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!!

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

RSS Feeds, Subscriptions, and Comments

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March 29, 2008

2.9.08- Erin and Scott- Park Hyatt at the Bellevue- Philadelphia PA

When I first began working with Erin and Scott, we weren't sure if Scott would be able to come in to the country! Scott is from the U.K., and our wonderful government made it real difficult on Scott to get across the pond, but it all worked out in the end. This was an awesome day, with a ton of great light and a dynamic couple. I really love a few if these images and here's a few from the day. As usual, the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue did a wonderful job.

D3, 14-24 2.8- I LOVE this lens. Sharpest zoom I've ever used

D3, 28mm 1.4, ISO 3200. NO FLASH

March 26, 2008

2.8.08- Bethanne and Kevin- Crystal Tea Room Phila PA

Bethanne and Kevin were incredible fun. I want to thank them for their amazing interaction on a February afternoon. We began at the Omni Hotel and worked our way through Independence National Historic Park, and then onward around Philly. Oh, and of course, then they got hitched! Here are a few from their day.

3.26.08- Feature in Photoshop User Magazine!!!!

Uh, no, I'm not a photoshop guru, master, expert, or anything even remotely close to that. In fact, the truth is, I'm a bit photoshop challenged. However, I do know how to do some of the same basic things to my images that I did when I worked in a wet darkroom.

The kind folks at Photoshop User Magazine saw my work at Imaging USA in Tampa when I was speaking for Nikon. They took notice of the way I worked my images in photoshop and asked if I'd contribute an article on my favorite photoshop techniques. I was a bit surprised to say the least. However, I thought it'd be interesting to write something from my point of view that stressed the fact that you dont have to overuse photoshop in order to produce beautiful imagery. If you'd like to download the entire article, you'll have to subscribe to NAPP. You can click on this link here to view the Photoshop User magazine site and join. I hope you enjoy it. I was thrilled to contribute along with amazing photographers del sol photography, and David Ziser.

March 20, 2008

3.20.08- WPPI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION LAS VEGAS- BELOW ARE MY ENTRIES THAT WON "AWARD of EXCELLENCE" STATUS AT THE PRINT COMPETITION!

What a week. I'm totally spent. The best part of WPPI,(wedding and portrait photographers international), is the friendships I've made with some of the best photographers from around the globe. WPPI is also about giving back to this amazing industry. I've been fortunate enough to have been a convention speaker for the 4th consecutive year. Thanks to all those who attended my master class. I'll have the keynote presentation online within the next day or so at the latest BTW! I'll update this blogpost with a link to the file.

I also want to thank my sponsor for this convention, Nikon USA, for sponsoring my seminar. It was also an honor, once again, to present in their booth at the tradeshow. It's always a blast doing it. I've met some wonderful people and it's my honor to be a Nikon spokesperson. I'm literally blogging at the airport waiting to return to philly, but this is a quick post... out of boredom!


For those who attended my master class and are looking for the keynote presentation, please email me and I'll send you the link to download the PDF! cliff@cmphotography.com

 


Here I am presenting at the Nikon booth. it's always a blast!

I won 4 gold awards at the "awards of excellence" print competition. Here are my entries that scored 85 or above

March 13, 2008

3.13.08 -Nikon Corporation Demo shoot with D300 at the famed Gleasons Gym-Brooklyn NY!!

What an awesome day! Being a spokesperson for the Nikon Corporation really has it's perks sometimes. I had the pleasure of demonstrating the capabilities of the D300 with editors of some of the premier trade publications in the industry. My good friend Geoff Coalter from the MWW public relation group organized a terrific outing to the famous Gleason's Boxing Gym in Brooklyn NY, where we spent the afternoon playing with our D300's and shooting various subjects in the gym. I want to thank the athletes at Gleasons for being so tolerant of our presence. In attendance were Jack Howard from Popular Photography, Dan Havlik from Photo District News, Sarah Kramer from NBC/DVICE/Sci Fi Blog, Dana Wollman from Laptop and Laptop Magazine, Mike McNamara from Popular Photography, and Mike McEnaney from Picture Business. In addition, I could never forget my buddy Lindsay Silverman, the technical guru from Nikon USA. We had a blast. My job was to familiarize these folks with the gear, demonstrate how I see light, and execute some portraiture using various light sources.  Here's a few images of these awesome athletes. It was intense, to say the least.

I had handled the D300 a few times, but TBH, I didn't realize how responsive it really is until today. It's absolutely going to be a part of my toolbox from now on. It's late, I'm packing for WPPI, but I'll have more of a review of the camera after WPPI. For now, lets call the D300 "D3-light" Its a remarkable camera, and what's more remarkable is that it's only $1800.00. It handled so much better than I thought it would. While the ISO performance isn't quite what the D3's is(nothing is), it's still pretty damn amazing.  It's also got the SAME focusing mechanism as the D3! That's also remarkable. Again, I'll get specific ASAP. I hope you all enjoy some of these images from Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn.