“I went to Canada to shoot a Trash the Dress session for a couple. This couple was married a few months ago, and haven’t seen or heard from their photographer since then…. and they haven’t seen any wedding photos either!!!
A member of Photographymentor.com told me about the story, and I asked if they wanted to shoot a “Burnout” shot with a car spinning the tires (something I’ve been wanting to shoot). The couple was really excited to do the shoot (and actually have photos of them in their wedding outfits).
I flew to Canada, met up with 6 members of the Photographymentor.com, and everyone helped out for the shoot (moving lights, videotaping behind the scenes, etc)
We got some great shots, and the couple is Really happy we did this.”
Also, check out the video clip from one of the burnouts:
Session Topic: Photo Coaching
What does the $2K wedding photography package have in common with a $20K package? The answer: At some point the bride looks at the photographer and says, “Now what do you want me to do?” If you have ever been faced this question and felt your mind go blank, this session is for you. Me Ra and Brian will demonstrate and teach the different strategies they use as they Photo Coach their clients into a place of being able to relax in front of the camera. Learn how their use humor, reflection, and props to help evoke their client’s natural beauty and capture the story of their wedding day.
Bio: Brian and Me Ra lead a creative team of associate photographers for their award winning studio, Me Ra Koh Photography. Their studio’s images have been featured on Oprah, VH1’s Fabulous Weddings, and Martha Stewart TV. They are also proudly sponsored by Sony, Adobe and Pictage. In 2008, Grace Ormonde’s premier Wedding Style magazine named Brian and Me Ra one of their Masters of Craft photography teams.
In 2007, Me Ra Koh Productions began with a running start. Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box, are their popular instructional DVDs. DVD 3 and 4 are in the works now! They have also received wonderful reviews and raves for their business minded 101 Kits. These kits share the nuts and bolts to how to start, or expand, your wedding/portrait business.
**Get your questions ready and join us Here today at 4PM(pst). If you’re not already registered for the Pictage Forums, sign up here and check out the community today!
4pm-6pm(PST) on the Pictage Forums
Upcoming Speakers:
Don’t miss other Pictage Partner Conference Speakers every following Wednesday from 4pm - 6pm Pacific Time
Ever wonder about the difference between Photo Coaching and Photojournalism? Brian gives us his take in the video below! Video Produced by Cinematic Studios and the amazing Ron Dawson!
Last week’s podcast with Gene Higa was awesome and we’re thrilled to bring you Me Ra and Brian for week two!
We decided to take Ask & Learn Wednesdays one step further and create a “get to know you” Podcast. We’re pleased to have Sara France personally interview some of the Industry leaders, our very own Pictage Partner Conference speakers! Each Tuesday we will post a video intro and the full podcast here on the blog. Then you’ll have a day to listen to the interview and think of all the questions you can come up with for the Ask & Learn tomorrow at 4pm!
This week we feature Me Ra Koh and Brian Tausend on the topic “Photo Coaching”. Check out the video first, then download the podcast down below to hear the inside scoop! Me Ra and Brian will be on the forum tomorrow for Ask & Learn Wednesday at 4PM, so don’t forget to check back and get your questions answered.
Session Topic:Creating a Niche Market to Set Yourself Apart
In today’s highly competitive market we must stay one step ahead of the competition. Does your business have that “WOW!” factor? Is it enough to have great images?
Recently named among the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by American Photo Magazine, Gene will share his insight on his rise to the top and how he made destination weddings his niche market. From shooting backyard weddings to traveling the world, Gene will inspire you to take your business to the next level and reach for the stars.
Bio: Gene Higa travels the world doing what he loves, photographing weddings near and far, and is one of the most sought-after destination wedding photographers today. Originally from Los Angeles, Gene makes his home in San Francisco, but calls the world his office. He has been commissioned to photograph weddings all over the world, with his images being featured in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, Your Wedding Day magazine, Modern Bride, The Knot Weddings, and 17 consecutive issues of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine, including landing the cover image of the magazine’s 2008 special issue. In 2007 and 2008, The Knot voted Gene as the “Best of Weddings Pick” for Northern California. In 2008, American Photo named him “One of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World.”
Upcoming Speakers:
Don’t miss other Pictage Partner Conference Speakers on the Forums every following Wednesday from 4pm - 6pm Pacific Time.
**Get your questions ready and join us Here today at 4PM(pst). If you’re not already registered for the Pictage Forums, sign up here and check out the community today!
Justin & Mary have one of the fastest growing studios on the east coast! They are also the leaders of our very own Harford PUG! Their work has been featured in Brides magazine, Grace Ormonde and La Bella. Mary and Justin founded The Portrait House in 2006 as a worldwide fundraising mission to raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Recently they launched justinmarantz.com- It’s a blog. It’s a website. It’s a blogsite!! Check it out!
Do you have a really great fixed lens and you’re not sure how to get the most out of it? Justin tells us how to really use your lenses to the best of their ability!
Did you know? We have our own Pictage TV channel on You Tube. Be sure to check out the video below and many others about PUGs, Tips of the week, PartnerCon, and more…
Video Produced by Cinematic Studios.Also, we love to be ranked and to see your comments! Go ahead, watch, learn, share and enjoy.
Today’s image was taken by Jason Groupp out of New York - a Pictage member since 2006…
Jason says:
Shooting on the streets of NYC is ALWAYS an experience! This photo captures one of those greats moments and just makes me smile.
The story:It’s about 7:30 p.m. in the middle of June and I’ve got about 3 minutes before that sun goes behind the buildings for good and all of a sudden I hear from behind me. “Yo - Yo!” and “Oh man, she’s fine!!”
My assistant Lindsey is next to me holding a fill card (California Sunbounce) and says, “Ugh, here comes trouble.” This group of 16 year olds continue walking past while I am frantically trying to get a few more shots in before the light is gone. Next thing I know they are standing next to Anna saying “Yo - can we get in the shot - We famous too.” :)
I say, “OK guys, but let’s make it quick, gimme your best shot!” And that’s all I needed to say.
I LOVE this shot. It makes for that perfect “I heart NY” moment I try to capture in every “I heart NY session.”
As Cindy Adams says “Only in New York, Kids, Only in New York.”
Dropping some knowledge:
Canon 5D
Lens: 50mm f/1.2 - This is the ONLY lens Canon owners need.
Exposure locked in at: f/2.5 @ 1250th/sec
ISO: 200
Image processed in Bridge, using a super secret combo of Boutwells TRA action sets.
How do you get your clients talking when you first meet them? Melissa Jill tells us her tips and tricks on breaking the ice and getting clients into the conversation.
Melissa Jill was a sophomore in high school when a camera was first placed in her hands and she was hooked! She never imagined that as a Philosophy and Christian Ministries major at Azusa Pacific University in CA, that she would one day create for a living. She always thought of art as a hobby until a friend, David Jay, started and grew his successful studio in Santa Barbara, CA. She started her business in the spring of 2003 and still marvels every day that she spends her life doing something she enjoys so much. Melissa Jill is our Phoenix PUG leader and has grown the group steadily over the past 2 years! She was recently featured in the newest issue of The Wedding Chronicle, a local publication in Phoenix, AZ.
It’s hard to believe this year’s PictagePartner Conference is over already, I guess time flies when you’re having fun! The speaker sessions, lunch conversations, vendor relationships, the pool party, and catching up with old friends made for a great 2-day event. Here are a few of the photos. Please link to your blog in the comments if you have more to share!
Also, stay tuned as we feature your blog posts about Partner Con.
Our awesome sponsors rocked it!
Co-Founder and CEO Jason Kiefer welcomes the community
Jules Bianci speaks about inspiration in her “Love and Happiness” Presentation.
Jose Villa stopped by to hear Gene Higa present for the first time at PartnerCon.
Many of our Pro Consultants were there too!
Thank you everyone who was able to make it out, our community is the best! Also, it would not have been possible without our speakers and sponsors. We cannot thank you enough!
Our awesome sponsors rocked it!
Co-Founder and CEO 
Many of our Pro Consultants were there too!
