Texas School "Off the Record' is the official podcast of the Texas School of Professional Photography. Texas School director, Cris Duncan, host these candid and unscripted conversations about creativity, photography, the photography business and entrepreneurship. Since 1975, Texas School host the country's largest hands-on week long education event each spring. Texas School offer 30+ classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—attend Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Learn more at texasschool.org
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Données mises à jour le 11/09/2026
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The Relationship Economy: Texas School Off the Record with Lindsay Walden
Épisode 11
lundi 7 septembre 2026 • Durée 32:24
Luxury as Ease: Newborn Photographer Lindsay Walden on the Relationship Economy
Host Cris Duncan interviews award-winning Colleyville, Texas fine art newborn photographer Lindsay Walden about what “luxury” means in her business and how she attracts high-end clients. Walden defines luxury primarily as ease: a high-touch, expensive, stress-free experience where she anticipates and removes parents’ pain points from first contact through delivery, emphasizing trust, empathy, and authentic relationships. She explains how most of her bookings are now referral-based through long-term relationships with past clients and aligned businesses like OBGYNs, birth centers, midwives, and doulas, noting Google inquiries are down while referrals are up as clients become more selective. Walden shares practical ways she nurtures partnerships—regular touchpoints, bringing treats, strategic blogging, and providing headshots or behind-the-scenes imagery—and previews her Texas School 2027 class, “The Luxury Newborn Studio,” covering newborn techniques, client experience, pricing, and marketing.
Lindsay Walden is an award-winning fine art photographer based in Colleyville, Texas, known for her signature newborn imagery and seamless luxury client experience. With over 17 years in the industry and international features including People Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, she blends artistic mastery with a deeply service-driven approach. Lindsay has mentored photographers around the world and specializes in teaching how to elevate both your art and your business to attract high-end clients.
Texas School of Professional Photography:
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and your’e part of true creative family that wants you to win!
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Today is the Day for Growth! The Art of Creating Meaningful Work. Off the Record with Jerry Ghionis
Saison 1 · Épisode 10
lundi 31 août 2026 • Durée 55:04
Jerry Ghionis on Meaningful Photography, AI, Competition & Evoking Emotion | Texas School Off the Record
Cris Duncan interviews world-renowned portrait and wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis on Texas School Off the Record. Ghionis reflects on three decades in photography through the digital and AI eras, arguing there will always be a market for meaningful work while modern tools can also make photographers lazy. He breaks success into art, craft, business, and personal development, stressing mindset, confidence, and avoiding comparison. Ghionis describes proactive practice, including monthly personal shoots, and shares an elaborate Dita Von Teese project focused on creating client-centered meaning beyond effects. He explains how image competition drove his growth, led to innovations, and inspired the Icon Awards with strict rules and raw-file vetting. The episode previews his Texas School 2027 keynote on empathy, posing, and techniques for evoking authentic emotion in portraits.
Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the world’s top portrait and wedding photographers. Known for his fusion of vintage glamour and contemporary fashion, Jerry brings soul, drama, and elegance to every frame. With the creativity of a fashion designer and the precision of an architect, he creates visual stories that are both emotionally powerful and technically masterful.
He is the most awarded photographer in WPPI history and was the first to earn their Grand Master title. He has been named among the top five wedding photographers in the world by WPPI and among the top ten by American Photo Magazine. He also received the United Nations Leadership Award from the International Photographic Council and was named AIPP Australian Fashion Photographer of the Year.
A Nikon Ambassador, Jerry has fronted global campaigns for the D850, Z6, Z8, and Z9 cameras. He was also named by PDN magazine as one of the world’s top photography educators. As an inventor, Jerry created the Ice Light and the Omega Reflector, tools now used by photographers worldwide.
Throughout it all, the Jerry Ghionis brand has become synonymous with excellence, innovation, and a deep love for people and for the craft of photography.
Visual Literacy - Erica Manning Shares Her Journey from Mediocre to Masterful
Épisode 13
lundi 24 août 2026 • Durée 30:38
Storytelling Senior Photography: Awards, Mindset, and Building a Profitable Creative Portrait Business | Erica Manning
Host Cris Duncan interviews Ohio-based portrait artist and educator Erica Manning about using creative storytelling imagery to stand out in high school senior photography. Manning shares how she began by pricing cheaply and taking all work, then reassessed her approach after her mother became ill in 2016, discovering the power of storytelling and the need to run a sustainable business. She explains how investing in education, entering print competitions, and seeking judge feedback improved her skills, confidence, and editing, while storytelling tools like lighting, composition, and expression make images more compelling. Manning describes using a senior model team as a talent pool for competition-style composites that function largely as a marketing differentiator, with options as paid add-ons, while still serving traditional clients. She discusses mindset, finding success in the process, avoiding AI in her work, and previews her Texas School 2027 Saturday class on storytelling, senior teams, and business processes.
Erica Manning is an Ohio-based portrait artist and educator. She incorporates creative storytelling imagery into her business to set herself apart and is an industry leader in her genre of High School Senior Photography. Her creative images have garnered many international awards, including IPC Diamond Photographer & 2024 and Platinum 2026, and PPO’s 2024 Photographer of the Year. Her work has been featured in Professional Photographer Magazine
Building Success by Doing What Others Don't with Michael Anthony
Épisode 8
lundi 17 août 2026 • Durée 27:48
How Michael Anthony Built a Multi-Studio Photography Business with Paid Ads, Systems & AI
Host Cris Duncan interviews wedding and portrait photographer Michael Anthony, who has studios in Los Angeles and Dallas and is planning a third in Austin. Anthony explains how COVID forced his wedding-heavy studio to diversify into portraits and commercial work, and why transitioning required new portfolio work, slower session pacing, and systemizing operations with photographers and sales teams. He argues social platforms and SEO are unreliable for growth because they are pay-to-play advertising platforms, and says paid ads with strong sales processes turn growth into a controllable math equation. Anthony outlines reinvesting early revenue into marketing, scaling ad spend over time, and notes his studio now spends about $20,000/month to book roughly 50 sessions per week across two studios. He also discusses using AI to speed up marketing tasks and promotes his Elevate education and mentoring programs.
Michael Anthony is a working wedding and portrait photographer with studios in Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles. He has spent more than 15 years behind the camera, photographed weddings in nine countries, built a multi-seven-figure a year photography company, and earned a PPA Master of Photography degree with more than 200 international print awards. He teaches the same lighting, posing, business, and marketing systems he uses in his studios today, with a direct, practical approach focused on stronger images and a more profitable business.
Building a Business Ecosystem: Sharon Benton on Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, Disney-Inspired Design & Oliver Pippin
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
lundi 10 août 2026 • Durée 40:35
Building a Business Ecosystem: Sharon Benton on Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, Disney-Inspired Design & Oliver Pippin
Host Cris Duncan interviews Sharon Benton, who with her husband Scott has run a family photography business for 21 years and created Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, a private commissioned Christmas experience in Northern California now in its 10th season. Sharon explains her hobby of studying memorable businesses like Disney, In-N-Out, and a premium local shop to understand why customers return, and how she applies those lessons to build an “ecosystem” where every detail—messaging, phone greeting, website, scents, sounds, and Santa’s script—supports the experience and the art. She shares insights from Disney World’s “bubble,” a bakery whose purposeful branding inspired a new add-on product, and new ecosystem expansions including the character-and-book gift Oliver Pippin and a legacy paver project.
For more than 21 years, Scot and Sharon Benton have built a photography business centered on creating meaningful experiences for families. They are also the founders of Santa’s Enchanted Workshop, a private, commissioned Christmas experience in Northern California celebrating its 10th season, where an hour with Santa is transformed into timeless commissioned artwork.
Together, they blend storytelling, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to create experiences where every detail has purpose and every family feels genuinely welcomed.
As partners in marriage and partners in business, Scot and Sharon have discovered that their greatest strength isn’t thinking alike—it’s thinking differently. Sharon dreams it. Scot builds it. Together, their different strengths have allowed them to create something neither could have built alone.
Sharon previews her Texas School class on April 24, 2027, and directs viewers to santasenchantedworkshop.com.
Clone Yourself with Automation and Workflows. Texas School "Off the Record" with Jeff Poole
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
lundi 3 août 2026 • Durée 28:37
Photography Studio Automation: Booking Links, Transactional Emails & Long-Term Nurture Sequences (with Jeff Poole)
In this episode, Cris Duncan interviews Jeff Poole of Indigo Silver about putting a photography studio “on autopilot” with scheduling and lead automations. Jeff explains why giving prospects self-scheduling links improves booking, and recommends choosing an automation-capable platform like Go HighLevel while keeping invoices/contracts in tools like Tave for long-term data. He outlines a two-part email strategy: short plain-text “transactional” follow-ups that feel personal and land in inboxes, plus a genre-specific, value-driven nurture sequence with graphics that addresses objections over time. Jeff shares a suggested cadence (initial email within minutes, follow-ups over a week, then “close the loop”), using only transactional SMS, and tapering nurture frequency from weekly to monthly. He discusses list hygiene for deliverability, keeping emails focused, using AI to draft sequences, avoiding seasonal offers, and notes a HighLevel snapshot product and where to find his work and Texas School class details.
Jeff and his wife, Lori, operate Indigosilver Studio located in Wilmington, NC, specializing in boutique boudoir portraiture, Headshots, and luxury wedding photography. Their passion for capturing timeless moments extends beyond their studio through Photo Insight, their dedicated educational platform for photographers.
With over 15 years of experience in wedding and portrait photography, Jeff understands one fundamental truth—the industry is constantly evolving. Success isn’t just about taking great photos; it’s about adapting to change. Through the power of digital marketing, Jeff and Lori have consistently grown their business year after year, regardless of economic shifts.
instagram.com/myphotoinsight
myphotoinsight.com
00:37 Why Scheduling Automation Matters
03:13 Choosing an Automation Platform
04:52 Plain Text Transactional Emails
08:30 Personalization by Genre
13:30 Timing and SMS Follow Ups
16:12 Long Term Nurture Sequences
18:38 List Hygiene and Unsubscribes
20:51 Keep Emails Short and Focused
22:50 Set and Forget Best Practices
25:44 Templates and Where to Find Jeff
27:19 Texas School Class Promo Wrap Up
Practice, Patience and Persistence. Texas School "Off the Record" with Michelle VanTine.
Saison 1 · Épisode 6
jeudi 30 juillet 2026 • Durée 33:25
From Weddings to Major Brands: Michelle VanTine on Commercial Photography, High-End Retouching & AI Compositing .
Texas School director Cris Duncan interviews Miami-based commercial photographer and retoucher Michelle VanTine, a 2026 Saturday Texas School instructor, about her path from fine arts and teaching into full-time photography starting in 2008.
Michelle describes building a wedding business with a distinctive creative style, then rebuilding after moving to South Florida by taking varied jobs, second-shooting, and discovering product photography through an early Creole Essence shoot. She explains how commercial work is highly competitive and success came through incremental credibility rather than a single “big break,” noting that social media attention didn’t directly translate to jobs.
Michelle shares retouching work such as replacing Pacifico beer cans shot in Mexico, and details a Kai Trump energy drink campaign where she used AI-generated elements, compositing, and hand-painted color bounce to create a movie-theater-themed scene that was cut from the budget, then leveraged it for portfolio and marketing.
Michelle VanTine is a commercial photographer specializing in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and sports. She also works as a professional retoucher for national advertising campaigns including brands such as Coors Light, Miller High Life, and Pacifico. Her commercial client roster includes products found on shelves at ULTA Beauty, Sephora, Target, and Whole Foods Market. She works across sports and product photography and has photographed multiple Olympic and professional athletes. She served as Senior Staff Writer for Fstoppers, where she covered gear reviews and creative processes.
A Life of Connections through Photography. Tony Corbell and Texas School
Saison 1 · Épisode 1
jeudi 30 juillet 2026 • Durée 35:26
On this episode of "off the Record", we visit with Tony Corbel. Tony has been a household name within the photographic industry for almost 5 decades and has the record for attending the most Texas School events--As a student, volunteer and instructor. Sit down and enjoy the conversation between Cris and Tony as they discuss the changes to the industry, what hasn't changed, what it takes to survive and what is next.
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
From Hobbyist to Multi-Six-Figure Studio: Allison Russell’s Journey
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
jeudi 30 juillet 2026 • Durée 20:37
Photographer Allison Russell of Twisted Wire Design shares her 15-year journey from hobbyist to multi-six-figure studio owner. She discusses in-person training at Texas School, the importance of intensive education, balancing family and work, improving craft through competitions, and planning for a sustainable, sellable business.
Allison emphasizes the value of hands-on learning, strategic instructor selection, and the hustle required to replace corporate income—plus tips for photographers at different stages of growth. Learn where to find her work and how Texas School helped shape her career.
Allison Russell is a full time photographer and understands the challenges of running a successful studio. She has operated her boutique studio in rural South Dakota for 15 years, as the sole income provider for herself and her three children. She is passionate about having a financially sustainable business and helping other photographers to experience the same success. Her accomplishments include degrees (Certified Professional Photographer, Master Photographer, Craftsman Photographer), awards (Gold, Silver, & Bronze Photographer through IPC), and her images have been selected for the Loan Collection images in International Print Competition. She specializes in family and children photography, rounding out her business with commercial, senior, and sports portraits. Learn more about Texas School at texasschool.org
PPA’s New CEO on AI, Community, and the Future of Photography
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
jeudi 30 juillet 2026 • Durée 24:12
In this episode, Cris Duncan interviews Angela Kurkian, the new CEO of Professional Photographers of America, about the state of the industry, the rise of AI, and the enduring value of human creativity. They discuss education, community, storytelling, and practical ways photographers can adapt and thrive.
Angela shares PPA initiatives like Photo Vision and Imaging USA, stresses collaboration and valuing your time, and offers encouragement for photographers navigating disruption while preserving authenticity and connection.
As the first female CEO of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Angela Kurkian leads the organization with a strong “members first” philosophy, guiding its strategy, growth, and operations. Founded more than 158 years ago, PPA exists to support the photography profession and empower photographers to thrive as both artists and entrepreneurs. Angela joined PPA in 2012 as Director of Education after successfully operating a wedding and portrait photography studio in Cincinnati for 25 years. A passionate educator and industry advocate, she has spent more than two decades teaching and mentoring photographers across the country. One of her most impactful contributions at PPA has been the development and expansion of the organization’s photography and business education platform, now known as PhotoVision on PPA.com. Angela is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and holds both the Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America. Under her leadership, she remains committed to helping photographers build sustainable businesses, strengthen their creative skills, and elevate the value of professional photography.
Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
Texas School is the country's largest and best hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, amazing social engagement and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2026 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool #kaitrump
00:00 Meet Michelle Van Tine
01:20 From Painting to Film
03:40 Wedding Hustle Years
07:14 Breaking Into Commercial
11:26 No Big Break Myth
13:02 Kai Trump Campaign
16:48 AI Movie Theater Composite
20:47 Practice to Stay Sharp
26:16 Portfolio and Marketing Play
31:18 Where to Follow Michelle
32:05 Wrap Up and Texas School
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