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About stevekozak

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So far stevekozak has created 53 blog entries.

Deep-Dive Learning at The Texas School of Professional Photography

Check out Texas School Director, Cris Duncan's appearance on The Beginner Photography Podcast. The conversation dives into the transformative value of hands-on, in-person learning experiences for photographers at all stages, shining a spotlight on Cris’ role with the Texas School of Professional Photography—a weeklong, immersive event designed to provide deep dives into specific areas of photography, rather than the surface-level "popcorn" approach of larger conferences. KEY TOPICS COVERED In-Person Education vs. Online Learning - Cris highlights [...]

2025-09-15T14:01:14+00:00Blog|
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Keep the Fire Lit

What happens when your passion for your work fades—but you still need to pay the bills? In this episode of The ReWork, Allison Tyler Jones hosts educator and photographer Cris Duncan of CJ Duncan Photography for a candid conversation about what it takes to stay in love with your photography business for the long haul. Cris has been in business for over 20 years and has recently taken over as director of the famed Texas School. This [...]

2025-09-14T14:04:36+00:00Blog|
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Raw to Refined: Advanced Commercial Retouching – Live Shoot & Edit

This class will work hands on with styling, strategic light placement, and mastering the bounce card. Using CPG (consumer packaged goods) products we will shoot one item a day, ranging from skincare to canned beverages, and you will be guided by Michelle VanTine who specializes in high end commercial photography. Michelle will walk you step by step through the process of a classic one- light strobe setup and many industry tricks from how to make perfect perspiration on a can (it’s not water) to tricky reflections on glass, metals and foil lettering. We will set up, scrim, style, stack, stabilize, and splash.

2026-08-14T15:46:30+00:00Specialty & Technique|
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Story Telling and Set Building

If you have ever looked at a stunning fine art portrait and wondered how… “how did they build that, how did they think of that, how does every element feel so intentional”… this week is your answer. Through a guided journey of concept development, set building, wardrobe styling, lighting, color theory, and Photoshop, you will learn to approach every image the way an art director would — with a story at the center of every decision. Powerful images start with a powerful idea.

2026-08-12T18:27:29+00:00Specialty & Technique|
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FirstFrame: Establishing the Firm Foundation for Your Portrait Photography Business

Invest your Texas School week with Elizabeth and Lindsay and gain the clear path toward a profitable and sustainable portrait photography business from the knowledge and tactics that have established both of their husband and wife studios to withstand the test of time. With a combined 54 years of experience across their two studios, both Elizabeth and Lindsay live what they teach.

2026-08-13T15:27:29+00:00Successful Studios|
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Travel Photography – Leveraging Your Camera and Creativity Wherever You Go

Travel offers unique opportunities to express your photographic creativity. Knowing what to capture, when to show up, and how to compose and shoot the scene before leaving home, helps maximize limited travel time to capture photographic gold. This class will explore envisioning the travel photographic process from beginning to end through discussion and hands-on-experiences designed to cultivate compositional inspiration, identify APPS & tools for locating subjects that tell the stories of time, place & people, and planning the best time to shoot.

2026-08-12T18:05:13+00:00Specialty & Technique|
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Movie Magic: Lighting & Storytelling Inspired by Film

Learn how to draw inspiration from iconic movies and translate those looks and moods into still photography. You’ll get tons of hands-on experience trying new tools and techniques — things you may not have had the chance to play with before. From classic items like gels, grids, and reflectors to more advanced tools like gobos, flags, nets, and scrims, you’ll discover how each shapes and motivates light in unique ways.

2026-08-07T18:54:47+00:00Lighting & Camera Skills|
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Painting With Photoshop

Unlock the full potential of Photoshop as your digital paintbrush. In this immersive, hands-on class, I will guide you through the tools, techniques, and creative processes behind turning photographs into painterly works of art. Whether you're just beginning your Photoshop painting journey or you're an experienced digital artist looking to refine your style, this class will give you the tools, techniques, and confidence to create artwork that is uniquely your own. Through demonstrations, hands-on instruction, and personalized guidance, you'll learn how to move beyond simply applying filters and begin creating true digital paintings with intention and artistry.

2026-08-12T16:00:00+00:00Digital Post-Production|
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