LaCour | Photography | Wedding Photography | Atlanta

Mike Colón in Atlanta - An Exclusive Two-Day Workshop

2010-02-17T11:54:00.003-05:00

I attended Mike Colón's very first workshop out in Newport Beach, CA back in 2004 and I have to say that it was an immensely influential milestone in as we were creating LaCour and building our business. It was definitely one of the best investments I've made both in time and money and I highly recommend his workshop to anybody who is serious about growing their business. Mike is such a genuine, caring, knowledgeable, innovative and inspiring person.

Sign up for his workshop quickly, because they always sell out very fast!

Click Here to Register

Save $600 on LaCour's Branding & Marketing Workshop

2009-11-30T16:15:00.000-05:00

Two-day intensive BRANDING & MARKETING workshop

January 19-20, 2010 | Atlanta, GA | $995 (normally $1,595)

Save $600 when you sign up by Tuesday, December 1 at Noon ET.

LaCour focuses exclusively on branding and marketing. Limited to an intimate group of photographers, this workshop will empower you to craft an unforgettable brand and convey a singular marketing message. CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up!

LaCour Partners with Queensberry on New Brand & Website

2009-08-17T14:26:00.006-04:00

"We live life through the moments that shape us."

This simple statement summarizes our mission at LaCour: to discreetly document the moments that shape your life, your story and your legacy.

That's why we are honored to partner with Queensberry, master book crafters in New Zealand who produce extraordinary albums. We searched for a partner that would not only provide superlative service, but also offer a timeless heirloom worthy of sheltering & showcasing our client's cherished memories. When we discovered Queensberry, we knew their books were the perfect treasure for our clients! Not only are Queensberry books classic, they are made using the finest materials that withstand the test of time.

Please explore their new website to learn more about their history, values and vision. Offering their albums to you is our privilege.

ShootQ BBQ in Denver on August 6, 2009

2009-08-06T08:34:00.002-04:00

I'm hosting a BBQ in Denver on August 6, 2009. It's primarily for photographers, but if you're not a photographer and want to come join the fun, anyway, I'd love to have you join us!!

We are planning on hanging out at Platte Park. ShootQ is supplying all the food and if you are feeling thirsty, then BYOB.

I'll be happy to answer questions you might have about ShootQ and I am always looking forward to brainstorming with photographers about how we can continue to help you streamline your business! For a little friendly competition we will have a corn hole game going!

Check out our Evite for more details, directions and to RSVP!

The Gift of Simplicity

2009-07-18T21:09:00.007-04:00

"If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive."  – Eleonora Duse

The LaCour family spent a summer vacation steeped in the flavor of bold wines, rich pastas and alluring truffles.

Connecting with our Italian roots, we rented a house in Northern Italy's "Langhe" region. The Langhe's landscape is infused with soft languor and delicate charm. Churches and castles stand like sentries situated above orderly rows of vines and hazelnut trees. The vistas are vivid, but the simplicity of slowness seems most memorable. I was able to slow down for the first time in over a year.

It's amazing what I see when I slow down.

Get back to Storytelling at the Roots Workshop!

2009-06-04T13:54:00.002-04:00

Roots is a week long photojournalism retreat in beautiful Cape Cod where the number of staff nearly exceeds the number of students. Under the same roof of a rambling farmhouse on the water, staff and students alike learn to be better visual storytellers through group exercises and editorial assignments.

Join LaCour's Rachel LaCour Niesen and Mark Adams and the rest of the Roots Workshop mentors in Cape Cod!

CLICK HERE to learn more!

Tell us why you think you should get $500 off the Roots Workshop and a 6 months of ShootQ Studio for free! Write on the wall of the Roots Workshop Facebook Fan Page by Friday, June 12. If you receive the most "thumbs-up" on your wall comment, you win!

Special Pricing if you're a member of the ShootQ community: Reinvent your business by investing in your craft, and diversify yourself from your competition! Members of the ShootQ community can become better storytellers by taking advantage of a special offer: 4 easy payments of $800 now through December.

2009 World Beard and Moustache Championships in Alaska

2009-05-28T18:50:00.005-04:00

Alas, I didn't place in this year's World Beard and Moustache Championship, but I did have a fantastic adventure. Going back to Alaska felt like going home. Of course I'm itching to go back up there already. One of my goals is to eventually build a cabin in Alaska.

*Click Here for a slideshow of images of beards, bears and glaciers.

Prepping for the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Alaska

2009-05-22T12:45:00.003-04:00

I flew up to Anchorage, Alaska this week where the World Beard and Moustache Championships will take place tomorrow. Over three hundred fellows from around the world have arrived and will be vying for top honors. There's a parade today through town, which should be pretty awesome. I went hiking in the Chugach mountains yesterday, which are absolutely gorgeous. I lived here in 1997 & 1998 and feel a strong urge to come back up here. Alaska is an amazing and special place.

Conversation with the Pros

2009-05-13T10:57:00.007-04:00

This month's Rangefinder features LaCour in "Conversation with the Pros," Martha Blanchfield's outstanding article. Get honest, insightful feedback from 5 Top Photographers. Learn how they're surviving & thriving in today's market.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

This We Believe : Philadelphia Mural Project by Phillip Adams

2009-05-04T13:41:00.002-04:00

In celebration of twenty-five years of art education, mural-making and working in communities, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program has launched their first city-wide mural project. My brother, Phillip Adams, is one of the artists working on the project. It's actually two teams of artists who have made two different designs and the public is able to vote on which design actually gets painted.

The above image is Phillip's team's design. You can check out the two designs and vote by visiting the Philadelphia City-Wide Mural Project website.

Since I'm biased, I won't tell you which design to vote for, but I voted for Phillip's design!

Motorcycle Trip through Peru's Sacred Valley

2009-04-18T11:26:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since we've updated this blog. Sorry 'bout that. We've all been traveling a ton this year. I'm going start doing some posts to catch up on all the adventures we've been having. Figured I'd start with something that I whipped together real quick after my trip to Peru in December. A few buddies and I rented motorcycles for a few days and cruised all around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Here's a short little video clip:

Peru 2008 Motorcycle Trip from Mark Adams on Vimeo.

Coming up in my next post, a slideshow of my 7-day trek through the Andes of Peru.

Professional Photographers, Watch Out!

2009-02-24T09:48:00.002-05:00

For all you photographers, if you're worried about Uncle Bob's taking your business, now you have another competitor to worry about! Felines are now getting into the biz! I wonder how much traffic, Cooper the Cat's blog gets? Cooper the Cat has his own fine art gallery exhibit, too!

Guess we all need to step it up a notch!

Passage to India

2009-02-22T03:30:00.011-05:00

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Mark Twain

Last night, as I excitedly watched Slumdog Millionaire win Best Picture at the Oscars, my heart danced back to India. In January, our family traveled to India to visit Andrew's youngest sister, who is living there for a year.

My first impression of India was the smell. Strong scents embrace you; India assails and inspires your senses. The feeling is visceral, internal and is very hard to articulate. The only thing I can say is: you MUST go!

Hopefully, this slideshow will give you a glimpse of Incredible India!

WPPI Survival Tips

2009-02-11T13:16:00.011-05:00

When the Livebooks team asked me if I was interested in contributing to their new blog RESOLVE, I was thrilled!

At LaCour and ShootQ, our mission is to empower photographers to create profitable and purposeful businesses by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

RESOLVE's mission is consistent with our mission. Together, we connect photographers to each other and to valuable resources that will help them grow their businesses.

Check out RESOLVE to read my first contributed article, WPPI Survival Tips: A Photographer's Perspective.

Grow your business while saving lives!

2009-02-01T12:45:00.014-05:00

LaCour is giving two mentor sessions at WPPI through ThirstRelief's auction.

ThirstRelief is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian and disaster relief to those in need worldwide through the provision of safe, clean drinking water.

You can meet with LaCour's Mark Adams for workflow advice, or with LaCour's Andrew and Rachel Niesen for marketing advice for your business.

Also, you can get technical or software advice from ShootQ's development team.

As a bonus, anyone who wins a LaCour auction (or ShootQ development team) will get a ShootQ Studio account for free for 3 months!

Thirst Relief International has partnered with ShootQ to provide clean drinking water to communities around the world.
Did you know that every 15 seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness? That's 5760 people every day! Photographers can help in a unique way. Check out Thirst Relief's Mentor Auction RIGHT AWAY and bid on a mentoring session with one of us.

Bidding ENDS between 10PM and 11 PM EST (7PM and 8 PM PST) on Thirst Relief Mentor Auctions!
By tapping into the talent and generosity of the wedding industry, Thirst Relief raises funds and expand their impact around the world.

Me Ra Koh's Women's Workshop

2009-01-18T17:56:00.011-05:00

We've enjoyed hosting Me Ra Koh and her husband Brian this weekend at our studio. Me Ra and Brian are soulful, gifted teachers who have a passion for empowering women. As I listened to the workshop attendees share about their lives, I was amazed by Me Ra's ability to elicit the passionate storyteller in every woman. Instilling confidence and curiosity were two important goals of the workshop. Each woman had a chance to share her artistic journey with the group, as well as reveal her fears in an encouraging environment. Of course, we also had the chance to practice shooting adorable children and their mothers! Enjoy these photos from the weekend and be sure to check out Me Ra and Brian's story HERE.

2008 Holiday Party

2008-12-19T12:10:00.006-05:00

On Thursday night we hosted a holiday party for all of our full-time employees. This year has been a busy adventure with a lot of unexpected hurdles as well as numerous blessings. Our team is AMAZING! We feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such caring, passionate, fun and energizing people. Thank you to all y'all! We're looking forward to a fabulous 2009!

Tasty Treats that Rachel LaCour Niesen and Melissa Roth concocted

Jeremy and Melissa Roth, LaCour's studio and production manager | Rachel LaCour Niesen and Jessica Hill

Toasting the Team

ShootQ Code Poet Laureate Jonathan LaCour weaves a story

ShootQ Code Poet,Ryan Petrello and his wife, Brittany.

Jonathan, Ryan and Will Godfrey DJ up some geek-inspired holiday music. Serve up some 8-bit Jesus for your next holiday party. It's Christmas songs made entirely from classic Nintendo game tunes!

ShootQ Genius, Travis Schreer and ShootQ's newest team member, Adam Linke, Director of Sales.

Adam Linke and Jonathan LaCour

Andrew Niesen and the ladies of LaCour and The Decisive Moment

Travis Schreer and his partner, Jessica Hill

Adam Linke scaring the kids

Melissa Roth and Jenn Linke

Too much wine and Mark Adams and Adam Linke turn the beautiful evening into fight night.

Making Your Mark

2008-12-04T16:34:00.046-05:00

Humans love to create.

We have an uncanny, universal desire to make our mark.

It's why we photograph and paint. It's why we build towers and businesses.

One of my favorite shows, MadMen, dedicated a recent scene to the concept of human creativity. The scene lingered in my memory for weeks.

Two characters are discussing a Kodak marketing campaign about memory and legacy. Harry says to Don:

"I've always been fascinated by the cave paintings at Lascaux. The bison get all the attention, but there are also these handprints, tiny by today's standards...It's like someone is reaching through the stone right to us, saying "I WAS HERE."

These cave paintings are among the earliest known works of art. They were discovered in 1940 near the village of Montignac in central France when four boys stumbled into a cave. Inside, they found paintings that were nearly 17,000 years old.

Secluded cave walls bear real imprints of humans who created the most beautiful Stone Age art. Something about these ancient human handprints is magical.

I remember when I first saw them. My Art History professor turned off the lights and projected an image of tiny handprints onto the classroom wall. The class was hushed, as if we were hearing a sacred secret.

Why does something so simple impact us so deeply?

I think it's because we are witnessing a tangible legacy left by fellow humans who responded to their desire to create. They made their mark. They reached through stone to tell us WE WERE HERE.

How will you make your mark?

Congratulations Andy and Julie

2008-11-18T04:11:00.012-05:00

It's been a long time since I wore a little black dress to a wedding.

This weekend, Andrew and I enjoyed the rare honor of being guests at a wedding. Our dear friend, Andy Silk, married his beautiful bride, Julie, in California.

Andy was a groomsman in our wedding and has been a constant source of encouragement and laughter since our college years at The Missouri School of Journalism. Working late on deadline at the newspaper or in the darkroom will always be some of our favorite memories. But no memory of Andy will be as fond as the image of him waiting at the front of the aisle to marry the woman he chose as his life partner.

Andy and Julie, we are so proud of you! Enjoy these photos from your day. Thanks for letting us shoot while enjoying California wines!

Official Photographer Joe Photo workin' hard!

Amazing photojournalist and college friend, Jason Redmond

ShootQ Grant Winner in Congo

2008-11-13T10:13:00.005-05:00

Please keep ShootQ Grant winner Sherrlyn Borkgren in your thoughts and prayers as she tells the stories of women and girls whose lives have been scarred by warfare. I spoke to Sherrlyn before she departed for Africa, and she was hopeful about her opportunity to shed light on individual stories in the midst of a dark period of civil unrest.

The tension in Congo has increased and news reports share stories of innocent civilians fleeing refugee camps in search of safer havens. Sherrlyn's unflappable optimism and spirit of service inspire us! She never underestimates the power of compassion and hope.

We are confident that her journey will inspire you to get involved and serve the global community. Thank you for supporting documentary photography and ShootQ's vision to empower photographers.

You can follow Sherrlyn's journey through her BLOG

This post is syndicated from the ShootQ Blog. CLICK HERE to comment.

LaCour Fine Art Gallery

2008-11-06T16:57:00.002-05:00

We want to share more of our photographic journey with you and give you the opportunity to experience more of our vision. We selected some of our favorite images from our personal archives and are offering fine art, archival prints for purchase for a limited time. These images are mostly from our travels, which have taken us throughout the world. We plan to offer even more images in the future.

** Click to View the Gallery

Does LaCour still photograph weddings?

2008-11-04T15:27:00.031-05:00

We're coming up for air, taking refreshing gulps. Many of you have asked, "Where have you guys been? and "Do you still photograph weddings?" We've been traveling so much lately; catching our breath seems like a luxury. After a wedding season that took us from British Columbia to Great Britain, we are taking a deep breath and sharing highlights from LaCour's adventures. Enjoy!

WPPI MasterClass Filling Up Fast!

2008-10-13T12:16:00.008-04:00

Last year, we had a wonderful time teaching a MasterClass at WPPI. So, we were honored when they asked if we would teach again in 2009!

Come hang out with us on Wednesday, February 18th!

MasterClasses are a great chance to learn in a small group setting. The best part of our class last year was all of your wonderful questions! The intimate setting means that we can give everyone the attention they need and answer questions from the group.

SIGN UP HERE

The MasterClasses fill up quickly, so check it out now!

"And they saw hope pass by... in a train"

2008-10-09T14:42:00.003-04:00

As the country races towards election day and all the politicians are busy stirring up a frenzy, take a moment and check out Paul Fusco's powerful photo essay The Fallen.

Fusco, a photographer for Look Magazine, was a passenger aboard the train that on June 8, 1968, carried Robert F. Kennedy's coffin between New York City and Washington.

This multimedia essay produced by the New York Times features Fusco's photographs and an audio track of Fusco recounting his experience photographing this journey.

**Click Here for the multimedia essay.

View Paul Fusco's website, which has more photos from the RFK Train: www.paulfuscophoto.com

January Workshop Announced : Branding and Marketing

2008-10-08T15:10:00.002-04:00

LaCour is excited to announce The Business of Storytelling : Branding & Marketing. Come join us for an intensive two-day workshop, January 20-21, 2009, focused entirely on branding and marketing.

Limited to an intimate group of 10 photographers, this workshop will empower you to craft an unforgettable brand and convey a singular marketing message.

Our goal for this workshop is to give photographers highly useful and actionable ideas in a small group setting. We want you to walk away with new brand and marketing strategies that will launch your business to the next level.

What this workshop is not: There will be no shooting demos, no lighting demos, no workflow or post-production demos. We will not be shooting or editing or talking about how to do any of that better. We're going to be talking non-stop about branding and marketing!

For more information and to sign up, visit LaCourPhoto.net/workshops/

Save $200 if you signup before November 1st. Hurry as there there is only room for 10 attendees!

WedComp Contest

2008-10-01T14:25:00.005-04:00

I'm excited to be one of the judges for WedComp. Check out the site for information about how to enter. Reviewing your work and hearing valuable feedback is a great way to learn and grow! The best part? WedComp is dedicating a significant portion of the proceeds to Thirst Relief International. The amount raised for Thirst Relief will be announced along with the winning images.

Exploring Bavaria and Tirol, Alpine Landscape at dusk.

2008-09-22T18:40:00.000-04:00

We arrived late today into Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. We checked into our hotel, which closely resembles a 1970's ski chalet and is owned by the craziest lady in Bavaria – there's a shrine to Elvis in the stairwell and a clown hanging from a swing over our bed. Our first order of business was driving into the Alpine playground to watch fog settle in around crags and cows. It was a peaceful evening; the only noise was jangling cow bells.

Austin is Awesome

2008-09-18T17:50:00.002-04:00

Last night I had the pleasure to meet, hang out and share with all the great photographers at the Austin PUG. They also got a demo of ShootQ V2. After the meeting, Suzi Q, her husband and Jefferson Todd took me to what has got to be the coolest bar in town, the http://www.themeaneyedcat.com. Why is it the coolest bar? Because the whole place is a tribute to Johnny Cash!

I'm in Dallas right now, getting ready to visit the Dallas PUG. Hope to see some of y'all there!

ShootQ Sponsors the ONE Workshop

2008-09-16T01:02:00.002-04:00

When we heard that Jeff and Julia Woods were hosting a workshop geared toward couples who work together, we knew it would be a fantastic opportunity! ShootQ is proudly sponsoring the ONE Workshop.

Jeff and Julia welcome couples to the workshop, which takes place in their beautiful historic studio in Washington, Illinois.

Our friend Zack Arias opened the workshop with his compelling personal story.

Jeff and Julia know how to host and they value every detail! These candy stations were designed to give couples a chance to make candy boxes for each other. Ron Dawson, left, and his wife, Tazra, get started!

The decor in Jeff and Julia's studio is beautiful and modern!

This post originally appeared on the ShootQ blog on September 16, 2008.

To leave a comment, please CLICK HERE and comment on the original post.

ShootQ at Pictage PartnerCon!

2008-09-11T17:55:00.003-04:00

We had a great time connecting with so many ShootQ community members and new friends at Pictage PartnerCon in Los Angeles last week! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello and check out a sneak peek of ShootQ version2!

It was fun to be next to our friends at ShootDotEdit as you can see below!

The 1000-watt glowing "Q-Ball" brightened the entire tradeshow floor!

Who is that masked man? It's Garrett Delph. Oh, and there's DotMan too...

Katie Humphreys (and her husband Chris) gave a great presentation about getting organized in your biz.

ShootQ Genius Will Godfrey shares the first public screencasts of ShootQ version 2.

TimCo is wowed by version 2. Can't you tell?

Andrew and Rachel really just want to BE DotMan.

ShootQ shares the love with DotMan.

This post originally appeared on the ShootQ blog on September 11, 2008.
To leave a comment, please CLICK HERE and comment on the original post.

New ShootQ Website

2008-09-09T13:01:00.003-04:00

Explore the brand new ShootQ website at www.ShootQ.com. Be sure to check out what members of the ShootQ community were doing while ShootQ was working for them — revealed in the Community Video Sharing section of the new ShootQ website.

And if you're a current user of ShootQ, be sure to login and check the forum, where you can be the first to see screencasts of the brand new version 2.0!

Wanderlust

2008-09-04T01:50:00.004-04:00

Wanderlust, as Wikipedia puts it, is a "loanword" from German to English that designates a strong desire for or impulse to wander, or, in modern usage, to travel and to explore the world.

This is a trait I share with my sister, Sudie (it rhymes with "Judy"), who just left for a year abroad in Kerala, India. Sudie will be a volunteer with the Young Adult Volunteer program of the Presbyterian (U.S.A.) Church.

She's no stranger to foriegn travel; she has already done three exchange programs in the Czech Republic and Ireland. She boasts a portfolio of visited countries that are too long for me to list here.

For those of you who like to live vicariously, CLICK HERE to check out her blog.

Meet Sherrlyn Borkgren: 2008 ShootQ Grant Winner

2008-08-27T16:00:00.004-04:00

Since we're out in Oregon for some ShootQ business, we had an opportunity to meet Sherrlyn in person! She is a wonderful individual, with evident passion for storytelling and making a positive impact on the world through the power of photographs. It was fascinating to hear about her experiences photographing everything from war to weddings. She has seen a lot in her journey as a photographer!

As you can see, she also has a big heart for animals!

We're looking forward to supporting her as she pursues her project in the Democratic Republic of Congo this Fall.

Stay tuned for dispatches from Sherrlyn and the ShootQ Grant!

Is this on earth?

2008-08-25T17:22:00.002-04:00

Today I flew over Owens Lake (I'm pretty sure, anyway) en route from Salt Lake City to Eugene, Oregon, and saw what seemed like an alien landscape in eastern Nevada.

Owens lake is bright red, and was stunning from the air. If you want to read about why it's red, CLICK HERE.

Trip to Mississippi: Fish Camp

2008-08-24T16:46:00.006-04:00

For those of you who may not have noticed, family tradition is part of what makes a LaCour a LaCour. So it was only fitting that when Rachel, Jonathan, Lacey and I visited Rachel and Jonathan's grandmother, Sarah Lincoln LaCour that we went to eat a traditional Mississippi fried catfish meal at Long's Fish Camp near Sarah Lincoln's home town of Meridian, Mississippi.

A modest structure, Fish Camp is a cinderblock building standing off a country highway with a sand parking lot. The interior, painted plain white, was lit by bare incandescent bulbs and hunting trophies adorned the walls.

The catfish, served on Melmac plates, was some of the best I've ever had. And, of course, an industrial-sized bottle of Tabasco sauce kept things spicy.

Sarah Lincoln tells Jonathan and Andrew that she'd rather "open her mouth and let the sun shine in" than eat Jello.
The view from the back seat of Sarah Lincoln's Grand Marquis.

Marketing & Branding Workshop Recap

2008-08-23T15:45:00.003-04:00

Guest speakers Chris and Katie Torres with 6 of Four talk to workshop participants about their recent rebranding efforts.

Guest speaker Hannah Bower of Bower Communications talks to the group messaging framework.

ShootQ's Jonathan LaCour, and his wife, Lacey, talk to Rachel and Airika Pope.

Jeremy Roth listens to Mark welcome the group to Ecco, one of our favorite Atlanta restaurants.

Veteran LaCour workshop attendee Delaney Holliman teases Andrew for "shooting with his pinky finger up."

Becca Spears and Pam Wirken enjoy the fine wine at Ecco. (Tyler was there too!)

Stephanie Alexander and Skip Adams.

LaCour patriarch Al LaCour (Rachel's Father) and Elaine joined us for dinner.

Atlanta photographer Charlie Pappas.

Occasionally, Rachel's halo comes out.

Rachel and Airika Pope, who came to the workshop from Seattle.

Lacey LaCour celebrated her birthday at dinner.

Our wonderful workshop group! (Sorry to Stephanie Alexander, who left before we took the picture.)

LaCour's first Branding & Marketing Workshop was a great hit! We had participants come from Seattle, Oregon, Kansas City, Denver and Georgia to learn in-depth about branding and marketing. With just ten participants, it was the perfect size for one-on-one and group discussion. Thanks everyone who attended, and look for new dates for this workshop soon!

ShootQ Grant Winner Announcement

2008-08-20T14:46:00.007-04:00

Sherrlyn Borkgren, a wedding photographer and photojournalist, has been awarded $10,000 by ShootQ to bring awareness to the abuse of women by militiamen in the Eastern Congo.

With the help of the ShootQ Grant, Sherrlyn will travel to Congo this Fall to tell the story of personal and communal devastation caused by widespread rape and torture throughout the region. She will spend time in the North Kivu area with young girls who are suffering the permanent physical and emotional effects of this terrible injustice.

Sherrlyn comments: "It’s hard to imagine a worse place in human history to be a woman. There are clinics in this region that will treat 8,000 rape victims this year. These are 8,000 women whose lives and families have been ripped apart. Together, ShootQ and my photography will rally awareness about one of the most terrible crises in the world."

The ShootQ Grant was established this year to allow photographers to invest time working on projects that raise awareness about important issues. More than a monetary award, the ShootQ Grant provides photographers with the opportunity to work on a meaningful project with the creative freedom and financial support necessary to produce photographs that raise public awareness about important social, environmental and economic issues.

Powerful images spur powerful action. We created the ShootQ Grant to help photographers use their talent and passion to inspire change. We are privileged to work with Sherrlyn. Her determination and talent will bring hope to one of the most tragic chapters in the history of our world.

To view Sherrlyn's Winning Portfolio and Proposal, CLICK HERE

Last-Minute Opportunity: Seats Available at our August Workshop!

2008-08-07T21:11:00.003-04:00

2 seats just opened up at LaCour's Branding and Marketing Workshop! If you're interested in joining a great group of photographers at our workshop on August 18-20, email us ASAP at info@lacourphoto.com

This workshop sold out quickly, so jump on this chance if you can!

ONE: Make Time for What Matters

2008-08-02T16:04:00.011-04:00

It's easy to invest in improving photographic technique and business skills, but why does it seem hard to invest in what matters most?

There's nothing wrong with being driven to succeed at business, but how many of us make time to focus on the one thing that matters most at the end of our days, weeks and years — our relationships.

All of us here at LACOUR and SHOOTQ are proud to sponsor the upcoming ONE Conference.

If you are a married couple in business together, you know it's challenging to balance personal needs and business needs.

When Jeff and Julia Woods told us they were organizing this conference, we knew we wanted to support their efforts.

ONE is a fantastic, rare opportunity for couples who are "copreneurs" to spend time delving into the delicate balance of marriage and business. In our experience, it's a constant struggle to NOT be wedded to work! The relationship of marriage is challenging enough, and when you throw business partnership into the mix, it presents a whole new set of variables. But with mutual respect, communication and nurturing, copreneurs can thrive and reach their goals together.

Our industry has needed this for quite awhile and we encourage couples to invest in what matters most.

Seattle-Tacoma PUG Visit

2008-07-30T23:09:00.011-04:00

I just got home after a fun, quick trip to Seattle. Thank you to Airika and Gerald Pope and Me Ra Koh and Brian for hosting me! The PUG group was wonderful and gave me great feedback about ShootQ. It was also great to catch up with longtime ShootQ users like the globe-trotting Caroline Johnson! Thanks everyone for sharing your time and ideas with me. Seattle is one of my favorite cities and I always love visiting you guys!

And now, for something completely different...

2008-07-23T22:11:00.003-04:00

We're in the throes of post-production, and our heads hurt. So here is some syndicated content for you. Warning: our nerdy side shows through by posting this :)

Dusk at the Dunes

2008-07-19T00:20:00.008-04:00

Andrew and I are in Indiana with the the Holritzes and the Swans, enjoying great conversation, walks on the dunes and cookouts! Since we don't have kids of our own, we've been living vicariously through our friends! And after the kids fell asleep, Andrew, Amber and I tried some moonlit photography on the beach.

Oh, say can you see...

2008-07-04T23:50:00.000-04:00

"What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility...a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." ADLAI STEVENSON

Happy Fourth of July!

A Woman named Joe

2008-07-03T17:55:00.006-04:00

My Grandmother passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88.

While it is natural to feel sad about losing my grandmother, I can't help but feel joy for the long life that she lived. She was a pioneer — she earned her masters' degree in social work in the 1940s, in an era when most women didn't even attend college. She raised two sons who were both born on November 30 — one in 1948 and one in 1949. She had a career as a social worker, advocating for the disadvantaged, and was an active member of her church for nearly her whole life — up until just a few months ago.

In 2003, I began a video project documenting oral histories of our grandparents. I started with my father's parents, and didn't get much farther. A month ago, I had nearly forgotten about the project; today, I'm really glad I did it, and I feel lucky that I started with this grandmother.

I shot about 5 hours of interviews with them, and edited together this short segment to introduce my grandmother.

As wedding photographers we tell stories with pictures that build the foundation for our clients' family legacy. Although this is a different medium than I am used to working with, the effect is the same — a record of my grandmother that I can save for the rest of my life and show to my kids and grandkids.

Blue Greenland

2008-07-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

Delta Flight 11 got a rare treat; today's winds took its flight path unusually far north, clipping the far southern coast of Greenland. The PA from the captain woke me from a nap to see this view out the window. In a groggy maneuver, I grabbed the ThinkTank from the overhead bin and shot a few frames out the window before the vista was obscured by clouds.

The flight attendant tells me this is an extreme rarity; he couldn't remember the last time he saw Greenland on a clear day. That, combined with the realization that images shot through three panes of plexiglass are actually pretty sharp, indeed made it a memorable crossing of the Atlantic.

London Calling

2008-06-30T19:13:00.014-04:00

Cheers from London!

After spending a week in London, I can finally say I understand what Henry James meant when he wrote,

"It is difficult to speak adequately, or justly, of London. It is not a pleasant place; it is not agreeable, or easy, or exempt from reproach. It is only magnificent."

London is indeed a magical, magnificent place. Andrew and I hope to visit many times for work and play.

The wedding this weekend in Kent, "The Garden of England," was surreal and stunning all at once. Everywhere I turned, there was something inspiring to photograph. The church was built in 1233; the manor house, which is owned by the bride's family and was the site of the reception, was built in the early 1600s. I think my definition of the word "old" changed this weekend. I felt like I had been dropped into the set of a Merchant Ivory film!

Since our wake up call comes in 4 hours, I will sign off by sharing a few photographs from our week.

Urban Intersections: It's a Small World, Afterall

2008-06-23T20:23:00.008-04:00

Ascending the last subway stair, I glanced up from my sun-flare stupor and saw an old friend out of the corner of my eye. Andrew and I stopped abruptly, as worlds collided in midtown Manhattan. There, standing a few feet from us, was California photographer Carey Schumacher! This random intersection was an unexpected highlight of our NYC visit. I'm always amazed that in a city of over 8 million people, you can simply bump into an old friend who lives across the country. These small-world reminders make me laugh, because they confirm my belief that we are more interconnected than we know!

After catching up with Carey and her son Mat, we made our way to the MOMA. My favorite sculpture resides there, and I've always wanted to share it with Andrew. It was a perfect way to end our day because the sculpture conveys themes of urban intersections and human connection. The sculpture,"City Square," was created by Alberto Giacometti in response to urban life. The figures in the sculpture appear to stride toward each other, but they would pass each other by mere millimeters if they were to continue on their course.

Giacometti observed urban life as an art form, "In the street people astound and interest me more than any sculpture or painting. Every second the people stream together and go apart, then they approach each other to get closer to one another. They unceasingly form and re-form living compositions!"

Off to B.C., eh?

2008-06-13T02:51:00.002-04:00

We're here in Victoria, British Columbia for a beautiful wedding coming up on Saturday. Exploring the city was our first order of business today! it's especially enchanting at night.

Stay tuned for more action-packed Victoria photos soon!

Who are you?

2008-06-10T14:42:00.004-04:00

	“Who we are is the most important thing about photography.”
	— Sam Abell

I love talking to photographers. In the last week, I've picked up a consistent theme from the ten-or-so conversations I've had: Where's the work?

Everyone is asking: Why? Is it gas prices? The economy? Uncle Bob?

While a combination of these factors is the likely culprit, I've noticed another: schizophrenia.

Don't take me literally here. I'm not referring to a photographer's mental health. Rather, I've noticed many photographers lack a strong sense of identity. This leaves them vulnerable to the whim of trends.

In the course of many workshop portfolio reviews, I've seen work from individual photographers which looks more like a collection of the best images from a diverse sampling of stylistic influences. Looking at a photographer's portfolio, I can clearly see a visual history of all the workshops the photographer has attended. One image was clearly made after the photographer attended Yervant's workshop; the influence of Denis Reggie is evident in the next, followed by a photograph that could be on Joe Buissink's website.

What's amazing to me is that the photographer has been so successful emulating the styles of each of these industry icons, but the collective result is still a failure. A prospective client looks at their work and has no clear sense of the photographer's identity!

It's natural to be influenced by industry icons and to think: "If it works for them, it will work for me!"

This starts a process of photographic experimentation, resulting in new images that make their way into the photographer's portfolio. While these images are well-executed, they create ambiguity in the photographer's marketing message. Ambiguity actually works against the photographer's marketing and sales efforts. The inspiration drawn from successful photographers has an unintended effect, one Rachel calls "visual schizophrenia."

When you compare LaCour's work to Yervant's, you might think it's surprising that he is a great source of inspiration to us. While our photographic style and approach is divergent, Yervant has crafted a unique identity, which is clearly communicated through his branding to his marketing message to his photography. It's strong and unwavering.

The most successful people in any field stand out because of a personal investment in their work. They have found a way to express who they are through what they do. This becomes increasingly true in a saturated, competitive market.

So, I encourage you to answer this question: Who are you?

How do you approach photography? What is your style? Can you articulate this to your client in two sentences? Is your branding and marketing message consistent with who you are photographically? Do your images work together to reinforce your identity or do they work against each another? And most importantly, what artistic inspiration do you have outside of the photography world?

This requires an intentional effort of specialization. You must ask yourself, how does this new style, approach or technique fit with my identity?

So if sales are down, don't just run out and buy the latest action set or add trash-the-dress sessions.

Start with finding yourself. Then the clients will find you.

New York Minute

2008-06-09T02:00:00.006-04:00

The view from the Four Seasons' 45th floor, looking uptown toward Central Park

Quick self-portrait near Times Square

I spent Saturday shooting at the Four Seasons in Manhattan. It was an intimate little wedding, with just eight people in attendance.

This is the kind of trip that I refer to as a "surgical strike" — in the morning of the wedding — out first thing the next morning! That was a total of 19 hours in NYC!

Some Fitness Friday Fun

2008-06-06T10:05:00.003-04:00

I spent a few days in Philadelphia this past week visiting my brother, Phillip, who paints some pretty amazing murals around Philadelphia, like this one (before and after):

Anyway, I've been waking up at 5:30 am every weekday morning for the past couple of months doing an awesome fitness Bootcamp. So from 6-7 am we work hard running all around Freedom Park doing something different everyday. Pushups and tons of variations - clapping pushups, diamond pushups, military pushups, etc. Lots of abs and core strength work. And if anybody wants to know about Tabata Squats, I'd be happy to tell you. They're killer! So my endurance has skyrocketed. I have to cinch my belt a notch or two tighter now. Fat has melted off and is being replaced by muscle. Where are these weird ripples coming from? But other great benefits are that I have so much more energy now throughout the day and I feel much more focused and productive! Oh, and I've been eating a lot healthier. Nothing revolutionary. Just being smarter with food choice.

So, while I was in Philly, we decided to make a fun little video. My only intention was to share it with the folks at my Bootcamp, but of course I showed a few photographers who cracked up over it and so I figured I'd share it with the world. Prepare for the cheese:

Beckoning Horizons

2008-05-30T00:21:00.024-04:00

Never have I found the limits of the photographic potential. Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance. Always, I am on the threshold.

—W. Eugene Smith

In the past three days, we've traversed the state of California, from San Francisco to San Diego. It's incredible how much emotional, intellectual and psychological distance can be covered in such a short time. Some things can't be measure in miles, only in milestones.

I wish I could share all of the business developments with you now, but many are looming like shadow play on the horizon. One thing is certain: LaCour and ShootQ stand together at an important crossroads.

Our first stop in San Francisco reconnected me with my mentor, Kim Komenich. During my time at the Missouri School of Journalism, Kim's passion for photography and storytelling fueled my love for photojournalism and life in general. He was both a guide and a friend. Having lunch with him was like coming home; it was a rare opportunity to witness life coming full circle. As I sat across a battered bistro table from someone whose influence on the direction of my photographic life is immeasurable, I felt ineffably grateful. Without Kim's guidance, I would not approach weddings with a storyteller's eye.

After lunch with Kim, Andrew and I joined a wonderful group of photographers in San Jose for a presentation about LaCour and ShootQ. We were thankful for the many insightful questions we heard from this group! It was a combined PUG, with San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento photographers.

Andrew demos ShootQ for the PUG.

Following the PUG, Andrew and I had a series of encouraging, ShootQ-related meetings. As I said earlier, I wish I could share more details. More to come...stay tuned. Needless to say, my journey from student at the Missouri School of Journalism to wedding photographer to software company owner has been filled with curiosity, challenges and creativity!

Wheels up over Silicon Valley

Louisville PUG: Thanks for a Great Visit!

2008-05-22T23:41:00.006-04:00

Rachel and I had fun tonight with the Louisville PUG group, hosted by the extraordinary (and poetic) Angela Anderson. Thanks to everyone who came to hear about LaCour and ShootQ!

Angela treated us to dinner at Proof, the swanky bistro-bar at 21c Museum Hotel. This place is a hip and modern amalgamation of art museum, hotel, bar and restaurant. Its rotating collection of art belongs to a private collector and is both quirky and inspiring. One of Rachel's favorite photographers, Bill Henson, has a piece hanging in the main lobby area.

At the museum, I discovered a Norwegian photographer named Simen Johan, whose fresh take on wildlife photography was captivating.

At dinner, I had the opportunity to talk extensively with ShootQ member Kitty Maer. Kitty told me about her firsthand experience using ShootQ. I value opportunities to sit down with ShootQ users and hear what they like and don't like about ShootQ. There is nothing more valuable when designing software than user feedback so we can improve! One commonality that I've observed between software and photography is that growing and improving is a journey. True success is found in perseverance and commitment to constant improvement!

Thanks Louisville PUG members for sharing your time and ideas with us!

Annette Biggers featured on DarynKagan.com

2008-05-19T10:21:00.003-04:00

You might have already read on our blog (Part 1 and Part 2) about Annette Biggers of Triple Cord Photography who started a fantastic organization called Photographers for Africa after she gave a gift of an old film camera to someone in Uganda.

Annette's story (with a lot more amazing details since you last read about Annette) has just been featured on Daryn Kagan's inspirational website, which you might remember from our story about Malcolm and Kalshelia's Habitat Honeymoon.

**Click Here to view the video on Daryn's website featuring Annette's story.

ShootQ in Professional Photographer Magazine

2008-05-15T21:48:00.007-04:00

We were honored when our friends (and ShootQ users) Garrett and Joy Nudd mentioned ShootQ in Professional Photographer magazine's section called "The Goods!"

Congratulations to Kathryn and Drew

2008-05-11T19:51:00.012-04:00

Our friends, Kathryn and Drew Newman were married yesterday in Decatur, Georgia. It's always fun to photograph other wedding photographers' weddings, because there are always lots of cameras around. But this wedding was special — Drew and Kathryn had a parade that featured the The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, a volunteer marching band based in Atlanta. It was a scene straight out of Mardi Gras in New Orleans! The parade escorted Drew and Kathryn from the ceremony, which took place in their back yard, to the reception hosted at the The Solarium in Decatur's Oakhurst district.

LaCour's Mark Adams participated in the parade by riding his pink Stella scooter.

Rachel, Mark and official photographer Katie Torres of 6 of Four Creations.

By the way, Drew and Kathryn, CLICK HERE to see who else was married yesterday :)

Don't Miss Joe Buissink and Yervant!

2008-05-07T11:25:00.007-04:00

Joe and Yervant are coming to Atlanta on Friday, May 16. Their TWO VIEWS tour has received rave reviews and their dynamic teaching style is sure to inspire you, even if you are not a wedding photographer. We've had the pleasure of learning from Joe and Yervant at past seminars, and have always walked away with a renewed passion for photography.

To register CLICK HERE

We hope to see you there!

The Importance of Dreams

2008-05-01T18:11:00.005-04:00

Today as I jumped head-and-heart-first into ShootQ Grant applications, I was humbled by the gratitude of so many photographers. Inside many applications were sincere, thoughtful notes that relayed each person's excitement and eagerness to pursue projects that make a difference in their communities, both locally and globally. Here is one particular note that summed up the importance of documentary photography. A special thanks to Mary Kate McKenna for taking the time to share these words with us. They are powerful in their simplicity.

ShootQ Grant Applications!

2008-04-30T15:45:00.010-04:00

I think The FedEx delivery woman, the Postal carrier and the UPS guy all hate us!! This afternoon, they all showed up at our studio door with arm-fulls, truck-fulls and cart-fulls of ShootQ Grant applications. They asked if we were taking college applications :)

We're thrilled that so many photographers are applying for the first ShootQ Grant, which awards $10,000 to a photographer to pursue a documentary project. It's encouraging to know how many photographers are eager to use their skills to make a difference.

Thanks everyone for applying! We look forward to announcing the winner. Stay tuned!

In Good Company: It's humbling to be named among the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World

2008-04-28T09:48:00.012-04:00

We were surprised and humbled when we were contacted by American Photo magazine to be included in their list of "Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World." To be included with nine other incredible photographers is an unbelievable honor. As we spend more time getting to know other photographers in our industry, we realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by such talented colleagues! As the old adage says, "Iron sharpens Iron." Thanks to all of our colleagues for continuing to inspire and challenge us!

Atlantan Brides Launch Party

2008-04-24T16:14:00.005-04:00

LaCour photographed the Atlantan Brides magazine launch party last weekend at Mason Murer gallery. The evening was beautiful and it was a great opportunity to meet other wedding industry professionals. The brides and grooms that came to the event were treated to a fun evening of food and presentations, including a creative runway show.

Some of the featured vendors included our friends at Novare Events, Event Design Group, Infinite Designs, and Anne Barge.

The event was beautiful, as was to be expected, and we look forward to participating next year!

CLICK HERE to view the slideshow.

A change of pace

2008-04-20T01:17:00.007-04:00

Rachel and I shoot advertising campaigns for colleges. For a 2-week period in the spring and fall, we travel from campus to campus making fun pictures of students and schools.

This past week, we were at Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Sports are a big focus on this campus; most students play either varsity or club sports. Early Thursday evening, we happened upon this scene in the gym. Thought I'd share.

WedComp : Wedding Photography Competition

2008-04-03T12:49:00.003-04:00

Visit www.WedComp.com for more details.

ShootQ is sponsoring the contest and is offering memberships to all the first place winners. WedComp is also donating a portion of the proceeds to Thirst Relief International, which is so great! I love how the wedding photography community is so supportive of some very worthy causes and contributes time and money toward them.

Alabama

2008-04-02T14:27:00.007-04:00

Last weekend Mark and I attended the wedding of a fellow photojournalist-turned-wedding-photographer, Dave Cone, and Rachel Davis in Monroeville, Alabama. We ended up shooting a little bit as well, to help out our friends - and official photographers - Jen Sens and Eric Larson. Monroeville's claim to fame is that it produced Harper Lee and Truman Capote, both of whom grew up there and were great friends. Dave and Rachel had their wedding ceremony in the Monroe County Courthouse, which is the courtroom that Harper Lee used as her model for the courtroom in "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Here are a few of our shots from the weekend:

Jen Sens gets ready for the ceremony.

Eric Larson is one of the most stylish men I know - even when working.

Dave was extremely emotional during the ceremony. I love the huge smile he flashed after composing himself.

Photographers can never resist a big cowboy hat, especially when worn with a suit.

I love this shot Mark got of Rachel swirling her veil around. It kept getting in her way. She was met with wild applause when she finally jerked it out of her hair and tossed it on a table.

A little after-party back at the hotel.

Why Photographers Need Insurance

2008-03-27T11:47:00.003-04:00

Just saw this video and had to share. Not that most of us wedding photographers are shooting lions too often, but what if were to get knocked over on a client? (That's what sandbags are for, btw). Anyway, check this video out:

And if you're a photographer without liability insurance, here are two links for you:

Hill & Usher Package Choice

PPA is supposed to offer good insurance options, as well.

And you can always check with your insurance agent.

If anybody knows a great insurance option and wants to offer it to other photographers, please post in the comments!

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-03-22T16:59:00.009-04:00

We just returned from a whirlwind week of seminars and parties at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention in Las Vegas. It was a fun but busy week! Andrew and Rachel taught a master class, Mark spoke twice at the LiveBooks booth, and we had a booth for ShootQ at the tradeshow. Thanks to all the current ShootQ users who stopped by to visit, and thank you to all our new members who signed up at the show! We are so happy to have you in the ShootQ family.

Here are a few photos from the week:

Jenn Linke explaining ShootQ's features at the tradeshow.

Jonathan LaCour, AKA Mr. Q, shakes hands with new ShootQ member Kelly MacKay.

People who stopped by the ShootQ booth got a QuickCure box - a little comfort kit to help with the long days and nights in Vegas.

The adorable Bobbi and Heather of Indiana stopped by a few times, and we totally fell in love with them.

Mark speaking at the LiveBooks booth.

Rachel talking with our friends Nancy Beale and Dave Wittig of Chicago.

Dino from LiveBooks during dinner at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Jules Bianchi and Jarrad Lister at the Hard Rock. It was great catching up with the luminous Bianchi twins Jules and Joy!

Mark and Kelly MacKay play in a photographer poker tournament Sunday night.

A lovely girl at Sara France's party Sunday night.

There was an airbrush tattoo artist at the party. This is what Brooks Whittington got.

And this is what Stephen Bebb got.

Andrew playing pool.

Stephen and Jenn Bebb, Erin with her fake tattoo, Tina Carter, and Mark. Thanks to Leigh Whittington for grabbing this shot!

ShootQ wants to give you $10,000

2008-03-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

Announcing a new $10,000 Photography Grant

We're excited to announce ShootQ Grant! ShootQ will be awarding a $10,000 grant to a photographer to fund a project that raises public awareness about an important social, environmental or economic issue.

We have lined up some stellar judges, including Joe Buissink, Dawn Davis, Greg Gibson, Laura Novak and Jasmine Star.

Visit the ShootQ grant website to learn more and for details on how to apply: www.ShootQgrant.com

ShootQ will be accepting 250 new users at WPPI starting on March 17th.

Every time we've offered ShootQ memberships, they've quickly sold out, so be one of the first at our booth!

Don't miss the Amazing Discount we're going to be offering!

Plus, we'll tell you more about:

ShootQ Grant, ShootQ's New Features and we'll give you some Free Goodies!

What's in the box?

Come visit our booth at WPPI and find out! You're going to love it!

Come say Hi at WPPI
We love meeting new folks and reconnecting with friends. You can find us every day during the tradeshow at the ShootQ booth. We'll also be at any party we are either invited to (or can sneak into). Here's a few other notable events:

Sunday, March 16 : Poker Tournament at Caesar's Poker Room 9:30pm
Monday, March 17 : LiveBooks Booth 2pm (Mark is giving a presentation)
Monday, March 17 : BluDomain party
Wednesday, March 19 : LiveBooks Booth 2pm (Mark is giving a presentation)
Wednesday, March 19: LaCour's MasterClass (Thanks to everyone who signed up for our class! It's sold out and we look forward to seeing you all bright and early at 8am!)

If Andrew isn't at the ShootQ booth, check out the Leica booth! He'll probably be there showing off his super sweet M8! And Rachel & Erin will of course be mingling everywhere.

See you in Vegas!

Rockstar Roadtrip!

2008-03-12T17:52:00.003-04:00

Our good friends Corey McNabb and Amber Holritz are coming through Atlanta March 26 with a one-day seminar chock-full of information on shooting and marketing. What we love about the Rockstar Roadtrip is that it's a great price - $175 - for a full day of teaching. The seminar is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes lunch.

Corey will talk about his approach to wedding photography and how to treat your clients like "rockstars," and Amber will discuss lifestyle photography - namely how she is able to keep families coming back to her several times a year for photos of their children.

They have both been extremely successful in their respective markets and have a lot of valuable information to share!

For more information visit the Rockstar Roadtrip website.

The BEBBINAR is coming to Atlanta

2008-03-06T13:02:00.008-05:00

Our friends Jen and Steve Bebb are bringing their expertise – and their wonderful sense of humor – to Atlanta. They're taking the BEBBINAR experience on the road and we're glad they'll make a stop in our city! I attended the Bebbinar in Canada last year and it was one of the best experiences I have had!! They are some of the most genuine and open people that I have met in this industry and shared so many great tips and ideas about how to build a fantastic studio. From branding & marketing & shooting, they've figured it out, which is why they were chosen in the world's top 10 wedding photographers by American Photo magazine. They truly love sharing and I get so energized every time I talk to or see them. I can't wait for their visit to Atlanta. They have such a unique insight into building a fabulous business. You'll definitely learn some new ideas that you can apply immediately.

The number of students is limited, so check it out soon. You can SIGN UP HERE. I hear seats are going fast, since they are limiting the number of attendees to make the seminars more intimate and hands-on.

It'll be a fun and intense couple of days. Looking forward to seeing everyone who's going to be here in Atlanta for their seminar!

LaCour Featured on Queensberry Website

2008-03-05T17:42:00.005-05:00

Finding a classic, carefully crafted album that supports our brand was challenging! So, when we met the QUEENSBERRY team at WPPI a few years ago, we were thrilled. They have been a perfect match for LaCour and our clients. We received a kind email this week from Queensberry asking if they could feature LaCour on their website. We are honored and are thankful for their partnership over the years!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL FEATURE

The Effects of Foundation

2008-03-03T23:39:00.010-05:00

It's hard to aptly describe the Foundation Workshop. It was founded six years ago by former Dallas Morning News photographer Huy Nguyen to teach wedding photographers how to be photojournalists. But it's so much more than that. Mark served as a mentor last year, and was asked to return this year to work with Huy's team. This year I was also lucky enough to be brought on as a mentor, working with Tyler Wirken's team. I came in expecting an intense, fast-paced week of shooting and editing. I got that, but I also found myself with 40 new friends who now share a bond that's simply indescribable. Former Foundation students are correct in saying this workshop changes lives. I saw it with my own eyes, and felt it in my own heart.

Below are a few photos from Mark's and my cameras.

Greg Gibson gives a talk on the first day about the history of photojournalism. That's Ben Chrisman on the floor. Ben was tapped to be one of two official photographers to document the workshop.

Mark's shot of a church at sunset

Andrew Mejia, who was on Mark's team, working the McKinney Community Center.

The famous Sergio, who served as a mentor along with Mark on Huy Nguyen's team.

Emilie Sommer, a mentor for Brooks Whittington's team.

Erwin and Ray of Apertura, along with Ben Chrisman and Ed Atrero, who was a student on my team.

David Pullum, a student on Erin's team, photographs skateboarders. This was his first of many times down in the bowls at the skate park.

Foundation Workshop 6

2008-02-27T16:31:00.002-05:00

Erin and I are in Dallas, Texas at the Foundation Workshop, where we are both serving as mentors. We're here all week and it's been a great workshop so far, helping to teach the students how to better shoot and edit photos. It's one of the best workshops out there for photographers who want to work on the craft of photography. Learning to see and create better pictures as well as fine-tuning your ability to tell stories with pictures is the focus of this workshop. I was on the faculty last year and am so excited to have been invited back again this year. Erin was invited to be on the faculty this year and she's loving the experience.

Below is a group shot of all the faculty and staff. These three photos were lifted from Ben Chrisman's blog (one of two official workshop photographers). Check out his blog for more fun photos (somehow I manage to make it into his blog posts at least once a day. I guess I'm a ham.

Corey McNabb's Workshop Kickoff

2008-02-26T00:27:00.008-05:00

Andrew and I had a great time visiting with everyone at Corey McNabb's workshop in Asheville. We were up representing SHOOTQ and had a little presentation on Monday morning. But before that serious stuff, we got to enjoy the party stuff at Corey's beautiful studio!

The opening party on Sunday night was gorgeous and tasty. Corey's green and gray theme carried throughout the party, from florals to martinis, from cake to curtains! Everywhere I looked, Corey's branding was unmistakably present.

This was my first AppleTini and I must say that Corey's wife Jill is a pro Martini maker & shaker. I watched her craft drinks in total amazement. It's an artfom, without a doubt! Enjoy some photos from the party, including a funny photo of one of our Favorit:e: Fri:e:nds wearing a fishy hat. We left too early to see Shyla don her prettiest dress. Can't wait to see those photos, Shy :)

A big thanks to Amber Holritz for sharing these photos with me!
What a cool way to spend a Sunday and Monday. Now, we're back in Atlanta again gearing up for the WPPI tradeshow. ShootQ has a lot of fun stuff in the works for you!

Hiking in the Appalachian Mountains

2008-02-18T11:34:00.002-05:00

This post is a little late, but Will just sent us some photos. On Superbowl Sunday, Erin and I, along with Will Godrey, and Jenn and Adam Linke, all of The Decisive Moment, plus all of our dogs hiked Blood Mountain, one of my favorite parts along the Appalachian Trail here in Georgia. One of my goals is to through-hike the entire Appalachian Trail. I just need about 6 months off :)

LaCour's Auction Ends in 3 Hours!

2008-02-12T17:28:00.000-05:00

Let the countdown begin! LaCour's auction for THIRST RELIEF closes soon.

GO BID NOW to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and share at the same time.

Remember: To up the ante, the winner of LaCour's auction receives a SHOOTQ Membership. We just sold out of 100 open spots for ShootQ in less than 36-hours, so HURRY and bid so you can also get ShootQ.

Just think...this could be you...(special thanks to ANNE RUTHMAN for providing this scandalous photo!)

Don't forget:

There's an Anti-Snipe Feature. This means that if a particular auction is experiencing a bidding war at the time it is SUPPOSED to end, the auction will stay open as long as bidders are willing to bid on a mentor.

Remember to write down payment information so that you'll be able to immediately go to Thirst Relief to make your donation. Donations must be made within 48 hours or the auction will go to the next highest bidder.

Happy Bidding!

Congratulations Laura Novak & John Meyer

2008-02-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

It's always an honor to photograph a fellow photographer's wedding. Of course, it's also intimidating, especially when you admire the photographer so much! That's why Andrew and I were humbled by a request to shoot Laura Novak's beautiful wedding in Wilmington, Delaware this month. Along with extraordinary primary photographer, Anna Kuperberg, we spent the weekend celebrating and shooting. If you know Laura, you know how much she values her relationships. She and John have such a tender, genuine way of relating to each other. I hope you can see their love reflected in these photographs. Congratulations Laura and John! We love you guys and are proud of your commitment to each other.

Laura was pretty in pink! Her dress was a custom Birnbaum and Bullock couture creation.

Even with camera shutters clicking all around her, Laura was serene and immersed in the moment.

John and the guys (and the priest!) hanging out before the ceremony began.

I love the way they looked at each other during the ceremony.

Archmere was such a classy venue with colorful decor and details.

First dance under the coolest black chandeliers!

Laura changed into an adorable silver dress at the end of the reception. The stone archways framed everything perfectly.

Jessica Claire was a bridesmaid and had the best accessory: a mini LEICA digital camera! Andrew was jealous.

Last but definitely NOT least, fabulous lead photographer and business visionary Anna Kuperberg and us!

Thanks everyone for a fun weekend in Wilmington!

August Workshop Sold Out!

2008-02-08T17:25:00.000-05:00

Our August workshop, The Business of Storytelling : Branding & Marketing, is sold out! We've had a a fabulous response to our workshop. If you would like to be notified when we have another workshop, sign up for our e-newsletter over on the right side of this screen.

Auction Countdown – Mark's Beard is Safe!

2008-02-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

Bidding begins tomorrow for mentoring sessions benefiting Thirst Relief !

You probably recall the excitement of last year's auction and Mark's dramatic last-minute offer to shave his beard if LaCour raised the most money.

This year, we've decided to save Mark's beard. Afterall, it's the only way you'll recognize us on the tradeshow floor! But we are upping the ante by offering something that will make your life easier and give you more free time to invest in organizations like Thirst Relief.

The winner of LaCour's auction will receive a FREE ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP to SHOOTQ !

Of course, you'll also get plenty of time to pick our brains about branding, marketing, sales, pricing, lighting or any other topic that would help you. Maybe we'll even do some karaoke together? Just ask Tina Carter about her marathon mentoring session last year with LaCour! So, be prepared for a fun time with the LaCour crew! :)

Here's the lowdown:

* Mentoring sessions will be HERE.

* Click on the Thirst Relief banner to go directly to the auction site.

* Auctions will not be visible until they go live on February 9th at 10am EST (auctions are based on EST).

* Bidders need to register with the site. Each auction has a different ending time.

* Important Note: When the auction is scheduled to close, if there's a bidding war over a mentoring session, then the auction will stay open until the bidding war ends.

* The auction will take place February 9 through February 12th. Auctions will end on the 12th (unless there's a bidding war, in which case the auction will end when people stop bidding).

* Auctions end at different times, so double-check when you bid.

If you won't be at WPPI, you can still make a difference by visiting Thirst Relief and make the next $5 you spend go toward saving a life!

A Love Story You Won't Want to Miss...

2008-02-07T10:26:00.001-05:00

Get ready for a fun, real world wedding experience! Our dear friends Bob and Dawn Davis just told us about a new workshop they are offering for photographers. And the best part? It's taking place during WPPI in Las Vegas next month! If you're already planning to go to WPPI, sign up for an extra 2 days of hands-on learning with Bob and Dawn.
Vegas Love Story is a unique opportunity to shoot alongside Bob and then witness Dawn's design savvy. Bob and Dawn are some of the most sincere, patient teachers I've ever known. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn practical skills from this talented team.

Thirst Relief Auction 2008

2008-02-06T15:02:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce that LaCour is auctioning off a mentoring session again this year to benefit Thirst Relief International. Last year's auction raised nearly $25,000.00 to help provide clean drinking water to people who need it most.

This is a great chance to make a difference!

Stay tuned for more information. The auction goes live on February 9th!

You can sign up and pre-register now on the auction site, fotoVerite.

Super Tuesday

2008-02-05T00:32:00.000-05:00

For some, the Super Bowl is the highpoint of the year. While I admittedly know very little about sports (I didn't even know who was playing in the Super Bowl until somebody told me at the wedding reception on Saturday) I can relate to the anticipation and excitement brought about by the unknown outcome of any competition.

Politics are for me what sports are for most people, and this year has been the most fascinating in my lifetime!

I was in Delaware this weekend photographing the wedding of a photographer friend, Laura Novak and her husband, John Meyer, when I found out that Barack Obama would be speaking in the public square right outside of our hotel. When I saw Secret Service patrolling our hotel, I knew something was up.

As a political junkie, this was an unexpected gift — and it landed in my lap! Another photographer friend, Anna Kuperberg, who shot the wedding with us, joined us and 25,000 other people to be right in the middle of it all. It was exhilarating.

So, today is SuperTuesday, and I'll be glued to the news. For those of you who live in one of the 22 Super Tuesday states, remember to get out and vote!

I'm Andrew Niesen and I approve this message. :)

VRAI Launch Party in Chicago

2008-02-04T15:28:00.001-05:00

Life sometimes gives us gifts in the form of people who inspire us to make the world a better place. Tina Carter is one of those people. Last year, she was the winner of our Thirst Relief mentoring auction. Tina consistently shares her resources with wonderful causes she supports. Then, she came to our Business of Storytelling workshop and continued to encourage us with her passion for making a positive impact through her photography and her business. She cares deeply about the environment and her new brand VRAI reflects her deeply-held values. Erin and I were lucky enough to attend Tina's VRAI launch party in Chicago last week. We had a great time catching up with many friends who came to support Tina. The entire LaCour team is thankful for friends like Tina who remind us of what's truly important in life!

It was fun seeing Bob and Dawn Davis, Emilie Sommer and Dave Wittig and Nancy Beale!

WPPI 2008 Video Preview

2008-02-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

This video is too funny. I had to share with those of you who know Joe Photo.

LaCour Featured in Leica's Magazine

2008-02-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

LaCour Photographer, Andrew Niesen, is featured in the current issue of the Leica e-magazine. Andrew has been using the digital Leica M8 for the past year and says, "By minimising the impact of my presence, the M8 lets me create pictures that can speak in adjectives... It's so low-key that people don't take me seriously, which is a good thing."

**Click Here to check out the entire article.

And to see in-person more of what an M8 can do, be sure to visit the Leica booth (Booth #211) at the WPPI tradeshow. Andrew will be there showing off some 20" x 30" prints of images he made with his M8.

New LaCour Workshop

2008-01-30T08:24:00.000-05:00

LaCour is excited to announce its brand new workshop, The Business of Storytelling : Branding & Marketing. Come join us for an intensive two-day workshop, August 19-20, 2008, focused entirely on branding and marketing.

Based on feedback we received from past attendees and the amount of inquires we received from photographers wanting more information about branding and marketing, we decided to create an in-depth workshop that delves deeper into these topics. Limited to an intimate group of 10 photographers, this workshop will empower you to craft an unforgettable brand and convey a singular marketing message.

Our goal for this workshop is to give photographers extensive one-on-one consultation in a small group setting that will give you highly useful and actionable ideas. We want you to walk away with new brand and marketing strategies that will launch your business to the next level.

What this workshop is not: There will be no shooting demos, no lighting demos, no workflow or post-production demos. We will not be shooting or editing or talking about how to do any of that better. We're going to be talking non-stop about branding and marketing!

For more information and to sign up, visit LaCourPhoto.net/workshops/

LaCour Visits Morocco

2008-01-25T13:39:00.001-05:00

Leaving the pink hues and European flavor of the Costa del Sol, we ventured across the Strait of Gibraltar into the bustling port of Tangier. Simply put, Morocco is striking – its vibrant culture embraces travelers as soon as they step off the ferry.

We started the day by meeting our gracious host Youssef, a painter and graphic designer in Tangier (see some of his beautiful work in the slideshow above). Youssef advised that we plunge deeper into Morocco to experience the countryside and culture. We hired a driver, Abdul, to cart us around for two days. He was so much fun to spend time with. We took a road trip into the coastal town Assilah on Wednesday and the mountain town Chefchaouen on Thursday. Being in these two beautiful, relaxed towns was like walking into a Dalí painting! Whitewashed homes lined rocky Atlantic coastline and perched on the edges of towering cliffs in the Rif mountains. By far, the most rewarding experiences were found wandering through labyrinthine medinas, taking in the sights and smells of North Africa.

It's difficult to summarize the experience in words. Morocco is best described in sights and smells. It's a visceral place that beckons travelers to slow down and absorb daily life. Check out the slideshow for a taste of Morocco!

Travels, Toros and a little Treat

2008-01-22T07:52:00.000-05:00

After spending most of Sunday entrenched in business discussions, the next day we decided to leave the hotel for a day trip to Ronda. Ronda is home to the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, and despite our general opposition to the sport, we thought it was something we should see. Ronda has bullfights only one weekend of the year, in September, during the main town festival. The rest of the year tourists are welcome to tour it and even walk into the middle of the ring. After a brief tour of the town, our adventurous whims took over and we hiked down a very precarious, steep, rocky trail to get the best angle on the huge gorge that splits the town in two.

Here are some more photos from the day:

And finally, here is a little treat for all of you:

How We Conduct Corporate Meetings

2008-01-20T13:20:00.001-05:00

Sitting on the veranda watching the sun go down while discussing business strategy. Some of the things we've decided so far:

Wedding coverage rate increase for 2008
Rachel & Mark need to argue less
Confirmed dates for new LaCour Workshop (stay tuned more info in the coming weeks!)
New ShootQ features and integration strategies
Which days this week we're going to Morocco (Tuesday & Wednesday)

Since we hear that it's snowing in Atlanta, we thought we'd share this video clip with our friends and family of how we spent our afternoon on the beach in Spain.

Diez Dias en España

2008-01-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

After a long day of travel yesterday, we woke up this morning on the coast of Southern Spain and the weather is gorgeous. We'll be in the Andalucia region for the next 10 days for our annual corporate retreat. We're looking forward to spending some undistracted time making plans for our businesses this year and enjoying a little bit of relaxation at the same time. We'll update more soon!

LaCour & Couture Book Party Recap

2008-01-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

We set a new record for our studio last night! Over 70 photographers partied with LaCour and Couture Book. It was so much fun to connect with old friends and meet new ones. Thanks for coming by!

A special thanks to Dave Luebke and the Couture Book team for creating such an incredible vehicle for photographers to showcase their work!

And thanks to Will Godfrey for shooting so many photos.

Here's a photo recap...

With so many familiar faces, it was like a LaCour Business of Storytelling reunion! Past workshop students Regina Holder, Laura Stone, Kelly Lee Flora, Delaney Holliman and Darren Carter reconnected.

A ROCKSTAR made a cameo appearance...

The Rockstar charmed everyone by serving as bartender. Fellow NC photographer and über-rockstar Parker Pfister seemed to be really charmed by his buddy. Or, it could have been the G&T's they were mixing!

Jenny Tarpley checked out Couture Books firsthand with Dave Luebke's attentive help...

There was lots of laughter...

and lots of cameras...

Hayden Linke won our hearts with his adorable expressions

So did his Dad...

The party is best summed up by Mark's brother, Ken, with this expression...

Thanks everyone for coming to the party!

ShootQ is Always Working for YOU...

2008-01-10T15:17:00.000-05:00

...Even at the Mall!

Right now we're at the Apple Store and I couldn't resist sharing this photo with you all...shot with my iPhone in the middle of the Apple store! Haha.

Andrew and Mark decided to test out some ShootQ stuff on the spot. So, without further adieu, here's the ShootQ team, always working for you!

Too funny :)

Good Times in Tampa

2008-01-07T01:27:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came to hear us share about Storytelling at the Digital Wedding Forum Convention in Tampa. We had a great time meeting all of you! Your questions were fantastic and incisive. It's always a pleasure speaking to groups of photographers who are eager to learn and share ideas with one another.

A special thanks to Charlie Pappas for photographing during the presentation! Charlie is a talented photographer from Atlanta who we've finally gotten to know after years of living in the same city!

LaCour & Couture Book Party

2008-01-03T02:08:00.000-05:00

Join us for cocktails

and community
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 7-10 p.m.
at the LaCour Studio
1661 La France Street, Suite 323
Atlanta, GA 30307

CLICK HERE for a map
Please park on the street outside
of La France St. Lofts.

Our studio is the sixth door on the left, #323.

Please RSVP by emailing

info@lacourphoto.com

Flying in Mexico

2007-12-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

One night while in Playa del Carmen, we went to a thumpin' club right on the beachfront called the Blue Parrot. After the stunning fire show I stumbled over to another section of the club and there was this woman doing trapeze acts up in the rafters swinging around on some fabric. Shot a couple of photos and went back to dancing.

Oh, and I modified this blog so that we can now put bigger photos on here. Yay!

Learning to Fly!

2007-12-26T18:26:00.001-05:00

I decided Andrew needed some stress relief this holiday season, so I gave him a helicopter for Christmas! It's so much fun, but you can see that we're still learning to how fly smoothly. It's a tough little chopper though – it's already had many crash landings and has survived unscathed! Check it out:

The Importance of Traditions

2007-12-24T00:34:00.000-05:00

I've always felt a connection to family traditions and celebrations. So, when I started planning our holiday party, I wanted to establish a new tradition that we could enjoy for many years. With help from Katie and Chris Torres, Andrew and I hosted a Solstice Party at our loft. Since the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, we decided it would be fun to enjoy the longest night with themes of light and fellowship. We decorated the loft with 50 hanging votive candles and asked each guest to bring an individual candle to symbolize the light they bring into our lives. The table was covered in white and silver, which reflected the light throughout the room. It was a beautiful evening and we were surrounded by wonderful friends! Of course, Katie and I are already looking forward to creating the menu for next year's Solstice Party. Cooking for 16 people is an adventure!

Like I said, cooking for 16 people can be an adventure — especially when the bread catches on fire and takes the whole "light" theme a bit too far! Thankfully we had lots of photographers around to take pictures, and a fire extinguisher on hand.

SantaCon Atlanta

2007-12-17T23:40:00.001-05:00

Various incarnations of Santa wave at passing cars outside of The Vortex in Little Five Points.

One of the things we love about Atlanta is there's always some crazy, quirky adventure to participate in. This year we found out about SantaCon, an event held in several cities around the world where hundreds of revelers gather together in Santa costumes and stop in at various bars and restaurants to have a drink or, sometimes, just to walk through and perplex the normal civilians.

Mark and I, Mel and Jeremy, and our friend David Hamilton had a blast parading around Little Five Points with the hundred or so other Santas. We danced, handed out candy and gifts to passersby, and even found a Christmas tree lot where all the Santas could feel at home. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Mark and me

Jeremy, Mel, me and David

For once, Mark was not the only one with a big beard.

But Mark was sporting a big hat!

Togetherness

2007-12-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

This week and next, restaurants and event venues all over the country are filled with companies - big and small - celebrating the past year with toasts, treats and togetherness.

Last night our little company of eight enjoyed an evening together over wine, cheese, dinner and dessert at one of our favorite Atlanta restaurants, ecco. We feel so fortunate to have such a talented, driven team. We are truly a family, and we can't wait to see what 2008 will bring!

Here are some photos from the evening:
Jenn Linke is Marketing, Management & Mom extraordinaire who can juggle just about anything! She keeps The Decisive Moment running like a well-oiled machine. Her husband, Adam, is our Pictage Pro Consultant and the sweetest Dad to their adorable son Hayden!

Melissa Roth is LaCour's brilliant studio manager who keeps us smiling...and sane! Her husband, Jeremy, made us all teary with his heartfelt toast last night!

Jonathan LaCour is the unflappable Mr. Q, the man whose savvy skills are building ShootQ into a superlative software solution for photographers! His wife, Lacey, keeps him sane as he deals with us!

Ryan Petrello is the latest addition to the ShootQ team and we were excited that he and his beautiful fiancé could join us for dinner last night! Hopefully, we didn't scare them too much with our antics!

Thanks guys for inspiring us every day with your dedication and friendship. We look forward to another great year together!

In the Beginning...

2007-12-10T00:39:00.000-05:00

Robert Doisneau, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Willy Ronis

Sometimes I just want to start over, at the beginning.

As the wedding season ends, hours of shooting and editing make me restless. Inevitably, I crave inspiration.

Tonight my eyes scanned crammed bookshelves for some photo therapy.

I turned the pages of my favorite books and began an hour-long journey that led to a simple realization: at the end of any photographic pilgrimage, I always return to the same place — the unaltered moment.

In the end, the photographs I value most are about moments. No more, no less. They are irreducible.

I am so thankful for these three photojournalists, who saw the extraordinary in ordinary, quiet moments. Indeed, the most powerful moments are the quiet ones, like a quick intake of breath.

"We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started... and know the place for the first time."
-T.S. Eliot

Matteo y Sol :: Sneak Peek

2007-12-07T13:45:00.000-05:00

Matt Adcock and Sol Tamargo were married Thursday, Dec. 6th in a beautifully unique Mayan wedding at Playa Secreto in the Riveria Maya.

We were honored to be invited guests of their intimate and special wedding celebration. Here's just a couple of photos from the day. More to come once we return to the States on Monday.