Get mentored by Pepper in the 2010 ThirstRelief Mentor Auction! Grow as a photographer while saving lives!  Good and happy things!!!

Hey everyone, did you know that every 15 seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness? That’s 5760 people every day! You can totally help. Bid on a mentoring session with your favorite wedding photographer!  100% of the proceeds directly benefit Thirst Relief. Add to that the incredible wisdom and talent that is being shared in the one-on-one mentor sessions and you have better and more successful photographers! It’s truly a win win for everyone involved!  $50 buys a family a water purifier for life, so the more you bid, the more families you give access to clean water.  Children and infants are the most vulnerable to waterborne illnesses, so this really is an amazing thing you can do.

About me and my mentor auction:  Come and have a long lunch with me!  We will sit and talk about your business plan, where you’re succeeding as well as where you might need to improve, as well as how to do that.   Plus, lunch is on me, so that’s always a good thing.  My mentor session can take place at the WPPI 2010 convention in Las Vegas next month, in my hometown of Salt Lake City, UT OR on the phone.  Here’s some info on me to entice you to bid often!

Pepper Nix Photography is headed by the internationally awarded photographer Pepper Nix. Her work has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, KTVX TV’s Good Things Utah, and has been featured in numerous publications, both bridal and photographic, and have received multiple awards in international print competition. Pepper shoots across the U.S. and abroad for celebrities, politicians, dignitaries or anyone who just wants to keep it real. Pepper Nix Photography maintains offices in Salt Lake City, UT and Orange County, CA, though she travels extensively to meet their clients’ needs. We will be open to discuss any aspect of your photography or business that you would like. In addition we are offering the following: – Analysis and review of your brand (positioning, website, collateral, logo, etc.) and offer suggestions as to how better to focus your message. – Discuss and review your marketing initiatives and offer suggestions for improvements to specific issues. – Perform an honest, no-holds-barred review of your portfolio. Is there substance or merely style? Does it say what you think it says? Does it suit your target audience? – And did I mention the free lunch?

To bid on my auction, visit eBay!

This auction is for any skill level, meaning that I would be delighted to meet with a seasoned pro as well as someone who just bought a new camera and wants to learn how to use it!  All of the money, and I mean ALL OF IT, will buy more water purifiers for families with small children, and that is just something you can feel great about!

THIS AUCTION ENDS IN 24 HOURS ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, don’t miss out!

KISS Wedding Books – ‘the world’s simplest book company” - has enjoyed such success that they’ve had to expand their production facilities earlier this year and chose our own back yard as their new production home! Want a tour? YOU GOT IT!

On October 14th Shaun Austin & Kevin Swan bring their Get Simple Tour to Salt Lake City with special guest speaker, Utah’s own Pepper Nix….and a tour of the plant is included! All for a measly $100.

Why, you probably spend more on lint rollers every month…

Shaun and Kevin will speak about how to “wow” your clients, branding, and positioning. We’ll also just chat and answer whatever questions you have!

Then, we’ll go on the tour! Woot!

Shaun Austin & Kevin Swan

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Kevin Swan:
International Wedding Photographer: www.KevinSwan.com & www.RetroYourDay.com
Owner: KISS Wedding Books: www.KissWeddingBooks.com
Owner: f22 Branding: www.f22Branding.com

Kevin helps develop CS and LightRoom for Adobe. He is a long-time advertising man (the former creative director of an advertising agency) and enjoys teaching photographers the things he picked up in marketing. He lives in Indiana with his wife, Rachelle, and his 4 kids

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Shaun Austin:
Owner / International Wedding Photographer: www.RetroYourDay.com
Owner: www.KissWeddingBooks.com

Shaun’s been involved in the photography industry for over 10 years. He’s worn many hats in that time, including photographer, studio owner, photo-lab owner, retail camera store owner, and now part owner of KISS Wedding Books. He lives and works in California, with his wife, Jamie, and his (soon to be!) 3 kids.

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Pepper Nix:
International Wedding Photographer: www.PepperNix.com
Owner: www.Sprout-Photo.com

International wedding photographer Pepper Nix has tremendous passion for the evocative power of the photographic image and it shows in her powerfully emotional images. Her work has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, KTVX TV’s Good Things Utah, and has been featured in numerous publications, both bridal and photographic. She has received multiple awards in international print competition. Pepper resides in Salt Lake City, Utah and is a two-time winner of Best of State. She shoots across the U.S. and abroad for celebrities, politicians, dignitaries or anyone who just wants to be treated like one. Pepper Nix Photography maintains offices in Salt Lake City, UT and Orange County, CA, though she travels extensively to meet her clients’ needs.

Take a look at some more pictures (my favorites) from their wedding! I loved that the groom wore a pin-striped white suit to match his bride. It was something different to do that totally fit his personality.

They planned their day out so well, the Groom and his groomsmen even had time for a round of bowling. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

They had their ring ceremony and reception at the McCune Mansion. I think the McCune Mansion is a jewel hidden in the Salt Lake mountains, built one hundred years ago by a railroad tycoon. It’s simply a stunning piece of architecture. They do rehearsal dinners or small things like bridal luncheons. Definitely check out their website. I think it is an incredible venue – unlike anything else you will find in Salt Lake. If you are interested in having your event at the McCune Mansion talk to Shawn Fletcher. The ceremony was on the first floor and the reception was held in the Third Floor Ballroom, and the entire event was planned from top to bottom by Christine Miller of Libella; amazing job!!!

The red flower creations were exquisite, they were fashioned by Sean Oviatt at Sax Romney Design.

A very emotional ring ceremony. The Bride and Groom are members of the LDS church and were married in an LDS temple earlier that morning.

Here is a snip from an article about LDS ring ceremonies in Latter Day Bride Magazine:

“I am a convert to the LDS church,” says Dana the bride, “and my parents were and have been very supportive of my decision. But for them, not being able to attend their only daughter’s wedding would have been really hurtful. Having a ring ceremony was the perfect solution! My dad got to walk me down the aisle, and my mom got to cry as Bryan and I told each other how much we meant to each other and exchanged our wedding rings. It was absolutely perfect and especially meaningful to my parents.”

On dark nights the McCune Mansion has these cool lanterns they put out for events.

Thanks again Dana and Bryan!

The conference was packed (SOLD OUT, actually) and everyone we spoke with seemed to really get a lot of information and ideas out of it. If you didn’t make this one you should seriously consider gettin’ your butt over to L.A. for the one in September!!

These dont’ relate to our presentation….actually here’s not really any rhyme or reason to these pix and flicks at all, but we thought we’d share a few of the impressions that we got with our new point-n-shoot:

Dimitre Morozov consults with Mitch on ways to overthrow his evil brother Alexander…

Captured here by surveillance camera in the back of the squad car that was to shortly haul them away: Bronson Pate (looking rightfully sheepish), Matt Grazier (looking a bit…um…dazed, we’ll say) and Justin Wiard (who clearly doesn’t understand the situation he’s in). This trio of terror escaped police custody and have been on the lam ever since. If you see them, just offer them something shiny and call the authorities.

Mike Larson, Sara France, Garrett Delph & Mitch look suspiciously innocent…

Me & Amber

Work is never done.

Thanks again, everybody! YOU GUYS MAKE IT FUN!!

Registration for the conference can be made at the official PartnerCon site.

Pepper and Mitch are scheduled to present on Tuesday, May 8th at 2:40 pm.

See, there it is in black and white and…um….orange. Hope to see you there!

BUT WAIT!! THERE’S MORE!!

In addition, we are again pleased to be participating in the Mentoring Session Auctions, with all proceeds going in support of the extraordinary efforts of Thirst Relief International. If you would like to bid on a private mentoring session with us and an opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have, just send an email using this link:

Bid on Pepper & Mitch’s Mentoring Session

“I don’t photograph the world as it is. I photograph the world as I would like it to be.”

Among Monte’s exhaustive list of achievements and awards, there are a conspicuous pair that stand out in demonstrating just how important and far-reaching his influence has been. In 2002, Monte was recognized as Photographer of the Year by the United Nations.

Again in 2006, Monte was entered into the Congressional Record by Senator Ted Kennedy, ensuring a permanent historical legacy for this master photographer and educator.

It is particularly revealing of Monte’s character that the man who was largely responsible for getting this congressional entry into the record was at one time considered by many to be the most directly counter to Monte’s approach and philosophy – the ‘Godfather of wedding photojournalism’, Denis Reggie. In the 1980’s, Denis Reggie received a great deal of derision and flack from the photographic community for rejecting studio lighting and classical poses that is the hallmark of Monte’s style in favor of a more hands-off, documentary approach to wedding photography. Rising to Denis’ defense was none other than Monte Zucker himself, suggesting that while it may not be to everyone’s taste, what Denis was saying was important and people ought to listen. Is there any greater tribute than to be lauded by one’s philosophical rival, even if that rivalry was very much a friendly one?

I never did have the pleasure of attending one of Monte Zucker’s workshops, but I did have a brief encounter a few years ago at the first WPPI that I attended. Monte was in the Canon booth giving live lighting demos and the speed and assuredness with which he transitioned from setup to setup was quite simply breathtaking. I learned more in that 20 minutes about portrait lighting than I ever have before or since. Monte exuded energy, enthusiasm, humility and wit. He was, in short, a force of nature. We will miss you, Monte. Save some light for the rest of us.

There will be a memorial service for Monte in Washington DC on Sunday, April 22nd from 1-4 PM. Details are still tentative; those wishing to attend should follow the thread on the Monte Zucker forum for further information.

I lieu of flowers, Monte has requested that donations be directed to his Institute for Photographic Inspiration.

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Other Tributes to Monte
Grazier Photography
The Monte Zucker Forum
Obituary from Adorama Site

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BIOGRAPHY (taken from Monte’s website)

Who is Monte?

Few people know who Monte Zucker is today. He keeps reinventing himself. Photographs that he continually creates …some within just the past few weeks … carry his unmistakable signature only if you know his signature style.

Monte’s images are simple, direct, and emotional. Each of them makes a simple statement. There is nothing in his photographs, except what should be there. All distractions were removed before he snapped the shutter. What you see is what he wants you to see. It’s usually a face or a collection of faces. When It’s a photograph of an individual, you will immediately know that person. When It’s a photograph of a group you’ll feel and experience their involvement with each other.

Based on classical tradition, Monte’s portraiture has never strayed far from his original intent – to capture a moment in people’s lives and memorialize it for posterity, In his own words, “I don’t photograph the world as it is. I photograph the world as I would like it to be.”

To accomplish this goal, Monte seems to always capture the moment with little or no direction. Although he basically controls all of his subjects when they’re being photographed, they appear to be completely natural.

Monte Zucker
He’s always at the right place at the right time to do that. It’s because of his steadfast determination to photograph people at their best angles and in their best light that he’s able to continually come up with photographs that the subjects feel are the best picture that they’ve ever had taken of themselves. Of course, the fact that he’s spent over 50 years as a professional photographer/teacher studying and perfecting his photographic technique may have something to do with his success.

Monte has achieved just about every photographic degree that exists. The United Nations recently honored him as Portrait Photographer of the Year 2002. He feels that his most special honor, however, is the fact that his popularity with photographers of all ages is continually growing.

Loosely, our ‘topic’ is Building Your Dream Team of vendor relationships, but really its pretty much a free-for-all Q&A session. So if you’re a Pictage photographer, come join us and fire away!

We were also asked to sit on the judging panel for their monthly print competition (they are very brave indeed) and we were both impressed with the quality of work displayed. Congratulations to James Hays for taking Best Print of Show, and to both James and Cesar Palima for splitting the Speaker’s Award (Pepper and I just couldn’t agree on a single winner). James is clearly in the lead in the subtle application of filters and effects and Cesar has a clear affection for, and understanding of light.

Pepper kept the audience spellbound. SPELLBOUND I TELL YOU!

PPSV members crowd around to see a ‘triple cheeseburger’ – Pepper’s GINORMOUS albums.

Afterwards, we headed to The Cheescake Factory with ~25 of our new friends for a much needed infusion of carbs and conversation.

Pepper & Mitch mugging with a few new friends.

A special thank you to Nathan Smith and President Bob for the invitation and for the very professionally organized presentation. For any that are in or near the Sacramento Valley, you should really check the PPSV out – its has a really active membership and is a very welcoming and supportive group. Pretty much everything that a photo club should be.

Once again, thank you for making it such a fun event. We sincerely hope that it was useful information. Feel free to email us with any follow-up questions you may have.

Cheers!

- Pepper ‘93′ Nix & Mitch ‘K-Fed’ Burt