Dallas: Casey Jay Benson: Intermediate Lighting & Post Processing Workshop - Feb 27th

[caseyjaybenson]

When: Feb. 27th
Where: Magnolia Hotel - 1401 Commerce Street
Price: $300 1 - $560 2
Time: 9am to 5pm
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, One on One Instruction, CD of Presets and Textures
What to bring: Camera and flash.
Small Group:
Registration: on blog at caseyjaybenson.blogspot.com

I have attended a number of workshops that I didn't get anything out of, this will not be the case for you. I will make sure you are leaving the workshop with a secure feeling about what skills we cover on the day.

[mathia]

I can't believe there hasn't been more/any response to this workshop thread. Casey is an amazing photographer. I have attended his workshops in the past. He really knows his stuff and is good at getting it across in a workshop setting. He is one of the more open and helpful photographers I know when it comes to sharing technique and showing you how he works.

[caseyjaybenson]

I am offering to Texas Photo Forum Members only a $100 discount off the workshop this weekend. I have only 2 spots left and would like to fill them.

Please call to get your discount 903.253.7668

[Wil_Bloodworth]

My first thought, and don't jump my butt, was "Who the H*** is Casey Jay Benson?!". CJB may be great and I'm sure you know you're stuff... but I've never heard of you. That doesn't really mean much obviously. But, you've got 25 posts on TPF and well, I just have to ask, "Who are you and why are you qualified to teach a photographic lighting seminar?"

Don't take that in any negative light (no pun intended). I'm simply trying to understand who you are and who would benefit from attending your workshop. Good luck with filling the spots.

- Wil

[caseyjaybenson]

Posts do not equal anything. I shoot 50+ weddings a year. I have grown my business from a hobby to making a great living for myself and family.

I am honest and forthcoming with my photographic knowledge. If anyone has taken a workshop and all the guy did was talk about how great he was, mine will be refreshing and enjoyable.

Nice to meet you Wil.

[mathia]

Oddly enough, I guess I didn't consider whether or not Casey was well known on this forum before suggesting he post his workshop here. I guess I thought that most photographers would look at the quality of his work and decide from there whether or not it would be worth attending his workshop.
Good question, Wil. Not sure why no one asked it sooner.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Alfred,

I wasn't aware of the quality of Casey's work as I had never seen his work posted here and had never heard of him. I do attend lots of workshops and seminars and the like so I just found it odd that someone I hadn't heard of was giving a workshop in Dallas.

It's always good to have new faces and perspectives... especially when I don't have to drive or fly 4+ hours to see them.

Tyler, I hope your seminar goes well. Seeing as it is on a Saturday, I would expect most wedding photographers to already be booked so I can imaging it might be tough to fill. Of course, I think you're targeting a more beginner to intermediate crowd (based on the video) so that may make it easier to fill the seats.

Nice to "meet" both of you... look forward to seeing you on TPF more!

- Wil

[mathia]

Well, one could always go to his website to see examples of his work. Kinda like I did with you. I'm pretty sure I've never posted any images on this particular forum, or any other one I can think of that matter. As an example, I have seen Leslie's work on here and on the website and based on that, I would probably attend a workshop based solely on the work. Maybe it's a matter of perspective. I don't know Leslie, and had never heard of Leslie prior to following this forum, but the work speaks for itself, in my view.
Not trying to be catty in any way (i'm hoping I'm not coming across that way), just saying that I usually evaluate photographers based on their work rather than whether or not I have ever heard of them.

[mathia]

By the way, who's Tyler?

[Phanee]

Casey, Thanks for the very nice discount to TPF members. Wish I could attend.

I am attending Paco's workshop on the same day, which I am very excited about.

[caseyjaybenson]

Thanks Phanee, I looked over your work and it is really good. LOVE the bridals on the first page.

[XoZe]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

...But, you've got 25 posts on TPF and well, I just have to ask, "Who are you and why are you qualified to teach a photographic lighting seminar?"

Hmmm....could he possibly be out working, instead of racking up posts on the internet? Sounds like pretty good time management to me. $.02

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Originally Posted by XoZe

Hmmm....could he possibly be out working, instead of racking up posts on the internet?

Jose,

It's possible... but unlikely. There are many very busy professional photographers on TPF who have been here less time than Casey. In four years Casey has "racked up" a total of 25 posts. Nothing against Casey or his photography, but that indicates to me that he's just not interested in TPF or its members. I'm sorry if you feel that is harsh or rude or whatever. Consider it tough love. I'm sorry if you don't like what I'm writing.

What bothers me... and Jen Copes can attest to this 'cause I didn't cut her any slack either... is when people who have no interest in the TPF board come on here and sling their workshops like TPF is some cork board you can just sell your old couch on.

If some of the well-known TPF members like Leslie Spurlock, Abel Longoria, Joe Lorenzini, Scott Watters, Jeff Kohn, Tracy Hicks, Pete Quinn... just to name a few of the top of my head... said, "Hey, I'm doing a workshop on X", those workshops would fill-up instantly. Why? It's not because we were curious and went out on the internet, google'd around, looked through their portfolio, and found out, "Hey, these guys probably don't suck". It's because they are regular, consistent contributors who, over the years, have displayed their work on many many occasions. Therefore, we "know" them. Casey just doesn't have that reputation on TPF (yet).

Like I said, it has nothing to do with Casey and I'm sure he's a great guy and photographer. It's just about his (TPF) reputation or lack thereof. And that, Alfred, is probably why there hasn't been the response you expected.

This has nothing to do with emotion or Casey personally... so please don't try to take any of this as anything other than observation. I don't know Casey and have nothing against him... and wish him the best with his workshop.

- Wil

[CaptainTom]

I don't know Casey either and think his photography is good.
I think he's taking a marketing approach that is a bit different from the "norm".

Thinking outside the box maybe ?

I does take a lot of "CHUTZPAH" to announce yourself as "an international award winning photographer". I have no doubt about the claim, just that it's
an interesting way to describe yourself. Usually that's how others would describe you.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by mathia

Well, one could always go to his website to see examples of his work.

Examples of work doesnt mean anything to me. People may be awesome photographers, but suck at public speaking or teaching. Likewise, people may be excellent public speakers, but absolutely suck at photography. If I'm going to attend a workshop, I want to know what kind of teacher the 'instructor' is. For me, this is usually figured out by way of references, or people who have previously attended a workshop. In this particular case, there is a lack of local reputation (TPF), as well as a lack of references from others.