Monica_Sigmon

Monica Sigmon, M. Photog. Cr., CPP

Michael Taylor, M. Photog. Cr., Hon-M. Photog.,

F-ASP

Taking it to the Next Level

This class is currently full.

Please check out our other classes.

Back…and better than ever!!!

Course Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Okay, you heard the rumors. Or, perhaps you were lucky enough to experience it first-hand. Either way, you will not want to miss SIGMON AND TAYLOR….PART DEUX!!

Join the dynamic duo for another amazing week and learn what they have been up to this past year, including ramping up their businesses, progress on Monica’s non-profit organization, and their NEW JOINT VENTURE!!

Want a studio that turns your best customers into clients for life? Spend a week with Monica and Michael and learn how you can have it all! With Michael being a "seasoned vet", and Monica a "new kid on the block", you will learn the importance of balancing innovative strategies with tried-and-true techniques. Learn the tricks of the trade for running a well-rounded studio in today's competitive marketplace that will immediately set you apart

This spectacular class will include inspiration and goal-setting with Monica. She will share with you how she began her company with a vision seven years ago and how, by following that vision, she has built a successful high-end portrait business with a reputation for innovation, excellence, and cutting-edge imagery. It’s all about balancing your business and personal goals, photographing your passion, and living the life you want to live.

Then the baton passes to Michael and lighting. Light…how we use it, caress our subjects with it, and tell a story with it, is what enables us to master our craft. The basic principles of being able to find or create lighting are very simple. To take these principles and make them work for you in every situation is an art. Michael has often been quoted as saying “the whole world is our studio.” His goal is that you to be able to walk into any location and be comfortable in how you are going to light that situation. Wouldn't you like to work with confidence anywhere? You will after this class. Instruction will include classroom lecture, as well as hands-on learning. Helen Yancy says Michael's portraits "takes my breath away." Ray Lowe, President of the British Institute of Professional Photography, calls Michael the "the finest environmental photographer in the world”, and Hanson Fong calls him "The God of Light” and says that "Michael can handle any lighting situation, anyplace, any time. He is the best I have ever seen."

But Monica and Michael both admit that even the best photographers in the world won’t stand a chance if they don’t understand Marketing. They will share with students a wealth of information, ideas, and specific strategies and campaigns that have positioned their studios as the most cutting-edge in their areas. Through deliberate branding and imaging, Monica attracts the kinds of clients she wants and will show you how to do the same. Michael will share the secrets of the event that single-handedly makes him money all year long.

Join Monica and Michael for an action-packed, high-energy week of inspiration and self-discovery.

Stumped by how to turn your passion into reality? They’ll help you solve the issues that often paralyze both new business owners and established photographers. Students will leave this exciting class armed with both invaluable marketing strategies, and a photographic skill set that can’t be beat. Ask yourself what you want to be, what you want your work and your life to look like, and get ready to take it all…to the next level.

Whatever stage of business you are in, you won’t want to miss this program!!!

About Monica Sigmon:

Monica is an award-winning photographic artist who specializes in designing original works of art that represent her subjects with emotion and honesty.

Ask her why her studio has been so successful in just seven short years and she will tell you that is because of the relationships she has built with her clients and throughout her community. Monica’s studio is widely known not only for its excellent reputation, but also for her cutting-edge imagery. Her studio fosters an environment where clients become friends; this connection she makes with her subjects is evident throughout her work and has become her signature style.

In addition to running her studio full-time, Monica is a popular speaker and travels to speak to professional photographers around the country. She is a consistent winner of awards at professional photographic competitions, including the coveted Kodak Gallery Award. She has earned the distinction of Certified Professional Photographer and the prestigious Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America, as well as the Associate Fellow of Photography degree from the state of Virginia. In January 2006, Monica had the honor of being named Kodak’s Photographer to Watch.

You can see more of Monica’s work at http://monicasigmon.com.

Click here to read Monica's article, "Discovering Truth."

About Michael Taylor:

M.Photog.Cr. Hon-M.Photog.

Fellow of the American Society of Photographers

Licentiate- British institute of Professional Photographers

Tennessee Masters of Photography

Fellow-Professional Photographers of California

Approved Photographic Instructor, PPA

Image Excellence Degree, PPA

Jury Chairman, PPA

Honorary Master of Science, Brooks Institute Directors Award, PPA International Service Award, PPA

Michael Taylor has had a long career of teaching photographers around the world. He has taught in 42 states. Michael has also spoken overseas over 30 times in eight countries. He is known for his creation of interesting and engaging location portraits. His ability to teach simple lighting concepts which can be applied to a wide range of subjects is well know in the industry.

Michael is a past President of the American Society of Photographers and the Professional Photographers of America. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of PPA. He is a graduate of Westmont College and Brooks Institute of Photography.

You can see more of Michael’s work at http://taylorfineportraiture.com.

Images by Monica Sigmon: