We've now announced the next available Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp. We're now accepting registrants for October 18th, 19th, and 1/2 day on the 20th, with an opening reception on the 17th.
For more information and to register please contact the studio at 856.428.4268; 609.560.0877 or via email.
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 May Bootcamp was graced with students from Canada, Japan, Brazil, Mexicoand a U.S. contingency from coast to coast. The upcoming Summer 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 29 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.
The next available two-and-a-half-day workshop will take place at my studio in Haddonfield, New Jersey on October 18th, 19th, and half day on the 20th, with an opening reception in the evening of October 17th for those who can attend. The workshop will begin at 9am and go until we drop on the 12th and 13th and will end midday on the 14th. 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 $1,800 and attendance will be limited for more individual attention.
$900 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 856.428.4268; 609.560.0877 or via email.


Hi Cliff, sounds solid. How many participants are you limiting this to, as you mentioned above?
Posted by: Jay | August 30, 2007 at 04:59 PM
Sounds like a great ride, I'll have to see how caught up I am on albums by then :)
Posted by: Neil Cowley | September 11, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Hi Cliff,
Your wedding photos are amazing.
Just added your blog to my ESSENTIAL LINKS.
Thanks,
Posted by: Kai Chang | September 24, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Hi Cliff,
Your photos help me so much.
Just added your blog to my blog.
Thanks!
Posted by: mckun | October 26, 2007 at 04:57 AM
"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."
I'm confused by the last sentence - are you saying skill with the camera must come before a photographer can see with their mind's eye (which I take it you're saying is the core of having your own style)?
If you cross the Atlantic to the UK sometime, I'll attend a session. Until then, best wishes!
Posted by: Peter | February 25, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Hi Peter
yes, thats what I'm saying. I truly believe that a photographer can only develop a style AFTER the technical aspects of the camera become innate. Think about it. It's one thing to "see" a moment or an image in your mind's eye, but it's another thing to be able to capture it within the realm of one's style and vision if your mind is too busy thinking about shutter speeds and aperture settings! Thanks for your comment! I'd love to teach in the U.K. sometime soon!
best
Cliff
Posted by: cliff | February 25, 2008 at 01:48 PM
After reading Becker's review, I'd *love* to attend, August is going to be cray busy for me though :( I'll keep an eye out for a session deeper into the Fall or next Spring.
Posted by: Allen Ayres | April 28, 2008 at 10:56 PM
If I can scrape together the cash i'm in! My friend Jeff Guntert attended your last workshop and can't stop talking about it! Your control of light and creative perspective is something to strive for! Thanks for being an inspiration!
Posted by: Mabyn | April 29, 2008 at 06:50 PM
If you ever start offering scholarships, please let me know...you are the master of light...it's a pleasure to lurk on your site...lol...Heather
Posted by: Heather Whiting | June 02, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Very nice photos. Professionalism counts
Posted by: Sally | June 24, 2008 at 12:19 AM
For anyone reading this dust off your wallet, pull out your credit card and sign up.
It will literally change the way you photograph people and how you see light. Doesn't matter if you've been shooting for 30 years or 3, you will walk away with the confidence to be able to take great pictures at anytime of the day.
The blazing afternoon sun will become your best friend. While every other wedding photographer is running around looking for the open shade, you can be shooting in the middle of a parking lot and still get great shots using the techniques Cliff teaches you.
Cliff's a great photographer, but more importantly he's a great teacher who will keep helping you until you 'get it'.
Posted by: Scott Williams | July 15, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Cliff:你好,我非常欣赏您的婚礼摄影,从照片构图到色彩真是太精彩了,向您学习:)
Posted by: Luya | November 12, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Is it in April or October? I think I am missing something but both months are listed as the dates. Thank!
Posted by: Judy | November 13, 2008 at 04:44 PM
(Counting my pennies) - this would be perfect timing for the upcoming wedding season. I'll know more in another month or so, I'd love to attend this Spring :)
Posted by: AllenAyres | January 11, 2009 at 03:38 PM
Not seen anything like this in the uk, shame
Posted by: Theatre Lighting | February 09, 2009 at 09:53 AM
Cliff, GREAT Plus Class at WPPI! Thanks a million for sharing all of your years of wisdom, experience and talent. I'm excited and inspired to go out and push the limits and go beyond what I normally shoot to try to capture "a picture."
Posted by: Zach Goodyear | February 14, 2009 at 02:31 PM
I wish I could afford this full seminar, but I will be at your class coming up soon in Michigan!
Posted by: brett maxwell | March 05, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Any chance of doing a photography workshop in South Florida???
Your work is very creative and original. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Posted by: Curtis Copeland | March 13, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Hey Cliff, both Larisa and I just registered for Toronto and we are amped!! See ya!
j
Posted by: John Lyons | March 15, 2009 at 01:17 AM
I wish I could afford to go to stuff like this, maybe in the future!
Sarah
Panama City Wedding Photographer
Posted by: English Wedding Photo | March 22, 2009 at 01:15 PM
any chance of this being on dvd?
Posted by: Justin Keller | April 10, 2009 at 03:08 AM
One of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world, wow I'll say..absolutely amazing photos, all of those accolades from magazines and other media sources are certainly well deserved!
Posted by: photography studio equipment | May 19, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Maybe you'd consider a trip to Australia to teach?????? Or a DVD as suggested?
Posted by: Sarah | May 20, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Hai Cliff, your photo so amazing...regard from Bali Island
Posted by: Wayan Suadnyana | June 17, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Those photo images at the top are simply gorgeous. If I had the extra money I would love to learn from a world class photographer. I'm hoping to be able too one day.
Posted by: photo lighting | July 14, 2009 at 09:27 PM