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Feb 2 2013 ANNOUNCING MY U.K. BOOTCAMP IN LONDON!!!!!

THIS BOOTCAMP IS NOW SOLD OUT. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN A WAITING LIST, PLEASE EMAIL ME! 
 
For the first, and most likely the ONLY time, I’m bringing the Cliff Mautner Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp to the UK!! I’m totally stoked, and this workshop will sell out quickly. The dates will be June 11th and 12th, 2013 at Moor Park, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1QN. My Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp has sold out each and every session since 2007, and I’m extremely proud of what prior attendees have accomplished after taking this course. Rather than self promote on my blog, a simple google search of reviews will give insight into the impact it can have on photographers. The goal since the inception of the bootcamp is simple. I want to empower photographers with the skills necessary to obtain a style of their own.  
 
 
THE WORKSHOP WILL FEATURE: 
- Various technical elements and a deeper understanding of your gear.  
- A multitude of simple, creative flash techniques.  
- Learn the difference between quality of light and quantity of light 
- Learn how to create texture, dimension, and mood with your light 
- The ability to choose the right lens for the right look 
- Lighting your subjects from noon to midnight and work with difficult light 
- Live bridal shoots with models on location at Moor Park 
- Individual HANDS-ON instruction during shoots.  
- Techniques in capturing the essence of our clients.  
- Lunch will be included  
 
OTHER TOPICS COVERED: 
- Client interaction and relationships.  
- Sales presentation skills including a mock presentation.  
- Building a referral base through vendor/partner relationships.  
- Client retention.  
NO QUESTIONS ARE OFF LIMITS, AND I’M VERY MUCH AN OPEN BOOK 
 
THE COST OF THE BOOTCAMP- $1900.00 USD 
 
TO REGISTER: 
EMAIL ME with your name and preferred contact information. I’m happy to answer any and all questions asap. There is a 5 hour time difference between London and our studio in Philadelphia, but I’ll reply quickly.  
 
DEPOSIT- $950.00 USD NOW 
BALANCE-$950.00 USD 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE BOOTCAMP 
 
YOU MAY RESERVE YOUR SLOT BY EMAILING ME. I'LL SEND A PAYPAL INVOICE, AND A RECEIPT WILL BE FORWARDED TO YOU QUICKLY. REGISTRANTS WILL BE TAKEN ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS, AND ONLY 20 STUDENTS WILL BE REGISTERED. DO TO THE TIME DIFFERENCE, IF YOU REGISTER AFTER THE FIRST 20 STUDENTS, YOUR DEPOSIT WILL BE RETURNED IN FULL.  
 
EMAIL ME AT CLIFF@CMPHOTOGRAPHY.COM TO REGISTER, AND I WILL FOLLOW UP WITH A PAYPAL INVOICE! 
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Feb 1 2013 Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp

Read a few reviews of the Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp 
 
Qing Zhao 
Thomas Beaman 
photo.net 
jeff Franks 
Jenna Walcott 
Tammy Labuda 
Heather O'Mara 
Natasha Esguerra 
Joe Payne 
 
 
 
With the April, and May bootcamps sold out, I've decided to announce the next available Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp that will take place on October 15th, 16th, and half day on the 17th, 2013, with an opening reception on October 14th. This workshop will sell out fast. For those wondering if I'll be bringing the bootcamp to another city, I will NOT be doing that. London in June is most likely the only workshop I'll do outside of my studio.  
 
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. This past year we've had students from Canada, Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Mexico, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Argentina, Panama, Dubai, a slew of European countries, and a U.S. contingency from coast to coast. The upcoming Summer bootcamp should have 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 30 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. 
- A model ratio unlike any other workshop 
- Individual hands-on instruction during shoots. 
- Techniques in capturing the essence of our clients. 
- The best damn breakfasts and lunches included! 
 
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 15th, 16th, and half day on the 17th 2013 , with an opening reception on October 14th for those who can attend. The workshop will begin at 9am and go until we drop on the 7th and 8th, and will end midday on the 9th. 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." 
 
"This month I attended the Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp presented by Cliff Maunter. I cannot begin to describe how just the time spent was one of the best I have ever invested. No question went unanswered and he focused on each of us. I felt like I not only got to know his as a professional photographer, but understood him better as a person. I was also fortunate to form friendships with those that I met in that class. The variety of topics we covered were amazing and in depth. I also felt that nothing was a hard sell of anything, but rather a hard share. Also, what was demonstrated was not the right way, but just, his way. He did not preach, he spoke, he shared, he educated. I could not ask for more than that. 
 
"I waited a long time to be a part of the Lighting and Skillset Bootcamp, and I am so excited to talk about the experience I had. I knew years ago that I had to wait until I was ready for the kind of learning I would experience at Cliff's workshop. I had to have the proper gear and the mindset to take it all in without missing a beat. If you are someone who wants to improve your way of seeing and working, you should put this workshop on your bucket list. The word I have coined for my experience at the workshop is EUREKA! I had always said that light was elusive, oh I was wrong and now I know it's not. It's how you see and Cliff will show you how to see. People always ask me, "don't you learn all that when you are at a wedding with Cliff?" And the answer is no, not like I learned at the workshop. You will spend time with people who are on the very same quest as you. It was a journey filled with laughs, new friends, good food, road trips and lots of learning. Cliff will answer completely and honestly any question you pose. There is nothing like having beautiful models to work with and a list of skills covered with no stone left unturned. Everything from natural light, window light, off camera flash, to workflow, pricing, taxes and insurance, you will be filled with information that will help your business grow as well as your soul. This bootcamp is about YOU as much as it is about learning. I might be the luckiest girl in the world. All I can do is be grateful and keep on stopping time." 
 
For more information and to register please contact the studio at 856.428.4268; 609.560.0877 or via email.

Apr 21 2013 Image of the week-I shot my wife:-)

With spring here, and weddings rolling around again, I felt it was time to kick start this season's Image of the week blog posts. I'm not a good blogger. In fact, I'm plain awful. When it comes to social media, I'm inadequate, to say the least. However, what better motivation could there be than a chance to blog my brand spankin new wife! I was married this past Wednesday, April 17th, 2013 to Susan Stripling. It's not every groom that get the chance to photograph his wife and make it a part of the experience of marriage. Now, I wasn't the wedding photographer at my own event. We had some others with great talent to shoot the event- that just happened to be dear friends, and would have been attending regardless. Mary Beth Tyson and Daniel Kudish took care of the heavy lifting, and I know they kicked ass. We couldn't be more appreciative of the work they did- especially since they had to battle all of the guests with cameras all night long.  
 
We chose to shoot the portraits the day after the event. Mary Beth shot us, but we also chose to photograph one another as well. I shot a few frames, and I was able to capture Susan's beautiful movement. A photographer with mad skills today, she was a dancer throughout college, and I was stoked to capture how graceful her movement is. It was quite a surreal experience shooting  
 
The entire experience was eye opening for me with regard to building awareness of what my own clients go through. During the cocktail hour, I just wanted to spend time with my dear friends and family. I've always advised clients to make the most of their cocktail hour, and this confirms my feelings. Family photos- for me, speed was a factor. I just wanted a few of Susan, myself, and our children. We were able to grab some other groupings throughout the night, and they seemed to unfold rather organically. I loved that. I was a photojournalist a good part of my life, so it was important to me that the photographer didn't need us to stop and pose all night long.  
 
We had people shooting for us that understood our needs and desires. I was grateful for this, and I'm more aware than ever how sensitive i need to be towards my clients needs and desires. The day does not revolve around the photography- nor should it. The anticipation and reaction of the photographer is paramount, and we all need to make the most of what our clients give us. I know we're going to be full of great moments to cherish, but my own wedding really gave me insight into what's important, and what I'll be concentrating on this year more than ever for my own clients.  
 
For the geeks- 
Nikon D4, Nikkor 70-200 VRII ISO 2000, 1/400th @ F4


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Mar 4 2013 Rangefinder Magazine Cover and Feature Story

It's always an honor to be published in any trade publication. It's clearly special when one of your images graces the cover. I'm proud to be featured this month in the Wedding Issue of Rangefinder Magazine. Theano Nikitas wrote the article, and I'm a big fan of her writing. She's an industry veteran, and she knows her stuff when it comes to our craft. The article's genesis stems from conversations with her, and with Jacqueline Tobin, the managing editor of Rangefinder. Over the past decade or so, there have been a slew of changes in our industry. Ten years ago, digital began to evolve in various ways. I was an old school, film shooter, and the story focuses on my evolution from my film days to my present day methods. I often joke about how I went kicking and screaming into this damn digital age, and the story does a nice job focusing on my self deprecating demeanor, and how I've been able to survive given the fact that I despise so many facets of technology. 
 
This is my 31st year of professional photography. 2 years with a small weekly newspaper, 15 years with the Philadelphia Inquirer, and 850 or so weddings later, I'm still growing professionally, and artistically. Today, I could easily have been made extinct if I hadn't busted my ass and evolved with the technology. Jumping from 2003 to today, I believe that my evolution has allowed me to not only survive, but to thrive in this insane photographic world. The article is appropriately entitled "Analogue Guy in a Digital World". I think Theano really captured the essence of my evolution, and I hope it sheds light on the journey I've taken over the past decade. If you'd like to read the article, Here is a link to the PDF!








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