The paypal links are wigging out. I’m working to fix it asap but it appears to be a coding issue with PayPal. If you want to sign up before the class sells out, please email1313 me. info AT bellesphotography DOT com. Thanks!

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DAY!

May 15, 2011 – Abilene, Texas

Abilene is located about 2-3 hours from Austin, Dallas/ Ft. Worth, & many cities in NM & OK

ONE DAY only, wedding workshop event.

Come for one class or stay for the whole day!

These are the different sections being offered on ONE day at ONE easy to get to location! Read below for more info on each one.

-Weddings 101: Basics of Wedding Photography (intro level class)

-Proofing for Profit: The Basics of Proofing (w/ focus on projected proofing)

Foyer of Belle’s Photography in Abilene, Texas

The day has been split into two different classes to offer an affordable option for those who just want to come out and shoot. This is a flippin’ awesome location because it’s a day trip from so many cities in TX, NM, and OK.

Below is a description of each section. Class size in each section is LIMITED.

SECTION I. Weddings 101 Basics of Wedding Photography

This workshop covers the basics of wedding photography in an affordable way. This is a workshop that Belle’s offered a few years ago. And for a limited time, it is only $99.  The $99 workshops make it possible to learn a lot in a short amount of time without financial burden. In other words, if you aren’t 100% committed to this pro photog idea yet – you can attend with minimal investment. And if you booked a wedding and have no idea what the heck you are doing – you can come out and get a clue before its too late. ;o)

This workshop is aimed at photographers considering wedding photography, however we have had lots of photographers attend these for fun, to sharpen their skills, and get killer portfolio pieces.

This workshop is 1/3 lecture and 2/3 workshop aka shooting. We’ll cover the basics about weddings – what is expected by the bride and groom, their parents, the church, etc. We will also talk about minimums needed for shooting weddings; examples – insurance, equipment, assistants.

We will be covering the following content:

* Basic Lighting Techniques
* Formal & Contemporary Bridal Poses
* Using Natural Light Effectively
* Basic Technical Techniques – aka figuring out how to use your camera (ISO, DOF, flash, etc)
* Adding Drama with light, color, texture
* Flattering Posing for Different Figures
* Basics of Composition
* Negative Space & How to Utilize It
* Basics of Shadows and Light
* Basics of What to Expect at Weddings
* Alter Shot Basics
* Bride Model(s) Provided
* Key Shots & When to Take Them
* Getting Started in Wedding Photography
* Model Release provided

Weddings 101 was created to allow photographers to establish a sense of what skills are needed to shoot weddings. It is a BASIC level class. The only recommendation is that you have a DSLR camera, although students have attended in the past with SLRs and point and shoots. This is a good workshop to see if wedding photography is for you.

This workshop will be held at Belle’s posh studio boutique in Abilene, Texas.

During the workshop you will have the opportunity to shoot a bride in a $2,000 designer wedding gown. You’ll learn quickly the challenges of shooting a white gown in sunlight, shade, dappled lighting, outdoors, and indoors.

You will learn the basics of alter shots so you can get them more efficiently during a real wedding. A major newB wedding day mess up is feeling pressure to hurry and get the shots, so the newB photographer either messes up the shots or skips them. We’ll show you some fast, traditional poses that your bride expects. During the day there will be on-going speaking and opportunity for Q&A.

*****YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TO BENEFIT FROM THIS CLASS!*****

This workshop will talk about lighting, posing, basics of photography and issues that apply to photography in general – the model will just be decked out in a wedding gown.

This workshop is a BEGINNER level class which means newBs are welcome.  This is the BASIC entry level wedding photography class offered by Belle’s. The teacher:shooter ratio is approx 12:1.

ENROLL IN INTRO TO WEDDINGS & BRIDALS SECTION ONLY:

Date: May 15, 2011
Location: Belle’s Studio, Abilene TX
Instructor: Mike or Holly
Time: 12 noon-3pm
Investment: $99 per person
To enroll, click HERE.

SECTION II. Proofing for Profits!

Effective ways to proof weddings to increase your total sales.

This section is a short but valuable lecture on proofing with a specific focus on projected proofing.

Find out about Belle’s proofing parties and easy ways to make your proofing more profitable. Belle’s proofing parties have been a huge success since we started offering them. The 1st proofing party paid for an expensive projector with profit left over.

As some of you know, Holly is a selling wiz.We ’ll clue you in as to how you can do paper proofing with exceptional results if a projector is out of reach right now.

******This section is perfect for portrait photographers!****

You can utilize this info with or without a studio!  even if you shoot children, teens, families, or pets!

Whether you shoot brides, babies, or boudoir – proofing is a place where you can easily increase sales – when you know how to do it right. And about the price of this class…it’s peanuts compared to what the information is worth. A monkey could make back their $99 after applying the principles we’ll discuss. Normally I’m not so brazen, but when ever we have discusses this topic with any photogs in the past, Ive had to pry them off my hand before they thank me to death via handshake.

Proofing is where over 50% of sales are made. And it doesn’t matter if you are front loading your packages, back loading, or if you have no clue what front/ back loading means…this will HELP YOUR BUSINESS immediately.

And there are no stupid questions. And Mike is nice. )

ENROLL IN PROOFING FOR PROFITS SECTION ONLY:
Date: May 15, 2011
Location: Belle’s Studio, Abilene, TX
Instructor: Mike and/or Holly
Time: 3pm-4:30pm
Investment: $99 per person
To enroll click HERE.

Enroll in Section I & II

Due to the awesome price of these classes, they tend to sell out quickly.  Priority will be given to students who enroll in BOTH sections.

To enroll in BOTH Weddings 101 AND Proofing for Profits (Section I and Section II) workshops:

Register HERE.

——————————————————————————————

Please note: Workshops are 1st come 1st served. When the class is full, no more students will be admitted and the enrolling links will be altered to say SOLD OUT. Any and all funds will be returned if you enroll after the class has reached capacity. Due to the nature of the workshops & events, they are otherwise non-refundable, non-transferable.  If the event is canceled by Belle’s, all registration fees will be refunded. In the case of inclement weather, please contact the studio for updates at (325)201-7458.  Workshops may be rescheduled due to extreme weather.  Contact studio for full details.

MODEL SEARCH! GET A $499 SESSION FOR FREE

read on to find out how…

As you may know, Belle’s Photography shoots weddings for affluent clients across the country. We’ve done this for years, and added the boudoir division (Abilene Boudoir) at the request of our brides.  Well, we’ve had some exciting news, and we are expecting a baby later this summer! While we love shooting weddings and traveling, it’s not really fun with a newborn. So, we decided to stay in Abilene for the next few years, and launch a new line that is posh like Belle’s and glamorous like Abilene Boudoir!

This new photography line is aimed at High School girls. It’s posh magazine style images, minus the overt sexiness of the boudoir studio.

***Think Teen Vogue cover image or Ambercrombie or Dooney model, but more awesome!***

When I was at Christmas Carousel for the last two years, I had many high school girls fall in love with our style. They loved the magazine style look, the retouching, the vibrant rich colors, and our flirty style.

To launch this new line, I need to overhaul the Belle’s Photography website with examples of portraits for this new line for high school girls. The girls can wear their prom dresses, favorite jeans, etc.  This is where you come in! If you are or know a high school girl who lives within 25 miles of Abilene, TX that would be a great model, let me know!

The girls selected will receive our $499 session for FREE, plus get 1/2 price prints on any prints they order!

I’ll collect names and pics of the girls submitted for about a week or two, and then choose the girls who have the desired look. Our look ranges from girl next door, to cheerleader, to artists, to what-have-you. So don’t even guess if you have what we need. Let me decide that!

I need to see a pic of the girls who are interested. To enter your name into the mix, LIKE our new facebook page for Belle’s Photography. Post on that wall that you are interested in the model search. Make sure you have a good pic of the girl in your avatar. You must include model’s age, school, and year of graduation.

Requirements: Must attend school within 25 miles of Abilene or within Abilene. Must be enrolled in high school (age 14-18). If model is under 18, she must have her parent/guardians permission. Parent/ guardian must be willing to attend shoot if model is under 18. Must be willing to sign a model release that allows us to use model’s image in ads and on the Belle’s Photography website.

This is a new line where girls can get magazine style shoots and retouching, while selecting their favorite jeans, dresses, and shoes from their wardrobe in a stylish photo shoot!  If you have questions write on the facebook wall. I check both frequently. No phone calls about the model search please.

PS – We offered this once in the past 8 years. A free session that is reg. $499, plus 1/2 price prints is a RARE and awesome thing to get chosen for! Thanks!

Facebook is a huge driving force that can be utilized by businesses. It doesn’t matter if you are a small boutique or own 3 locations. Facebook can be used effectively to promote your business and target your desired demographic, so that you have the opportunity to turn them into buyers.

We’ve been using Facebook for our businesses for several years. It has proven to be an excellent source of generating new customers into our businesses. It creates coveted word of mouth about your store, and spreads rapidly through social networks. The end result is that people know you are there and are enticed to come in and buy!

Dollar for dollar spent on advertising, this is an extremely economical way to reach your target demographic. And I’ve done everything: billboards, TV commercials, Ad Words, Movie Ads, cross promotions with other vendors, bridal shows, etc. I can tell you that Facebook has been the best use of our advertising funds.

Here is some basic info about Facebook so you can decide if this class for you:

• Facebook pages are free for businesses and personal use.
• Facebook is organized by “pages.” Each identity (person or business) has their own page.
• Facebook offers businesses paid ads that appear to your targeted demographic.
• Facebook has over 175 million users log in daily (this number fluxes and has been steadily climbing)
• Facebook is used by a variety of ages.
• Facebook is not only limited to the USA, but is world wide.
• For examples of pages, please visit my novel’s fan page Demon Kissed, currently at 31,000 fans.

This BASIC class is for BEGINNERS. If you don’t understand how facebook works, how to use it for business purposes (many people are unsure of this part and NOT using it to the fullest), you are currently employing someone to manage your page for you, you are not seeing results, etc., then this class is for you.

This class will cover the following topics:

1. How Facebook works
2. Why you should have a facebook page
3. How to create your facebook page
4. The difference between facebook fan pages and personal pages
5. Why & when to use a facebook fan page vs. a personal page
6. Benefits of facebook business/ fan pages
7. Security/ admin features with the facebook page
8. The value of facebook fans
9. How to get facebook fans
10. How & why you want to add pictures, video, and links to your facebook page
11. How your blog, facebook page, and website can work together to drive more traffic to your physical store
12. How to add your logo to your facebook page
13. How to engage facebook fans
14. The best way to post on your facebook page to draw a larger fan base
15. Using Facebook to promote events/ bridal shows
16. Utilizing Facebook on a basic level to spread the word about your store
17. Questions & Answers

Each topic will be presented one at a time, and explained. You will also get to see us set up a fan page, so you can actually see someone doing it. That is very helpful if you have never made a business fan page before.

Class Format: THIS CLASS IS OFFERED VIA THE WEB AS A WEBINAR. Hooray! What does that mean? It means that you can watch the class from your computer at home or at your store. You do NOT have to go to drive to Belle’s. The class will be online. You will be able to see and hear the class on your computer. At the appointed time, you simply use the registration information provided after you submitted payment for this class. And that’s it. It’s very easy. If you can click a link, you can do it.

DATE: Monday, March 21, 2011
TIME: 1:00PM EST (NOTE THE TIME! Adjust for your time zone accordingly. Example: I live in Texas, & we are on CST, which means the class time for me is at 12noon).
LOCATION: WEB
TUITION: $99 per person

***PLEASE NOTE! CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED. WHEN IT SELLS OUT THE PAYMENT/ REGISTRATION LINK WILL BE DISABLED.

FYI: This class was requested by bridal shops, so it will be slightly tailored toward them. Wedding photographers have a lot of overlap. If you register and are a photographer or other business owner, please state what kind business you own.

Technical stuff: Since this is offered via the web, you need access to a computer with a decent internet connection (example: 3G, 4G, DSL or Cable). If you computer does not have speakers, you can dial in to hear the class via your telephone.

For PC-based participants:
* Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
* Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
* Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
* Minimum of Pentium® class 1GHz CPU with 512 MB of RAM (recommended) (2 GB of RAM for Windows® Vista)

For Mac®-based participants:
* Safari™ 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer or Google™ Chrome™ 5.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
* Mac OS® X 10.4.11 – Tiger® or newer
* PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel processor (512 MB of RAM or better recommended)
* Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection

For Attendees with iPad®
* Free GoToMeeting app from the App Store
* WiFi connection to use VoIP

Please note: Classes are 1st come 1st served. When the class is full, no more students will be admitted. Any and all funds will be returned if you enroll after the class has reached capacity. Due to the nature of the workshops & events, they are otherwise non-refundable, non-transferable. If the event is canceled by Belle’s, all registration fees will be refunded. If you have questions, please ask prior to registration. You may only be logged in to ONE computer during the class. Multiple log-ins will result in being removed from the class, with no refund.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CLASS PLEASE EMAIL ME VIA INFO@BELLESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

We would like to welcome the newest full time member of the Belle’s staff – Emerald Lemmons. Emerald is a Port Charles native, and has been residing in Texas for the past seven years.

After completing more than a year of rigorous training with Holly, she was promoted to a Signature photographer! Emerald will be shooting mostly pin up in the boudoir division of Belle’s.

Congrats and welcome!

Thanks to EVERYONE who bought Jumbo Box O Crap!

We got them all boxed up and they are shipping 1st thing Monday. I have a wall of boxes taller than I am. Anyway, you should have gotten the ship date and tracking info via PayPal this afternoon. If you did not get it, please let me know ASAP. There are still a couple of boxes left. If you want another grab it b4 its gone.

And – you cant laugh – someone has a cream colored wedding gown with a corset string closure. I had the string around my neck and forgot to put it in the box. If this is your box, email1313 me, and I’ll send you the string ASAP. If you don’t want to wait, you can grab a roll of gold satin ribbon for $2 at WalMart – which looks cool since the gown has some gold on it.

That’s it for now folks.

Thanks so much! )

In case you haven’t heard, Holly wrote a novel.  She’s aiming for 3,000 fans by the end of the week.  If you haven’t seen it yet, check out her new facebook page for DEMON KISSED.  She’s making art work for it, using her made photo skills.  It’s fun!  Check it out.

http://www.facebook.com/DemonKissed

STILL WANT A BOX OF CRAP?  CHECK THIS OUT!

Thanks to everyone who bought a box of crap!

As you know, the stuff was shipped in the USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes.  That meant you got lots of little-medium sized dresses, cocktail dresses, prom, and informal wedding gowns (meaning slim line, the opposite of big, wedding gowns).  Although the boxes of crap sold out, I still have stuff left.  Problem – its all BIG.

Everything I have left is BIG fluffy stuff that wouldn’t fit in a flat rate box. I had planned on selling the remaining stock for 75% off on eBay (which is way more than $99).  I can’t renovate my shooting room until this stuff is gone, (it’s really big and in the way), so I’m dumping the rest of the stuff for a song.  I’m really torn about this, because they are NOT yucky David’s Bridal $99 gowns – they are gorgeous couture designer BIG gowns, but I think you guys will be thrilled and I’ll be thrilled to have them gone, so I’m just gonna do it.

Belle’s JUMBO BOX OF COUTURE CRAP may include any of the following:

• Designer Couture Wedding Gown (value $299-$4995):  Check out the pic below.  This is one of the gowns in the lot.  There are a few more like it.  Some are NEW.
  
• DesignerProm Dresses (value up to $1300):  These are the big prom dresses that I have left.  They are really cool and fun to shoot.  Some of them sparkle like disco balls.
  
• And anything else we sold in our store!: Bags, shoes, bustiers, etc.
• LIMITED SUPPLY! There are only a few of these
  

Belle’s JUMBO BOX OF COUTURE CRAP F.A.Q’s (frequently asked questions)

What exactly is in the box?
ONE big wedding or prom gown.  Big meaning: It has a petticoat, is a ball gown or A line, or did not fit into a flat rate box.

Can I be sure to get a _______?
Nope, its a box of crap – you get what you get.

Will the stuff in the box be valued at more than $99?
Hell yeah!  I was going to list this stuff on ebay for more than that.  So, why am I doing it this way?  It’s faster, and I want to be done with it.  If this crap fit into the flat rate boxes, I would have sent it out that way.  S&H on these boxes ranges up to $30 per box, depending on where it’s going.

How many items will be in the box?
Each box will have different contents with ONE item.  You may have some other side stuff thrown it – garment bags that sell for $75 (the cloth ones) or the plastic ones that sell for $29)

What can I do with this stuff?
Use it for model shoots, Christmas presents, sell it on ebay, or wear it yourself.

How fast will it ship?
These boxes will ship the last week of the month.

What’s the S&H fee?
FREE (for the lower 48 US states only).  It’s your reward for buying the JUMBO BOX OF COUTURE CRAP.  If you are international, please contact me for S&H fees.

Can I get more than 1 box?
Yes, until all the stuff is gone.  There are only a few of these boxes.  They’ll sell out fast.  Grab as many as you want now, before they are all gone.

Can you post a photo of what kinds of dresses these are?
Sure, here is one.

No, I’m not posting photos of every dress.  Don’t even ask me that, or we won’t be friends no more!  Dude, think CHEAP.  The more work I have to do, the more they cost you.  Check this one out.  Satin ball gown, with silver and austrian crystal all over the bodice.  It’s a couture gown – aka f*ckin’ expensive.  You can see that most of them are huge, and due to the petticoat, they won’t fit in smaller boxes.  I have this one listed for $599, and it retails for $3299.  You can also see what a friggin good deal you’re getting.  Someone WILL get this Couture dress.  Plus I have a lot more that are equally awesome.

I want one now!  What do I do?

Click the link below to order your box now.

Your box will ship in order payment is received the last week of Sept.  The link will be disabled when they are all gone.

Thanks!

And congrats on getting an awesome box of Belle’s JUMBO BOX OF COUTURE CRAP!

BELLE’S BOX OF CRAP!

If you get our newsletter, you noticed that we are closing down our bridal shop this week. Holly is too much of an artist to be caged in retail. Anyway, you are welcome to attend the event and pick out stuff. However, I do know that lots of you aren’t in this neck of the woods and so…

We are selling Boxes of Crap, so you can get cool stuff too!

You can buy a Belle’s Box of Crap for only $49.   You will get anything in it from jewelry to designer wedding gowns.  That’s why its SO cheap.

Basically, I gotta get rid of this stuff, and since lots of photogs ask me about using models to beef up your portfolio – this is the perfect time to snag some wardrobe.  Or Christmas presents.  Or wear it yourself!  Do what ever you want with it.  )

Belle’s Box of Crap may include any of the following:

• Designer Wedding Gown (value $500-$1300)
• Designer Bridesmaid Dresses (value up to $300)
• Designer Jewelry (value up to $250)
• Prom Dresses (value up to $1300)
• Cocktail Dresses (value up to $200)
• Satin Shoes (Value up to $120)
• and anything else we sold in our store!

Belle’s Box of Crap F.A.Q’s (frequently asked questions)

What exactly is in the box?
What ever I can shove in it.

Can I be sure to get a _______?
Nope, its a box of crap – you get what you get.

Will the stuff in the box be valued at more than $49?
Hell yeah!

How many items will be in the box?
Each box will have different contents with a different number of items. The box will be packed with as many items as I can fit in it, and sealed. This may be one fluffy prom dress or 3 bridesmaids dresses or any combination of the stuff listed above.

What can I do with this stuff?
Use it for model shoots, Christmas presents, sell it on ebay, or wear it yourself.

How fast will it ship?
Allow 10 days for your box to ship.

What’s the S&H fee?
$12 per box.

Can I get more than 1 box?
Yes, until all the stuff is gone.

Can you combine S&H into one box?
No. These are shipping in flat rate boxes, which gets your stuff to you faster AND I can shove more stuff in the box for less S&H cost.

I want one now!  What do I do?
Click the link below to order your box now.

Lots of photographers ask us how we make our clients look so polished and movie-star perfect.  The answer is three fold – lighting, post processing, and products.

I am always looking for products that make my job easier.  This is working smarter, not harder.  These products save time, and make your client look SO much better.  It’s the difference between your client looking like a luxury client, and a Sears client.  So we are talking major!

We’ve not released this information before.  It’s one of Belle’s secrets to getting the luxury look with EVERY client.  It doesn’t matter if you are shooting bridal or boudoir – same tips, same products.  The best part – most of these products cost less than $10 each.  But the difference in your images is HUGE!  Seriously, $10 products that help me sell my stuff and stand out from the crowd…are you serious?  YES!  It’s awesome.

The new Luxury Beauty Secrets guide tells:

• Which products we use
• Includes a product pic (so you can find it to buy)
• Product Description
• What it is
• Why you want it
• What it does

These products make my post processing time SHORTER, while making my client look BETTER.  And that is the whole point!  And you guys know we do magazine style editing, where we spend a LOT of time processing each image.  These products don’t totally cut that part (when I find underpants that can totally replace liquefy, I’ll let you know) – they make it faster.  My ideology on post processing is to fix everything you can BEFORE you take the shot.  Then use the PP to enhance the image.  And that is exactly what these products do.  It’s awesome!

This is a limited edition product.  It will only be for sale for a short time.  Grab it if you want it!  And the first people who purchase can save a chunk.

LUXURY BEAUTY SECRETS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Get 50% off by entering code: FOXY

Price: $29.99

Sale Price Only: $15.00

HAPPY SHOOTING!