The Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp- 4 slots left for August Bootcamp!!!!

NOW REGISTERING FOR THE SUMMER BOOTCAMP- August 11-13th in Haddonfield NJ AND for the Fall bootcamp October 27th-29th.

For those interested please call the studio @ 856-428-4268 for information and registration.


I'm amazed at the growth and the international response of the Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp. Attendees are traveling from all over the world. My most recent April Bootcamp was graced with students from Canada, Mexico, and the and a U.S. contingency from coast to coast. The upcoming spring bootcamp has quite an international flavor as well.  Please call us with any questions. Thanks to all those former students who've spread the word!! 

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 APRIL 21st, 22nd, and half day on the 23rd, with an opening reception in the evening of APRIL 20th for those who can attend.  The workshop will begin at 9am and go until we drop on the 21st and 22nd and will end midday on the 23rd.  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 04, 2009

6.12.09- Jessica and Lloyd- Cairnwood Estate- Bryn Athyn PA

I'm always thrilled whenever I have the opportunity to work at Cairnwood Estate. It's beautiful, classic architecture makes for interesting compositional scenarios, the light is terrific, and the building is always immaculate. The ceremony was held at St. Martin of Tours church in N.E. Philly,  catered by Feastivities, and Steve Croce from Silver Sound provided the entertainment.  Here's a few from Jessica and Lloyd's day!

June 30, 2009

6.6.09- Lauren and Peter- Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia PA

Lauren and Peter were married at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The amazing reception was held at Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia. Decor by the incomparable Brian Kappra and Evantine Design. Custom paper works by Two Paper Dolls. Jellyroll supplied the entertainment, and Video One productions captured the event on video. Here's a few from their day!

June 28, 2009

5.24.09- Emily and Jordan- Park Hyatt at the Bellevue- Philadelphia PA

The Park Hyatt at the Bellevue has long been one of my favorite venues. It's got an historic, classic Philadelphia feel that never gets old. Emily and Jordan were a blast to work with. I also had the pleasure of working with my friend Eddie Bruce, who's band kept things hopping, and Tim Sudall of Video One Productions. Here's a few from their day.
 

June 26, 2009

Jordan's Bar Mitzvah- Pod Restaurant- Philadelphia PA

While I don't really do THAT many mitzvah's, I do, however, do them. I really enjoy doing them as well. It's my goal with each mitzvah, be it bar, or bat, to not just depict the social aspects of the day, but also depict the essence of who this child is- not unlike my goal for weddings- to capture the essence of my couples. This is Jordan. He's a terrific kid, but also a terrific athlete who brought me into his world in order to capture who he IS, not just who he was on his bar mitzvah day. Here's a few of Jordan. A huge thanks to POD restaurant for a great job on this event.

June 05, 2009

5.23.09- Margaret and Ethan- Private home near Wilkes Barre PA

What can I say. What a treat to have been asked to shoot Margaret and Ethan's wedding on her family's 3000 acre property. Rather than ramble about how tasteful everything was, I hope these images tell the story. I hope you all enjoy them. As always, comments are welcome.

 

June 01, 2009

5.9.09- Dana and Justin- The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia

It's always enjoyable to have the honor of working with families on multiple occasions. Dana and Justin were married on May 9th, and I had the pleasure of shooting Kyle, Dana's sister two years earlier. EBE's LA Stars rocked the Rittenhouse Hotel, and Evantine Design didn't disappoint with they're usual stunning decor. Here's a few from their day!

Pat and John- Ritz Carlton Philadelphia

This wedding was from 07, and it was great to revisit the day with Pat and John. It's interesting to look back a few years and see what I was doing pre D3. These were great people, and I did very little blogging when they were married. Here's a few from their day at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia!

April 12, 2009

4-12-09- Hangin with my daughters- Philadelphia PA

With all of the shooting I do, I don't photograph my daughters enough. They've both asked to be on my blog on various occasions, so I thought I'd finally get take care of that. Alison and Samantha are everything to me, and they braved the chilly spring air so dad could grab a few shots. I've been doing more and more portraiture lately, and I can't think of better subjects! The first is Alison, then Samantha.

April 11, 2009

3.7.2009- Jennifer and Chris- Ballroom at the Ben- Philadelphia PA

I know, I know, two blog posts in one week. At least I'm trying to blog more!

We began at the Loews hotel, Philadelphia, where everyone prepped for the day. Jennifer and Chris  were married at Old St. Joes in Old City. After the wedding, we ventured around the city, stopping at various points along the way to grab some images of them playing around. The reception was held at the fabulous Ballroom at the Ben on Chestnut st. Entertainment was provided by CTO Park Avenue. The videographer was Louis Anthony, who I always enjoy working with. I really had a blast, and hope everyone enjoys a few of the images from their day! As always, comments are welcome.

April 06, 2009

2.28.09- Katie and Bart- Loews Hotel- Philadelphia PA

I know. It's been a while since I've blogged. My new years resolution was to blog more. I suppose I've already blown that one. Maybe next year I'll proclaim a more realistic resolution. But I digress. Regardless, I'm gonna do my best. I'm going to do my best to blog a few more weddings asap, as well as a few images from Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai, which was quite an experience.

Katie and Bart were married at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia.  These were fun people who I really enjoyed spending time with. Like most winter weddings, the weather presents challenges. We all sucked it up and made some pics. As I like to say, we're only as good as our clients. Katie and Bart braved the chill and had some fun. Here's a few from their day. As always, comments are welcome!