Meet the Experts

Rich Wagner began his photographic career in college as a freelance photographer for Pittsburgh newspapers.  After graduation, photography remained a hobby during his 20-year career in retail, and in 1984, Rich opened a custom framing and fine art gallery.  His current shop, Imagine It Framed, recently had the honor of being designated as one of “America’s Top 100” custom framers by Décor Magazine. 

Currently, Rich’s work hangs in collections all over the world -- in public corporations and private foundations from San Diego to Boston and in homes from the Americas to the Far East.  He began shooting digitally in the late 90’s and since 2001 has worked almost exclusively in that format.  The beauty of the Farmington Valley, where Rich lives with his wife and five daughters, and the excitement of New York, his previous home, are the sources of most of his photography. 

One of our past attendees wrote that Rich Wagner “knows more about digital cameras and photography than any one man should.” 

Amateurs without a lick of experience have walked away from these events amazed at their photographs (some having only unwrapped their camera for the first time the night before the event).  His teaching abilities are truly astounding.

“Rich has so much experience and is able to teach great techniques in a simple manner.  Anyone can take great photos after listening to his presentations.”

Gloria M.
Woodland Hills, CA.

“Rich is a great guy, who knows his stuff.  He takes an interest in making sure you understand what he is talking about.”

James S.
Englewood, FL.

 “Rich came to the workshop with his own expertise and because of his journey, he had a unique understanding of our needs. He was the perfect man for the job”

Nancy C.
Seminole, FL.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Shelly Perry's specialty is in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Her concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

At the workshop Shelly will talk about working with models and model releases as well as breaking into online stock photo agencies and turning everyday household items like curtains, old music records, even your pet goldfish into super-fast cash.  This is a great way to fund your travels without leaving home.

Shelly is truly a pleasant individual with invaluable information on a developing trend in photography.  She also puts a unique innovative slant on marketing.

Virginia A.
Sonoma, CA.

“Shelly Perry makes lighting and home studio work do-able.  She is encouraging and offers suggestions that help you think of ways to improve your work.”

Cheré H.
APO, Italy

“Shelly gave a lot of useful information that I feel like I can go right home and use.”

Shannon T.
Agoura Hills, CA

Riley Caton first learned photography during high school. After retiring from a 31-year career in the fire service, Riley continued to nurture his interest in photography. His work has been published in such magazines as Newsweek, Life, Outside, the European edition of Time, and Knapsack, as well as the New York Times, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, and Associated Press stories. Riley now works on local photography, travel, human interest, landscape, and wildlife photography. He is also a consultant and technical writer for fire and emergency medical services disciplines.

Turning Photographs Into Profits…

“The book market is very good.  I was paid a one-time single usage fee for each photo.  For example, they wanted around 10 photos for their book and I was paid around $2000.

-- Tim O’Rielly
Freelance Photographer

“I just got 450 euros ($562) for a 1,400 word piece on Edinburgh PLUS another 300 euros ($375) for the six photos I sent in with it.  Not a bad wee haul for an amateur snapper.”

-- Steenie Harvey
Freelance Travel Writer

“As an editor, I always appreciate a writer that submits to me a great article package – a well written article with compelling photographs.  I’ll always be happy to pay for their work because they make my work that much easier!”

-- Tom Schueneman
Editor/ Publisher of
The Traveler

“I would definitely recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to learn about their camera and on how to take and position a photo so that it comes out looking professional.  I for one am very glad that I was able to attend the San Francisco workshop, and I hope I will be able to attend more.”

-- Monica C.

“I would recommend this workshop to others because it is great for anyone who doesn’t have much photo experience, and is looking for tips from the pros.  There is also great camaraderie that develops in the group and opportunities to see how a professional photographer shoots in public.”

Turn Your Everyday
Snapshots into Cash

This April in Charleston, You Can...

• Learn from professional photographers the techniques they use to shoot pictures that sell for $400, $600 – and even higher…

• Get hands-on practice applying your new skills – while you explore one of the country’s most historic cities…

• Discover how travel photographers create a need for their photos – and how you can double or even triple your photography income…

• Find out just how easy it is to turn your snapshots into cash – and enjoy the freedom, independence, and travel opportunities that freelance photography delivers…

If you're intrigued by the prestige of seeing your photos in magazines… if you long for a career or sideline that lets you travel whenever you like and live wherever you prefer… then this is, hands down, the best place to begin your adventure.

Join us in Charleston this spring and spend three full days learning from and exploring the city in the company of professional photographers ready to share their hard-won insights and secrets.

After the success of our recent San Francisco event, we’ve decided to bring back the studio lights and the models and couple our usual travel photography sessions with studio shoots and insights into breaking into online stock agencies.  Not only that -- but this time we’re adding product still-life photography so you can learn how to take pictures of simple things – fruit, cell phones, jewelry – that will sell for super-fast cash. 

You will not only get the class sessions our workshops are so famous for – the difference between an average snapshot and a $10,000 photograph, how to buy the right camera, how to edit your photos in Photoshop® so that you look like a pro -- but you’ll also get hands-on experience working with studio lights and light boxes.  The photos you’ll take at this event will be ones you can sell directly to magazines, newspapers, and online stock agencies everywhere. 

What You’ll Learn…

• How to get the best possible pictures every time no matter what kind of camera you have
• How to get great product and people shots – what you learn here about working with light could easily translate into taking great family and pet portraits
• How to replicate what we do in class -- a simple home set-up to turn your living room into a stock photographer’s studio
• The specifics on working with models and model releases
• How to break into online stock agencies where pictures of crayons, curtains, and other every-day household items sell for super-fast cash
• Pro-level Photoshop® techniques that'll make any photographer look like an expert
• How to sell the photos you take on this trip

Activity Level

Moderate.  Getting around Charleston is done by foot and taxi.  Most locations are wheelchair accessible (please let us know in advance if you’re in a wheelchair).  Taxi service is not provided on the walking tours.  However, should you wish to take a taxi rather than walk, we can help you arrange for one. 

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.  This workshop is for people of all skill levels and experience and the concepts discussed are doable by anyone.  Those with point-and-shoot cameras will not be able to hook up to the studio lights but we’ll show you how to work around that.

Dates

April 19-21, 2007

Your Itinerary:

Thursday Morning, April 19th 

8:30AM -- check in and registration at the Embassy Suites Historic Charleston, amid a city steeped in Southern history and tradition. You’ll get right down to business by learning everything you never knew your camera could do. You’ll spend some time getting to know your equipment (digital cameras only). Then find out how to use yours to turn an average vacation shot into a photo worthy of wall space and a magazine cover. Plus you’ll learn what you need and don’t need to be a travel photographer… and how to go about finding a market for your photographs.

Following our morning sessions at the hotel, we’ll begin the next part of our day in a split session: half the group will stay at the hotel for an indoor photo shoot-- complete with studio lights and models, while the rest of our group heads out to explore Charleston, stepping into the past to discover 18th and 19th architectural gems all around us. Your goal today will be to capture the city’s distinctive look through your lens, starting with Charleston’s Old and Historic District (where our hotel is located). This area, tracing its origins back to the 1670’s, has over 3000 historic buildings in various stages of preservation and restoration.

The groups will “flip-flop” after lunch so you’ll have the complete experience of both indoor and outdoor photo shooting.

Before dinner, we’ll all gather in our meeting room at the Embassy Suites for a group review of your favorite photos from the day.

Friday, April 20th

Grab your camera and get a taste of the freelance photographer’s life as you experience what Charleston can teach you about turning a single snapshot into $650. Discover the Old City Market, where locals bring their hand-woven straw baskets to sell. See “Cabbage Row” -- the inspiration for what would eventually be known as the opera  “Porgy and Bess”… experience the spectacular colors and delicate scents of the walled gardens… capture the intricate lines and shadows of Charleston’s signature hand-forged wrought iron which decorates balconies, porches, gates and doors throughout the city… explore the cobblestone alleys where horses and vehicles aren’t permitted…  Bring your favorite walking shoes… you’re guaranteed to see Charleston in a way most tourists never do.

Later that afternoon, we’ll return to the Embassy Suites Historic Charleston meeting room where you’ll learn the best ways to get your photos out of your camera and into a computer. Next – the ins and outs of editing, Photoshop®, labeling and submitting your photos to clients.

We’ll wrap up Friday’s activities with a group review of the day’s photos.

Saturday April 21st

Set your alarm clock and join us in capturing the early morning light filtering through the mists floating on the waters of Charleston Harbor off of the Battery. Aim your camera toward famous Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out in 1861. Then it’s off to historic Rainbow Row, a lane of beautiful houses, each painted in its own unique color. This is a perfect opportunity to learn the techniques the pros use to capture the rich colors and textures of a vibrant city and its people.

After lunch, we’ll return to our hotel, where you’ll find out how to turn your shots into marketable photos during a special session on editing your photos.

Plus, discover the secrets professional photographers use to convince editors to buy their photos… learn how to set your fees… and how to sell your photographs in galleries, on coffee shop walls, through online stock agencies, and even to textbook companies.

Before we depart for our final night’s dinner (our compliments), we have a final group review session for your best shots from Saturday.

Note: Schedule and speakers are subject to change.

The Ultimate Travel
Photographer’s Workshop

Charleston, SC April 19-21, 2007

Price: $1,597

Bring a spouse or a guest and
the second seat is only $999.

Where:

The Embassy Suites Historic Charleston
337 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Phone: (843) 723-6900
Fax: (843) 723-6983
Website: http://www.charleston-hotels.net/hotels/emb/embassy1.htm

Our class sessions will be held here, but you are welcome to stay at another hotel if you prefer. Also, if you are interested in sharing a room with another participant, we’ll put you in touch with other interested attendees.

You are entitled to a specially discounted rate of $229* per room, per night (this rate does not include taxes or incidentals). This special rate includes a full, cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, manager's reception each evening, complimentary wireless Internet access, and a one-bedroom suite with microwave and refrigerator.

For those of you who are members of HHonors, you will “double dip” and earn points for Hilton Honors as well as miles for your qualifying airline frequent flyer membership.

For reservations, contact the Hotel Reservations Department to make your room reservation at (843) 723-6900, by fax at (843) 723-6938 or by email at Reservations@charleston-hotels.net. Identify yourself as an AWAI member attending the Ultimate Travel Photographer's Workshop. 

*This room rate is only valid through March 15, 2007. Rates and availability after this date are not guaranteed.

Your Registration Fee Includes:

• Three full days of intensive classes (spent partly in class and partly on walking tours around Charleston)
• Transportation around Charleston for the destination shoots
• Special presentations by highly regarded photographers, Rich Wagner, Shelly Perry and Riley Caton
• Use of studio lights and shadow boxes
• A group dinner on Saturday night
• Presentation CDs you'll take home that contain pictures, instruction and examples of everything you'll learn
• Assistance throughout the program from our staff

Your Registration Does NOT Include:

• Air travel to and from Charleston
• Transfer to and from the airport in Charleston
• Meals not listed on this flyer
• Overnight accommodation
• Equipment – you must bring your own camera, however, we will provide the studio lights and shadow boxes

To register now please click below or call Sue Wright at (831) 274-2779 or (866) 415-1425 Pacific Time. Or email her at: sue@thephotographerslife.com

NOTE: You may qualify for additional discounts on this event if you’ve purchased certain AWAI products over the last 12 months. Click below on the Register Today button for details or call Sue Wright at (831) 274-2779 or (866) 415-1425 to find out how much you can save.

This workshop is for digital cameras only. You're welcome to shoot in film if you like, but due to time and space we will only focus on the digital medium of photography and the publications that buy digital photographs. Point-and-shoot digital cameras are welcomed (and encouraged for first-time snappers).

If you’re serious about photography at all, REGARDLESS of experience with a camera, you don’t want to miss the ‘Getting to Know Your Camera’ sessions. The tips and suggestions from these professional photographers are invaluable” -- Gary W, Grand Prarie, Texas.