New Orleans here we come! This weekend we’ll be heading to the Big Easy and meeting us there is photographer Belinda Reedy to share her experience and knowledge to share her tips for creating a lasting career in photography.

Session Information

Tuesday, January 17 at 12:00 pm – OH! The Places You CAN Go!

Belinda knows what it takes to become a rock star in your field, and she will help you with the art of selling your business and yourself to your clients.

Let’s get better acquainted with Belinda before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I have been a professional photographer for over 25 years. I am the photo editor for Gig Magazine launching this month. I own Reedy Photographics and photograph over 10,000 children in Central Mississippi every year. I also run music photography and merchandising divisions through my graphics department and have personally shot over 600 weddings.

What’s your favorite Miller’s product?

Currently it is simply the Metallic Paper. It makes images POP.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Knowing that I have the ability to stop time, and long after I am long gone, people will have my photographs to cherish for generations.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

It has to be meeting some of the most wonderful, giving, creative, and like-minded people all in one location. Also, making life-long friendships while expanding my career.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

To stop second guessing my instincts and GO FOR IT!

Learn more about Belinda here. See you in New Orleans!

Imaging is right around the corner. Have you taken a look at our awesome speaker schedule yet? Ed Pedi joins several other talented photographers to make up our speaker team for New Orleans.

Session Information

Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00 am – No Cost, 24/7 Marketing with Displays

Ed teaches you everything you need to know on how to get your portraits displayed in businesses in your community. It’s one of our studio’s best marketing strategies, and Ed will teach you the steps necessary to make it work for you!

Now before your big date in New Orleans get to know the man behind the camera a little bit better.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Ed Pedi; I hold the degrees of M.Photog., Cr., CPP. Along with my wife, Linda, own and operate Ed Pedi Photography in North Andover, MA. I specialize in Family & Children portraiture and this is our 20th year in business.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

10 oz. Canvas on Masonite with Lustre Coating. Our signature item and best seller is the large wall portrait, which our clients showcase as a focal point in their home décor. We love the richness and depth of Miller’s canvas finish.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love working with people, to put them at ease and to capture their real personalities and expressions. To portray the warmth and love that families have for one another using classical posing that doesn’t look ‘posed’.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

My most poignant memory is one that has stayed with me and demonstrates the importance of what we do as portrait photographers. I was asked to photograph an extended family group (33 people) at their home on a Sunday. I don’t work Sunday’s as it’s my one day off! I initially declined the job but one of their family members is a good friend and was the best man at my wedding. He was familiar with my work and really wanted me to photograph the family. I decided to make an exception and am glad I did.

I went to the location a week before to see the direction of the sun and to plan the best location for the session. I met the grandfather who was not very happy about having the portrait done; in fact, he was downright grumpy and told me he was doing this for his kids. I did my best to put him at ease and our conversation led to my learning that he and his wife were big fans of the ‘Frank Petty Trio.’ Frank happened to be my uncle. Before returning for the session, I burnt a CD of my Uncle’s music from old 78 albums that my Uncle had given me prior to his passing. When I arrived for the session, the first thing I did was present the grandparents with the CD. They were thrilled and extremely thankful, and the session went great.

As many of the family members were from out-of-state, I agreed to edit their images and schedule their viewing and ordering session the following day. Everyone was thrilled with the photographs and they ordered a number of wall portraits. Two days later, I received a call from one of their family members informing me their father had passed away last night and would it be possible to have any of the images printed for display at the wake on Friday. I contacted Millers the following morning, informed them what had happened and inquired if there was any way I could have two images printed and delivered by the next day. I can honestly say that Millers has never let me down whenever I’ve had a special request and by the next afternoon had delivered to me a 24×30 canvas of the extended family group and an 11×14 of the grandparents which I framed and presented at the wake on Friday. Needless to say, Millers is not just my lab they are an important partner in my business.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

To be a better listener!

Check out Ed’s work and a little more about him here. See you in New Orleans!

We feel honored to have some of the brightest and most talented photographers in the industry on our speaker team for Imaging USA. Joining us to share his expert knowledge and experience is JP Elario, New York based wedding photographer.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 3:15 pm – In Demand

JP shares core principles that have helped his studio become the most in-demand in his market and how he continuously attracts new clients without ad dollars. Learn how he gets the most out of Miller’s Lab from start to finish with all of his clients.

Now how about getting better acquainted with JP before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a fun, enthusiastic and crazy wedding photographer. I’ve been shooting weddings since I was 11 years old. How you might wonder? Well, my father started the business a long, long time ago. I can’t even count the number of weddings I’ve been to!

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

Gosh my favorite Millers product? That’s always changing with me. Right now I’m crazy about the Luxe Frames, 4×8″ Accordion Books and Print Wraps. Anything “Luxe” from Millers I love. The new Premium Cotton and Premium Bamboo press papers are awesome too! I always love Gallery Wraps and Metallic Prints, though – can’t go wrong with them!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

What I love most about being a photographer are the opportunities photography has given me. In my career, I’ve met and photographed Former President Clinton, which was so cool. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph the Dave Matthews Band as well. The reason I mention them is because I’m actually a full-time wedding photographer, but it’s not just brides and grooms. There is always something new and interesting. I guess I love how unpredictable my job can be!

Do you have a favorite Imaging memory?

This will be my second Imaging ever so I only have the memories from last year. The best one was Dale Benfield singing “I Will Survive” at a piano bar in San Antonio.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

My New Year’s resolution is to blog more often but with less images. Sometimes my posts tend to run on and I spend way too many hours working on them. I think keeping it simple is the key for 2012!

Get a peek into JP’s world here. To learn more about the man behind the camera and to see his work, visit his blog. See you soon!

Tomorrow we’ll be rolling into the Big Easy for Imaging USA. Who’s meeting us there? Mr. Chuck Arlund, that’s who! Chuck joins many other talented photographers on our speaker team who are meeting us in New Orleans to share their expertise during talks throughout the event.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 11:15 am – The Wedding Family Formal

Yes, wedding family formals are the most important images you can capture during the wedding, yet many photographers rush through them and have a general distaste for them. Chuck explains how to make the wedding family formal fun, including how to get relaxed, light poses and how to light a large group in a church with an on-camera flash.

Now how about we get to know a little more about what makes Chuck tick before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Chuck Arlund is a photographer.

Chuck Arlund is a rock guitar player – Gibson/Marshal baby.

Chuck Arlund loves his family.

Chuck Arlund loves Enchiladas and Margaritas.

Chuck Arlund is intrigued by fashion.

Chuck Arlund likes to show images in galleries.

Chuck Arlund loves MAC – both make-up and computers.

Chuck Arlund is a D&D nerd.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

I have two favorite products. Luxe Cards – I use them for my marketing and they are just WOW pieces. For clients, I love the Accordion Books. I don’t sell them but give them away as special surprise gifts. Just a great way to say thank you to great clients.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Finally being able to achieve what vision I have as an artist. See, I can draw and paint but not to my own liking, so I really failed myself and that’s when I discovered photography. I could do all the things as an artist – composition, color theory, the basic elements of design – and not have to worry about the actual “how much paint do I need to put on the canvas.” I was never good at that. Photography as a medium of art always fascinated me and I am trying my best to embrace it.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

My Imaging memory comes from Nashville a few years ago. First, it was in my hometown at the time – I’m back in Kansas City now. It was cool just being able to show my friends around to all the non-tourists places. Second, I had completely lost my voice. I sounded like a mouse. Many, many a video of me speaking, teaching and just being a goofball are out there somewhere. That was a lot of fun trying to get through that week.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

Seriously, get a photo agent or something to help me get bigger commercial and fashion jobs. All I really ever wanted to do was grow up to be like Bailey, Ritts, Avedon –  you know, make images that are commercial but are also art; and of course, lose 80lbs by next year. P90x here I come.

Get a look at Chuck’s work and learn more about him here. See you in New Orleans!

We are excited to bring a talented speaker team to Imaging USA in 2012. Veteran commercial advertising photographer Joel Grimes joins us in the Big Easy to share his expert knowledge.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 2:15 pm – Marketing Your Vision

Developing skills to be a great photographer is only the beginning to surviving in today’s marketplace. It is also just as imperative to become a great marketer. Joel Grimes has been pounding the streets pitching the advertising and corporate markets for over thirty years. Joel shares his wealth of knowledge from learning to overcome the fear of rejection to creating an effective mailing campaign.

Now take a few minutes to learn a little more about Joel before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I have been working as a commercial advertising photographer for over 30 years and am currently living in Pasadena CA. I love photographing people and have dedicated my life to creating dramatic larger than life portraits. For me, how light strikes a face is paramount. I believe we are in the greatest age of photography since its introduction due to the fact that we have more options to create than ever before. I hope to be creating images until they put me in the ground.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

I am a big fan of the Indigo Press for all my printed portfolios. A lot of attention has been directed toward using digital devises like the iPad to show your work, but I still believe nothing is greater than a printed portfolio.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love the ability to have an outlet to create. And it doesn’t hurt that I have been able to make a living at it for over 30 years.

Do you have a favorite Imaging memory?

Last year was the first time I attended an Imaging USA event and did so as a speaker. Since I was a rookie, I was given the 7:00 AM time slot on the very first morning. I was nervous about syncing up my laptop to the projector and did a dry run the night before and again at 6:15 AM that morning with perfect success. Of course, the minute I got up to speak in front of about 800 people my remote stop working. The typical technology gremlins showed up right on cue.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

I think it is time I started acting my age. At least that is what my kids keep telling me.

Learn more about Joel and his work on his website. See you soon!

We’re headed to New Orleans this weekend for Imaging and we’re excited to host Cris and Deanna Duncan on our speaker team. They will be there, along with some of the best photographers in the industry, to share their expert knowledge and experience with you.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 1:15 pm – Lighting for Sales

We all want more sales. We all want to be better photographers. Cris and Deanna empower you with valuable lighting techniques to help you make every subject look their best along with sales tips to help everyone win. You will be able to deliver the look you want and that your clients will love (and buy).

Now how about getting to know the Duncans a little better before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

We are a husband/wife team in Lubbock, Texas, offering high-end family, senior, wedding and commercial photography. We both work full-time in the business, with Cris as the lead photographer and Deanna as the backbone of CjDuncan Photography, doing the sales sessions and the majority of the design work. We operate out of a 1700 square foot studio on a 1 1/2 acre property.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

It is hard to narrow down a favorite Miller’s product. Obviously, the portraits are awesome but we love the press products, the Luxe Cards and now the Luxe Frames. We are constantly including these for holiday cards, senior invitations, birth announcements and even as general portrait cards for our clients – they love them. With so many options on size and shape, along with Deanna’s wonderful design skills, our clients always have a product unique to our studio, and that is what I feel makes Miller’s such a great partner in this business.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Our favorite thing? Our mission statement is “To create something of value by serving another person.” I think that sums it up pretty well. We truly love it when our clients, our friends, cherish what we have created for them. While we get to do what we love every day, and it is fun, there is something about presenting a product to someone that you know will be with them for years, if not generations. To us, that is pretty cool.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

Our favorite Imaging memory would have to be the first one we attended. We learned so much, attended every function we could, met some great people, with whom we still are friends, and found some great vendors. Basically, we were overwhelmed. But when a freak ice storm hit San Antonio that year we were forced to evaluate all the information we had gathered and develop a plan, which was a definitive turning point for our business. We now make it a point after every Imaging to stay two extra days to evaluate and plan the upcoming year. For us, that storm was a blessing.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

I think our resolution would be to simplify. In the world today, there are so many things competing for our attention, our time and our money. The sad thing is that most of them aren’t worth any of it. I believe that what you focus on expands, so we wish to continue to focus on growing our family and business together. Once we have this, all the other things will fall into place.

Take a look at the Duncan’s work and find out more about them here. See you in New Orleans!

Imaging is just two days away and we’re excited to have the gang from TriCoast on our speaker team to share their tips and tricks on lighting with you in New Orleans.

Session Information

Monday, January 16 at 12:15 pm – Cutting Edge Lighting for High School Seniors with TriCoast

Mike, Cody and Suzy share how they create amazing senior portraits with their TTL Wireless Flash Technique.

How about getting to know TriCoast a little better before your big date in New Orleans?

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

TriCoast is a group of friends who love sharing life together, blending this in their art with photography being one of the main outlets. What started off almost 20 years ago as part-time wedding photography today is a fully functioning studio offering high-end quality portraits, volume business covering 1000′s of students per year, and of course, weddings both local and around the world. Even as we work on developing software for a volume workflow solution, today TriCoast (Mike Fulton, Cody Clinton, Suzy Roberts, Cindy Williams) continues to grow in the photography world to help support their local community as well as professional photographers around the world.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

Without question TriCoast has made a name for itself for many years for the bright colors which we provide to our clients. Miller’s Metallic Paper helps bring that passion for color to life for our clients. From prints to albums, TriCoast loves it all.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

While there are four of us in TriCoast, I can honestly say the four of us love providing our community and professional photographers around the world with quality portraits as well as education to continue making the word “professional” important in other photographers’ eyes.  Education is a key part to our passion and is a foundation in why we continue to grow and get better.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

The first Imaging USA at which we spoke for Miller’s. Hardly anyone knew us and we spoke to a few friends in the seats at the tradeshow booth. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done still to this date. Now looking back, having spoken to and taught thousands of photographers around the world, it’s quite funny remembering just how nervous we all were at that time. Today each Imaging USA, while not near as nervous as the first, still gives us enjoyment as we truly believe the PPA is one of the KEY’S to continuing positive professional attitude in the photography world in these modern times.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

Be a better business person. Photography is the easy part in this business but one thing people need to remember is that this is a BUSINESS which just happens to sell photography and the experience which comes with those portraits. Learning how to be a better business person is never ending just like photography but learning to be a better business person allows you the freedom to grow your business. Paying your taxes, be it sales tax or property taxes, following the laws to giving back to your community. Being a professional photographer takes a lot more than just owning a nice digital camera and a flash, it means being a leader for the other photographers where they would be honored to follow your leadership. For 2012, as well as any other year, our greatest resolution is to continue to be ethical people, to make our wrongs right, and to lead within our community in ways we would be proud to follow. Photography is a wonderful thing. We truly feel it is one of the best jobs in the entire world.

Learn more about TriCoast and preview their work here. See you in New Orleans!

We are excited to bring a talented speaker team to Imaging USA in 2012. Come and hear Jamie Schultz, Minneapolis-St.Paul area photographer, speak just behind Miller’s booth #701.

Session Information

Sunday, January 15 at 3:15 pm – Beyond Pictures on Paper

Join Jamie as she discusses the importance of understanding client expectations and the role this plays in creating a lasting experience for those whom you photograph.

Now take a moment to get better acquainted with Jamie before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I own a photography studio in a small bed and breakfast community just outside of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my kids and putting together healthy bento box lunches for my boys.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

Luxe Cards have been a big seller for my studio!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love having an opportunity to connect with people in this hurried world we live in.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

My resolution for this year is to be more connected.  I strive to create authentic connections with my family, friends, and clients along with the community by giving back.

Learn more about Jamie and her studio here. See you soon!

We are excited to bring a talented speaker team to Imaging USA in 2012. Scott Westover, a Nevada based sports photographer, joins us in New Orleans to share his expertise and experiences.

Session Information

Sunday, January 15 at 2:15 pm – Left Brain vs. Right Brain in Sports Photography

Scott discusses the business aspects that most photographers overlook, in addition to providing insight on how to best set up a sports photo shoot. His experience as a CPA prior to owning his business provides him with a unique combination of skills and experiences that combine both the left and right brain.

Now let’s get to know a little more about Scott before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I own a sports photography company specializing in youth sports portraits. Prior to starting my photography business, I was a CPA for 5 years. With my business knowledge and passion for photography I was able to grow my business to the largest sports photography company in Northern Nevada within 5 years.

Personally, I have a wonderful wife, who is a CPA herself, and two young kids, a son of 7 and a daughter who just turned 5. As a family we enjoy outdoor recreation, traveling, and just hanging out together. My wife and I were avid mountaineers prior to having our children, which definitely put an end to any big ambitions, but I still try to get out and climb ice and rock as often as possible. Although the business takes up a fair amount of time, we definitely take time to travel and expose our kids to as much as possible.

What’s your favorite Miller’s or MpixPro product?

Although I don’t use it very often (if at all, lately) my favorite product is the Fine Art Metal Print. In the Sports & Events division, which I use about 99% of the time, I really like the new custom templates you have for Trader Cards and Magazine Covers.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

What I like most is both a blessing and a curse, but in my field of photography I am extremely busy from March through May and from August through October; however, outside of those crazy busy months, I am afforded the ability to take a lot of time away and get out and play.

What is one of your favorite memories of photography?

I guess my favorite memory would be being hired by a local triathlete to travel to Cozumel Mexico with him to document his Ironman competition. Not only was the travel there for a job nice, but while on the course I was able to secure a ride on the back of the media motorcycle and follow the athletes around as they circled the island on their bikes.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

I don’t necessarily make resolutions, but if I had to it would probably be to try and let some of the petty things go and not let them bother me. Being a former CPA, I get really caught up in the details and I let them bring me down sometimes. If I could learn to let go a little more, I could use that additional time for more important details.

Find out more about Scott on his website.

Imaging is just days away and we are lucky to host Damon Tucci, Orlando wedding and portrait photographer, as one of several other talented photographers to make up our speaker team for New Orleans.

Session Information

Sunday, January 15 at 1:15 pm – How to Make a Statement with Your Lighting Damon has revolutionized the art of dramatic lighting and posing for weddings and portraiture. He will analyze off camera, available and video light applications with a smattering of fashion posing thrown in for good measure.

Let’s get better acquainted with Damon before your big date in New Orleans!

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I like to surf.

What’s your favorite Miller’s product?

That’s a tough one. I have two: Fine Art Murals and Fine Art Acrylics.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love the interaction with the subject whether it’s a person, a mountain or a wave.

Do you have a favorite memory involving photography?

199-something in New Orleans I met one of my best friends, Kevin Elwell.

If you had to pick one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

Lose weight!

Preview Damon’s work and learn more about him here. See you in New Orleans!