Portrait Corner Studio, LLC On Hold

Due to the move that Portrait Corner Studio, LLC is making to the Augusta, GA area, I have temporarily suspended posting to the blog. So, stay tuned for an update as soon as we get settled and up and running again. We're very excited about starting a new venture in the Peach State and will dearly miss all of the clients and friends we've made over the years in South Florida.

Enjoy!
Willie

Relocation Of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC.

For 25 years Portrait Corner Studio, LLC has been Dania Beach's only and longest operating professional photography studio. We want to thank all of our South Florida clients who have become a part of our business family. It's exciting for us to announce that August 31, 2010 we are closing the operation of the studio and relocating to the Augusta, GA area.

On behalf of Dana and myself it has been a wonderful experience sharing our talents with so many people who have come to appreciate our work. We wish many blessings upon each and everyone who have become not only our clients but also close friends.

Dana & Willie
willie@portraitcorner.com

"CPP" Mark

It is listed in all of Portrait Corner Studio, LLC's advertisement, correspondence, and is promptly displayed in the studio. It is the "CPP" Designation. What does it stand for and where does it come from? Frequently I get asked this question, so I thought I might take the time to answer. Not to cloud the waters with my on interpretation, I went straight to the organization that grants this designation: Professional Photographers of America. The following information is listed on the PPA website (www.ppa.com) and can be reviewed. Here is why we are so proud of this designation.

Just look for the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) mark

When you hire a photographer, you want the best. Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a professional photographer. So we made it easier for you to find a true professional via the Certified Professional Photographer program.

The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Certification program is recognized throughout the industry as a mark of excellence. When you see a photographer displaying the Certified Professional Photographer seal, you can be assured that he or she is among the less than 8% of all imaging professionals who have successfully completed and maintained our requirements.

What does “Certified Professional Photographer” mean?
Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is a designation granted by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, the world’s leading certification agency for imaging professionals.

To assure you of the photographer’s level of expertise and continuance to develop new skills and techniques, those who have earned the CPP designation:

• Pass a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise
• Successfully submit their work to a panel of judges for review and approval
• Renew credentials every 5 years with continuing education, submitting work for critical evaluation, or retaking the certification exam

Your Assurance of Quality
Whenever you enter a studio displaying the Certified Professional Photographer emblem, you will be dealing with a professional who is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of professionalism and expertise available.

To end this FAQ, I did a search on the PPA.com website to see just how many certified professional photographers were listed in the Dade/Broward area. Including myself there were approximately nine. Portrait Corner Studio, LLC. is proud to be among this list of elite photographers and studios. Dana and I look forward to continuing the great service and professional photography that we have been giving our clients since 1985.

Enjoy!

Willie (CPP)

New Toy

Have you every had a precious item stolen from you and you were so angry about the incident you promised not to replace the item? Well, several years ago I had a camera stolen from me while photographing a wedding at Signature Grand. It was a Canon 10D with an 8mm Sigma fisheye lens. I only used it for weddings, but it was a sweet system because of the unique perspective it gave my images. In all I think the system cost me about two grand back in the day when DSLRs were expensive to purchase.

Canon Rebel xsi with Sigma 8mm Fisheye

Anyway, after having anxiety attacks every time I would see a fisheye image in a magazine or come across some of my old fisheye images, I've relented and reinvested into a replacement system. Lots of improvements have happened to digital cameras in the past two years and the loss of that camera did have an upside. 1) The cameras are cheaper, and 2) Their resolution and file handling is much better. Now I can offer my brides this unique look again!

Check out the images I created with this system while on a trip to Arizona.

Enjoy!
Willie

Location: Boojum Tree

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

New Studio Logo

I'm very excited about 2010 because we are totally revamping Portrait Corner Studio, LLC. from the bottom up. I truly believe that God has allowed the recession to give us a time to sit back, relax, and rethink everything that is going on in our personal and business lives.

I cannot tell you how many wonderful ideas have come to me over the past months of 2009 which have inspired me to do something different. Below is one of the changes that I've acted on. Here is our new business logo and we're looking forward to branding it on everything we do.

Enjoy!
Willie

New 2010 Logo

Previous Studio Logo


Original Studio Logo

New Video Service A Hit!

Mid-2009 when I decided to add professional video services to our product line I knew it would be a success. As I looked around my industry it was easy to determine that nearly every facet of my profession was moving toward video. Video is every where and is a major player in whatever we do in our daily lives. I personally believe that any photographer who hasn't made the transition is not going to be competitive in the near future.

I've felt that Portrait Corner Studio has always been on the cutting edge and I intend on making sure that all the new technology is an asset for clients choosing our studio.

Well, if you want to take a look at our hot cinematic video service, check out this link: Wedding video. You're gonna love what you see. If you have any comments or questions, please leave a comment on this blog.

Enjoy!
Willie

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.

Dana Scores BIG At Print Competition

As professional photographers Dana and I compete against fellow photographers for the coveted award of "Photographer of The Year". Last Thursday was our first round of competition and Dana did extremely well. I was so excited for her because all of the hard work and LONG hours she has put into her craft have finally paid off.

Currently she is in 2nd place overall (against some stiff competition) considering she has been a photographer for three years, and has only been competing for two of those years. Dana was overwhelmed with joy to receive one 1st place and a bunch of 2nd and 3rd places. Below is a quick shot of her and her entries. If you want to review the entire competition, click on this link Competition Results to see all the details. (Note: You may have to scroll down to read the entire link).


Enjoy!
Willie

Portrait Corner Studio on Facebook!!

We are now on Facebook. Join us and become a fan by clicking on this link:

I've got a lot of catching up to my daughter Christy (who is a Facebook junkie), but I'll see what I can do about that. I KNOW I've got more photographs than she does!!

Enjoy!

Willie

Top Ten Photographers Awards

Dana and Willie with their "Top Ten Photographers" trophies

As members of the Professional Photographers Guild of Florida (PPGF), each year Dana and I compete against some of the best professional photographers in South Florida. At the end of each year, ten photographers receive awards for their accomplishments. Members must excel in the quality of their photographic work which is judged during three print competitions. In addition, members must also accumulate service points in order to reach the "Top Ten Photographers" level.

I'm proud to announced that during the PPGF Annual Awards Banquet, Dana came in 2nd Place, Top Ten Photographer (Richard "Pappy" Hinman Award) and I came in 3rd Place, Top Ten Photographer (Marcel & Silvia Moino Award). We are honored to have achieved this level of competence among our peers and believe the awards confirm the quality of our studio work as offered to our clients.

As recipients of these awards we want to thank all of our clients who allowed us to use their images during print competition. We could not have accomplished these levels of excellence without you.

Finally, this year Dana and I have moved our membership to the Professional Photographers Guild of Palm Beach. We look forward to making new professional friends while competing against some of the best photographers in Florida. We'll keep you posted on successes throughout the year.

Enjoy!
Willie & Dana

2010's Business Motto

At the beginning of each year I have always written out a business motto as a reminder of what I should focus on for the next 12 months. After going through one of the most trying times as a business owner and seeing miraculous instances where God delivered the right clients at the right time, I've come to this conclusion as a 2010 motto:

"The only business is God's business"

That is to say that Portrait Corner Studio, LLC will be used by God to touch the lives of people as He sees fit. It will not be about money, Dana or Willie. I believe 2010 is going to be the most awesome 25th year they we've been in business. So, I wish everyone a blessed and prosperous year! We look forward to being a genuine part of every client's life when they join the "Portrait Corner Family".

Willie & Dana
Photographers/Videoartists

Dana's Last Radiation Treatment

If you have been following this blog, then you know that my daughter Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer several weeks ago. It has been a very difficult and life-changing adventure for Dana, but it has also enhanced our family's spiritual walk and faith in God. If you talk with Dana she could tell you of numerous incidences where God brought encounters with other women who were cancer survivors or people who prayed with her.

One of my favorite stories is when she went into Jared's jewelers to have a new watch band adjusted, shared with the sales person why she was wearing the pink cancer bracelet, and the saleswoman started praying aloud for her in the middle of the sales floor. It brought Dana to tears to see that a stranger would do that for her. Finally, one of our clients who lives in New Jersey, Dakeya Henry, brought her 9 months old son (Chase) by the studio to visit Dana because she knew a visit with him would lift her spirits. These experiences were priceless to her.

I could not end this blog without thanking EVERYONE for loving Dana, praying for her, and simply keeping thoughts of her on your minds. Sometimes treatment for cancer is never a done deal and we know that only time will tell if she's completely cured of cancer. However, we know that God has brought her and our family through this ordeal with the ability to praise Him for sparing her from the awful horrors of this disease. As Dana faithfully said to me last week, "After my final radiation treatment, Pops, I'll be cured of cancer". That's were we are with this test of our faith.

So, after five days of getting radiation treatments twice a day, here's a candid look at her final treatment.

Click on this link: Last Treatment
Note: Give the file enough time to stream before clicking PLAY

Enjoy!

Willie

Photographer of The Year 2008

The news I'm about to share with you is both exciting for me as a professional photographer and even more exciting as a father. During the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony for the Professional Photographers Guild of Florida (PPGF) I was both fortunate and honored to receive several key awards.

First, before I tell you about MY awards, I want to brag on my daughter (Dana). This was her first year competing as a professional photographer, and I'm proud to say that out of the Top Ten Professional Photographers in South Florida she came in 7th Place. I won't tell you how EXCITED she was (and surprised), but let this photograph speak for itself. As your dad, Dana, I'm proud of you and believe that you have a great future ahead of you as a photographer.

Dana receiving "7th Place,
Photographer of The Year"

Second, I want to thank all of my clients whose images I used for print competitions in order for me to win "Photographer of The Year". Many of you know who you are because I've given you the actual print that I entered as well as the ribbon that came with winning. I wish that I could give each of you a piece of the trophy that I received, so please share in the knowledge that I could not have done it without you. This is the second time that I've won "Photographer of The Year" (2006) and it is a difficult task to reach this level to say the least. There are so many other great photographers in PPGF that could have easily won this award.

I'm not certain how much I will compete this coming year both locally and state, but I will continue to enjoy taking great photographs of my clients in 2009. The pleasure of giving my clients excellent photography is equally as rewarding as being recognized by my peers. Thank you!

My first major award for the night
was for serving as Vice-President.

President Hitz awarding

me the President's Award.

Receiving the Robert Becker Award
which is equivalent to "Photographer of The Year".

The 2008 PPGF Executive Board.

It has been a wonderful experience
serving as PPGF's President for 2 years
and Vice-President this year.

Krystal Cordo

Welcome to the newest member of the Portrait Corner Studio staff...Krystal Cordo. (Krystal has signed on to become the make-up specialist for clients having images created in the studio). Several blogs back I introduced you to Krystal when I showed you a few images of her that I took during the Aniquia Gay maternity session. Although she came along as Aniquia's make-up artist, I sensed that she really has what it takes to be a good model, too. So, I put her to the task during one of my Pro At Work training session. Check out this short video clip and you'll see what I mean.

Digital Camera Class

Recently one of my long time clients, Wendy Miller, came by the studio to pick up a restoration job I'd done for her. (She's always so complimentary about my work.) Somehow we got on the subject about me going out on EDL (Every Day Life) excursions. Right away she told me she had a digital point & shoot camera that she just couldn't get a handle on. She truly wanted to take better pictures , but the learning curve was preventing her. So, I promised that I'd take her out with me and Dana the next time we went shooting.

That promise to Wendy planted a seed in my head. Why not give a camera class to my clients? For years I taught digital and film photography classes at South Broward High and Hollywood Hills High before the volume of work in the studio forced me to retire. With a heart for teaching, I've decided to come out of retirement and offer a class Saturday, August 2nd from 10am - 12pm. I'm limiting the class to 4 students so that everyone will get special attention to their needs. If you're interested, call the studio at (954) 921-7959 and register before the class fills.

"Pro At Work"
Willie

It's Live!

Well, if you've visited my website within the passed 24 hours you know that all of the redesigning has been finalized. My webmaster (Marathon Press) took little time in taking all the images and text that was needed to get it up and running. Yep, there are a few typos and images that will have to be tweaked, but for the moment it has already made a HUGE difference in the way clients and prospective clients will benefit from visiting the site.

So, to get my clients involved with the new site, I'm offering $5 bucks for every spelling, grammatical error, or suggestion (that I use) for making the website better! Just email me your correction/suggestion along with your mailing address to this link: Contact Willie

Willie

New Website Look

It's about time!

Well, after 8 years of procrastination (I'm embarrassed to admit it) I've finally taken the time to have my website redesigned. Last month I put it on my list of "things to do" and stuck with it until it was done. The biggest problem was going through thousands of images and selecting the ones I considered to be the best of my work. So much went into the decisions that I made, but I think many of my clients will feel honored that their image was one of the 90 photos chosen. If you're one of my clients who made the cut, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to photograph you. I hope you enjoy the fact that I think you're a "Superstar"! It's my understanding that I'll be able to update my images on a regular basis, so if your photograph wasn't featured on the first round don't be surprised if you're not featured at a later date. Here's a peek at the "old vs the new". Should be up and running this week.

The new site will feature more pages to view, new logo and studio colors, ease of navigation, and lots of links to helpful information about the studio and other recommended vendors.

Old Layout

New Layout

Enjoy this latest post and spread the "blog news".
Willie

It's A Family Affair

What more could a dad ask for then to have two out of his three daughters become a part of the "business". Well, this month it happened after thinking it would NEVER happen in my lifetime.

In January of this year Dana came aboard and has not only taken over the daily operation of the studio, but she has proven to be a premier photographer. Then, this week Christy decided she wanted to join the team after working in child care for many years. I can't tell you what a treat it is to be flanked by "my girls" as as we go out on jobs, attend seminars, debate where we're eating lunch, and working the studio together. Each of my girls bring a special personality to the studio's operation and it can only mean a win-win for our clients and our business.

Welcome aboard, Girls. Dad's proud of you and I think this upcoming year should be a lot of fun!