Meet the Experts

Over the past 20 plus years, travel writer and professional photographer, Blair Howard, estimates he’s sold more than 600 articles and in excess of 3,000 photographs to such prestigious publications as Petersen’s PHOTOgraphic, Delta’s Sky, Golf Illustrated, Tours & Resorts, British Heritage, The Boston Herald, The Detroit Free-Press, and Writer’s Digest.  He’s also the author of 13 travel guides and five how-to books – all filled with hundreds of his photographs.  As a photographer he’s visited some of the world’s most beautiful spots:  magnificent beaches, wild and remote mountain retreats, painted deserts, and most of the islands in the Caribbean.  Regarding the perks that go along with his profession, Blair sums it up like this:  “Would you believe I haven’t paid for a single hotel stay in Florida for more than 10 years?  It’s true.” 

Rich Wagner began his photographic career in college as a freelance photographer for Pittsburgh newspapers.  After graduation, photography remained a hobby during his 20-year career in retail, and in 1984, Rich opened a custom framing and fine art gallery.  His current shop, Imagine It Framed, located in Simsbury, CT, recently had the honor of being designated as one of “America’s Top 100” custom framers by Décor Magazine.  While attending professional photography seminars in New York City, Rich shared his photographs with well-known professionals who encouraged him to show his work.  This led to several exhibits in the region.  Currently, his work is in private and public collections all over the world.  His images hang in public corporations and private foundations from San Diego to Boston and in homes from the Americas to the Far East.  He began shooting digitally in the late 90’s and since 2001 has worked almost exclusively in that format.  The beauty of the Farmington Valley, where Rich lives with his wife and five daughters, and the excitement of New York, his previous home, are the sources of most of his photography.  Travels and workshops throughout the country have added to his collection of images.  Everything from the rich colors and broad landscapes of the southwest, to street studies in the Little Havana section of Miami have been captured by his lens.

Turning Photographs Into Profits…

“The book market is very good.  I was paid a one-time single usage fee for each photo.  For example, they wanted around 10 photos for their book and I was paid around $2000.

-- Tim O’Rielly
Freelance Photographer

“I just got 450 euros ($562) for a 1,400 word piece on Edinburgh PLUS another 300 euros ($375) for the six photos I sent in with it.  Not a bad wee haul for an amateur snapper.”

-- Steenie Harvie
Freelance Travel Writer

“As an editor, I always appreciate a writer that submits to me a great article package – a well written article with compelling photographs.  I’ll always be happy to pay for their work because they make my work that much easier!”

-- Tom Schueneman
Editor/ Publisher of
The Traveler

 “There are some 700 islands and 2,000 islets here that lie scattered like a broken string of pearls across the northern Caribbean, offering thousands of opportunities for adventure.  I’m just glad I’m a photographer and can pick up the phone any time I want and get myself on a flight, with my family, to Nassau, Bahamas, whenever the mood strikes.  Upon arriving, a limousine delivers us from the airport to our hotel – a world-famous resort that costs travelers anywhere from $485 to $1,875 a night – but that costs my family nothing.”

Turn Your Everyday
Snapshots into Cash

This May in Paris, You Can…

• Learn from professional photographers the techniques they use to shoot pictures that sell for $400, $600 -- and even higher…

• Get hands-on practice applying your new skills -- while you explore one of the world’s most enchanting cities…

• Discover how travel photographers create a need for their photos -- and  double or even triple your photography income…

• Find out just how easy it is to turn your snapshots into cash… and enjoy the freedom, independence, and travel that freelance photography delivers…

The Ultimate Travel
Photographer's Workshop

May 25-28, 2005
Paris, France

If you're intrigued by the prestige of seeing your photos in magazines… if you long for a career or sideline that lets you travel whenever you like and live wherever you prefer… then this is, hands down, the best place to begin your adventure. Join us in Paris this spring and spend four days learning from and exploring the city in the company of professional photographers ready to share their hard-won insights and secrets.

Day 1

After introductions and a welcome cocktail, you'll get right down to business by learning everything you never knew your camera could do.  You'll spend some time getting to know your equipment (digital cameras only). Then find out how to use yours to turn your average vacation shot into a photo worthy of wall space and a magazine cover. Plus you'll learn what you need and don't need to be a travel photographer… and how to go about finding a need for your photographs.

Day 2

Grab your camera and get a taste of the freelance photographer's life as you discover what a Paris café can teach you about turning a snapshot into $650.  You'll start at famous cafés such as the Café de Flore -- where famous writers and artists like Sartre and Picasso hung out and where, today, you'll find a mix of locals and tourists. Then you'll cross the city to find cafés in the Marais District and also along the Champs Elysées.   

Then we'll go back to the classroom where you'll learn the best ways to get your photos out of your camera and into a computer. Then get the ins and outs of editing, Photoshop, labeling, and submitting your photos to clients.

Then top off the day by having a professional photographer critique the photos you’ve taken.

Day 3

Today you'll get even more hands-on practice. Your goal will be to capture the city’s distinctive architecture through your lens, starting at the louvre and finishing on the Grand Boulevard at Chartier.

You'll find out how to turn your shots into marketable photos during a special session on editing architectural photography. Plus you'll benefit from another professional critique of the photos you took earlier in the day.

Bonus Session: Optional night shoot at the Louvre and along the Champs-Elysées.

Day 4

Set your alarm clock and join us to capture the sunrise from the hill of Montmartre.  Then it's off to the Luxembourg Gardens and Palais Royal, where you’ll learn the techniques the pros use to shoot the rich colors and textures of landscapes.

Plus, discover the secrets professional photographers use to convince editors to buy their photos… learn how to set your fees … how to find a need for your photos … even how many travel photographers create a need for their photos with an easily learned skill that can more than double your income from each sale! And today you’ll benefit from a third personalized photo critique by a professional photographer.

Plus, we'll wrap up the program with a farewell dinner.

The Ultimate Travel
Photographer's Workshop

May 25-28, 2005
Paris, France

Price:  $1395 (Save $100 and pay just $1295 when you sign up on or before April 29, 2005.)

Where:  We have arranged a special discounted group rate at the Les Jardins du Marais (74, rue Amelot, 75011 Paris, France -- website: http://www.homeplazza.com) where our Ultimate Travel Photographer's Workshop is being held. As a participant, you are entitled to a rate of €185 per room, per night (this rate does not include taxes or incidentals). A full buffet breakfast is included in this price. Our class sessions will be held here, but you are welcome to stay at another hotel if you prefer.

To take advantage of this discounted hotel rate, please call Schuyler Hoffman today toll free at (866) 529-0538 or local at (310) 593-4741or e-mail photos@thetravelwriterslife.com.

Includes:

• An evening session plus three full days of class sessions and walking tours around Paris
• Special presentations by highly regarded photographers, Rich Wagner and Blair Howard
• A welcome cocktail with hors d'oeuvres on the first evening of the program and a farewell dinner at the end of the workshop
• One-on-one work with the faculty
• Presentation CDs you'll take home that contain pictures, instruction and examples of everything you'll learn
• Assistance throughout the program from our staff

More Details: Call Schuyler Hoffman today toll free at (866) 529-0538 or local at (310) 593-4741.  Or you can email him at photos@thetravelwriterslife.com.

This workshop is for digital cameras only. You're welcome to shoot in film if you like but due to time and space we will only focus on the digital medium of photography and the publications that buy digital photographs. Point-and-shoot digital cameras are welcomed (and encouraged for first-time snappers).

To Register:  Visit: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/phototour  or call 1-866-529-0538 or 310-593-4741