richard_d4 Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Just wondering if anybody has attended Monte Zucker's seminar? Though it's expensive, I would be willing to pay if it is really worth it (not full of product endorsements). He'll be at my town immediately post PPA Convention. I can only afford to go to either one. Help me decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 This maybe a silly question but...who's Monte Zucker? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdp Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Personally, I've never been to one, but I know a few people that have gone during wedding shows and said they were worth it. I can't help you other than what they've said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShunCheung Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I have been to a one-day seminar with Monte Zucker with a couple hundred participants, not the expensive, one week type with only a dozen students. For one day, it is certainly worthwhile. Wedding photography is very natural for him as it is easy for him to set up excellent shots. He talks about how to set up lights and use reflectors, etc. The one I went to was 2 years ago. He used a then brand new Canon 20D to shoot some models and projected the final images on the screen to immediately discuss the results. At the beginning of each session, Zucker would ask everybody to stand up and rub the shoulders of the person in front. I think that is kind of weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movingex Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I have signed up for the $50 class he's currently doing. You can go to the following site for more info on this. http://www.zuckertapptour.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen hazelton Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Dave- Monte Zucker is a well-known photographer doing wedding and portait type work. I've seen his articles in the photo magazines quite a few times through the years. I assume he has some books out as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djphoto Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Quote: "Wedding photography is very natural for him as it is easy for him to set up excellent shots." Not to disparage his talent, which is considerable, but if you had been shooting weddings for close to 50 years, as Monte Zucker has, you might find it very natural also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_scott_leins Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I was able to attend a two day seminar in Sarasota, FL at the Digital Tech. Center www.digitaltechnologycentre.com. I found it very affordable and educational. It is amazing to watch someone with so much experience move so effortlessly through a session. His teaching style is relaxed and informative. I sure you can take away a great deal from the opportunity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_d4 Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 It is $795 for 4 days, happening immediately after the PPA convention in January 2007. I guess I'm choosing him over the convention. Thanks everybody!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_schilling___chicago_ Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Richard I'm a huge Monte fan but, if I had a choice of the convention or Monte, I would opt for the diversity of the convention. Also you have golden access to all of the vendors and be able to see the print competition stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merle_white Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I have attended two of his seminars and have personally learned more about elegant posing, lighting and set ups than anyone else on the speaking tour. For those that have not heard of Monte Zucker, he is one of the biggest names on the Pro speaking tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savagesax Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Been to a few and he is getting pretty old now. Not sure if he's kept up on digital since he stopped shooting weddings about 10 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellery_chua___singapore Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Last time I was at his site - he has converted and loves digital. Grin in order to stay relevant to his teaching market he has to know the tools the work with. I think if your skills and knowledge base is not strong - go for the workshop. The convention is always more of a series of tasters, Monty could be close to a meal by itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikestryinagain Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 There will be other conventions, there is only one Monte. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savagesax Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 One cool thing about Monte is he was always ahead of everyone. His lighting posing knowledge is the best. Glad to hear he has kept up with digital. He is an amazing photographer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savagesax Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 Since I've been to a few of his shows, about 5 I think, I must add that you will become a better photographer. He is always relaxed and the products he uses will be available before during and after the show, but don't wait too long, as they often run out! They are good at taking your name and 3 to 4 weeks later you get what you ordered If you want to learn posing and multible lighting techneques you will go in as a good photographer and cone out a winner. He uses softboxes and relectors, barndoors, everything. He has taken an average bride that the average photographer would settle for and turned her into an amazing model ready for any bridal magazine just by adjusting the light and turning her body ever so slightly to the perfect position. Sorry to go on an on, but he is the best. One of his prize students and became his partnet was Clay Blackmore. He also does wonderful work so check out Clay too. The last time I talked with clay, about 5 years ago he was thinking about going back to shooting film, but I bet he is all digital now. Point is folks, go see these amazing pros. You will be happy and glad you went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 Stephen H, Thanks...i think i did hear of him before. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfr Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 check out forum.montezucker.com. A great small community and he is there from time to time. Also quite a bit of info on his classes and some of his shots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anna_marten Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Richard � Just got back from a Monte seminar in Nashville last month � I definitely found it worth while. Just wanted to share it was definitely not LADEN with product endorsements. He advised what he�s using and you are able to see first hand the advantages of products he may used. But by no means did you feel he was there selling anything else besides his years of knowledge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly_flanigan1 Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Monte Zucker started his seminars after I had mostly stopped shooting weddings! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now