It's "Wednesdays with Westcott," and this recently shared under three-minute video is chocked full of great information. It's one of the best "how-to" videos I've seen. It's a great video with tips on studio lighting for filmmaking all along the way: filmmaker, Caleb Wojcik shares so much great information. He does a terrific job of explaining each component in the setup.

So many of you don't think of yourselves as filmmakers. However, the reality is business is continually changing, and along with it, your skillset needs to adapt to the needs of your clients. Plus, understanding lighting, no matter what your specialty, is going to make you a stronger artist.

Westcott is continually expanding and sharing content to help you raise the bar on your skillset and business. There are almost 400 videos on their YouTube channel, and WestcottU is packed with more new inspiration practically every day. 

Remember, when you enter the Westcott site through the SCU gateway, 10% of everything you spend goes to NowILayMeDownToSleep. SCU is a Westcott affiliate, but we're not taking the commission and instead, writing a check to NILMDTS!

Click on any banner below and take a scroll through some of the finest lighting tools in imaging!

"...that's what we're looking for in a moody photograph - highlights and shadows,
that's how we sculpt the body." 
Jen Rozenbaum

It's Wednesdays with Westcott, and once again Jen Rozenbaum knocks it out of the park! There's so much you can learn watching a photographer/educator like Jen in action.

The quality of the content she packs into this short video isn't just about the tips she shares to help you create mood in a portrait. All along the way, she's helping you understand how to direct the subject and look for the right angle to capture the most powerful image. 

And, thanks to help from the team at Westcott, you're getting a solid course in one aspect of portrait lighting jam-packed into seven minutes! So, imagine how much you'll learn in a LIVE workshop environment with Jen!

Check out ClickCon coming up next month in Chicago. Jen's part of the lineup of outstanding instructors and Westcott will be there as well. Use "ccskip" in the discount box for registration and save $50!

​Don't forget - 10% of everything you purchase from Westcott when you enter their site through the "door" to the left goes to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, one of the industry's most recognized nonprofit organizations.

Westcott U never slows down in sharing great content and "how-to" support to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images! Inspiration is just a click away.

It's "Wednesdays with Westcott," and Jerry Ghionis is back with two short videos jam-packed with great how-to content. If you've met Jerry or attended one of his workshops then you know, just like Westcott, he NEVER does anything halfway!

He's working with the Ice Light 2, which working together with Westcott, he designed. It's a remarkable addition to your gear and also one of the most creative lighting tools you can add to your skill set! These two videos are part of a series Jerry and Westcott created three years ago, but there's nothing dated about the tips Jerry shares to help you become a better artist and make your work stand out.

Timing is everything because on July 1, Westcott launched a special limited time promotion of a set of barn doors FREE with the purchase of an Ice Light 2! Click on the thumbnail to the right. And remember, 10% of everything you buy from Westcott when going through the SCU gateway goes to one of the industry's most recognized nonprofits, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.
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​If you think Jerry shares a lot in a short video, think about what he's like when teaching a class! He's the opening keynote speaker at the upcoming ClickCon conference. A lot of photographers have described the speaker list for ClickCon as the most impressive list of educators in professional photography, but don't take my word for it. Click on the banner below and see for yourself.

"I'm going to show you what I do in order to save time in post-production."
Will Cadena

by Skip Cohen
​
One primary ingredient in being a success as a wedding photographer is all about being a great storyteller. The wedding album isn't just a collection of beautiful photographs but the story of the couple, their wedding day and capturing the details, especially in the bridal gown. Remember, a well-done wedding album is the first family heirloom of a brand new family! (You should be able to hear angels blowing trumpets at this point! LOL)

It's "Wednesdays with Westcott," and this new video featuring Will Cadena is loaded with wisdom! His quote above says it all - if your images are clean right out of the can it's going to save you time. Time is your most valuable commodity and rather than sitting at your computer cleaning images up in post-production, if you do things right from the beginning, you're going to have more time to market yourself!

One of the things I love most about this video is Will and Westcott's, additive approach to lighting. After you watch the video check out the article, which will take you through each ingredient being added to create the final portrait above.

Interested in raising the bar on your skill set? Will's teaching at ClickCon in Chicago in August. It's going to be an event that for many of you could be life-changing. If Will can pack this much information into just a short film, imagine how much he can pack into his classes?

For more information on what's destined to become the best new boutique photography conference of the year, click on the banner below. And if you're joining us register through the link below and use "ccskip" to save $50 off your registration.

​Westcott never slows down on sharing great content to help you raise the bar on your skill set. And, they manufacture/distribute some of the finest lighting equipment in professional photography.

Check out their YouTube channel for 375 videos covering virtually every aspect of lighting, and WestcottU is always loaded with great inspiration.

For the rest of 2019, when you purchase anything from Westcott through the "door" below or through the link on the Rapid Box Switch to the right, 10% of your purchase price goes to one of the industry's most recognized nonprofits, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

Thanks for helping SCU give back and I'm looking forward to catching up to many of you in Chicago. What a kick! ​

I'm not sure I've ever shared a post as loaded with content as this one today. And, while I know blog posts are supposed to be short, and singular in topic, it's tough to do when there's a lot of good stuff to talk about.

Giving Back Campaign With NILMDTS

If you've followed me over the years then you already know I'm a big fan of finding ways we can use photography to give back. For me, in terms of the industry, it started with selling Ansel Adams Cadillac to raise money for Photographer + Friends United Against AIDS in the early 90's and later Ansel's camera gear to shock jock Don Imus for $100,000 with the proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Center for Creative Photography.

Over the years there's been a growing list of non-profits we've talked about here at SCU, including my involvement with the Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota who are responsible for providing health care to thousands in the community along with over 250,000 meals each year to the elderly...and the list goes on and on.

For the last few years, I've been honored to be an Ambassador for a very special non-profit, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. NILMDTS has a pretty remarkable team of dedicated photographers and staff focused on helping families deal with the loss of a child. We've shared a lot of great posts thanks to members of the NILMDTS team.

And, here's where the fun of a blog like this comes into play.

Teaming Up With Westcott

SCU is a Westcott Affiliate. That means for every piece of gear you buy through the SCU/Westcott portal; we would normally get a 10% affiliate credit (commission). Effective immediately and at the very least through the rest of 2019, ALL of that commission is going to NILMDTS.  Looking for great lighting gear? Here's an excellent and easy way for all of us to help the NILMDTS community and at the same time, raise the bar on the quality of your images!

​I can't think of a better way to launch our new giving back campaign than with Peter Hurley's latest video and a great list of gear he's helped design working together with Team Westcott!

I do hundreds of website reviews each year, and when it comes to looking at galleries, there's an immediate quality in the images that tell a lot about each artist - the expressions on their subjects. Natural expressions are a sign of exceptional quality in an artist - the ability to build trust. And, when you're doing a headshot, your time to build trust is often so limited.

In the words of Carly Simon's old hit, when it comes to Peter Hurley, "Nobody does it better!" The video below is jam-packed with great content and includes Peter's set up for this particular sitting. He shares a lot of great insight.  But think about it, his advice is perfect for all kinds of people photography, including weddings! So, don't think just because you're a wedding photographer, for example, you won't learn a few new tricks to bring out the very best expressions with your bridals and "groomals."

And, when you purchase any of Peter's gear through the SCU portals, 10% of everything you buy goes back to helping NILMDTS!

All of you are looking for ways to make your work stand out from the competition. It takes more than just great marketing - you've got to be able to walk the talk. There's no better way than making sure every image in your galleries is a "wow" print - in other words, they're so good you'd only have to show one to get hired.

​I love the way Peter brings out the best in his subject, Kerstin. He shares a whole series of images of her in the video, but listen to his comments, especially when he finds out her father is in the studio. And, all along the way, he's giving us great tips on how to make it all happen.

But maybe most important of all, Peter and his clients are have fun in the process. Remember, "fun?" It's a word so often lost in business today and buried underneath the day in day out stress of decision making. However, being fun to work with and capturing images that exceed client expectations are two of the very best building blocks for your reputation and brand awareness.

Check out Peter's primary gear from this video with a click on any of the products below. And, if you make a purchase through the SCU portals below 10% goes to NILMDTS.

Peter Hurley is one of the finest and most recognized educators in professional photography. Check out why by attending the newest boutique conference in photography, ClickCon. It's all happening in August in Chicago - use "ccskip" in the discount box and save $50. 

It's "Wednesday's with Westcott," and with ClickCon coming up in less than two months I thought it would be fun to share four classic short how-to videos** from Westcott's Top Pros who are also teaching at the Chicago event. Each video is thanks to Westcott and one of the photographers above. Each one is short, but packed with great content.

These are just four of the ClickCon speakers who have videos on Westcott's YouTube channel. You can add Lindsay Adler, Clay Blackmore, and Will Cadena, Westcott's Top Pros who are also teaching at ClickCon. 

There are over fifty of the most recognized educators in photography today, and they're all going to be at ClickCon, and supported by many of the finest companies in photography who believe in education. Westcott never slows down in helping photographers raise the bar on their skill set and the quality of the images they deliver to their clients. And, Westcott will be exhibiting at ClickCon, giving you a chance to meet more of their team and check out great lighting gear!

Use "ccskip" to save $50 on registration and register through my affiliate portal. Plus, I'm sharing my registration commission with each of you together with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The affiliate commission is 10% of whatever you pay for registration - so half will go to you in cash right at the conference and the other half to NILMDTS. Just click on the banner to the right for more information.

Meanwhile, enjoy the four videos I pulled from Westcott's extensive YouTube library. And, if you're looking for a little inspiration...check out WestcottU with a click on the banner below.

Lighting isn't complicated when you understand the process - with Jen Rozenbaum

Peter Hurley's new H2Pro bags

Part 4 of Jerry Ghionis' Ice Light Master Series

Creating Cross Lighting with Joel Grimes

oby Skip Cohen
​
Now and then a workshop comes along that so many of you need to attend for two reasons: First, the quality and experience of the instructors and second, the content and what you'll learn. 

It's one of those rare opportunities that if you knew about it well in advance, it would be on your bucket list!

September 12-15, 2019

"Shooting Stars" is going to be off-the-charts in terms of everything we all look for in programs like quality, value, content, and fun. Remember, "fun?" It's one of those words so often lost in business and education today. And education becomes fun when you're learning life and business changing techniques to raise the bar on the quality of your images.

While I only know Russ Harrington by reputation and his work, I've been hanging out with Tony Corbell a good portion of my adult life...or at least that time I was expected to act like an adult! LOL There's a reason why he's typically considered the "King" of lighting - it's his understanding of light; his experience and his style of teaching. It's about helping you see the world through his eyes and learning to not only see the light but control it...at any time of the day or night!
 
Two of Photography's Very Best

I grabbed this from their recent press release...

Russ Harrington is the go-to guy for musicians and celebrities who want to make an impact. He's photographed some of the most recognizable faces in the music industry, producing over 700 album covers for stars like Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, and many more. Now he's ready to share what he's learned with you.

Tony Corbell is one of the most sought-after educators in the photographic world. He's the author of three popular photo books and is featured in more than 25 books and is recognized as the expert on photographic lighting. Who else can say they have photographed three U.S. presidents and over 140 world leaders?

Great Content: The program is taking place at Tony's new studio in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and nothing beats the quality of a workshop when it's on the instructor's home turf! Russ and Tony will share their collective knowledge about location lighting, lighting tools, and lighting techniques. They'll offer plenty of hands-on shooting possibilities with musicians for models in a unique and inspiring setting.

This musician and artist-centered workshop will include the true visual use of light, location, and the proper use of each in numerous situations as well as the psychology of working with recognizable faces and celebrities. And that's just the beginning, Tony and Russ will discuss working as a team with assistants, hair and makeup folks and the many ways in which you can make your clients never want to work with any other photographers again.

This is a "you snooze, you lose" opportunity. So, if you're thinking about being there, don't wait too long to register. This one is going to fill up fast and attendance is limited. Click here for more information!

by Skip Cohen
​
It's "Wednesdays with Westcott," and I love how much content Joel Grimes packs into this video. He's creating two completely different portraits, each with substantial drama, and along the way sharing each step in his lighting to create the final image.

Here's a thought - if Joel can pack this much helpful "how-to" information into one video, what will his classes be like at the upcoming ClickCon show in Chicago in August? If you haven't checked out the faculty at this new conference wander over to the website. There are 50+ outstanding instructors to choose from over the 2-3 day event.  

And, not only will Joel be teaching there, but several of Westcott's Top Pros - Jen Rozenbaum, Jerry Ghionis, Clay Blackmore, Peter Hurley, Lindsay Adler, and Will Cadena are all involved. And, the team from Westcott will also be in attendance on the trade show floor. Use "ccskip" to save $50, and we're also sharing our ClickCon affiliate commission with each attendee, and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. ​Click for more info.

Joel never compromises on the quality of an image, and he takes you through each step as he adjusts his lighting and exposure to bring the most drama to the finished portrait. And, just like Joel, Westcott never slows down on building relationships with their audience. They believe in education and helping you raise the bar on the quality of your photographs and videos.

by Skip Cohen
​
"Why?" is all about the movers and shakers in professional photography. And, the best way to get to know each one is through one of their favorite images. Jim Schmelzer joins me on this new episode and what a kick it was to catch up to him.  

Jim and I have known each other for a whole lot of years, going back to my early Hasselblad days. We'd see each other at virtually every major conference/convention in professional photography.

But the common denominator that's the most fun for both of us right now is being involved with Panasonic's LUMIX family of cameras. Jim is a LUMIX Ambassador and captured the image above with the new LUMIX full-frame S1 and the 24-105 F4 L-Mount Lens. 

Jim's main passion is portraiture, but there's nothing he can't photograph. He's a talented instructor, and over the years, most often we'd catch up when he was doing a demo in the Westcott booth. Check out his educational website with a visit to James Schmelzer Workshops.    

​Communication is ever-changing, and your ability to expand your reach, promote your business and in turn, increase revenue is more powerful than at any other time in history. A considerable part of that continually changing world is in mobile technology and the world of texting.

Here's an example of how I'm using one of PhotoTexting's apps for my own business. Text the word "speaker" to 888-981-6118, and you'll get a response back from me with a link to my mobile page. (And, be assured I'm not saving your number to use for anything other than to demo my brochure and speaker page here.)

I use this app as a company brochure. And, there's an added benefit - when I'm teaching, attendees get the notes from my presentation without worrying about taking their own. It allows them to kick back and listen without worrying about writing down a link or specific tip on building a stronger business.)

​Check out everything PHOTOTexting has to offer. There are so many different applications and ways for you to build stronger brand awareness, increase sales, and expand your reach.

It's Wednesdays With Westcott, and Jen Rozenbaum is back with some excellent posing and lighting tips to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images and how you work with clients. Recognized as one of the leading educators in boudoir photography, Jen never slows down in her focus to help photographers capture and create better images.

And, there's another special common denominator with several of our past artists featured in this series:

​Jen's teaching at ClickCon in Chicago August 5-7 together with Joel Grimes, Peter Hurley, and Jerry Ghionis, all featured in past Westscott posts. And, Westcott is also an exhibitor, giving you a chance to check out some of the very best lighting gear in photography.

If you've never heard Jen teach live, or haven't met her in person, put catching up to her on your bucket list. She's a phenomenal artist, and friend to so many of us in the industry. If you've watched this video, and appreciate all the great insight she shared, imagine what it's like when she's teaching in a regular program with minimal time restrictions.

Get to know Jen even better listening to this podcast of "Mind Your Own" business, which we did with her last year. Jen holds back nothing in her zest for life and love for her family, friends and the industry.  

She's also an innovator. Check out her signature Westcott two-light kit with a click on the gear to the left.

Westcott is always working on ways to help you stay inspired - you'll find a lot of additional inspiration on their educational site with one more click on their banner below.

Check out the Westcott U site and find out what all the buzz is about. With great content covering virtually every area of photography, you'll find so much material to help you become a better artist. And, their YouTube channel is chocked full  with 371 videos to help you become the very best photographer you can be. It's all just a click away on the WU logo below.​A few weeks ago, we launched "Wednesdays with Westcott!" The response has been terrific and we so appreciate your feedback. Westcott never slows down on helping photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images. They pack a lot of great content into each short video.

Joel Grimes is in the spotlight today, but besides an appreciation for some of the best lighting gear in photography, there's another common denominator between Joel and other artists featured in the "Wednesdays with Westcott" series. Joel, along with Jerry Ghionis and Peter Hurley will be teaching at the newest conference in professional photography, ClickCon on August 5-6.  And, Westcott is a partner and exhibitor along with what may well be the most extensive lineup of top-shelf vendors/manufacturers and speakers of any boutique conference this year!

One of the things I appreciate the most with every Westcott video is the way they share information with comparison shots. This allows you not only to understand more of what the featured photographer is sharing but gives you a visual benchmark demonstration.  And, put the images together with Joel's ability as an educator, and there's a great lesson or two in every one of his videos - all in under three minutes!

Welcome back to "Wednesdays with Westcott," a new SCU series to help you expand your creativity and raise the bar on the quality of your images.

Timing is everything! With a new episode of "Why?" airing last Friday which featured an incredible image by Jerry Ghionis using the lighting gear he designed, the Ice Light, this short video demonstrates another creative application. Jerry's vision behind the product from the beginning was a must-have portable light source that maximized creativity in virtually any imaging situation.

Even though Jerry and I have been friends for close to twenty years, I forgot the creative genius behind the camera and the way he can visualize an image and then go to work capturing what he's imagined. 

Looking a lot like Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from Starwars, it's the perfect tool to battle the challenges of boring images and push your creativity beyond the restrictions of conventional lighting and posing. As a professional photographer today you're dealing with stiff competition. It's so important to capture and create images that demonstrate why you're not like other photographers or the work they're presenting.

Thanks to Jerry and Westcott, here's a tool that needs to be with you on every assignment. And, on Westcott's YouTube channel, working together with Jerry they've created a complete series of Ice Light videos, each one loaded with content and a mini-workshop in photographic technique!

There are twelve short videos in the series, all of them utilizing the Ice Light in a different application! Check them out - you won't be disappointed.

May the force be with you!

by Skip Cohen
  
I started this series to introduce you to some of the most respected artists and educators in photography. Along the way each guest has shared their wisdom about business, photography, and ideas to help you build a stronger foundation as an artist. 

​Jerry Ghionis joins me on this new episode of "Why?" with a stunning image and a great "how-to" backstory, along with a sneak peek into the way his mind's eye visions develop. As I mentioned in my podcast intro, you'd have to have been in solitary confinement for the last few decades to not know who Jerry is, or at the very least heard his name.

He's one of the finest wedding photographers in the world, although I doubt there's anything he can't photograph. He's a leading educator, writer, and inspiration to so many photographers in the industry. But there's another side of Jerry that ties back to technical development.

He identified a need for a must-have portable lighting tool to push the edge of the creative envelope.  Working together with Westcott he designed the Ice Light. The Ice Light was a key to the impact in the image above, and Jerry shares the insight into why and how the photograph was created.

Jerry needs to be on your radar. Everything he's working on, sharing and his teaching schedule are all just a click away! Click on the the image above to enlarge and view it in the SCU Lightbox!

Technology and consumer trends NEVER slow down. Think about how much the Internet has changed the way we share photographs. At the same time, think about how much communication has changed too, especially with mobile technology. In fact, the latest research shows that 82% of text messages are read within 5 minutes, but consumers only open 1 in 4 emails they receive.

​Check out everything PHOTOTexting has to offer. There are so many different applications and ways for you to build stronger brand awareness, increase sales and expand your reach.

This is the fourth post in the new SCU "Wednesdays with Westcott" series, and each one has been jam-packed with excellent content to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. Developing content by some of the finest photographers and educators in professional photography, Westcott never slows down on their goal to make you a better photographer so you can thrive, not just survive!
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In the hierarchy of why people hire professional photographers in the portrait/social categories, the top three are brides, babies, and pets. This is based on a survey Kodak did over twenty years ago and I don't believe it's changed at all. In fact, following pets it's my personal assumption that children, family, seniors and boudoir probably follow.

In regards to pets, there are an estimated 180+ million dogs and cats in the US with almost 70% of all households owning pets. That's an incredible number and represents an opportunity for so many of you to expand your business and in turn build additional revenue.

But make no mistake about it, pets deserve the same skill set as people. While they won't be critical over the quality of the portrait, you sure can count on their owners! The image I kicked off this post with is one of my most favorite portraits of Molly the Wonder Dog who died in February. It was captured by Bambi Cantrell and is one of the most cherished portraits I have of Molly. But what if Bambi had just said, "That's good enough," and done a mediocre job?

You owe it to every client to capture and create the finest images. There's no room for shortcuts or compromise on the quality of a portrait. And, to get to the point of truly being a professional artist you need to practice continually.

Looking through Westcott's archives in YouTube I came across this beginner's video about pet photography. It might be 2 1/2 years old, but the tips Brandon from Westcott shares are timeless. There are so many great points in the video to help you capture and create beautiful images that go well beyond just being good enough!

The fun of Facebook is about keeping in touch with good friends, but when they're sharing stunning images, social media gets even better. 

Bobbi Lane was teaching in Florida last week and posted several images on her FB page.  Well, I pulled four of my favorites to share, because they so deserve being seen by more people. Click on your favorite for an enlarged view in the SCU Lightbox.

Bobbi's considered one of the very best instructors in professional photography and lighting is just one of her passions. Two weeks ago my co-host, Chamira Young and I released a new podcast on "Mind Your Own Business." Bobbi was our guest, and she shared a lot of terrific insight. 

Bobbi's best known as a commercial photographer, but in all honesty, there's nothing she can't photograph. If she's teaching at a conference you're heading to, run don't walk to grab a seat. And, if you're looking for some outstanding photo-travel programs, check out Bobbi and Lee's Photo-Adventures with a click on the banner below.

Welcome to another Wednesdays with Westcott, a new SCU series, guaranteed to help you become a better photographer. We're hitting tight versus wide angle portraits today with one of my favorite educators Sal Cincotta. Sal never does anything halfway.  In just four minutes in the video below, he shares an incredible amount of information, taking you through not only what he's doing but why. 

We're into spring seasonality with better weather in most of the country, giving so many of you a chance to be shooting outdoors again. Regardless of your core specialty, it's essential to understand the elements for great portraiture including lighting and posing. Pay attention to Sal's tips, including his composition in wanting to take advantage of all the vertical lines in the woods. 

And, if you're with Sal at ShutterFest this week, wander over to the Westcott booth and check out some of the finest lighting gear in professional photography. Plus, Westcott's team should be in your network. They're talented, passionate about imaging, and always available to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. 

And check out the Westcott U website - it's loaded with great content covering virtually every area of photography. And their YouTube channel is also chocked full. It's all just a click away on the WU logo below.

There are far too many "natural light specialists" in our industry. The majority of the time when a photographer states that's their specialty it usually means, "I don't understand studio lighting!" Jen's working with the Solix 2-Light kit, but showing you the sophistication you can get when you know what you're doing, and in this video, she's working with just one light. ​​

We all love natural light, but as a professional photographer, your responsibility to every client is to exceed expectations. Jen ALWAYS exceeds expectations, which is part of her signature. If you're attending any workshop or convention where she's speaking, run don't walk to get a seat. And, make it a point to introduce yourself. She's one of the most approachable photographers and educators in our industry. 

Just like Jen exceeding expectations, so does Westcott. They manufacture some of the best lighting gear in photography today, and it's all supported by terrific customer service with a focus on always being an outstanding value and investment. 

Check out the Westcott U website - it's loaded with great content covering virtually every area of photography. Their YouTube channel is chocked full with 368 videos to help you become the very best photographer you can be. It's all just a click away on the WU logo below.

Welcome to Wednesdays with Westcott, a new SCU feature I promise will help raise the bar on your skill set, no matter what your core specialty is as a photographer. Westcott U is all about education and the extensive content the Westcott Team has built is remarkable. It's right line with our goals for SCU and one of the reasons we're excited to be working with them.

It's April, and the wedding season is ramping up, and there are so many of you who need help with lighting, especially when it comes to posing groups. Groups are time-consuming, frustrating and often the equivalent of herding cats! But, if you practice (this is where all your friends and neighbors come in) and understand your mind's eye vision in advance, doing classic modern portraits of the wedding party doesn't have to be the most stressful part of the day.

I chose this first video in this new SCU series because of my good buddy Bob Davis. We've been friends for a long time, but that friendship came out of a deep respect for his skill set, especially in teaching. It's hard to believe how much great information he shares in the video below...and all in under four minutes!

So, take the time to check it out and if you're in the Chicago area and need more help, check out Bob's program every Thursday night in May starting on May 9 at ProCam. You'll be amazed at how much of a change you'll see, not only in the quality of your work but the drop in your stress level.

And check out the Westcott U website - it's loaded with great content covering virtually every area of photography. And their YouTube channel is also chocked full. It's all just a click away on the WU logo below.

I couldn't be more proud to announce a new SCU partner, Westcott. They're a leader in lighting but even more relevant to SCU's role as an online resource; they're dedicated to education. They're focused not only on great products and one of the most extensive lighting lines in photography but ways to help you build a stronger skill set and business.

In the next few months, you're going to see SCU and Westcott working together to bring you terrific educational content and introduce you to some outstanding products, techniques, artists, and educators.

What a kick! Westcott is in the house!

Skip Cohen

Click to visit Westcott and Westcott U. Check out one of the largest online resources in photography. 

In January of 2013 we started SkipCohenUniversity, playing off of the university concept with a full-blown campus, but all in cyberspace. We wanted to capture the ever-changing landscape of photography, especially in marketing and business. Over the years, thanks to an incredible group of educators and artists, SCU expanded into so many other areas including technique, networking, website design, blogging, and the list goes on and on.

We're expanding more, and with the help of Westcott, we're going to continue to grow. While the company was started in 1899, their entry in photography began in 1969 when their current chairman, Tom Waltz brought his idea for photographic umbrellas to life.

"Now 50 years, 12 patents, and over 600 products later, we’re still manufacturing durable, high-end lighting equipment for professional filmmakers and photographers across the globe."

I've written many times about how this industry is a family, and so many of us have worked together. Here's a perfect example with the twelve artists below. They're all movers and shakers in professional photography and represent some of the most respected artists and educators in our industry.  

​Meet twelve of Wescott's thirty-five Top Pros who have all been featured in some way in the last few years here at SCU. From our faculty members to episodes of "Why?" to guest posts and podcasts, they've all shared their dedication to helping you raise the bar on the quality of your images. These are just a few of the artists and educators who need to be on your radar. Click on their headshots and check out at least one of their past features on SCU.

Stay tuned - you're going to see a lot of great content working together with Wescott. In the mean time check out their YouTube channel with 364 videos in their archives. And, just in case you don't know just how extensive Westcott's product line and support are, watch this short video! There's a lot packed into forty-three seconds!

Wescott is in the house!

It's a kick to catch up to Lindsay Adler for this new episode of EDU10. She shares some great insight, not just into things she's able to do today, but I asked her what advice she'd give a new photographer about lighting. EDU10 is all thanks to the Profoto team. They never slow down in manufacturing the finest lighting gear in professional photography. 

EDU10 is all about education, lighting, technology and the ever-changing landscape of growing creative tools. It's also a great way to introduce you to some incredible artists.

Based out of New York, Lindsay's best known for her fashion and beauty work, although I doubt there's anything she can't photograph. Her passion for the craft sets the standard for everything she does from being an artist to an educator to an author. And, let's not forget a friend to so many of us in the industry.

These podcasts are intentionally meant to be short and to the point, but don't underestimate how much great information Lindsay packed into just six minutes!  We did a full podcast with Lindsay on Mind Your Own Business a couple of years ago, and I remember her talking about having her own business at age 15. How incredible to know what she wanted to do as a career at that age. She's never stopped learning, experimenting and pushing the edge of the envelope to become one of the most creative photographers in the industry today.
 
I ran across the short video below on YouTube from Creative Live featuring Lindsay and a "Creative Challenge." It's an excellent way for you to get to know her style and her ability to walk the talk when it comes to experimenting.

​Check out more of Lindsay's work with a click on any of the images I chose for this post. And, check out the Profoto family of outstanding lighting gear with a click on any of the products below!