I’m not quite sure how or when one can be defined is a “professional photographer.” I suppose it can be anything from how artistic you are, to if you do it for a living, or if anyone pays you for your service.  If any or all apply, I don’t think it really matters.  If you want to charge, you need to set up business.  And if you want to do it for a living, you need momentum to carry it through the years.

I started two LLC’s prior to opening up Diana Elizabeth Photography.  The business side has been a self-taught thing, and so much work, mentoring, and trial and error stories have come from it.  My income last year being self employed exceeded the cushy job I had as a marketing girl for a national company.  You can do it.  And I’d love to tell you how.

Join me for 4-weeks online starting Wednesday, June 6.  Each 1-hour class I’ll give you tips on how to set up business, give you assignments to work on that week to help you build your business as we go.  There’s a lot involved.  This isn’t something to be rushed but it’s essential for you to know how to open a business, operate it, marketing it, deal with clients, and get published.

Marketing Momentum: Kickstart Your Photography Business will focus on:

• Pricing your services and when to raise them
• Tax deductions and equipment insurance
• Branding & packaging
• Customer service/professionalism
• Social media marketing
• How to get published in blogs
• Portfolio building and second shooting
• Breaking into a market
• Being a business owner and managing your life
• And much, much more!

The investment is $199 with an optional $49 Biz Spark add on package which includes contracts and all the fun forms you might need.

A few testimonials from last year’s course (I only teach this once a year):

“The two workshops that I’ve taken with you have been great. I’ve gone from thinking how about cool it would to be to have a photography business to actually starting that business. I now have a website, fan page, twitter account, and logo! And I’m getting ready to order my business cards and stationery! All well beyond my expectations… Aaaahhhhh! This year has been so exciting – I’ve felt like I’ve had my finger in an electric socket… haha. Anyway, thanks for being an open, generous, and ebullient guide on this amazing journey.” – Yolanda

“I have adored your class!!! There are so many ideas and tips that you have given that have launched new, forgive me, “momentum” to my business! I am so thankful for you being willing to share your knowledge and inspire me to become the best photographer I can possibly be.” – Shelby

SIGN UP NOW!

My wonderful classroom administrator Jen will be in touch with you and corresponding with every one before class starts.  Business is my passion.  I believe if you can find something you love and find a way to make a profit doing it, DO IT!  Let what you love be what you do.

See you in class!  Recorded playback option available for students who can’t make it to class.

Diana Elizabeth used to want to be a teacher when she was little.  Maybe she’s getting the little kid dream come to fruition while teaching these classes!

Photography, Workshops

It’s tomorrow, as in Wednesday, so I’m going to make this quick for you and me!

The details:

• $79
• 90 minute class
• Wednesday, March 28, 2012
• 11:30 am PST …
• Downloadable video for busy students/parents/international students to watch on own time
• LIVE video and chat room
• Slideshow presentation
• Worksheets and go-to handouts

What you’ll learn:

• How to use your DSLR – on manual mode
• Camera body and lens options
• How to find lighting and use proper settings
• How to get a framable expression
• Composition
• Intro to editing
• Saving and storing your images
• Printing

You do not need to know a darn thing about how to use your DSLR yet!

And if you are a beginner photographer who wants to brush up on skills or master photographing children, this is perfect for you!  Sign up now and see you in class tomorrow!

Sign up  at Creative Groove for $79!

Diana Elizabeth tried to stop photographing children but she can’t.  They are just too cute.  After putting her lesson together and seeing all the lovely kiddos she remembers why she does what she does.  But this doesn’t mean she’s ready to have kids.

Workshops

I know 15 women who are expecting.  I actually think that’s just the start of my count because every so often another pops on the radar!  It’s baby galore!  If you’re a parent who invested in a DSLR but you aren’t quite sure how to use it and you just want the basics and you only have a limited amount of time, I am going to invite you to join in on my 90 minute one time course called Capturing Kids LIVE on Wednesday, March 28 at 11:30 PST.   Cost is $79.

There is recorded playback and downloading option available if you miss it or need a refresher.

I’ll be going over DSLR basics, lighting types and how to get expressions from your kiddos.  This will be a quick flash course in basic DSLR photography so take notes, put the kids down for nap time or drop them off at school and let’s learn how to use that DSLR of yours and stop going to the Picture People for portraits.

Please come prepared already knowing how to change your settings.

Sign up here!

You will receive an email from my classroom administrator Jen who will send you an email with worksheets and a link to join in on class.

Diana Elizabeth says photographing little ones can be a challenge but they are so worth it in the end when you realize you join in on their world.

Photography, Workshops

Dear sweet parent who own a DSLR: stop bringing your kids to the Picture People or Sears, or Walmart!   You have a fancy amazing camera that’s just as good as the ones there.  Let me teach you how to capture them yourself with your own gear that is a million times better than them standing by a giant number for their birthday.

I’m introducing a new one class course called Capturing Kids geared toward moms, dads, expectant mothers, grandparents, proud aunties and uncles who own a DSLR!  Maybe you don’t really know how to use your DSLR.  Or maybe, you have noticed that even with the green box on auto mode that you still can’t capture your kids when they move fast – it’s blurry.

And now if you feel so inclined to learn from me, sign up and save your seat now!  This would be a great gift for your friends too.  Also know you don’t have to be a mom to do this workshop.  You can be a busy person who only wants a quick basic photography instruction with 90 minutes and kids are excellent test subjects.

This is like a crash course – as in, I will be going very fast.  The good news is that you can download it and watch it over and over again for your convenience!

The details:

• $79
• 90 minute class
• Wednesday, March 28, 2012
• Downloadable video for busy students/parents/international students
• LIVE video and chat room
• Slideshow presentation
• Worksheets and go-to handouts

Sign up  at Creative Groove for $79!

What you’ll learn:

• How to use your DSLR – on manual mode
• Camera body and lens options
• How to find lighting and use proper settings
• How to get a framable expression
• Composition
• Intro to editing
• Saving and storing your images
• Printing

Thanks again to Creative Groove for being my organizer, administrator and supporter for these online workshops!  Excited for my sixth time teaching online!

Diana Elizabeth said this was the year she was really going to concentrate on workshops.  Upcoming ones include: building your photography business, getting into wedding photography, and intro to DSLR for beginners.  Of course stay tuned to the blog for that!

Photography, Workshops

Creating the Image begins today, my online workshop presented by Creative Groove which is geared towards beginner DSLR owners and up and coming professional photographers who need to brush up on the camera logistics and understanding how to find light, work manual mode correctly, and post processing and organization.  Newbies will learn more than they signed up for, but it might fuel a passion you never knew existed.  And who knows, you might find yourself shooting your first wedding sooner than you thought.  Or babies, we can start small. *wink*

Hope to see you in class.  I look forward to seeing the 20 of you on our Facebook group page – I can’t wait to meet you all.

It’s not too late to sign up – $160 for 4 weeks every Wednesday starting at 5 pm PST, which is 6 pm for those in Arizona.   Classes are 1 hour and include a LIVE video feed and chat room and slide show presentation.  You’ll also have worksheets to help you understand settings better.  This is my third time teaching, fourth class online (I teach a marketing workshop for those who want to take the next step).  Also a recorded playback for your busy bees who need to watch on your own time.

There will be more announcements regarding workshops soon.  This year, I plan to really dive into teaching.  I hope you’ll be along for the ride. xx

“I have to thank you for this class! I have been doing photography forever and took a couple classes in college 10 years ago. I learned manual mode back then but just didn’t understand it enough to use it. You have made it so easy for me to pick it back up and NOW I can honestly say, I won’t go back to auto! I have seen the changes to my pictures already! I just wanted to let you know how much your class helped!” – Tammy

“Your class has taken my photography skills and confidence to a higher level, which is priceless! I could confidently shoot in manual mode after the fist class and am even more passionate about photography than I was before. Thank you for a fun, informative, and beautifully organized class. Thank your for generously sharing your knowledge and experience. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to capture better images!” – Yolanda

Diana Elizabeth will have to tell the Mr. to not watch TV while she’s trying to teach, or to take his Blackberry conversations to his own office. Or maybe, she’ll have to coax him to wave hello to every one.

Workshops

I should have posted this a month ago to help you create your wish list.  I’m sorry.  Perhaps you still have time to return all of the high watered pj’s, knitted sweaters and game boards to get some dough for some new gear, if you wish.

As of today, this is what gear I currently own for those asking.

• See camera body, lenses & accessories sold on B&H.  There are two pages so please know that.

Things I own not sold on B&H:

• RadioPopper: Jr System + RPC Cube (for Canon)
• ONE laptop & camera bag system + Waist shooter from my friends at UNDFIND coming in February!  Order now.

If you are a hobbyist, and not quite pro yet or just want to start with a DSLR:

• Here’s another list for you of some recommended gear sold on B&H

Other things you might be wondering:

• I use Mac. Recently switched from years of PC starting in 2011.  The reason being is a nice virus attacked my PC and so I was over it and happily moved to Mac.  I like how quick it starts and I would highly encourage if you’re contemplating making the switch to just do it.  I know, Apple users are so annoying.  They think they’re soooo cool.  I’ll tell you now that it’s not about that, but if you want to, do it.  If PC works for you, then rock it.  It worked for me for years.
• I shoot Canon.  Reason being is I started with a Canon Rebel XSi. Yes, that model is totally discontinued and the highest ISO it would go is 1600. So I went straight to a 5D Mark II.  Having that body does not make anyone a better shooter but knowing its capabilities and how to find light and such will.  If you don’t know that yet, why don’t you take my 4-week online class that starts Jan. 25 for $160?

Yes I’m teaching an awesome online class.  This is my third time teaching this, my fourth online class I’ve taught this year, and I love it! (The other class I teach is how to market your photography business which I teach once a year).  All of my courses feature LIVE video, and chat room, weekly assignments with professor review, and well, a Facebook group to share assignments and get instant feedback.  Oh, and some handouts that will help you reference so you understand photography better.

Hope the list helps, hope you get something black under your Christmas tree that is not coal but a new camera body, lens, or flash.  Or maybe a compact flash, even.

Merry Christmas friends!

Diana Elizabeth loves receiving Christmas gifts with the photos she’s taken.  What a fun thing to see!  Thank you to all of her clients for thinking of her and sending a card!

Photography, Workshops

Put it on your Christmas wish list kids, especially if you are anticipating a DSLR as a gift.  Or, if you still need to take that DSLR out of the box from last Christmas.  If your DSLR is older than that and you’re still shooting on the green box…oh for the love of all things holy, please sign up for my 4-week online course beginning January 25, 2012 so you can start creating some awesome images!

Ideal if:

• You are a new DSLR owner
• You have no idea how to use your camera
• You do know manual mode but you’re not really sure about the techy stuff
• You call it the “blur”
• You want to know what lenses to invest in
• You are a new photography business owner (less than 1 year) or you are not full-time yet

About the class:

• We have a private Facebook group page for you to upload assignments and get critiqued by me
• I talk LIVE for 1 hour, every week for 4 weeks starting January 25 (Wednesdays) 5 p.m. PST
• Interactive LIVE chat room
• Notes and slideshow as you learn
• Weekly assignments so you can develop your style as you learn
• Worksheets to help you understand
• Recorded video playback – so yes, if you can’t watch at 5 pm PST, you can watch it when you get home.

Cost:

• $160 for 4 weeks – Paypal payments accepted
• SIGN UP NOW!

I’m so excited to teach this course again.  The past few courses have been so rewarding watching students grow in their talents and have the “ah-ha” moment.  Hope you can join, and dive into your passion!  Remember, it’s an investment for not only your business, but your memories.

Sign up for winter NOW: Creating the Image: Photography Basics & Beyond, January 25 – $160

The Testimonials

“It is so refreshing to take a course where the photographer is more interested in teaching how to take a perfect picture then talking about fixing everything in photoshop.  I have been very disheartened before and am now starting to feel like you can take those beautiful photos without photoshop.  So THANK YOU! I too believe that it should be about getting it right out of the camera!” – Alison

“I have to thank you for this class! I have been doing photography forever and took a couple classes in college 10 years ago. I learned manual mode back then but just didn’t understand it enough to use it. You have made it so easy for me to pick it back up and NOW I can honestly say, I won’t go back to auto! I have seen the changes to my pictures already! I just wanted to let you know how much your class helped!” –  Tammy

“Just three weeks into the course and I feel like my confidence when taking pictures has boosted! I walk into a photo shoot confident that my lighting will come out right. I always tried to find and google information about aperture, shutter speed,and ISO and I was always guided to the most complicated manuals and articles. I never really understood any of it. The way you have taught this workshop has made it so easy for me to understand and grasp the concepts. My friends and family are noticing that images are coming out a lot better ever since I started this workshop with you. Once again, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. I can’t wait to start your next workshop” – Alan

Diana Elizabeth believes in the “no child left behind” motto.  She applies this to her online courses.

Workshops

I figure nothing sells quite like a video.  Not really true, but maybe I can explain more about my upcoming course Creating the Image: Photography Basics & Beyond which is perfect for beginner DSLR owners or up and coming business owners.

If you aren’t exactly confident using your camera, you keep using that awful pop up flash without a diffuser, or you don’t know how to shoot on manual mode or backlight, take this course!

CIT graduate Alan posted this recently on my Facebook Page wall that I made me so happy to read:

Diana, this past weekend I was shooting at the beach and it went so well. I felt like I was one with my camera (so corny) but all I kept on thinking about was your workshop and how much that class helped me understand my camera! You totally made me a better photographer and I just wanted to thank you again!!! You rock!

It is 4-weeks online, every Monday starting October 3, 2011, 5 pm with recorded playback so you don’t even have to be by you computer!  Now time to hear it from me.

Sign up for Creating the Image: Photography Basics & Beyond

Diana Elizabeth wonders what kind of nonsense she’ll be saying once this class starts.  Talking for one hour straight is not the easiest thing, y’all.  However, she has the talking for an hour thing mastered, however the censoring herself, not so much.  You’ll see.

Photography, Workshops

Hello lovelies, it seems as though when I end one online workshop I am busy preparing for the next!

If you have recently picked up a DSLR and you don’t know a thing, take this course.  If you have a DSLR and you don’t shoot on manual mode, take this course.  If you do shoot on manual mode but you don’t understand lighting or how to backlight, find light or get correct exposure or get “the blur,” take this course.  If you want to know more about lenses and equipment, take this course.

I have worksheets, I talk to you for a full hour for 4 weeks.  You will learn manual mode in 30 minutes.

There will be a Facebook group for all attendees to help one another out and weekly assignments.

Read the testimonials, grab a friend if you must and sign up together.  I’ll see you in class starting Monday, October 3 for 4 weeks.  Can’t wait to see the lovely images you’ll create.

The Testimonials

“It is so refreshing to take a course where the photographer is more interested in teaching how to take a perfect picture then talking about fixing everything in photoshop.  I have been very disheartened before and am now starting to feel like you can take those beautiful photos without photoshop.  So THANK YOU! I too believe that it should be about getting it right out of the camera!” – Alison

“I have to thank you for this class! I have been doing photography forever and took a couple classes in college 10 years ago. I learned manual mode back then but just didn’t understand it enough to use it. You have made it so easy for me to pick it back up and NOW I can honestly say, I won’t go back to auto! I have seen the changes to my pictures already! I just wanted to let you know how much your class helped!” –  Tammy

“Just three weeks into the course and I feel like my confidence when taking pictures has boosted! I walk into a photo shoot confident that my lighting will come out right. I always tried to find and google information about aperture, shutter speed,and ISO and I was always guided to the most complicated manuals and articles. I never really understood any of it. The way you have taught this workshop has made it so easy for me to understand and grasp the concepts. My friends and family are noticing that images are coming out a lot better ever since I started this workshop with you. Once again, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. I can’t wait to start your next workshop” – Alan

Sign up for fall NOW: Creating the Image: Photography Basics & Beyond, October 3 – $160

Diana Elizabeth enjoys teaching so very very much, she adores her students to smithereens.

Photography, Workshops

Do you want to do any of these?

• Start a photography business (or at least start charging)
• Break into a certain market – weddings, babies, seniors?
• Get your work published on top wedding blogs
• Strengthen your brand
• Figure out your style
• Market your business
• Get published in magazines
• How to run a business
• And how to manage a personal life while running a business
• More….

Join me for 4 weeks starting Monday July 11 at 5 p.m. PST for a workshop on building your business for $199.  I’m also offering a $49 BizSpark pack which includes text for wedding contracts, print releases, model releases and text for clients on backing up their memories.  Sign up now! CLICK HERE!

Recorded and downloadable video playback is available for international students or if you have to miss a class on vacay or whatever reason! There will be a powerpoint presentation, live video and chat room.  Weekly assignments will be given so you can immediately work on your business!  More from me here…Hope to see you in class!  And um, holy cow I talk way too fast, so sorry!

Thank you UNDFIND for sponsoring the prize for this next workshop!  So happy to have you on board and thankful for all of your support!

Diana Elizabeth’s hair is supposed to be a messy fishtail braid.  Just in case you if you were wondering if she just rolled out of bed, no, she didn’t.  She was going for the Free People catalog look.

Photography, Video Blogs, Workshops