The Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp- SUMMER SESSION SOLD OUT- BOOKING FOR FALL SESSION NOW

BOOKING NOW FOR FALL SESSION- 

October 28th, 29th, 30th with an OPENING RECEPTION ON OCTOBER 27th AT MY STUDIO IN HADDONFIELD NJ 

During the past few years since I've been doing workshops and seminars, the most common denominator for all of my students has been the need to develop their own style.  After 26 years of shooting I've come to believe the only way to accomplish this is to become one with your camera.  Seeing with your mind's eye is a lot different than just looking through your viewfinder.  In order to accomplish the former, a photographer's skillset must be first and foremost before they can begin developing their own style.

The goal of this workshop is for every photographer in attendance to drastically improve their skills and give them the confidence to go after their own style. 

The workshop will feature:

-  Various technical aspects and a deeper understanding of your gear.
-  A multitude of creative flash techniques.
-  Lighting your subjects from noon to midnight.
-  Live bridal shoots on location in Philadelphia.
-  Individual hands-on instruction during shoots.
-  Techniques in capturing the essence of our clients.

Other topics covered will be:

-  Client interaction and relationships.
-  Sales presentation skills including a mock presentation.
-  Building a referral base through vendor/partner relationships.
-  Client retention.
-  Workflow from capture to proof.

This two-and-a-half-day workshop will take place at my new studio in Haddonfield, New Jersey from OCTOBER 28th-30th, with an opening reception in the evening of October 27th for those who can attend.  The workshop will begin at 9am and go until we drop on the 28th and 29th and will end midday on the 30th.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided all three days.  Reasonably priced hotel accommodations are within moments of the studio and a referral list can be provided upon request. 

Tuition is $1,700 and attendance will be limited for more individual attention.

$850 is due upon registration and the balance will be due three weeks prior to the workshop.

Here's a few comments on my work, seminars, and workshops.

American PHOTO Magazine-"one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world"

WPPI- Cliff Mautner is "one of the top photographers and educators in the world"

Marcus Bell-"“Cliff is a pure craftsman with the lens and exhibits an amazing eye to capture the perfect moment.  Cliff has been able to turn these rare talents into an incredible business with a solid vision for the future.   A workshop with Cliff would fast track you to the big time.”

Joe Buissink-"Cliff sees light like nobody I've ever met"

Ray Prevost-"It amazes me when I hear new photographers complain about the bad locations and the lousy lighting they have to work with at weddings. What that tells me is that they need to learn the skills that are part of this profession. I can think of no better person to teach you to "deal with it" than Cliff Mautner. He does more than just deal with "bad light", he makes it into good light by using it to add drama and interest in his images. Even guys like me, who know where to find the good light, can learn how to do something other than run for the shade. I've learned much from Mr. Mautner.

COMMENTS FROM ATTENDEES:

"I also attended last weeks workshop and it's hard to put into words what a life changing experience it was. The whole concept of "good" light is out the window, Cliff shows us how to make any light "good light". As he say's as a wedding photographer your job is to catch the moments and you can't always afford to wait until the light is just right. He made shooting in direct midday sun not only ok but artistic, and beautiful. My confidence is way up from this, and I had several "aha" moments. Cliff obviously truly cared about each and everyone of us getting it. We got the feeling that he would have stayed with us all night until we got it if need be. He was very concerned with all of us having a great experience and took care of every detail of the workshop. He was a complete open book, and a very humble guy considering the huge talent and sucess he is. We even got to sit in on a real wedding inquiry meeting to see exactly how he conducts those."

"Cliff Mautner is beyond amazing. As a wedding photographer for the last 5 years, I learned more with cliff at this workshop in 3 days than I did in 5 years on my own. He will teach you how to see in ways you never even imagined. Turning the worst light into the most incredible advantage. I am so blown away that if Cliff ever offered another class, I would attend it even at double the price I paid. The quality of my work has taken a leap from where I was and my confidence is 10x what it was. I really believe I know what to do in any lighting challenge. I can't say enough other than to be at this class will give you an almost unfair advantage."

"Also, I don't think I've ever gone to a workshop or seminar where the host put so much effort into making sure EVERYONE'S needs were met. He left no stone unturned and logistically, the studio, the material, the food, drinks and everything else was fantastic.
As far as the content goes, he hit everything you could imagine. The class audience consisted of all levels of experience. From 25+ year professionals to people who are looking to take their hobby to the next level. From my conversations with my workshopmates, everyone felt they got their monies worth and a whole lot more."

 

For more information and to register please contact the studio at 609.560.0877 or via email.

July 31, 2008

American PHOTO Magazine's Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World!!

I'm incredibly proud, honored, yet mostly humbled, to have been named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American PHOTO Magazine.


I want to thank so many who have called and emailed me to send congrats my way. It's obviously a huge honor to be among this group of terrific photographers- some of who are friends. American PHOTO has put a brief slideshow from each photographer chosen and it's live on their website now. There is some pretty inspiring work, to say the least. Take some time and view this work- you'll be glad you did. Special thanks to Lindsay Sakraida who wrote the article and did a great job. I'd also be remiss if I didn't say thanks to Nikon. The D3 and it's full frame sensor has really allowed me think differently about my work and clearly enhance my vision. Congrats to each of the photographers on this list. It's a terrific group to be a part of! Here is the link to the list.

Just to add, I'd like to primarily thank my clients. One of the things I talk about in my workshops and seminars is that we're only as good as our clients. I set very clear expectations with my clients. They know what to expect from me, but I also know what to expect from them. It's truly a combined effort on the wedding day to produce the best photographic documentation possible. My clients are amazing and I can't thank them enough for providing me with the effort that enables me to make the images I produce!!

July 21, 2008

7.15.08- MLB All Star Game- Bronx NY

First of all, I need to apologize to those who frequent this blog- both clients and photographers- who come on here looking for my wedding and portrait images. I had 8 weddings in May, and another 8 in June, and am just now coming up for air! I'm going to do my very best to get back on track with this blog.

I normally don't blog too many personal items on here. However, on occasion, my kids, or other items important to me, are ways for people out there to learn a bit about me besides they type of images I produce.

I was born in the Bronx, 4 short blocks from Yankee Stadium. My dad was a life long Yankee fan, and Yankee Stadium played a major role in my upbringing. I remember watching Mickey Mantle, Elston Howard, Lou Pinella, Bobby Murcer(RIP Bobby), and countless other Yankee greats, and not so greats! This mecca of sports was also a mecca of father-son relationships that transcend baseball.

My father passed away 5 years ago this summer. While he was still able, I rented a limo and brought him, my sister, and his best friend to Yankee Stadium one last time. Lewis Katz, a part owner of the Yankees at the time, was kind enough to give me seats behind the Yankee dugout. It was one of the greatest days of my life, and one that I'll remember forever, given that the light in my father's eyes shined one last moment while he enjoyed one last game in his favorite place on earth.

I was fortunate enough to come across a pair of tickets to the game last week, and jumped at the opportunity to take in Yankee Stadium one last time before it gives way to the new stadium across the street next year. My father would have loved this!

Nikon D3- Nikkor 14-24mm 2.8 

June 11, 2008

5.10.08- Gabrielle and Matt- Urban Outfitters Warehouse Philadelphia PA

Gabrielle and Matt were married at the Urban Outfitters Warehouse at building 543 of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

I had just been there one week prior, and this wedding was amazing as well. I truly wish I could work there more often. Gabrielle and Matt were terrific. We had a blast making our way around the Navy Yard. the juxtaposition of old ships and a beautiful bride made for interesting composition for sure. The amazing decor was designed by my good friend Brian Kappra at Evantine Design. The day was spectacular and I truly enjoyed working with everyone on this wedding. Here are a few from the day!

5.3.08- Lindsay and Matt- Urban Outfitters Warehouse, Philadelphia PA

This was such a pleasure. I was lucky enough to have the honor of photographing the only two weddings held at the Urban Outfitters Warehouse at building 543 of the Philadelphia Naval Yard. Lindsay and Matt were first. I had such a blast working with Lindsay, Matt, and their families. The wonderful decor was designed by Kendall Brown of Eclatante design.  I also had the pleasure of working with my buddy Tim Sudall of Video One Productions on this wedding. Here are a few from their day!

May 30, 2008

5.30.08- My Inside Digital Photo Interview at WPPI on the Nikon D3

Inside Digital Photo presents a variety of radio and television programs geared towards digital photography enthusiasts and professionals. Their host and head honcho Scott Sheppard first interviewed me at Photoplus Expo in New York City back in October after i was the first wedding photographer in the world to shoot the D3 at a wedding. Back in March, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Scott once again in Las Vegas at WPPI 08. The D3 was once again the topic of our conversation. Scott really does a great job. He knows his stuff and asks the right questions which really makes it easy for all those he interviews. This past week, once again had the honor of being interviewed by Scott while as a guest on his Inside Digital Photo radio program which originates in San Fransisco. This interview will be edited and posted on itunes for download and I'll post the link to this blog as soon as it's available. Thanks so much to Scott and his producer Alexandra Gebhardt for making things so easy. In the meantime, here is the youtube video from WPPI 08 in Las Vegas after I got off the Nikon podium at the WPPI tradeshow.

May 29, 2008

4.12.08- Jodi and Richard- The Westin Philadelphia

It's been quite a while since I've blogged. Sorry to those who've recently subscribed. I've been pretty damn busy shooting weddings but I'm committed to blogging more frequently now in order to keep up with the dates.

Jodi and Richard had a terrific wedding at The Westin Philadelphia. The Westin did a complete renovation a short time ago and they did an amazing job. It's better than ever and I've always enjoyed working there. The amazing Carol Powers Gordon did the decor and really set a wonderful mood. Here are a few from their day

May 12, 2008

3.30.08- Jocelyn and Oren- Congregation Beth El, Cherry Hill, NJ

Jocelyn and Oren had a wonderful, traditional ceremony at their synagogue in Cherry Hill, NJ. I love it when couples choose to include a tisch and bedeken, beautiful symbolic traditions in judaism, into their ceremony. This was a very special couple who've displayed some inspiring personal commitment toward one another that is way too personal to share on this blog. It was truly my privilege to photograph them. Here are a few from their day.

April 29, 2008

Featured on the [b] school blog!

It was a great honor this week to be featured on my friend and colleague Becker's [b] school blog.  The [b] school is a great resource for photographers and it was really flattering to be asked to contribute.  The video below is my interview with Becker where he asks me about how I've developed a style of shooting with harsh light to create texture, dimension, and mood. We also talked about how I work to build relationships with venues and other wedding professionals.  Becker, a Southern California Photographer is one of the brightest, most innovative people I know. His new [b] school is really a phenomenal resource for photographers. Stop on by the [b] school to check it out  - and you can also watch the video interview below.  Thanks, [b]!

April 16, 2008

3.1.08- Annie and Ryan- Loews Hotel Philadelphia PA

When I first shot Annie and Ryan's engagement session I knew they'd be amazing to work with, and of course they were. They had an amazing energy and I was thrilled they chose me to shoot their day. We began in Annie's room and then I did my thing with them around the city. A huge thanks to wedding planner Gina Sole who made the day go smoothly!

I also enjoyed working with my buddy Drew Demarinis from Tangerine Media Group, and we were entertained by CTO Manhattan, who did a great job. Donna Obrien from Beautiful Blooms in Philadelphia did their usual beautiful job with the decor!

Here are a few from their day!

April 04, 2008

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