May 2017

DON’T BUY A VIRTUAL BACKGROUND SYSTEM IF…

If you are not interested in making more money.

If you aren’t a very creative photographer.

If you aren’t interested in being special and different.

If you want the least expensive basic equipment.

Virtual backgrounds is not for everyone…not nearly.  It is a creative tool for those photographers who want to be clearly different by being more creative using the latest technology.  If you are perfectly happy just being a clicking shutterbug, don’t even think about virtual backgrounds.  If you see green screen as good enough, don’t even think about Virtual Backgrounds.

GIVE US TWO MINUTES AND WE’LL CHANGE YOUR WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY​

Click on the arrow to view the video!

BUYING A USED SYSTEM

​There are used virtual background systems available on the internet but as always, let the buyer beware.  
Because the first VB systems came out nearly 30 years ago, and there have been a lot of changes and improvements since then, the older systems do not measure up to more recently developed systems.  Much worse is that many used systems on the internet are missing parts, out of alignment, and just not very good.  Screens are also frequently seen as badly damaged.  At VB, we refurbish used systems bringing them up to par and always letting a potential buyer know exactly what they are getting.  Refurbished systems come with a guarantee and personal phone/internet consultation if necessary.  
​If you have already purchased a used system that is not working as you expected, we offer service.
 Call Virtual Backgrounds for more information.
(512) 805-4844
THERE ARE 100 VIDEO CLIPS ON YOU TUBE WHICH DEMONSTRATE WHAT THIS PHENOMENAL PROCESS KNOWN AS VIRTUAL PROJECTED BACKGROUNDS CAN DO FOR YOU.  GET THE FACTS.  SEE FOR YOURSELF.​

SEE AND TRY A VIRTUAL BACKGROUND SYSTEM FOR YOURSELF 

​Besides coming to the Virtual Backgrounds headquarters in San Marcos, TX.
 
You can visit Peter Budraitis in Long Island New York.
Peter has agreed to make his studio a demonstration center of virtual backgrounds.
​ Just call and make an appointment
​Visit 
Peter Budraitis
Studio to see VB
​ in action.
Call (516) 674-0227
Email: studio@pmbphoto.com
Website: www.pmbphoto.com

Visit
​Cindy Cofer Barclay in Louisville, Kentucky

Watch this short video to get a personal invitation from Cindy to come visit.  You'll be amazed. 
Click on the Arrow to view the Video. 
Call Cindy at (502) 266-9119 or 
Visit Cindy's Website


Visit
Waldo Berry
in Junction City, Kansas
Call Waldo at
(785) 238-6944
​and see VB in action!
Send Waldo an email
Email

Visit WB Photography
​Website
​

John Owen
in 
​St. Joseph,
Michigan

And now you can talk with John Owen in St. Joseph, MI about his experience with Virtual Backgrounds.  
You can reach him @ 
(269) 568-0420
​or email @
jeowen2383@sbcglobal.net

WHO IS AFRAID OF VIRTUAL PROJECTED BACKGROUNDS?

There are many photographers who are actually afraid to get involved with virtual backgrounds.  They fear that they may not be able to use it to make money even though they can read countless testimonials from very satisfied photographers who own a system.  Some photographers own as many as 8 systems for school photography and readily say they would not be in business without virtual backgrounds.
 
If you are afraid of virtual backgrounds, take time to review our web site 
​or better yet, visit us in Texas or one of our photographers who have agreed to show you their system in operation…you can even operate it yourself to get the real feel for the power it gives you.

IS VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL YOU CAN OWN BESIDES YOUR CAMERA?

Every photographer has a camera.  It could even be a cell phone.  But most photographers do not yet have a virtual background system.  
​
You can make this tool a key advertising / marketing tool to help drive people to you and at the same time, provide them with so much variety and such great images that they buy far more than what they ever planned to buy.
 
A virtual projected background system sets you clearly apart from all others. 

BIGGEST MISTAKE VIRTUAL BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPHERS MAKE

Many photographers first using virtual backgrounds often gets carried away with their enthusiasm for the background that they are taking pictures of backgrounds with people instead of pictures of people with backgrounds.  There is a world of difference.  In almost every case, the background should not be dominant but rather just complimentary to the subject but still very important if the background you select and adjust enhances the overall end product.  Usually it is extremely simple to make the background less dominant by simply lowering the intensity of the projector.  It can make a huge difference.  

​Remember when using virtual backgrounds, you are in control of everything which means you can make it great or you can make a mess.

PortraitEFX Opens Walmart Studio Division - Featuring Virtual Backgrounds

Picture
PortraitEFX Studio
​PortraitEFX Franchising Corporation recently expanded its programs with a new-concept Portrait Studio opening located in a Walmart Supercenter in Concord, NH.  According to PortraitEFX CEO Chris Wunder, Cr. Photog. ASP “We’ve looked at the Portrait Studio business and feel there’s a great opportunity here to do something more innovative – something totally different than other studios.”  “We are marketing images first, and prints second which is the opposite of what most photographers are doing. We think this is where the market is going” he says “and we want to be the leader in reaching out to provide Millennial Moms with what they really want – ownership of the images.”
 
This will be the first time that a Studio located in Walmart has offered a full range of Studio services providing everything photographic; from newborns to senior citizens, and including on-location services. They’ve negotiated a leasing arrangement with Walmart to begin placing more Studios this year. They are franchising these high-traffic locations; some of which have hundreds of thousands of walk-by customers each year - to other qualified local photographers.  “We believe that home-town based Franchise owner-operators with a vested interest in providing quality, value and service will be a winning combination for consumers.”
 
PortraitEFX made the decision to feature Virtual Backgrounds in its Walmart studio locations.  “It’s a strong competitive draw over other volume studios” Wunder said, “and the ability to create local or regional backgrounds is a feature consumers like. Where other studios offer a handful of backgrounds at best, we offer over one hundred, and adding new backgrounds is fast and easy and costs us almost nothing - apart from the one-time investment in equipment.” He says the customers think its “magic” the way it works, and love seeing all the variety they can get in only a 30 minute photo session. The photographers spend less time cranking up or pulling down conventional backgrounds, and more time working with the customer. 
Picture
PortraitEFX Studio
Some PortraitEFX Members also use Virtual Backgrounds for a wide range of on-location programs; School, Preschool and Senior photography and Church Directories, particularly those programs where onsite sales immediately after the session is important. “There’s little or no post production required, results are instantaneous, and it’s far less expensive than green screen in the long run” according to Wunder.  “Many photographers erroneously think that doing green screen is cheaper than investing in VB, but in the long run, VB costs less.  It pays for itself in savings of time and money in doing green screen extractions, and the quality is better. Plus, it’s something that sets you apart from all the other photographers in your area.  It’s a money-making machine.”
 
The PortraitEFX network has grown to over 50 locations in the US and Canada in just ten years. They’re known for their innovative product line and smart-marketing programs to help photographers build business fast; servicing Schools, Youth Sports Leagues, Childcare Centers, Church Directories, Dance Schools and other high-volume locations.  “The mass-market photo business continues to grow and prosper” according to Wunder “and presents great opportunity for photographers to make a lot of money in a market where there’s really not that much competition. You just have to learn the market, think out of the box, and be willing to pursue the business of photography first.”
 
PortraitEFX offers Franchising, Licensing and Manager / Partner programs for photographers who want to grow their business fast.  They have local owners just starting in photography all the way up to highly experienced Studio Owners who have been in the business for a long time and are using PortraitEFX programs to complement their Studio programs.  For more information about the franchise, or PortraitEFX Studio at Walmart - contact Chris Wunder; cwunder@portraitefx.com.  You can also check out their websites: www.photographyfranchise.net, and www.portraitefx.com.

Two Great Workshops
 to help make 2017 your
BEST Business year EVER!
​June 26-30, Nashville, TN

The 2017 Photography Boot Camps
Schools - Sports - Daycares
June 26-30, 2017
Hotel Preston - 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville, TN.
Last Chance for Discounted Registration.
Only $295, but register by May 29, 2017
​ and bring a second person, FREE!
Get more information and register at
www.marathonpress.com/photography-bootcamp
PictureChris Wunder
Lead Instructor Chris Wunder, Cr. Photog. ASP and Special Guest Instructors will provide easy-to-follow directions to build and grow your HIGH VOLUME photography business. 
Did you know that photographers who contract with Schools, Sports Leagues and Childcare Centers make some of the best money in the business?  It's true!  Discover how to enter the lucrative field of high-volume photography with this intense, hands-on learning experience; now in it's 10th year. 

The School and Childcare Photography Boot Camp is June 26-28. The Sports Photography Boot Camp is June 28-30.  Wednesday, June 28 will present programming appropriate for both genres.  There will be LIVE practice sessions with child and teen models for you to participate in and learn high-volume photography techniques, lighting, posing and automated workflow. Learn all about it at the link, below. 

40+ Hours of Instruction.  Get more information and register at
www.marathonpress.com/photography-bootcamp
Discounted Offer good thru May 29, 2017.  Registration is $395 after.
Discounted Hotel rooms are $99 per night if you register by May 29, 2017.
Call 866-986-8089 and mention Group #712279.
The Boot Camp is Sponsored by Marathon Press, Inc. If you have any other questions about the Boot Camp, please contact Customer Service at 800-228-0629.

JOHN OWEN PHOTOGRAPHY
SAINT JOSEPH, MI. 

Michigan photographer, John Owen is retired from photography but the “bug” has bitten him again.  He recently purchased a Scene Machine background system and some lighting and is getting back his old excitement.  He did a test shot of this subject who is in the framing business just for fun and the subject ended up getting a 16 x 20 canvas wall print.  

Call John Owen @ (269) 568-0420, or Send an email jeowen2383@sbcglobal.net
Picture
Image by John Owen

 WHEN THE OLD BECOMES NEW AGAIN

Who would believe it…that a new trend in professional photography is traditional formal studio portraits with very traditional studio backgrounds…like photographers used even 100 years ago.  Today it seems that everyone is doing candid shots…snapshots taken here and there on location with no special posing, lighting, or any of the most fundamental basics of art and photography.  But that is just the point.  There is a need for a real studio portrait that makes the subject look their very best and very professional for a wide variety of applications.  And today, most people who own cameras, amateur or professional, don’t know how to do this, don’t want to do it, and can’t do it.  But if the need is there in the public, it is the perfect opportunity for the professional to develop new business if they promote the availability of this kind of photography.  Others without studios, without professional lighting, traditional backgrounds and without the know how just can’t do it.
 
Denny is wisely capitalizing on this trend by moving forward promoting their hand painted traditional backgrounds.  Those photographers who have virtual backgrounds can PROJECT an infinite variety of traditional backgrounds along with anything else at essentially no cost.  Isn’t it interesting how things that go around come back around again and the prudent business minded photographer can take advantage of it all.
 
Click the link below to Denny Manufacturing old master backgrounds. 
https://www.dennymfg.com/old-master-backgrounds/SubCategory/3001

A WHOLE WORLD BEYOND SNAPSHOTS
THE KEY IS BEING DIFFERENT

There are literally hundreds of thousands of photographers today.  In fact one might say hundreds of millions because almost everyone can take snapshots.  So, if you are among this group, why should anyone hire you as opposed to anyone else or just having a friend take their snaps?  This is the fundamental reason such a high percentage of all photographers today make very little money and could not began to make photography full time.
 
The only answer for the serious photographer who wants to make real money is to do everything possible to separate themselves from the masses.  Their work has to be distinctively different, exciting, and result in products that are clearly special. And the total experience they have must be special.  The public will respond if they see clear reason to respond.  But they will only respond to those photographers who stand out from all others, even if the cost is higher and even much higher. They see it as value.
 
A really special photograph is often known as “timeless”.  It captures a moment in time and actually may gain in value over time rather than getting shoved in a drawer or discarded all together.
 
Most people want to look their best in serious photographs.  The difference in a timeless quality portrait and a snap shot is huge.  All one has to do is place them side by side.  A timeless portrait does not have to look staged or stiff.  It can even have a spontaneous candid look but with a huge difference in that everything is perfect.  The hair, the lighting, the body, the expression, and the background; it all has to go together.  For those special times in life, people want something special and will seek out the professional who can clearly make it happen but not without the professional marketing their service and difference.
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