Amanda Davis On Struggle and the Importance of Mentors

“I think people are oftentimes afraid to admit they’re struggling.”

Amanda Davis is relatively young, but she knows about struggle and understands the value of good mentors.

“You gotta swallow your pride a little bit.”

0:46 Who is Amanda Davis?

1:38 Challenges…Read: “Struggles”

3:19 The Current Big One

4:58 Mom

6:49 Steps to Coming Out of a Struggle

8:00 What Has Worked?

11:05 Addressing the Fear of Failure

14:28 Mentors

20:04 Anticipating Challenges

“There are certain things that you just let go.”

For over 27 years Kent Smith Photography has specialized in world-class, fine portrait art – timeless images of families, children and seniors that you will cherish forever.

Amanda Davis & her mom Sherri own and operate Kent Smith Photography, and are a family-first, mother-daughter team. Outspoken, perfectionist types, they are each skilled in their own areas and bring unique talents to the studio. Each portrait experience is memorable, filled with laughter and beautiful imagery.

“The people who are closest to you are usually the ones who have an immediate opinion.”

Troy Schroeder - The Polaroid

photo by Dan McClanahan

“I started to have questions…”

The process of finding your place can be very hard and very beautiful at the same time.

“I was developing a very large depression…as a young child.”

1:15 A Couple of Snake Guys

2:39 Troy’s Story…the Early Years

8:02 Believing a Lie

10:53 Can you tell me who my mom is?

15:02 The Hole Gets Bigger

“I had all the friends in the world, but at the same time I felt like I had nobody.”

17:52 Dad

20:16 Hiding Depression and Stepping Back

22:26 I’m a Schroeder.

23:58 The Polaroid

26:43 Grateful

31:08 Where to find Troy

“When people tell you something for so long, I think you start to believe it.”

I’ve been asked to tell you about myself, and that is never easy, so I’ll start with the easy stuff…40 year-old, married, with one child. I like long walks on the beach and I’m a Gemini. Food is my best friend, and I’m a photographer for the past 11 years. Though I love the studio life, I think my real passion in the industry is education. I love humanity as well…giving back. And this “job” has allowed me to service so many. From helping the homeless to shoe drives, and so on. Fun fact about me: I raise snakes, ball pythons to be exact, and I LOVE IT. If you fear them, look me up and I’ll help you overcome that fear. I serve on the PPA Speaker Committee and I’m one of two Iowa PPA Council members, along with serving on the Iowa PPA Board. My wife and I run the studio together along with taking care of our two dogs, 150-gallon fish tank, African Grey Parrott, two tortoises, nine bearded dragons, one frilled dragon and many, many snakes…oh, and our 17-year-old son, Michael.

By now, you can probably tell I’m not very good at this as I’m rambling…I never know what to say. I’ll leave you with this…If you have the opportunity to help someone, DO it. And, as Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed one hundred, feed just one.“

“I wanted this cut and dry story...”

Mike Ridinger On Evolving within the Evolution

“I’m not a grown-up adult.”

So much has changed in the last 20-30 years and Mike Ridinger has weathered the storms. Hear about his highs and lows and what he’s learned along the way.

“Years ago I used cameras that had something called ‘film’”.

0:25 “Dinger”

3:03 Responding to Evolution

5:57 Dave Junion and Santa Clause

8:00 A Legal Professional

10:51 A Huge Transition

14:28 Children and Weddings and Senior Models, Oh My!

20:41 Branching Out and Innovation

24:07 Constructive Critique and Competition

26:56 Sports and Events are Huge Right Now

30:37 Positive Outlook and Surprises

33:05 Give Me Arrogance

35:01 Ch-Ch-Changes

“Digital came out right around the time I kept telling people, ‘Film will never die. It will never be replaced.’”

Mike Ridinger has been a full time photographer for over 34 years and is based in North Idaho. He has spoken at PPA Imaging, SYNC, After Dark, Light Pro Expo, and several state affiliates. Mike (or Dinger as he is known) has a knack for teaching in a way that is easy to understand and is a popular instructor everywhere he goes. Mike has 2 sons, Keaton and Cade. He received his Craftsman Degree in 2014.

“Personally I think that everyone that had a camera was able to do photography to some degree.”

Tanja Melone - Why I Do What I Do: Going Deeper

“I think it’s really important for any photographer to know why they are shooting.”

Tanja Melone has a why and it’s beautiful. Do you know yours?

“I wanted to bring the “why” of it into my marketing.”

1:01 Introduction
1:45 Current State of Affairs
2:19 The Topic
5:41 Providing Affirmation in Marketing
7:24 Flipside to Seniors
8:37 The Gift
11:11 The Mission
14:58 Before and After
17:10 Experiencing Yourself in Others
19:30 Courage is a Choice
22:27 A Matter of Perspective

“We’re such an image driven society.”

Tanja leapt headfirst into a dream and into the photography industry 16 years ago when she left her very corporate job as an environmental scientist by the wayside. She then proceeded to make every mistake known to new business owners (twice in most cases) before finding her groove. Rather than giving up, which would have been the easy choice, she busted her hiney learning, growing, regrouping, rebranding and redefining her idea of a successful business along the way. Today she owns a studio in downtown Denver, CO where she photographs bold, brave high school seniors, newborns of imperfect courageous moms who sometimes forget to breath, and commercial and editorial assignments that challenge her. Tanja is also a business coach with a flair for digging deep into the ‘why’ behind running a business and navigating entrepreneurship with purpose. Tanja believes that happiness is a choice, that success is defined by much more than a bank account, that life shouldn’t be sugar coated and that you should dare to be unapologetically you…always.

“It took me a long time to realize that I had my own voice.”

Karen Marie On Providing an Experience from Start to Finish

“There’s only so much of me to go around.”

Karen Marie owns Belly Beautiful, a successful professional photography studio in California. Focusing primarily on maternity and newborn sessions, she works hard to make sure her clients get the best experience possible. Here, she runs through her process from start to finish.

 “Most of our clients are referrals from other clients. We haven’t had to do any marketing in eleven years.”

0:27 Maternity Session Weather
1:01 Who is Karen Marie?
2:20 Where does the experience start?
3:41 How do you handle “the question”?
4:59 Be Prepared
6:36 The Second Part
9:14 The Butterfly
10:50 It Sounds Like a Spa
12:27 Honing in on Actual Printing
13:50 The Reveal and the Order
16:05 The Payment Process
17:41 Social Media and Going Viral
21:51 The Best Thing
23:07 Helping Others Avoid Pitfalls
25:24 Where Can People Find Karen Marie?
26:42 The Importance of Providing an Amazing Experience

“My maternity shoot is the reason why I’m doing what I do now. I felt amazing. So, I want to provide that for each one of my clients.”

In my previous career, I was a labor and delivery nurse and a childbirth educator.  I feel as though my experience in the medical field as well as being a mom to 3 children, gives me a unique insight in the handling of all babies; preemies through multiples.

My attention to detail, passion for photography, and owning fine art printing equipment is what develops my art into a superior heirloom product. “What is this family’s style of art? Do I have a headband/hat for this baby that matches their interests? Is the wrap lying just right on the baby? Are the baby’s fingers perfectly straight?” These are just some of the thoughts that race through my mind when I’m planning your custom Belly Beautiful experience.

I have gone to great lengths to invest in props, headbands, hats, maternity gowns, fabrics, backdrops etc. so that everyone who chooses Belly Beautiful for capturing their precious moments, will have full access to my studio as well as the peace of mind. Knowing that each of the thousands of babies who have been photographed by Belly Beautiful always has our undivided attention and safety in mind at all times. This is why I have assistants who I personally train to handle the safety of your baby.

People do not come to me for just pictures; they come to get the Belly Beautiful experience so that we can capture a short, perfect moment in time with beauty and emotion so that it can be cherished. I love documenting precious milestones such as pregnancy and the wee early moments in life.

“I feel like the industry is kinda honing back in on actual printing…which is a great thing.”

Dave and Makayla Harris - Our Story

“It took a bit to realize, like, ‘Ok, this is what he’s better at’.”

Makayla Jade & Dave Harris are a young, married couple working together to make it all happen. Listen to a bit of their story and find out about their struggles, what they’ve learned over the past few years, and where they’re headed.

“We were worried about asking dumb questions.”

0:17 We just met at Shutterfest…for real.
1:32 “Who are Dave and Mykayla Harris?”
3:29 Transition
5:53 The Struggles of Being Married and Working Together
9:22 What are you excited about that’s coming up?
10:45 Out of the Bubble
12:06 Attributing Success
14:47 IPS and Video Marketing
17:09 Where to find Dave and Makayla
17:52 Advice
18:58 Call to Action

“I think I (attribute) a lot of our past success to (networking).”

Makayla Jade & Dave Harris, owners of The Harris Company, developed a brand distinguished by providing an elevated photo/ cinema client experience, propelling their business to reaching multiple six-figures, serving clients all over the northeast, in less than 3 years.  Rather than focusing on a specific style of photography, they’ve built a conglomerate of brands ranging from weddings, commercial films, and studio portraiture, all targeting a niche clientele that places a high value on printed products & photographic art.  

With backgrounds in finance and consulting, paired with a passion for the creative industries, Dave and Makayla are recognized for their business ingenuity and marketing efforts.  Featured in major industry magazines & conferences, Makayla and Dave sharing techniques involving business systems, brand marketing, and unique approach to educating clients about the importance of print and investing in heirlooms.

“You need to build a community around you to support you.”

Brian and Dena DeMint - One of a Kind

“I’m not arrogant enough to think that I’m all that.”

Brian and Dena DeMint are truly one of a kind. They forge their own path and do things their own way. If you’re looking for inspiration, empowerment, or maybe just a few good laughs, look no further.

“I’m a total control freak.”

0:23 BTS Honesty
1:35 That Ethereal Look
2:26 How I Know You
6:33 Background and Working Together
8:47 Learning Process
10:04 Different is a Good Word
12:06 The Road Less Traveled
13:19 A Turning Moment
15:52 Haters Gonna Hate
20:09 Dena’s Perspective
22:36 Rod Evans Pulls a Fast One
26:44 One of a Kind
27:24 Lost and Found

“I see myself as an outsider artist…like, Art Brut type of thing.”

Brian DeMint is an art/fashion photographer based in Joplin, Missouri. Formally trained as an oil painter, he made the switch to photography in 2004 and is self-educated in both photography and digital manipulation. By combining the classic elements and principles of design in place of technically advanced equipment, he strives to create visually striking imagery with an emphasis on expressive color and unique fashioning.
Brian’s publishing credits include: Digital Photo Pro, Cliche’ Magazine, Sessions Magazine, AfterCapture Magazine, Cut & Dry, Conceptual Magazine and many fashion based magazines. Brian lectures on a National level as a four-year speaker for Shutterfest, PPA State events, Imaging USA 2013, Canadian Imaging 2012, After Dark Workshops, Sandy Puc’ Tours and Inferno workshops and appeared on the PhotoVision DVD series.

“I’m really not goal driven. I just create what I do and if people like it, that’s great and if they don’t, that’s great as well.”

Jacquelynn Buck - My Portrait Session Process

“I think one of the things I learned the hard way was that you can’t do this job half-assed.”

Jacquelynn Buck knows a good process is essential. It doesn’t need to be complex but it needs to be something that works and that you can actually implement.

“You find the thing that works and you just keep doing it.”

2:02 Who is Jacquelynn Buck?
5:48 Why talk about your process?
8:31 What does it look like? 
13:55 Why are consultations so important?
19:52 The Session Premiere
24:56 The In-Person Sales Appointment
29:57 What about digital files? 
32.57 Advice

“I know from experience that if I only sell a client a digital file, they are not going to do a dang thing with that image.”

Jacquelynn is a portrait and wedding photographer based in Tucson, AZ & growing in Orange County, California. Whether in the desert or at the beach, Jacquelynn’s vibrant images are distinct and recognizable because of the lighting she incorporates into every image  – shaping and shifting with shadows, exposing and softening with sunlight, building drama with off camera lighting, and wowing with sunflare. From dramatic to ethereal, she has a breadth of work that is both current and glamorous, set against everything from iconic vistas to classic studio backdrops. Boudoir photography is her first love, and her shadows, and light, combined with flattering poses have helped women across the US feel and look beautiful. Jacquelynn has traveled extensively, lived in 6 different States, and survived relocating her business while maintaining a strong client base all over the country. Jacquelynn enjoys fresh roasted coffee, fine food, rooftop bars, wine, & traveling to far off places. This is her 8th year teaching at WPPI.

“You can’t sell what you don’t show.”

Jason Groupp - Things I’ve Learned in the Last Six Years

“It was quite a transition…kinda like crash landing on Mars.”

Jason Groupp’s life has taken some interesting turns. From successful photographer to working behind the scenes of WPPI to his current venture as President of Song Freedom/Fyrefly, he’s seen a LOT during his time in our “industry”.

“From the outside looking in, I loved WPPI.”

2:10 Who is Jason Groupp?
3:39 First Taking the Job at WPPI
5:59 Learning about a hard “No”
10:17 Lessons Learned
13:37 My New Role (St. Louis vs NYC)
16:36 Things are Different Now: Innocence Lost
19:15 There is no photography “industry”
24:22 Mr President
25:42 The Next Year or Two
27:16 Are things trending in a positive way?

“I’ve always been surrounded by creative people. I grew up in a creative family.”

Jason Groupp is awesome. If you've met him it was life changing. He shot lots of weddings, then he worked for WPPI, then he moved to St. Louis and is currently studying the fine art of brisket BBQ rub. He also spends his days in the offices of Fyrfly-Songfreedom where he helps photographers and filmmakers find perfect music to bring life to their videos.

“Being in the industry, there’s definitely an innocence that I’ve lost.”

Jacklyn Greenberg On Confidence with Clients

“I’m trying to streamline and refine everything to such an extent that I can get back to being me again.”

Increase your productivity, creativity and resiliency while providing a client experience that makes them love you more and spend more, too! Take the risk out of your clients’ hands, and put it into your own. Make the art of photography second nature to your clients, allowing them to be themselves and relax in front of you. If you're feeling stuck in your business, your photography or your life, then this class is for you! Find your value and worth and apply it to every aspect of your business. Learn to put your personality into your branding, client experience, look and feel (editing) of your photography and your studio. Most of all, learn to have confidence in every aspect of working with your clients.

“When we downsized, we started making more money.”

1:26 Eight is the Magic Number
3:02 Who is Jacklyn Greenberg
5:21 Refining My Business
6:14 How Do You Get Away from Constantly Thinking About Your Business?
8:50 The Glass Ceiling
10:01 The Importance of Confidence
13:15 How have you pushed yourself?
15:48 Transitioning Personal Confidence to Confidence with Your Clients
18:28 What do you do to get there?
26:43 To Those That Are Stuck

“Confidence is a skill. It’s something that’s built.”

Jacklyn's edge lies in her unique ability to engage and connect with people on a level that delves beyond the surface and into the deeper realm of energy and emotion. This comes, in part, from her extensive travels and immersion in foreign cultures with extended stays overseas in Italy and Australia. After earning degrees in both fine arts and environmental chemistry, she decided to follow her passion and add her intense voice with her inherent air of hyper-realism to the photography world. Her work has been featured in numerous bridal publications including the first gay wedding in Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine and the cover stories of Destination Wedding Magazine, Cake and Whiskey, and Grace Ormonde Wedding Style New England Magazine. She's also been honored with multiple awards in Junebug Weddings, Fearless Photographers, ISPWP, and PDN Top Knot's Contest.

“If you push yourself hard enough, you’re going to fail.”

Phillip Blume On Building a Successful Photo Business in a Bad Market

“We thought we had made it.”

Phillip and Eileen Blume have built a successful business in what many would consider a "bad" or certainly "challenging" market. Find out what they've done to make it happen.

“As photographers, we basically have superpowers.”

0:48 Who are Phillip and Eileen Blume?
2:27 The Beginning: A Common Tale
4:28 Coming to terms with a “bad market”
5:40 A Turning Point
14:11 It can be done
16:50 Not a commodity
19:01 The meat and potatoes
23:04 What does implementation look like?
25:19 What’s it like working with your spouse?
28:34 Micro markets, hard work, and integrity
31:24 One Last Picture

“People like to do business with businesses that have values they relate to.”

Phillip & Eileen Blume are award-winning photographers who believe in the power of art to change the world. Widely published, they work with wedding and portrait clients worldwide and are founders of ComeUnity Workshops for photographers. Their focus on humanitarian projects, such as their 2011 film Lost Boys of Paradise, benefits children in extreme poverty. As educators the Blumes have appeared on CreativeLIVE, shared their vision for more meaningful photography from the TEDx stage, and speak internationally. Phillip's published work can be found in Shutter Magazine each month at Barnes & Noble. The Blumes live with their children in Georgia, where they love hiking, good conversation, and spontaneous dance parties.

“A lot of times, we have to give up comforts in order to do the right thing.”

Christine Tremoulet On the Power of Storytelling in Your Business

“We’re taught culturally that it’s not nice to brag about yourself.”

Christine Tremoulet loves the power of “story” and thinks your clients do, too. She is all about blogging has some great reasons why. If you’ve never blogged, or have written it off, you may want to rethink your position. And if you currently blog, listen in for some great tips and advice.

“Most of us only work with 100 clients or less. You don’t need 10,000 followers.”

OUTLINE
:33 Who is Christine Tremoulet?
1:18 How did blogging work in the year 2000?
3:37 Using Storytelling
8:55 Write your blog post first. It’s the center of the wheel.
11:47 The language of Facebook vs Instagram
14:01 Use social media as a funnel for your blog and what’s the ratio of business posts to personal posts?
15:52 What does your process for blogging look like?
21:11 How long does a blog post need to be? What does Google think?
23:36 How often should you post on your blog?
27:44 A blog is the land that you own.

“Instagram, in 2 or 3 years, will not be as solid for our businesses as it is today.”

Christine Tremoulet is a photographer, sales and marketing coach, author, blogger and Podcaster. With a background as a Digital Marketing Strategist, Christine has helped countless photographers with branding, marketing and learning to sell in a way that feels right to them.

Find Christine Tremoulet at thelifeboss.com.

Kenny Kim On Destination Weddings

Kenny Kim has always been fascinated by the visual arts, especially the connection between art and photography. Combined with his love of travel and *culture, he has become one of the most respected and sought after destination wedding photographers of his industry.

“Go out there and meet as many people as possible.”

1:57 What’s it feel like to be transitioning in a transitioning industry?
3:53 How important is it to go to conventions?
6:24 Destination Weddings Defined
8:24 Marketing Efforts
11:09 Arriving Early
12:04 Determining where you’re going to go
15:05 Booking your first destination wedding
16:10 Social Media
20:53 Getting work published
23:13 Dos and Don’ts
26:45 Travel Tips
28:33 Where can people find Kenny Kim online?

“(Your clients) don’t know what life is like without social media.”

Since 2006, Kenny Kim Photography has quickly grown into a nationally recognized studio and Kenny’s work, which spans the globe in over 200 weddings and destination events, has been featured in the most respected photography periodicals such as: Destination Weddings & Honeymoon, The Knot, Chicago Social Bride, Shutterbug, The RangeFinder Magazine and various online publications including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Junebug Weddings, Style Me Pretty & more. 

Kenny has made TV appearances sharing his expertise about photography on: ABC’s Windy City Live, WCIU’s You & Me Talk Show, Chicago CBS Morning News, and even photographed an event inside The White House. He is also an approved speaker for Kodak Alaris.

Kenny is the author of two books: Wedding Photographer’s Planner & Digital Wedding Photography Photo Workshop – both of which are comprehensive must-reads for any photographer looking to successfully execute a memorable wedding day shoot.

(Published by Wiley Press and available online & in all bookstores.)

“Where is the afterparty? It’s on social media.”

Cliff Mautner On the Past, Present, Future, and Golf

Cliff Mautner has been a wedding photographer for over 20 years. He’s a “been there, done that” kind of guy and he’s still going strong. Listen in as Cliff talks about where he’s been and where he wants to go. Don’t miss his words of wisdom. They come fast and furious.

“Good enough is the new good.”

:56 Cliff’s history with WPPI and Nikon
2:00 “A Funny Story with No Names” and a tribute to the late Bill Hurter
4:30 Back in the film days
5:57 How has the industry changed in the last 20 years?
8:27 What’s the future hold?
9:56 Does Cliff photograph portraits?
12:28 What needs to happen in the industry to turn things around?
14:21 What have you learned from the younger generation?
16:42 "A very somber story" - a tribute to the late Frank Donnino
20:52 What do you want personally?
22:59 Some experimenting…
25:06 What is the next thing you want to accomplish?
27:17 What is photojournalism?
29:10 What is one thing you want people to know? 
30:50 On golf

“My experience is not seen on a spreadsheet.”

Cliff Mautner’s career in photography spans 35 years. After shooting for 15 years and 6000 assignments as a photojournalist with the Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as shooting for an eclectic array of commercial clients ranging from Comcast to Subaru, Cliff launched his wedding photography career. After about 1100 weddings or so, he still brings the same passion and intensity with him to each event. He’s perhaps known for his overall skill set, and his ability to produce quality images some of the most difficult lighting imaginable, and for his diligence in capturing beautiful, timeless moments. 

Cliff is a very proud Nikon Ambassador to the United States, was named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American PHOTO magazine, received the 2012 WPPI Photographer of the Year award, honored in 2013 with the International Photographic Council Leadership medal at the United Nations, presented with the WPPI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, and won the Grand Award for photojournalism for the second time at WPPI in 2015. His dedication to his clients is paramount, and he continues to shoot 40 or so weddings per year out of his Haddonfield, NJ studio. 

Cliff is also the founder of the highly acclaimed Lighting and Skill set Bootcamp - a workshop that has drawn students from over 40 countries over the past 11 years. This workshop is dedicated to empowering photographers with the skills needed to acquire a style of their own. He’s married to his beautiful wife Susan Stripling Mautner, and he’s the proud father of Samantha and Alison, and stepfather to Emma and Olivia.

“If you can make simplicity look fantastic, then you’ve created something special.”

Katie Cannon Off the Beaten Path

Katie Cannon is a freelance photographer focusing on families, farms and food. She has taken a scenic path to a career in photography, starting as a human resources professional with a stop in food writing along the way. She is a mother, wife, friend, eater and adventurer and loves photographing it all.

Jen Rozenbaum - The Healing Power of Photography

Jen Rozenbaum embraces her femininity while allowing women to embrace their own.  By daring her clients to shed their clothes, they begin to shed their inhibitions.  In the last nine years, Jen has found a burgeoning audience in the intimate photography market and is now sharing her shamelessly feminine movement with women worldwide. She proves that you can own your world if you live fearlessly, think audaciously and act spontaneously.

jenrozenbaum.com

Steve and Jane Pilkerton on Wedding Shows

In just four short years Steve and Jane Pilkerton have built their wedding and portrait business from zero profits to six figures while becoming one of the most popular photography teams in Washington, D.C., and Virginia. By applying the right marketing methods for each stage of their work, they started off with a bang by participating in regional bridal shows and working intelligently to convert those opportunities into bookings and referrals. Now that their studio is constantly booked, they still use select events to promote their brand, along with a host of other savvy marketing techniques that keep them both busy and highly sought-after.

Upbeat and energetic, with an entirely no-nonsense approach, it’s no wonder that Steve and Jane are now on the rise as experts in what it takes to build a successful photography business.

Tomayia Colvin on Purpose

Tomayia Colvin is a nationally published High School Senior Portrait Photographer in Houston that specializes in carefree, funky, and real portrait sessions that bring out the best in her clients – both inside and out. She hand-selects all of her products to ensure that they will be taking home museum quality pieces and sharing thoughtful keepsakes with friends and family. You can find her in the Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, and Greater Houston area – having fun and taking care of her clients. She loves to travel and explore the world.

Six Things about Tomayia: (1) I love, love, love photographing people that enjoy life to the fullest (2) I have two very energetic little ones that keep me on my toes (3) I am a full time mompreneur (4) I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master’s of Education from Houston Baptist University (5) Love all things pink and green – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (6) I know I’m not alone in my love for shopping and a great pair of shoes!

Jack and Sarah Petty on Entrepreneurship

The creative mind behind Jack and the Box Photography is John "Jack" Petty—a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Rochester High School. Jack comes from an entire family of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Jack’s mother, Sarah Petty, is the founder of Sarah Petty Photography and the Joy of Marketing. His father, Joe Petty, is the founder of an architectural firm, JH Petty and Associates. Jack is a Boy Scout and currently working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. He is in the Rochester drumline, has helped out as an intern at WFMB-AM, and loves capturing video footage with his drone. He is incredibly tech-savvy and has a new interest in cinematography. When not taking part in his many activities, Jack can be found filming YouTube videos. Jack hopes to take part in the Sangamon CEO, a student entrepreneurial program during his senior year of high school. You will love his fun personality and dedicated work ethic.

Sarah Petty is a New York Times best-selling author, highly-acclaimed speaker, author, MBA and coach who started her own boutique photography studio after working for Coca Cola for 20 years and then meeting the marketing goals of a top regional advertising agency’s clients. It was at this ad agency where she taught small businesses the value of a strong foundation and how they would grow with a strong brand. She attributes the rapid growth of her boutique photography studio, which was named one of the most profitable in the country within just five years in business by PPA, to the creation of her own strong brand.

Carl Dylan - Order vs. Balance

Carl is a South African born speaker, teacher, & singer-songwriter who lives in Atlanta Ga. Husband to the love of his life, Kathryn, for the past 10 yrs. Dad to 4yr old Charlie and 2yr old Kaitlyn. Conversation & community are his two main passions. Oh....and Manchester United. He currently co-hosts a podcast called Thrive NeuroTheology with his brother Dr. Jerome Lubbe about the intersection of science and spirituality.

Gary Hughes - Leaving Portraits and Weddings Behind: The Commercial Portrait Studio

As the child of photographer parents, it would have been natural for Gary to step right in to the family business, but he had to go out and try pretty much everything else before finding his way back to photography. In the 13 years since picking up a camera he has earned local and national awards including 3 Gold Medals and an Imaging Excellence Award from the International Photographic Competition. His work has been featured in Professional Photographer Magazine, Shutter Magazine, Professional Image Maker and he has published multiple articles on photography for the Huffington Post as well as an educational book, Photographing Headshots. He holds the designations of Master Photographer and Affiliate Juror with the Professional Photographers of America and most recently had an image selected in the top ten for the Grand Imaging Awards. He lives and works in Orlando, FL with his wife and two daughters.

Jeremy Cowart Sits for a Chat

Named the “Most Influential Photographer on the Internet” by Huffington Post, Forbes and Yahoo in 2014, Jeremy Cowart is an award-winning photographer, artist, and entrepreneur whose goal in life is to use his creative platform to inspire and help others. Jeremy has published four books and is a sought-after speaker, having presented at TEDx, the United Nations, and creative conferences across the country. His latest endeavor is The Purpose Hotel, a planned global for-profit hotel chain designed to fuel the work of not-for-profit organizations. He’s the founder of a global photography movement, Help-Portrait, a mobile social networking app called OKDOTHIS, and an online teaching platform, See University. He lives in Franklin, TN with his wife and four children.

Jared Platt - Why It All Matters

Jared Platt is an international wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer and photographic lecturer.  You can see him online at creativeLIVE teaching Lightroom and Photography, on youTube for Profoto's light shaping series "What's the Difference" and catch him at International photo conferences around the globe.  Jared has been teaching photography for 20 years and has been a working photographer for the last quarter century.  Jared will change your understanding of photography and put you on the path to your very best work.  Don't miss the opportunity to learn from him whenever you get the chance.

Also, here is the image he references at the end. And, a blog post from the wedding.

Teri Fode - How to Keep a Client for Life

Teri Fode is an award-winning photographer specializing in fashion-inspired teen and senior portraits that also grow into family portraits, boudoir and headshot opportunities. She has created a successful luxury brand in her market, having started 13 years ago by growing from a small in-home production studio using the client's home for sales and consults into a boutique-style brand. She is passionate about offering an unforgettable experience and has grown her business with a high client-return base. Teri is also the creator of VoiceYourBrand.com, teaching photographers how to market their own brands on purpose and with intention using actionable systems and strategies.