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Texas School

Texas School Registration Opens January 3

One week that will change your career.

The Texas School of Professional Photography is unlike any other photo education out there.

What makes it different is the fact that you spend the entire week with one instructor in one class.  This provides you with a deep-dive into that instructor’s world in how they approach the craft.

Texas School offers 34 classes with a wide range of studies from a host of world-class instructors. Texas School is NOT a showcase of speakers where you sit and listen for 90 minutes with 1500 others in a ballroom.  Instead, you spend 5 days with your chosen instructor in a small class environment where you get hands-on with the latest gear and photograph models or work on your images or build your marketing assets.

Texas School is also unique in that it balances an intense week of study with a healthy dose of fun.  You work all day, but the evenings are for networking with photographers and vendors, letting your hair down on the dance floor, getting together in small groups to share ideas and ask questions or practicing the new skills you learned during the week.  No matter how you spend your evenings, you are immersed in the world that is Texas School and the culture of success.  All evening entertainment and all evening meals are included with your tuition.

Texas School features the largest photographic Trade Show in the south with over 60 vendors.  This incredible turnout of industry professionals will help you prepare for success and adds value to your Texas School experience.

To learn more about Texas School and to find out why it is “The Best Little Photography School in the World, visit TexasSchool.org.

Texas School Registration Opens January 32023-11-09T12:14:42-06:00

Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop

Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop — Insider Secrets, Tips, and Techniques
Hosted by Julieanne Kost

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00AM -5:00PM

 

Join Julieanne Kost, Digital Imaging Evangelist at Adobe, to discover the tools and workflow that she uses to create unique and compelling images in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.  You’ll start the first day with a deep dive into Lightroom Classic’s Library and Develop modules. Julieanne will share tips for importing, organizing, and creating collections, and sharing your imagery. Then, she’ll demonstrate techniques for using color, tone and contrast for maximum impact, apply edits to isolated areas of an image, eliminate unwanted and distracting elements, and reveal timesaving techniques for applying, customizing, and saving presets to achieve your creative vision faster than ever before.

In the afternoon session, Julieanne will show you how to enhance your photography and expand your creativity with Adobe Photoshop. You’ll discover new features and hidden gems for retouching, selecting, masking and compositing. She’ll demonstrate how you can incorporate Gen Fill and additional Artificial intelligence tool in your workflow to eliminate repetitive tasks – leaving you more time for creative exploration.  If you’re tired of weeding through hours of tutorials trying to find practical Lightroom Classic and Photoshop techniques and hidden gems that are relevant in your work, then this class is for you.

This pre con is geared towards intermediate to advanced Lightroom Classic and Photoshop users.

Saturday April 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CDT  

InterContinental Hotel
15201 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75001    

Meet Julieanne Kost
Named one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” Julieanne Kost is the Digital Imaging Evangelist Director at Adobe, responsible for fostering relationships with customers through meaningful and inspirational Photoshop and Lightroom instruction. As a highly sought-after speaker for the industry-standard Digital Imaging franchise, she devises and presents motivating and educational training sessions, sharing original techniques and tutorials worldwide — via live and online events, her blog (jkost.com/blog), and numerous Adobe social media outlets. She is also the author of “Passenger Seat—Creating a Photographic Project from Conception Through Execution” and “Window Seat — The Art of Digital Photography and Creative Thinking”, an accomplished photographer and fine artist, and creator and host of the popular Photoshop Essential Training, Lightroom & Photoshop Workflows, Photoshop Automation Techniques, and the Art of Photoshop Compositing for LinkedIn Learning | Lynda.com.

Kost is well-known for her unique approach to instruction, infusing practical tips and tricks with an equal amount of humor and creativity that keeps audiences entertained and engaged. She often serves as a guest lecturer at distinguished photography schools and leading educational institutions around the world. She has created and published more than a thousand instructional videos for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. For her outstanding service and contributions to the photographic industry, she received the Chuck Westfall Technical Education award from the Lucie Foundation, the Gerhard Bakker and Warren Motts International Service awards from the Professional Photographers of America, and was granted the title of Honorary Educational Associate as well as received the International Award for her significant contributions to Professional Photography as an Art and a Science from the American Society of Photographers, and was inducted to the Photoshop Hall of Fame by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.

Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop2023-11-29T15:02:57-06:00

Back to Basics

Back to Basics:  Cameras, Meters & Flash
Hosted by Steve Kozak

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00AM -5:00PM

Are you a “self-taught” photographer?  Most of us are, and the fact is, we likely missed a few things along the way. If you want to go back and learn more about your camera, how to use the in-camera or a hand-held light meter, or if you want to finally learn how to use your flash, then this is the class for you!

Join Steve Kozak as he takes you through the fundamentals of photography and helps you apply the information to  your camera, lenses, meters and flash.  This class is completely non-judgmental and provides a safe space for you to ask questions about anything and everything having to do with lighting, exposure and your personal gear.

Steve is not only a “PPA Approved CPP Instructor”, he is also the author of the “Preparing for PPA Certification” study guide.  While this is not a CPP class, the information that will be covered is certainly part of the CPP curriculum.  You will not only be gaining a tremendous insight into the craft of photography and the equipment used, you will also be learning important concepts you will need when you do decide to go after your CPP.

Steve’s relaxed teaching style helps you absorb the material without making you feel overwhelmed. His conversational approach to teaching the concepts have made him a popular instructor and speaker.  There is no shame in getting back to the basics!  This class will be fun and you will learn a ton!  You will leave feeling much more confident and certainly more competent.

Steve will cover:

  • Basic Camera Controls such as white balance, ISO, focus selection and much more
  • The case for manual exposure
  • Why a hand-held meter is superior to the in-camera meter
  • How to use a hand-held meter
  • The important role lens selection plays in fulfilling your creative vision
  • How to get perfect flash exposures every time
  • The huge benefits to off-camera flash
  • Anything else you want to talk about
Back to Basics2023-11-29T15:39:25-06:00

Modern Family Portraiture

Modern Family Portraiture
Hosted by Jessica Vallia

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00AM -5:00PM

This course will be a deep dive into creating an heirloom portrait session for the modern family. Your instructor, Jessica, works not only at providing clients with posed images, but also pairing that with authentic moments. Her families are well posed and engaged along with laughing and real moments of happiness & closeness to cherish for a lifetime. Moms and dads alike often cry during their reveal watching an emotionally driven video of the in between moments of their video paired with their perfect posed images. These family stories are perfect for selling albums and wall prints which boosts sales for the modern family photographer.

Her clients have a full experience from clothing style guides for their session (so their images look like they were crafted for their home) to helping choose their location based on their family style. Each family session is truly unique and tells a story of who they are.

She will dive into what style portraits are best paired with different products as well as easy ways to prep and bond with your clients for a successful portrait session. There will be a posing demo with several different options for standing, sitting, working with “just the kids” and “just the parents” as well as tips and tricks for when kids don’t want to participate.

Jessica is known for shooting on location during golden & blue hour with natural light, but this course is about building a successful session for any type of lighting situation. She will also demonstrate her magical “Moving Mountains” Photoshop Demo of using the scenery around you (or from somewhere else) to stand out from your local competition.

Meet Jessica Vallia
Jessica is a Colorado born & raised photographer specializing in scenic, emotionally driven family portraits. Jessica’s love for family moments comes from her love of her perfectly blended family of four children. She has been photographing families full time for 10 years and practicing her skills in photography for just over 22 years.

Jessica is a Certified Professional Photographer as well as holds a Master of Photography and Craftsman degrees from PPA and is pursuing her Artist degree. In 2022 she earned both a platinum and silver (artist) medals in IPC, and in 2021 Jessica earned an esteemed Diamond Photographer of the Year distinction from the International Photographic Competition. She was also named Colorado’s General Photographer of the year in 2020. She’s proudly a member of Professional Photographers of America, the Vice President of the Professional Photographers of Colorado for the second year, and proudly serves on the board of Professional Photographers Guild of Colorado Springs. She has a large commercial studio in Colorado Springs, CO and enjoys being able to create gorgeous, heirloom Folio boxes and albums along with impactful pieces of wall art for her clients.

Modern Family Portraiture2023-11-29T15:44:15-06:00

Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

 

Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated: 5 Simple Things to Get and Keep Your Client’s Attention
Hosted by Tomayia Colvin

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10am to 5pm

If you’re like most businesses, you’re fed up with spending money on marketing your portrait studio that doesn’t work. If you knew what to do differently, you would—but you don’t, and so you feel stuck. Meanwhile, your inquiries are lagging. Your bottom line isn’t budging. And worst of all, you feel discouraged. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way. In this talk, Dr. Tomayia Colvin —a StoryBrand Certified Guide—will share the five things you need to build to engage customers and grow businesses. You’ll walk away knowing how to capture your customers’ attention and compel them to book.

Stop worrying about your marketing and get back to owning a photography business you love.

Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated2023-11-29T15:46:02-06:00

Making AI Work For You


Hosted by Brad Barton

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00AM -5:00PM

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. How can you make sure it doesn’t replace you?

Come learn what AI generated images really are (they are NOT just cut up images of other people’s work), how it functions, and how to ethically apply it to your own work.

– Learn how AI Image Generation works
– Learn about the copyright ramifications of AI
– Learn how to enhance your own images using the latest AI engines
– Learn how AI can speed up your workflow and increase your sales
– Watch a live demonstration of an image being created from the initial session through the finished, AI enhanced image

Meet Brad Barton
Brad is a North Texas based artist who tells people’s stories and captures their emotions in sometimes fantastical, sometimes bizarre, sometimes surreal ways. Using his imagination, camera, and digital tools, he has created work for clients big and small. His work has been published in nationally distributed books and magazines, has been featured in feature length motion pictures, and has won numerous awards.

His book from Amherst Media titled Retro Glamour & Pinup Photography was published in January 2017. His second book, Beautiful Monsters was published in May 2018 and his third, Seven Seas, was published in December 2019. His first game, Fairy Bargains, was published in 2022. He is a Certified Professional Photographer and holds the Master of Photography, Master Artist, and Photographic Craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America. He loves to teach and write about both art and photography.

Making AI Work For You2023-11-29T15:50:30-06:00

Equine Metamorphosis


Equine Metamorphosis
Hosted by Judy Reinford/strong>

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00AM -5:00PM

Judy Reinford explains photographing horses on location at a ranch in Texas, (location TBD) then returning to the hotel for some magical editing. This class can offer valuable insights and skills to a diverse range of photographers. Whether you are a high school senior photographer, pet photographer, or equine photographer looking to enhance their photography techniques, this class has something for everyone.

• Capture the Essence: Photographing horses is different from capturing other subjects. They are majestic and expressive animals that require a certain approach to truly capture their beauty, grace, and personality. They are also large! Understanding horse behavior and body language is crucial for capturing authentic and engaging photographs.
• Mastering the Art of Equine Photo Editing: In our class, you’ll delve into the intricacies of editing equine photography to bring out the best in your captures. Learn how to enhance the beauty and character of horses through precise editing techniques. This class emphasizes maintaining the authentic charm of horses while refining images for a polished, yet painterly look. We will cover extraction of the horse to put on a white or black background and compositing with AI.

Meet Judy Reinford M. Photog., M. Artist, CR., CPP, MAI
In 1989 Judy graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography. She started working in photography for Hess’s department store right after graduation. She photographed everything from china to jewelry to bed linens. Judy’s interest in pet, equine and zoo photography came about with her interest in PPA print competition. This led to an interest in fundraising and donating to zoo’s her finished work for Gala silent auctions. She is on the board of The Lehigh Valley Zoo Gala Committee. The importance of animal conservation is a passion of hers. Her studio specializes in pet and equine photography. On location or in the studio. Offering digital mixed media paintings and fairytale composites of both pets and people. Horse has become a recent passion over the past 3 years. Judy started horseback riding again as an adult the summer of 2020. Photographing these gentle giants alone or with their owners is a rewarding experience.

Equine Metamorphosis2023-11-29T15:52:51-06:00

Photographic Competition Boot Camp

Print Competition Boot Camp
Hosted by Mark McCall

Saturday, April 27, 2024
10:00AM -5:00PM

“What are the Judges looking for”? Sounds familiar, right? Follow Mark McCall’s journey into the often scary world of PPA Print Competition. Learn the tricks that have brought him success in PPA/IPC Print Competition.

We’ll turn the 12 Elements on its head and give you Mark’s version of the 12 Elements that will shake up everything you’ve been taught. This is real life, not just words on paper.

You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to get those print merits…and get them regularly.

You’ll learn:

  • One type of image almost always merits. Find out what it is and how to create it.
  • Two subjects are usually better than one, find out why.
  • See Mark’s SECRET WEAPON he uses in almost every competition piece he enters.
  • One thing will drive down the score of any competition print. Find out what it is and how to avoid it.
  • Learn how to squeeze an extra point or two by paying close attention to an overlooked area…the mat!!!
  • Different Levels of Competition
  • See the Juror’s Charge, the video every Juror must watch before sitting on a panel.
  • Storytelling goes a long way. Learn to tell or create a story within your image that can make a less-than-perfect image score much higher. PPA ranks Story Telling as #12 on the list of 12 Elements, but Mark has it ranked #2!!! See the completely new 12 Element List!
  • Find out what type of paper to use with what type of image.
  • What mounting material?…yes, it makes a difference.
  • Learn about printing, subject matter, where to find inspiration and most importantly, learn what the judges are looking for and what they’ll ding you for.
  • Learn to use PPA’s own rulebook in your favor to earn the coveted Photographer of the Year Award.
  • Entering client work vs shooting for Competition. Which is better? The answer will surprise you.
  • Printing your work vs entering digitally, which is better? Another shocking answer!
  • Hear a few of Mark’s funny print competition stories….real things that have happened in Print Competition.
Photographic Competition Boot Camp2023-11-09T15:24:58-06:00

Texas School of Professional Photography

One week that will change your career.

The Texas School of Professional Photography is unlike any other photo education out there.

What makes it different is the fact that you spend the entire week with one instructor in one class.  This provides you with a deep-dive into that instructor’s world in how they approach the craft.

Texas School offers 34 classes with a wide range of studies from a host of world-class instructors. Texas School is NOT a showcase of speakers where you sit and listen for 90 minutes with 1500 others in a ballroom.  Instead, you spend 5 days with your chosen instructor in a small class environment where you get hands-on with the latest gear and photograph models or work on your images or build your marketing assets.

Texas School is also unique in that it balances an intense week of study with a healthy dose of fun.  You work all day, but the evenings are for networking with photographers and vendors, letting your hair down on the dance floor, getting together in small groups to share ideas and ask questions or practicing the new skills you learned during the week.  No matter how you spend your evenings, you are immersed in the world that is Texas School and the culture of success.  All evening entertainment and all evening meals are included with your tuition.

Texas School features the largest photographic Trade Show in the south with over 60 vendors.  This incredible turnout of industry professionals will help you prepare for success  and adds value to your Texas School experience.

To learn more about Texas School and to find out why it is “The Best Little Photography School in the World, visit TexasSchool.org.

Texas School of Professional Photography2023-05-02T11:21:50-05:00
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