Through the combination of lecture, photographs, and demonstration this unique husband and wife team will show how we can unlock the creative individual within each one of us.  They will explore the various techniques that can be used in our everyday photography that will not only separate our work from that of our competition, but will allow us to create portraiture that transcends traditional photography and becomes a form of personal art.  This seminar is designed for serious portrait photographers who are striving to develop a style of their own.  Through the combination of the photographer's vision with the necessary technical mastery, we can produce images that not only win awards, but which will also make us successful business owners and fulfilled as portrait artists.

        Today's photography market can be both lucrative and highly competitive.  However, without constantly changing and keeping up with new trends in technology and photographic styles, the road to success can be difficult and time consuming.

        Some of the subjects that we will discuss include:  The creative use of filters and texture screens, color and b&w films that add mood and style to our photographs, creating style through print competition, color and b&w print manipulation, and marketing practices that will help us succeed as portrait artists in the current "cookie Cutter" market that is so prevalent today.  If a live demonstration is desired we will recreate a number of our award-winning photographs so that you can see every aspect of the final portrait including concept and design, lighting, posing, and the way we use props and backgrounds to create dramatic effects.

        Most importantly, Mary Jean and Joe will discuss how we can "unblock" the "artist within."  Many of us wish we were more creative and many of us sense that we are more creative but we are unable to tap into our dreams.  We will look at creativity and discuss not only how we can nurture it but how we can push our own creativity to the limits.  Through the discovery of our own creative talents we will be able to find our own photographic niche and excel at it.