by Kory Bumgardner Are you standing on the edge of a decision about Texas School, weighing the cost against the benefits? I understand that hesitation more than you know. Investing in yourself, your craft, your business, your future can feel daunting. It is easier to stay where you are, to keep doing what you’ve always done. But growth rarely happens in comfort. Let me share my story in the hope that it helps you write [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

by Julie Schlette Picture this: It's 2020, and I’m navigating one of the darkest periods of my life. A mom of five grown kids, an IT architect by day, and suddenly living alone as the COVID-19 pandemic redefined isolation. If that weren’t enough, I was in the middle of a divorce. Life felt heavy and uncertain. Like so many people searching for purpose, I found myself wondering, What now? In the quiet of those long, [...]

Many of you have already been a part of the Texas School of Professional Photography, photographic conventions, workshops, or seminars. Clearly, most of the tools of our craft are gained while attending these types of events. I can’t recall too many successful photographers who have embarked on a career without attending conferences, conventions, workshops and seminars. Unlike any other professional career choices, photographers tend to go into business before learning the subtle details of [...]

by Jessica Prigg Murrah I have so much to say about this week, but I want to start with this. GROWTH & NETWORKING! In 2 years myself & my business absolutely grew because of these wonderful people. The photo on the right was at the end of the first class I took with Gregory Daniel and Lesa Daniel 2 years ago. The photo on the left was at the end of my 2nd class today. [...]

by Steve Kozak When asked to provide feedback on images created by photographers who are new to the business, I often hear them say, “Now, I don’t like doing posed pictures.” I have to bite my tongue because I want to say, “I can tell!” You have probably heard it said that the camera adds ten pounds. The truth is, bad lighting and bad posing is to blame... not the camera. I think posing [...]

The Elizabeth Homan Story By Bill Hedrick There are a lot of photographers out there who see photography as little more than an artistic expression of their individuality and are convinced that it can never become a profitable business.  After all, today’s technology has made it possible for just about anybody to take a perfectly exposed photograph without knowing anything at all about photography. As a result, many believe there is little need for a [...]