Advertise on podcast: Texas School ”Off the Record” Podcast

Richard Sturdevant on Art, Photoshop Mastery, AI as a Tool, and Teaching at Texas School   Host Chris Duncan interviews artist and photographer Richard Sturdevant on Texas School Off the Record about his 35-year creative journey from traditional art, graphic illustration, and airbrushing to photography and Photoshop compositing. Richard shares lessons from working in corporate creative environments, learning to communicate visual ideas through mockups, and building confidence by mastering tools. He recounts a pivotal moment when a client’s gift helped keep his studio open, leading to major success including shooting 350+ seniors and earning recognition such as a Range Finder cover and multiple awards. He explains how he uses AI for commercial elements and as a learning reference for lighting, while keeping personal art fully his own. Richard outlines how his Texas School class uses repetition, a full composite project, and recorded videos to help students learn to see and create with confidence.   https://texasschool.org/fine-art-composites-a-journey-into-the-world-composites-using-advanced-photoshop-skills/   Website: sturdavinci.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/Richard_sturdevant Bio: Richard Sturdevant M.Photog., M.Artist, MEI, Cr., Hon.EA-ASP Bio Richard’s fluid combination of photography with fine art skills stems from his original artistic roots and his portraits certainly reflect that. Trained in all types of media, Richard is one of our members that utilize digital painting in combination with his photography to create his fine art portrait style. This work has earned him high praise within the photographic community. Richard is a member of WPPI, PPA and ASP. He holds the titles of WPPI Master, PPA Photographic Master, PPA Master Artist, and PPA Photographic Craftsman. He is the recipient of the following top awards. Award Highlights: 400 print case He also made history with PPA at SWPPA District competition in September 2010 for the highest print case ever scored in the USA, Receiving a 100 print score on all four of his prints. He also scored 4 – 100’s at WPPI. Grand Imaging Winner: First and Second year Overall Grand Imaging Award (GIA) Winner for 2011 and 2012 with best print in PPA 22- 100 print scores in competitions over career Gia Finalist for first 10 years World Cup Finalist 2014 2 Time PPA Grand Imaging Awards Overall winner 15 Time PPA Diamond Award Winner 4 Time Double Diamond Award Winner 4 Canon Par Excellence Awards 16 Fuji Masterpiece Awards 15 Kodak Gallery Awards Kodak Grand award WPPI 5 Time PPA Imaging Excellence Award Multiple first, second place Awards in WPPI 16x20 competition With over 35 years’ experience as a creative artist, Richard brings a unique eye to the world of photographic education. Sharing knowledge and experience with others in the industry is something he enjoys. As part of his commitment to helping others learn and succeed, he has launched his own brand of educational materials to photographers, graphic artist, designers, and artist nationwide. As an artist, educator and international judge, Richard has dedicated his photographic knowledge to both his clients and his fellow photographers.   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:17 Early Art Career Roots 03:03 Airbrush Breakthrough 04:43 Teaching and Video Hustle 06:21 Custom Bikes and Fine Art 07:28 Going Digital and Studio Leap 08:38 Business Saved by Faith 10:17 Awards and Humility Lessons 13:06 Corporate Communication Tips 16:11 Directing Models with Confidence 17:48 Spec Work and Protecting Ideas 19:38 Creating for the Soul 20:12 Research Driven Faith Art 20:58 Pitching Visual Ideas 21:23 Raw Impact Over Words 23:22 Artistic Choices For Clients 25:04 Painting Made Photoshop Better 26:04 Using AI As Reference 30:16 AI Limits And Quality Control 32:54 Texas School Class Approach 36:48 Teaching Philosophy And Passion 39:05 Helping Students Learn To See 41:37 Final Invite And Wrap Up   Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

How to Build a Scalable “Media Day” Engine for High-End Sports Volume Photography | Angelo McComas On Texas School Off the Record, host Cris Duncan interviews Angelo McComas, founder of Ohio-based AMAC Photo, about shifting traditional school sports picture day into a scalable “media day” that delivers an agency-level experience. McComas explains how modern teams need engaging, ready-to-use content for social media and season-long storytelling, not just standard portraits for parents and yearbooks. He details how to execute high-volume sessions with production-quality, locked-in lighting, efficient pose progressions, and even multiple sets to meet time constraints while elevating athlete confidence and excitement. McComas also discusses positioning the studio as a strategic partner to boosters and teams by checking multiple boxes—banners, posters, sponsor assets, and special-night content—creating an “indispensable” moat. The episode previews his Texas School 2027 class, “The Media Day Engine,” sponsored by PhotoDay.   https://photoday.com/   https://texasschool.org/the-media-day-engine-elevating-volume-ti-into-high-yield-sports-production/   Website: https://amacphoto.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/amac.photo Bio: Angelo McComis, founder of AMAC Photo, is an Ohio-based sports photographer who built his studio on a simple belief: picture day should be one of the most memorable experiences of the season. While exceptional portraits are the lasting keepsake, the real product is the excitement, confidence, and energy athletes feel in front of the camera. By blending creative vision with operational precision, Angelo has developed practical approaches that help studios streamline operations, elevate the athlete experience, and build stronger, more profitable businesses. He enjoys sharing those ideas through workshops and industry education, helping fellow photographers create picture days that athletes remember long after the photos are delivered.     00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:50 Media Day vs Picture Day 03:32 Social Media Drives Change 05:45 Scaling the Experience 08:34 Who Is the Client 10:38 Becoming a Strategic Partner 13:23 Building a Content Catalog 17:07 Competitive Moat and New Standard 19:24 Pricing and Multiple Revenue Streams 21:51 Making Volume High End 25:07 Texas School Class Preview 26:31 Final Thanks and Wrap Up     Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Photoshop Must-Knows: Selections, Layers, Remove Tool & AI Workflow (with Michael Collins) Cris Duncan of the Texas School of Professional Photography interviews instructor Michael Collins about practical, beginner-to-intermediate Photoshop essentials and how his workflow has evolved. Collins explains his process of opening RAW files in Bridge and Camera Raw for basic exposure and color work before moving into Photoshop, noting Camera Raw and Lightroom share the same development engine. He emphasizes setting up a personalized workspace, learning selections and masks to target edits without affecting the whole image, and working in layers for non-destructive editing, including smart objects. Collins highlights newer tools like Select Subject/Background and the AI-powered Remove Tool for quickly deleting distractions such as signs, wires, and people, plus newer transform and “harmonize” capabilities for compositing. They discuss AI as both a tool and a threat, touch on Adobe Firefly video creation, and preview Collins’ hands-on Texas School 2027 class.   Michael Collins has been a professional photographer for over 30 years and has served on the board of directors for the Professional Photographers of California becoming President in 2007-2008.  Michael is a PPA Master Craftsman,  has earned the Professional Photographers of California Service Award (with 19 additional bars), the California Master Degree, Fellowship Award, Business and Arts Degree, Evans-Kingham and National Award in California. He also won the PPC People’s Choice Award in 2013 and Professional Photographers of Idaho Peoples Choice Award in 2022.  In 2023 he was elected to the PPC Hall of Fame.   He has written several articles, published in both photographic and law enforcement magazines.  He has hosted an On-Line Photoshop Program (Photoshop Party) for the last four years, having created over 200 episodes on various topics related to Photoshop.   Instagram.com/Michaelcollins5150 www.collinsfoto.com https://texasschool.org/photoshop-zero-sixty-in-a-week/ 00:00 Meet Michael Collins 02:00 Workflow Raw to Photoshop 02:40 Camera Raw vs Lightroom 04:01 Must Know Photoshop Basics 05:24 Selections and Masking 09:08 Remove Tool and Shortcuts 14:33 Layers Made Simple 16:40 AI Tool or Threat 18:47 Remove Clutter Fast 23:52 Firefly and Generative Bar 26:12 Texas School Class Details 29:31 Wrap Up and Thanks   Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool #adobe #photoshop

Greg & Lesa Daniel on the Commission Portrait Model: Designing First, Selling Art, and Serving Luxury Clients   Host Cris Duncan interviews portrait artists Gregory and Lesa Daniel about the business model they’ve built over 47 years, including a major shift in the early ’90s from high-volume, travel-heavy wedding work to a gallery-style, commission-based portrait approach influenced by the art and interior design worlds. They explain the difference between “speculation” (photograph first, sell later) and commissioning (design the wall portrait and product first, then create the image), emphasizing that the class is primarily about business mindset, pricing, and being known for a standout product—not just mixed media embellishment. They address common student mindset blocks (not having luxury clients, needing a studio, lacking confidence), discuss relational marketing and time value for affluent clients, and share how their Texas School class evolves yearly. Their class runs April 25–30, 2027.   Website: gregorydanielportraits.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/_gregorydaniel Bio:   Gregory Daniel, Hon, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, F-ASP Lesa Daniel Cr. Titusville, FL, USA gregorydanielportraits.com Greg and Lesa Daniel are a nationally recognized husband-and-wife team whose portrait work — and the business behind it — has become a benchmark in modern portrait photography. Greg holds the Master of Photography and Craftsman degrees and the F-ASP Fellowship. He is a member of the Cameracraftsmen of America — one of the most selective organizations in professional photography. Lesa specializes in client relationships, wall portrait consultations, and closing — built on genuine connection, not technique. Together, they operate studios in Indialantic and Titusville, Florida, living out the very model they teach   00:00 Meet Greg and Lisa 01:00 Building a New Model 03:26 Leaving Wedding Burnout 04:42 Commission vs Spec Sales 06:34 Designing for the Wall 09:02 Student Mindset Blocks 13:56 Raft Ride vs Product 15:19 Knowing Your Client 19:44 Relationship and Time 23:21 No Need to Paint 25:53 Class Roadmap and Details 26:49 Evolving the Curriculum 28:03 Sign Off and Links     Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Cinematic Lighting, Film-Set Lessons & Finding Your Next Adjustment | Julie Gayler Host Cris Duncan welcomes featured Fujifilm photographer and Westcott Top Pro Julie Gayler to Texas School Off The Record to discuss how her experience gaffing on film sets shaped her photography. Julie explains the collaborative structure of movie crews, learning new set language, and how film lighting prioritizes realism, direction, and story while camera settings stay fixed. They explore “training your eye” instead of chasing settings, the role of continual adjustments, and how experience combines multiple fixes at once, with final refinements likened to “seasoning.” Julie defines cinematic lighting as using light to serve storytelling beyond flattering a subject and suggests condensing film-style pre-production into single-frame portraits by making decisions step by step and inviting collaboration. She previews her Texas School “Movie Magic” class, where students build and light multiple movie-inspired sets, and shares mindset advice on confidence, self-care, and seeing dissatisfaction as part of being an artist. Website: www.storieswithlight.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/www.instagram.com/juliegayler Bio: Julie is a featured Fujifilm photographer and Westcott Top Pro with a talent for creating striking, memorable images often using unique lighting techniques that blend cinematic flair and fine art. She has run her photography business for over 15 years in 5 states, with experience spanning weddings, events, commercial work, and portraiture — plus gaffing for film. As a teacher, Julie has led workshops and demos nationwide, making complex concepts simple and practical. Outside of photography, she enjoys country life, homeschooling her four kids, and creating quirky images with their flock of chickens.     00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:55 Gaffing on Film Sets 02:20 Crew Roles and Collaboration 04:04 See Light Not Settings 05:33 Adjustments Build Mastery 08:20 Finding Your Workflow Hierarchy 11:46 Seasoning and Trusting Your Eye 13:41 What Cinematic Really Means 16:08 Cinematic Storytelling in One Frame 19:45 Collaboration and Idea Ownership 25:22 Texas School Movie Magic Class 28:38 Mindset for Better Collaboration 31:52 Final Artist Growth Takeaway 32:55 Wrap Up and Where to Learn More   Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

AI for Photographers: Optimization, Generative Tools, and Business Workflow with Scott Detweiler Host Cris Duncan interviews Scott Detweiler on what AI is and isn’t and how photographers and other businesses can use it to optimize, not replace, their work. Detweiler argues photography is relatively safe because clients value personal experience, lighting skill, and authenticity, while AI can remove tedium like culling and speed retouching and augmentation (e.g., adding wear and tear, props, or backgrounds) without altering key human elements like faces. They discuss generative AI’s impact on headshots, the greater threat of cellphone cameras, model training shifting toward licensed data, and AI as an ideation and productivity tool for contracts, marketing, SEO, and website conversion analysis using structured context in Obsidian with tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Evoto, and Topaz. Detweiler previews his Texas School class and a free tool he’s building.   Website: www.sedetweiler.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/sedetweiler   Scott Detweiler brings an unusual mix of business ownership, enterprise technology, product development, portrait photography, and hands-on creative work. He built and grew an IT firm serving organizations including Johnson Controls, Kennedy Space Center, AAA, and UPS, then spent nearly four years in Applied Research and Product at Stability AI during the rapid growth of generative AI.   His perspective is practical: understand the technology well enough to use it responsibly, then bring the conversation back to people, customers, process, creativity, and measurable business value. 01:15 AI Everywhere Now 05:23 Augmenting Photos with AI 06:53 Efficiency vs Generative AI 07:58 Headshots and Market Shifts 09:03 Lighting Skill Still Wins 09:57 Training Data and Lawsuits 13:14 AI Is Not Stealing Pixels 15:57 Ideation and Contract Help 18:12 Tools and Upscaling Limits 19:33 Duck Edit and Copyright 20:59 AI As Creative Tool 23:54 Copyright Upside AI 25:19 Print Competition Adaptation 27:11 Why AI Tools Feel Hard 30:22 AI For Marketing Context 34:57 Website CRO And SEO 37:47 Texas School Class Breakdown 41:15 Final Thoughts And Farewell https://texasschool.org/the-ai-enabled-photographer/ Website: www.sedetweiler.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/sedetweiler   Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Scott Robert Lim: From Rock Bottom to Top of The Craft: The Art of Light and Finish | Texas School Off The Record   Host Cris Duncan interviews photographer and educator Scott Robert Lim about his 25-year journey from struggling in a graphic design and textile printing business and earning $10,000 a year for 12 years to discovering wedding photography as digital emerged, landing his first wedding at age 38, and eventually charging $10,000 per wedding while traveling worldwide. Lim shares how faith, career changes, and an international adoption process in China shaped his family, leading to two children now in college and graduate school. He explains why he transitioned around 2010 from shooting weddings to full-time teaching, highlights his CreativeLive courses “Crazy Stupid Light” and “Think Like a 10K Wedding Photographer,” and emphasizes mastering fundamentals, evolving creatively, and learning through failure. He previews his Texas School 2027 class, “The Art of Light and Finish,” covering minimal-gear lighting, posing, composition, and post-processing, including AI. https://texasschool.org/the-art-of-light-finish/  Website: Https://linktr.ee/scottrobertlim Instagram: https://instagram.com/@scottrobertlim Bio: Scott Robert Lim is a Sony Artisan of Imagery, international award-winning photographer, and global photography educator specializing in environmental portraiture, creative lighting, and visual storytelling. He leads immersive photography workshops around the world, teaching photographers how to create extraordinary portraits in any location using natural light, flash, and innovative techniques. A featured speaker for industry leaders including Sony and Adobe, Scott is passionate about helping photographers unlock their creative potential and consistently produce world-class images wherever they shoot.   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:51 Rock Bottom Beginnings 04:46 Adoption Leap of Faith 05:41 Discovering Digital Photography 07:24 First Wedding Breakthrough 09:57 From Shooter to Teacher 15:48 Why In-Person Texas School 19:14 CreativeLive and Business Lessons 24:04 Avoiding Mediocrity Through Growth 26:58 Fast Foundations and Creative Workflow 30:23 Texas School Class Preview 33:10 Wrap Up and Where to Follow     Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Luxury as Ease: Newborn Photographer Lindsay Walden on the Relationship Economy Host Cris Duncan interviews award-winning Colleyville, Texas fine art newborn photographer Lindsay Walden about what “luxury” means in her business and how she attracts high-end clients. Walden defines luxury primarily as ease: a high-touch, expensive, stress-free experience where she anticipates and removes parents’ pain points from first contact through delivery, emphasizing trust, empathy, and authentic relationships. She explains how most of her bookings are now referral-based through long-term relationships with past clients and aligned businesses like OBGYNs, birth centers, midwives, and doulas, noting Google inquiries are down while referrals are up as clients become more selective. Walden shares practical ways she nurtures partnerships—regular touchpoints, bringing treats, strategic blogging, and providing headshots or behind-the-scenes imagery—and previews her Texas School 2027 class, “The Luxury Newborn Studio,” covering newborn techniques, client experience, pricing, and marketing.   00:51 Defining Luxury as Ease 02:33 Designing a High Touch Experience 07:18 Referral Circles and Partnerships 09:22 Mapping Pain Points with Empathy 13:24 Relationship Economy Explained 21:54 Practical Referral Relationship Tactics 26:45 Authentic Networking That Fits 30:17 Texas School Class and Wrap Up https://texasschool.org/the-luxury-newborn-studio/   Website: www.lindsaywaldenphotography.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/www.instagram.com/lindsaywaldenphotography   Bio: Lindsay Walden is an award-winning fine art photographer based in Colleyville, Texas, known for her signature newborn imagery and seamless luxury client experience. With over 17 years in the industry and international features including People Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, she blends artistic mastery with a deeply service-driven approach. Lindsay has mentored photographers around the world and specializes in teaching how to elevate both your art and your business to attract high-end clients.   Texas School of Professional Photography: Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and your’e part of true creative family that wants you to win!   With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Jerry Ghionis on Meaningful Photography, AI, Competition & Evoking Emotion | Texas School Off the Record Cris Duncan interviews world-renowned portrait and wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis on Texas School Off the Record. Ghionis reflects on three decades in photography through the digital and AI eras, arguing there will always be a market for meaningful work while modern tools can also make photographers lazy. He breaks success into art, craft, business, and personal development, stressing mindset, confidence, and avoiding comparison. Ghionis describes proactive practice, including monthly personal shoots, and shares an elaborate Dita Von Teese project focused on creating client-centered meaning beyond effects. He explains how image competition drove his growth, led to innovations, and inspired the Icon Awards with strict rules and raw-file vetting. The episode previews his Texas School 2027 keynote on empathy, posing, and techniques for evoking authentic emotion in portraits. Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the world’s top portrait and wedding photographers. Known for his fusion of vintage glamour and contemporary fashion, Jerry brings soul, drama, and elegance to every frame. With the creativity of a fashion designer and the precision of an architect, he creates visual stories that are both emotionally powerful and technically masterful. He is the most awarded photographer in WPPI history and was the first to earn their Grand Master title. He has been named among the top five wedding photographers in the world by WPPI and among the top ten by American Photo Magazine. He also received the United Nations Leadership Award from the International Photographic Council and was named AIPP Australian Fashion Photographer of the Year. A Nikon Ambassador, Jerry has fronted global campaigns for the D850, Z6, Z8, and Z9 cameras. He was also named by PDN magazine as one of the world’s top photography educators. As an inventor, Jerry created the Ice Light and the Omega Reflector, tools now used by photographers worldwide. Throughout it all, the Jerry Ghionis brand has become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and a deep love for people and for the craft of photography. Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jerryghionis Websitehttp://www.jerryjerryjerry.com/ 00:50 Meet Jerry Ghionis 02:01 Photography in the AI Era 04:32 Tools vs Laziness 06:03 Art Craft Business Mindset 10:38 Confidence and Comparison 17:30 Practice for 1% Gains 19:48 Dita Von Teese Project 22:39 Designing the Ultimate Deliverable 26:57 Why Personal Projects Matter 28:12 Client First Creativity 29:38 Beyond Gear And Effects 31:09 Meaning That Lasts 32:29 Texas School Promo Break 33:13 Impact And Competition 34:19 Why Compete To Grow 37:20 Building The Icon Awards 38:21 Meaningful Album Milestones 41:17 Fear The Sting Then Enter 43:52 Pain Process And Mindset 47:57 Keynote Preview Evoking Emotion 51:33 Maternity Prompt Magic 53:56 Final Invitation And Farewell   Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Storytelling Senior Photography: Awards, Mindset, and Building a Profitable Creative Portrait Business | Erica Manning Host Cris Duncan interviews Ohio-based portrait artist and educator Erica Manning about using creative storytelling imagery to stand out in high school senior photography. Manning shares how she began by pricing cheaply and taking all work, then reassessed her approach after her mother became ill in 2016, discovering the power of storytelling and the need to run a sustainable business. She explains how investing in education, entering print competitions, and seeking judge feedback improved her skills, confidence, and editing, while storytelling tools like lighting, composition, and expression make images more compelling. Manning describes using a senior model team as a talent pool for competition-style composites that function largely as a marketing differentiator, with options as paid add-ons, while still serving traditional clients. She discusses mindset, finding success in the process, avoiding AI in her work, and previews her Texas School 2027 Saturday class on storytelling, senior teams, and business processes.   Erica Manning is an Ohio-based portrait artist and educator. She incorporates creative storytelling imagery into her business to set herself apart and is an industry leader in her genre of High School Senior Photography. Her creative images have garnered many international awards, including IPC Diamond Photographer & 2024 and Platinum 2026, and PPO’s 2024 Photographer of the Year. Her work has been featured in Professional Photographer Magazine   https://www.instagram.com/ericamanningphoto/ Websitehttps://ericamanningphoto.com/ https://texasschool.org/standout-storytelling-senior-sessions-techniques-to-set-yourself-apart-in-a-saturated-senior-market/     00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:09 Origin Story and Turning Point 03:50 Pricing Mindset and Self Worth 05:09 Competitions and Storytelling Focus 07:26 What Makes an Image Tell a Story 09:21 Practice and Judge Feedback 12:01 Senior Team and Marketing Strategy 16:33 Inclusive Packages and Real World Work 17:38 Mindset Resilience and Loving Process 21:49 Creative Workflow and No AI Approach 25:42 Community and Photography Organizations 28:24 Texas School Class and Closing   Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

How Michael Anthony Built a Multi-Studio Photography Business with Paid Ads, Systems & AI Host Cris Duncan interviews wedding and portrait photographer Michael Anthony, who has studios in Los Angeles and Dallas and is planning a third in Austin. Anthony explains how COVID forced his wedding-heavy studio to diversify into portraits and commercial work, and why transitioning required new portfolio work, slower session pacing, and systemizing operations with photographers and sales teams. He argues social platforms and SEO are unreliable for growth because they are pay-to-play advertising platforms, and says paid ads with strong sales processes turn growth into a controllable math equation. Anthony outlines reinvesting early revenue into marketing, scaling ad spend over time, and notes his studio now spends about $20,000/month to book roughly 50 sessions per week across two studios. He also discusses using AI to speed up marketing tasks and promotes his Elevate education and mentoring programs. Michael Anthony is a working wedding and portrait photographer with studios in Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles. He has spent more than 15 years behind the camera, photographed weddings in nine countries, built a multi-seven-figure a year photography company, and earned a PPA Master of Photography degree with more than 200 international print awards. He teaches the same lighting, posing, business, and marketing systems he uses in his studios today, with a direct, practical approach focused on stronger images and a more profitable business. "Michael Anthony's portrait business is now Studio 23 Fine Art Portraits, with studios in McKinney, Texas, and Valencia, California." Studio 23 Fine Art Portraits: https://www.studio23photo.com/ https://www.michaelanthonyphotography.com https://www.instagram.com/michaelanthonyphotography   00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro 01:12 Early Career Reflections 01:58 Expanding Studios Post COVID 04:21 Switching From Weddings To Portraits 05:57 Why Social Alone Fails 08:40 Funnels Leads And Sales 12:23 Paid Ads Versus Organic Balance 14:02 Reinvesting First Profits 17:06 Scaling Volume With A Team 19:23 Mentoring And Staying Current 22:53 AI As A Business Tool 25:53 Elevate And Texas School Details https://texasschool.org/wedding-photography-better-images-better-systems-better-profit/ Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Building a Business Ecosystem: Sharon Benton on Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, Disney-Inspired Design & Oliver Pippin Host Cris Duncan interviews Sharon Benton, who with her husband Scott has run a family photography business for 21 years and created Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, a private commissioned Christmas experience in Northern California now in its 10th season. Sharon explains her hobby of studying memorable businesses like Disney, In-N-Out, and a premium local shop to understand why customers return, and how she applies those lessons to build an “ecosystem” where every detail—messaging, phone greeting, website, scents, sounds, and Santa’s script—supports the experience and the art. She shares insights from Disney World’s “bubble,” a bakery whose purposeful branding inspired a new add-on product, and new ecosystem expansions including the character-and-book gift Oliver Pippin and a legacy paver project.   For more than 21 years, Scot and Sharon Benton have built a photography business centered on creating meaningful experiences for families. They are also the founders of Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, a private, commissioned Christmas experience in Northern California celebrating its 10th season, where an hour with Santa is transformed into timeless commissioned artwork.   Together, they blend storytelling, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to create experiences where every detail has purpose and every family feels genuinely welcomed.   As partners in marriage and partners in business, Scot and Sharon have discovered that their greatest strength isn’t thinking alike—it’s thinking differently. Sharon dreams it. Scot builds it. Together, their different strengths have allowed them to create something neither could have built alone. Sharon previews her Texas School class on April 24, 2027, and directs viewers to santasenchantedworkshop.com. Instagram @SantasEnchantedWorkshop Website www.SantasEnchantedWorkshop.com   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:13 Studying Great Businesses 05:20 Disney Bubble Lessons 11:47 Building an Ecosystem 18:02 Ecosystem in Practice 20:46 New Ideas for Season 10 21:20 Oliver Pippin Story 25:47 Beyond the Camera Box 27:49 Gold Dust Inspiration 30:00 What If Mindset 30:46 Legacy Pavers Project 33:35 Why Christmas Memories Matter 36:45 Texas School Class Preview 38:32 Where to Follow and Closing https://texasschool.org/santas-enchanted-workshop/ Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool Follow Texas School Instagram.com/txschool

Photography Studio Automation: Booking Links, Transactional Emails & Long-Term Nurture Sequences (with Jeff Poole) In this episode, Cris Duncan interviews Jeff Poole of Indigo Silver about putting a photography studio “on autopilot” with scheduling and lead automations. Jeff explains why giving prospects self-scheduling links improves booking, and recommends choosing an automation-capable platform like Go HighLevel while keeping invoices/contracts in tools like Tave for long-term data. He outlines a two-part email strategy: short plain-text “transactional” follow-ups that feel personal and land in inboxes, plus a genre-specific, value-driven nurture sequence with graphics that addresses objections over time. Jeff shares a suggested cadence (initial email within minutes, follow-ups over a week, then “close the loop”), using only transactional SMS, and tapering nurture frequency from weekly to monthly. He discusses list hygiene for deliverability, keeping emails focused, using AI to draft sequences, avoiding seasonal offers, and notes a HighLevel snapshot product and where to find his work and Texas School class details. Jeff and his wife, Lori, operate Indigosilver Studio located in Wilmington, NC, specializing in boutique boudoir portraiture, Headshots, and luxury wedding photography. Their passion for capturing timeless moments extends beyond their studio through Photo Insight, their dedicated educational platform for photographers. With over 15 years of experience in wedding and portrait photography, Jeff understands one fundamental truth—the industry is constantly evolving. Success isn’t just about taking great photos; it’s about adapting to change. Through the power of digital marketing, Jeff and Lori have consistently grown their business year after year, regardless of economic shifts. instagram.com/myphotoinsight myphotoinsight.com 00:37 Why Scheduling Automation Matters 03:13 Choosing an Automation Platform 04:52 Plain Text Transactional Emails 08:30 Personalization by Genre 13:30 Timing and SMS Follow Ups 16:12 Long Term Nurture Sequences 18:38 List Hygiene and Unsubscribes 20:51 Keep Emails Short and Focused 22:50 Set and Forget Best Practices 25:44 Templates and Where to Find Jeff 27:19 Texas School Class Promo Wrap Up Texas School is the country's largest and best hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, amazing social engagement and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

From Weddings to Major Brands: Michelle VanTine on Commercial Photography, High-End Retouching & AI Compositing . Consider listening and watching on YouTube for full visual experience. https://youtu.be/47xPN0HQXJA  Texas School director Cris Duncan interviews Miami-based commercial photographer and retoucher Michelle VanTine, a 2026 Saturday Texas School instructor, about her path from fine arts and teaching into full-time photography starting in 2008. Michelle describes building a wedding business with a distinctive creative style, then rebuilding after moving to South Florida by taking varied jobs, second-shooting, and discovering product photography through an early Creole Essence shoot. She explains how commercial work is highly competitive and success came through incremental credibility rather than a single “big break,” noting that social media attention didn’t directly translate to jobs. Michelle shares retouching work such as replacing Pacifico beer cans shot in Mexico, and details a Kai Trump energy drink campaign where she used AI-generated elements, compositing, and hand-painted color bounce to create a movie-theater-themed scene that was cut from the budget, then leveraged it for portfolio and marketing. https://miamimichellephotography.beehiiv.com/p/the-ai-workaround-every-commercial-director-needs-to-see-my-latest-trump-shoot?utm_source=miamimichellephotography.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=the-ai-workaround-every-commercial-director-needs-to-see-my-latest-trump-shoot&_bhlid=236541b44c7ace2a9af86899e7ff69c074e8e603 Michelle VanTine is a commercial photographer specializing in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and sports. She also works as a professional retoucher for national advertising campaigns including brands such as Coors Light, Miller High Life, and Pacifico. Her commercial client roster includes products found on shelves at ULTA Beauty, Sephora, Target, and Whole Foods Market. She works across sports and product photography and has photographed multiple Olympic and professional athletes. She served as Senior Staff Writer for Fstoppers, where she covered gear reviews and creative processes. Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2026 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool #kaitrump 00:00 Meet Michelle Van Tine 01:20 From Painting to Film 03:40 Wedding Hustle Years 07:14 Breaking Into Commercial 11:26 No Big Break Myth 13:02 Kai Trump Campaign 16:48 AI Movie Theater Composite 20:47 Practice to Stay Sharp 26:16 Portfolio and Marketing Play 31:18 Where to Follow Michelle 32:05 Wrap Up and Texas School

On this episode of "off the Record", we visit with Tony Corbel. Tony has been a household name within the photographic industry for almost 5 decades and has the record for attending the most Texas School events--As a student, volunteer and instructor. Sit down and enjoy the conversation between Cris and Tony as they discuss the changes to the industry, what hasn't changed, what it takes to survive and what is next.  With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool