Jessica Morris - Protege

Meet Jessica Morris, my new protege. Over the years I have had numerous photographers come into my life and we became friends and fellow photographers who have spent a lot of time learning our craft and sharing our knowledge. Jessica was introduced to me by her husband (Paul) who informed me during a brief conversation that his wife was into photography. In parting I gave him my business card and told him to tell Jessica to check out my work on my website and give me a call if she wanted to discuss photography.

The following day I got an email from Jessica saying that she loved my work and would love to learn from me, so I agreed to take her on. We scheduled our first photo shoot together with a new model, (who didn't show up), so we spent an hour taking still-life images at the Riverwalk in downtown Augusta. All-in-all it wasn't a busted trip because we got to scout out some great locations for future senior and portrait photography sessions. And, Jessica got her first new lessons under her belt.

So, meet Jessica and check out a few of the images I took at Riverwalk so that I hadn't wasted my time. Welcome aboard, Jessica, I've got plenty to teach you if you willing to learn. I think we're going to make a great new team.

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double click images to enlarge viewing]

Start with something simple...

...and add in a little technique such as a panorama.

I'm learning that "spaces" are a huge part of composition.

Location: Riverwalk, [downtown Augusta]
Camera: Canon 30D w/17-55mm IS lens
Post-production: Adobe Lightroom 2.5 & Adobe CS3

Glidecam 2000 Pro

As our video services grow for the studio and more and more clients are coming to us for premier video coverage of their wedding and events, we are constantly adding new cinematic equipment to make our work stand out from our competitors. One piece of accessories that I'm truly excited about is our purchase of the Glidecam 2000 Pro camera stabilization systems used by both film and video makers (glidecam.com).

So what does a stabilizing system offer a videoartist? As explained by Glidecam Industries: "These hand-held and body-mounted camera stabilizers create super smooth shots, and allow the operator to walk, run, go up and down stairs, shoot from moving vehicles, and travel over uneven terrain without any camera instability or shake". I'm certain that you've seen these stabilizers in use during major sporting events as the cameraman floats in and out of the action while capturing some breathtaking footage. Well, we want to offer our clients the same experience in our video service. I've already test driven the system and it's proving to be the type improvement that is going to enhance our video products.

[Click on this link: Glidecam Test to see a brief video of the test]

Look for more postings and video sessions showing the Glidecam in action. Contact 706-650-8676 if you have an event you want covered with professional video.

Enjoy!
Willie

How To Stop Telemarkers Calls

Are You Getting Telemarketing Calls You Don’t Want?
Here’s How to Stop Them.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched the National Do Not Call Registry to give Americans a choice about getting telemarketing calls at home. According to a recent Harris Interactive poll, 92 percent of people who reported placing a number on the registry said they are receiving fewer calls; a total of 78 percent said they’re getting “far fewer calls” or none at all.

If you think you put your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and you’re still getting telemarketing sales calls, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that you: Check to see that your number is on the registry. You can verify that your number is on the registry two ways: online at DONOTCALL.GOV (click on “Verify A Registration”), or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the phone number you wish to verify. Follow the prompts.

You also can add your number to the registry using the same Web site or phone number (call from the number you want to register). If you register online, you will receive an email from donotcall.gov as part of the confirmation process. You will need to click on the link in this email within 72 hours after you receive it. If you don’t click on the link in the email, the number you tried to register will not be added to the registry, and telemarketers may continue to call. Understand that some calls are not covered.

Once your number has been on the registry for three months, most telemarketing calls will stop. However, you still may get: calls from — or on behalf of — political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors; calls from companies with whom you have an existing business relationship. A company may call you for 18 months after you make a purchase or three months after you submit an inquiry or application; calls from companies you’ve given permission to call.

File a complaint. If your number has been on the registry for at least three months, and a telemarketer calls, complain to the FTC. Visit DONOTCALL.GOV or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). You’ll need to provide the date of the call and the phone number or name of the company that called you.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

New Owner - Dana L. Hill

Three years ago when my daughter lost her job and asked if she could work a couple of hours until she could find another job, little did I know that would be one of the best days in my entrepreneurship. It was also one of the best days in Dana's life, too. I was glad that I could support her during this difficult time, but I was very concerned about the operation of my business because I'd just lost my only employee of four years. I'd invested a lot of time and training with the previous employee and didn't think Dana could handle the challenge of being a photographer and office person.

Boy, was I wrong. Not only did Dana take ownership of the business, but she has quickly learned her craft as a professional photographer and is considered a great competitor in her field. Slowly, I have been withdrawing myself from operating the studio and very much putting a lot of faith in her managing the business. She has definitely paid her dues and earned her wings. So, in October of 2009 I made the decision to sell her exclusive ownership of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC.

This year Portrait Corner Studio celebrates 25 years in business, and I'm proud to pass along this opportunity to Dana. Currently, she is restructuring the entire business model of the studio in the areas of products and services. Future clients can expect some exciting services from Dania Beach's oldest and only certified photography studio.

Congratulations, Dana...you'll do good.

Enjoy!
Dad

Enhanced Wedding Video Service

For 2010 Portrait Corner Studio, LLC has expanded its wedding services with a new video product that rivals epic movie-making as seen in Hollywood blockbusters. The demo below is a brief example of what prospective brides can expect when they contract us as their videoartist.

Contact the studio today at (954)-921-7959 for additional information or to reserve our cinematic video services for your upcoming wedding or special event.

Enjoy!
Willie

For best viewing (if you don't have a fast computer), click on the play button then pause it so the file has sufficient time to load. This will avoid the file skipping. Then click play again.

Another AT&T Ripoff!

I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little tired of discovering all the ways big companies are ripping us off "dollar by dollar"..."penny by penny". I'll tell you, with the economy the way it is I personally scrutinize EVERY bill that comes into my home or business. Why? Because in the good ole days: a bill was a bill. You just paid it; no questions asked.

Okay, I confess that like most Americans I just didn't pay that much attention to all those line items (my bad). Now (in these "hard economic times) I'm beginning to realize how many little petty charges companies like Bank of America, AT&T, FP&L, and only God knows who else who have been sticking it to customers like me and you. Here's the latest "let's stick it to 'em" I've discovered.

Since I have AT&T Internet service at work I figured it would be a great deal to have it at home, too. So, I signed up for the Ultra service because the speed was faster than the Lite they're always advertising. For months now I've been paying the bill and not noticing what was being itemized in the Internet portion. I was more concern about controlling long distance charges that my family members might rack up.

Anyway, I recently noticed a $5.00 Home Networking Plus charge on my monthly bill. I thought the additional charge was for our wireless connection because we have laptops galore among five family members. I contacted AT&T service and asked about the charge. Well, a very smooth talking service representative came on the line (after a zillion phone prompts) and told me that it was part of my DSL service charge. I told her that I didn't ask for this service and why did I have to pay for it. (Here comes the "stick it to 'em"). She said that if I upgrade my Ultra service to the Extreme 3.0 service I wouldn't have to pay the five dollar charge.

Now, if you're following this story closely you already know what's about to happen here. I did, too. So, I asked, "Is the upgrade free?" And, the answer was emphatically: "No". I politely asked (in my "could you rip me off some more" tone of voice), "How much is the Extreme 3.0 service?" Ms. Campbell said, "$37.95.

Okay, let's see if I can figure this out? If you look at my bill below you'll notice that it's the SAME price as what I was paying for the Ultra service. Hmmm?
In addition, Ms. Campbell told me that the Extreme service is much faster than the Ultra service. At that moment I honestly broke out into laughter. In fact, Ms. Campbell started laughing, too, especially when I said, "That's what I'm paying NOW. So, in reality I'm still going to be giving AT&T $5 dollars". (That's right, Buddy). Although I was sarcastically laughing out loud, in the back of my mind I wondered why AT&T carried on this type charade for a few bucks. Then it dawned on me: $5 bucks time a couple thousands or million customers per month could equal some SERIOUS revenue.

So, Dear Readers, if you have AT&T Ultra service I advise you to IMMEDIATELY upgrade to the Extreme 3.0 service. You're getting ripped off!!!! Call: 1-888-757-6500 and at least get something for your $5 bucks. If you're lucky you may get Ms. Campbell and the two of you can have a good laugh as she upgrades your service.

Enjoy!

Willie

Willie & Dana Featured In Westside Gazette

I want to thank Pamela Henry of the Westside Gazette (Broward County's oldest and largest African American owned and operated newspaper) for featuring us in their Thursday, January 22 - Wednesday, January 28, 2009 issue of the newspaper. The news release shows me receiving the "Photographer of the Year 2008" Award and Dana receiving the "7th Place, Top Photographer of The Year 2008" Award. Dana and I are members of the Professional Photographers Guild of Florida (ppgf).

Senior Editor, Pamela Henry
Westside Gazette: Click here
PPGF: Click here

Portrait Corner Featured on Web Site

To be recognized in my profession is a great honor, and as some of my readers know we have received numerous awards to confirm our level of photographic skills. However, to be recognized by another industry as being excellent in what you do is an accolade sought after by many. Portrait Corner Studio has always strive to be the best. More importantly, we have tried to be an example of professionalism at its highest caliber.

So, when I got an email from Tangela Cummings of Admardecor, thanking us for sending her images of an event she'd produced, I was deeply honored to see she had made a comment about us on her web site. Now, I don't want to turn this into a brag session, but I have to tell you that I have NEVER seen the type ambiance displayed at a wedding like that put on by Admardecor. So, if you have any event and you want to leave a lasting impression on your guests, click here: admardecor

Check out Tangela's handy work. It's is award-winning stuff! Thanks Tangela for the compliment and I look forward to a great relationship with you over the years.

Enjoy!
Willie

Transfer VHS Tapes To DVD

What do you do with tons of old VHS tapes of you and your family that haven't been viewed in ages because you don't have a tape player or it is non-functional? Here's a simple solution. Let us transfer your tapes to a DVD disc that will play on your computer and/or your current DVD player that's connected to your wide-screen HD TV.

Bring your VHS tapes up to date while conserving space

At Portrait Corner Studio we're constantly adding new services that will help our clients improve the quality of their lives. Two of the newest items we're adding to our product line is video coverage of small events and VHS transfer service. For more information about either of these products contact Willie at: (954) 921-7959.

Introductory Discount

Receive a $5 discount off the total price for transferring two tapes at the time of ordering (offer expires: Dec. 31, 2008).

FPP Convention Bound

Well, it's that time again when Dana and I will be traveling to Orlando for the annual Florida Professional Photographers Convention from August 23-27th. This is a major event for us as professional photographers because we will enter a select number of our client images in hopes of receiving merits and awards. Our work will be measured against the creative skills of hundreds of professional photographers throughout the entire state. To get a glimpse of how amazing some of this work is visit this link: www.fpponline.com

This will be my third year entering competition and Dana's first. I've included below the images that Dana and I will be entering along with the names of those clients whose work we have selected. So, to make a long story short. Wish us luck and we'll let you know how well we did this time around.

"Kristin & Frederick Schlichte's" Wedding Album

"Fallen Patriot"

"Freedom Fighter" (Hank Hankerson)

Final Thoughts (Ron Jordan)

Butterfly Effect

"Old Super Bowl Champ" (Tyrone McCloud)

"Soul Sister" (Natasha Barr)

"Daydreaming" (LaRae Laws)

"Savanna" (Savanna Stapleton)

"Try Not To Forget Me" (Lucille "Abba" G. Lee)

"Best of Show"

This month was the final print competition for photographers who are members of the Professional Photographers Guild of Florida. This final competition was between our guild and our sister guild in Palm Beach. It's an annual print competition to compete for bragging rights in South Florida. Last year PPGF took home the gold, but not so this year as PPGPB (Professional Photographers Guild of Palm Beach) won hands down. The competition also helps to determine in December who are the "Top Ten Photographers" within our guild.

Each entrant is allowed to enter four images or albums with the hopes of scoring 80 or higher. Overall I personally did not do as well as I hoped, but once again one of my wedding albums took first place in that category. The true winner in the family came from my daughter Dana who entered the competition for the first time. She captured the "Best of Show" print for our local guild. Her image (titled "Final Thoughts") was in the Social Function category and was created of Ron Jordan during his wedding. Congratulations goes out to Dana and to Ron.

"Best of Show" by Dana
Client: Ron Jordan

1st Place album by Willie
Client: Kristin & Frederick Schliphte

Miramar Cultural Center

How often do you get to photograph two fabulous women in the entertainment industry of which one is from South Florida? Such was the case when I was hired as the official photographer for the City of Miramar during the reception welcoming of singer Melba Moore and actress JoMarie Payton (Family Matters sitcom). JoMarie grew up in the South Florida area.

Both Melba and JoMarie received the keys to the City and a grand tour of the new Cultural Center. The facility is currently under construction with an opening date of Fall 2008. Also, a Proclamation was made in honor of JEBA Media, Inc. for presenting the Urban Theater Festival Awards and establishing the Miramar Cultural Center as a future destination of this event.

To view additional images, go to Portrait Corner, select View Events, and enter this session ID: miramar

Additional information about the Miramar Cultural Center can be obtained by visiting Miramar Cultural Center or contacting Edna LaRoche, Marketing Manager at (954) 602-4514.

Dominion Catering set the flavor for the
event with great hors'd'oeuvres.

Actress JoMarie Payton and husband Leonard.

Singer Melba Moore and her entourage.

Mayor Lori Cohen Moseley with the
JEBA Media Proclamation plaque.

Mayor Moseley, Julia E. Brown, & Ed HaynesMayor Moseley, Actress JoMarie Payton,
& Singer Melba Moore.

JoMarie & Melba holding their keys to the City.

Edna, JoMarie, Vernon, Melba, & Camasha.

JoMarie & Willie...a new comedy team.

Mayor Moseley & Edna LaRoacheAssistant City Manager Vernon Hargray giving
a walk through of the new cultural center.
Although the stage was under construction,

JoMarie & Melba christened it with their own performance.

The Finale!!! JoMarie & Melba style.

Links:

Host: City of Mirarmar

Caterer: Dominion Catering
Printing: Rachel Moscoso Denis (786) 290-9718 or racheldenis54@aol.com