design.  She's show you how to create various types of grids within different contexts of layout- brochures, business cards, letterhead, magazine ads, and other promotional pieces, in order to form one cohesive marketing campaign.  Grids eliminate the "start from scratch" approach to your graphic design projects.
 

Takeaways from this seminar:

• Learn the six principles of graphic design, and how to use them.
• Learn the basic design elements that help communicate your desired message
• Learn to use grids and eliminate the "start from scratch approach to graphic design.

12:00-5:30 pm
Sun, Jan. 6th

Greg Gibson The Decisive Moment

Join two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Greg Gibson as he talks about his 20-year career in journalism and his transition to wedding photography.

A top photojournalist who’s covered everything from the Gulf War to the White House, Greg will discuss some of the hard lessons learned while working at the competitive, deadline-a-minute pace of news photojournalism and how they apply to his new career in wedding photography. By combining light, emotion, interaction and eye for the decisive moment, Greg will demonstrate that great wedding images can be made anywhere.

When it comes to photojournalism, Greg Gibson has seen it, done it, and been there. A Two-Time Pulitzer Prize winner, his 27 year career in photography encompasses hundreds of national and international stories while working for some of the largest news organizations in the world. His assignments have included 3 Presidential Campaigns, the Persian Gulf War, daily coverage of the White House, the Monica Lewinsky scandal, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and hundreds of major sporting events including the Olympics, the Superbowl and the Masters. His travels have taken him to all 50 states and nearly every major city in the world. Throughout his career, Greg Gibson has built a reputation as a photographer who consistently delivers photographic excellence from any situation. Accolades include a share of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for News Photography for coverage of the 1992 Presidential Campaign as wll as a share of a second Pulitzer Prize in 1999 for his coverage on the Monica Lewinsky Scandal. Greg was also a pioneer in digital photography and one of his digital images from the 1992 Presidential Debate between President Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot was the first digital image to make the cover of a major newsmagazine. Greg has been working as a wedding and portrait photographer in the Washington, DC area since 2003.

Takeaways from this Seminar:

• Insight into the mindset of a world class photojournalist and the experiences that shaped his approach to image making.
• Behind the scenes stories of some of history’s most famous images and the difficult, split-second and life-altering decisions the photographers had to make to capture those images.
• Through the use of light, emotion, interaction and an eye for the decisive moment, great pictures can be made anywhere.

5:00 PM
Sun, Jan 6th

Marcus Sark investigates how to use the internet to build business for your studio.  This seminar serves as in introduction to search engines rankings, , marketing via the major search engines,  mass marketing legally via email, blog tools, and how to use them to bring your site recurring visitors, as well as how to find the right website developer, the tradeoffs of flash vs. html websites, and creating a website to be seen a variable screen resolutions.

Takeaways from this Seminar:

• Utilize Internet technology to become first in your customer’s mind, and first in market.
• Learn how to reinforce your brand to your customer through email marketing, search engine and directory placement, and blogging.
• Get an overview of different technologies and products that will help you maximize your marketing through the Internet and save you time.

5:00 PM
Sun, Jan 6th

DWF Annual Party
at the Florida Aquarium!

sponsored by

full buffet dinner
live band

shuttle transportation provided for all attendees
beginning at 730 pm
Sun, Jan 6th, 2008

DWF Convention 2008
sponsored by

Simply Canvas Extreme Studio Makeover Contest!

All convention attendees are eligible to win an extreme studio makeover from Simply Canvas! Attendees will enter pre-convention, and the winner receives more than $3,000 worth of gallery quality wall art for their studio!

Win an Extreme Studio Makeover Contest Details
and
Have your work displayed in Canvas at DWF 2008!

Special Interest
Seminar Series
sponsored by

Tamara Lackey Contemporary Children's Photography How to capture the look.. and captivate the market!

Tamara reveals some of the secrets of her success as a portrait photographer in this seminar that will leave clients saying "You're so good with kids!"

Tamara covers how to recognize a child's personality and how to work best with the various personality types, including the child who's having a 4-hour tantrum.  Plus you'll learn techniques that work when it doesn't come naturally.  This is planned as a shooting seminar (weather permitting) as Tamara teaches organic posing and the importance of location.

The seminar will include the sales consultation - or "how to meet the client's needs without selling."  Also marketing, advertising, and promotion-- and knowing the difference between them.  Tamara will also cover pricing for children's portraiture.

Tamara Lackey is an award-winning photographer in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, operating a highly successful photography studio that employs several full-time associates, a production associate, and a round-the-clock Studio Director who tries desperately to keep the chaos to a minimum.  She is featured in the November 2007 Rangefinder magazine The studio’s business model is built to bring in nearly even revenues from wedding and portrait photography, gaining significant profitability annually while maintaining a high respect for each employee’s work/life balancing act. Tamara has received multiple 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the WPPI print competition, and she is currently writing a book for Amherst Media about contemporary photography. Her work has appeared on the cover and throughout the pages of a variety of publications, including Premier Baby Magazine, Parenting Magazine, Inside Weddings, The Knot, and Destinations. She and her unique studio model are being profiled in an upcoming issue of Rangefinder Magazine.

Special Interest
Seminar Series
sponsored by
 

Jen & Steve Bebb Consistently Creative or Creatively Consistent?

It’s the one thing we all strive for, yet it remains elusive for so many of us: consistency.  But what about creativity? Do we have to sacrifice one for the sake of the other? Or can both work in harmony?

Steve and Jen will discuss the following:

• What is style? How do you get it, where does it come from?
• How to make consistent images on the wedding day.
• How to develop a consistent look in your processing.
• How to provide your clients with a consistent product from their first contact with you until the final presentation of their images.
• Creativity within a consistent style. We’ll provide examples of our own work and that of some other well known photographers, illustrating how consistency is maintained throughout the coverage, yet creative images are still made.

Stephen & Jennifer Bebb, named to American Photo’s list of Test Best wedding photographers in the world, have become a sought after pair. Developing their own styles independently of each other, Steve and Jen create images that blend seamlessly to combine grace, passion, beauty and flair. They are an example of the success that can come with having consistently good work. And they’re pretty cool people too! Most importantly, they have a lot of fun, love what they do, and wouldn’t trade this for the world.

David A. Williams The Mind's Eye View*

At this stage of your life, do you have the right kind of family pictures of growing up that you want?...Can you leaf through a beautiful, story-telling collection of images that document your family - or do they only exist in your head as 'neuro-chromes'?