Alright, I'll take a couple more....

I have received TONS of emails from everyone wanting to take the full program so I have decided to take a few more. I am thinking I will take 3 more people this time around, for a total of 5. I may add more later, we will see but for not that is all I want to take. It seems that there are a lot of hubby's out there that want to get something special for the wonderful women in their lives and who am I to say they can't do it. LOL So if you are wanting to take the full program that starts in January you still can! Email me at byerleyphotography@earthlink.net for more information.

If you are unable to take the full program at this time that's fine. You still have the option to take the partial program. You can still learn loads with the partial program!

Merry Christmas!

The $100 Partial Program sale is over

Yep, the sale is now over. I want to say Thank You to everyone that took me up on this offer. I hope you enjoy the lessons and are able to learn loads!

But the great deals are not over. Do you still want to join the partial program for $100? Well, you still can BUT you need to be referred by a current member. Otherwise the price for the partial program is $175. If you have a referral from a member then you get the $100 deal. Can't beat that!

Full Program Registration NOW OPEN!

We are more than half way through with the second group so I thought I would go ahead and open registration for the third group. The spots are very limited this time around. I'm only going to accept a couple people. Lessons will begin the third Monday in January. So it's time to get signed up now! These spots will fill up fast! Once you are signed up you will have full access to the members side of the forum. That way you can get to know all the wonderful members we have now. Everyone is very supportive and helpful.

This is a great opportunity to learn photography! And a great Christmas gift as well! :)

Email me at byerleyphotography@earthlink.net to sign up or for more info.

Partial Program Special EXTENDED!

Since I have had so much interest, I have decided to extend the Partial Program $100 Special for another week! Therefore the offer is good until December 7th at Midnight (Central time). Take advantage of this amazing deal while it lasts!

And don't forget to join the FREE forum!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FOUNDATIONS FORUM!
Please note: When signing up you MUST use your real name, first and last as your user name. For example Vicki Byerley. Nicknames or partial names are not allowed.

Big Changes at the Foundations Forum!

The forum is now OPEN TO ALL! Well, part of it anyway. I have set up a FREE area for everyone to be part of. The members of the forum are all so very supportive of everyone and we all want to see YOU succeed! So come on over and sign up for the Foundations Forum FOR FREE!

The Partial Program special is in full swing. It's an amazing opportunity to learn the basic photography skills that will make your images better than your friends and family. The information in the members area of the program will help you if you choose to start a photography business. You can't beat this deal so jump on it before it's over! It's also a GREAT gift for the shutterbug in your life. For more information on this great deal read the previous blog post below.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FOUNDATIONS FORUM!

Please note: When signing up you MUST use your real name, first and last as your user name. For example Vicki Byerley. Nicknames are not allowed.

I'm Thankful! Special for you!

I am so very thankful for many things in my life. I am truly blessed. I know a lot of people ask me how I do it given all the tragedy that I have gone through during my life and I always answer the same thing. I did what I needed to do. And I have grown because of it. My journey has not been an easy one but it has made me the person I am today.

For that I am VERY thankful.

I heard this saying on a TV show recently and it really resonated with me. I live my life everyday with this quote in my mind, "Always Blessings, Never Losses." So even though I have lost many loved ones during my life I know how lucky I am to have known those people. We were meant to have that time together and although they are gone I know we will be together again. In time.

For that I am EXTREMELY thankful.

So in honor of this wonderful holiday I wanted to say Thank You to everyone that has followed my journey and commented on my work. It truly means a lot to me. Therefore I am running a special for the Foundations Partial Program. For the next week the partial program will only be $100! That is $75 off the normal price.

With the partial program you get all the lessons. These are the same lessons the full program members receive every week. You also get a 1 year membership to the Foundations forum to post your images and receive feedback from all the members. Not included is the action set or personal critiques from me.

This is what is covered in the lessons:
Composition
Getting Close
The Rule of Thirds
The Golden Mean
Focus on the eyes
Plane of focus
Your level
Keep shooting
Cropping
Perspective
Room to Look
Frame in a frame
Natural light
The Golden Hours
Broad Light
Short Light
Rembrandt Light
Backlight
Light the eyes
When to, and when not to use flash
Clothing
Groups
Phrases
Un-posing
Negative Space
Leading Lines
Camera Basics
Aperture
Shutter Speed
Film
ISO
Grain
Digital Noise
Lenses
Depth of Field
White Balance
Tripods
Metering
Post Processing

This program is set up for beginners and you will learn to use the manual controls on your camera. It's not that hard. I promise you.

Remember, this special is good for 1 week only. It expires Thursday Nov 29th at 9pm Central time.

I hope everyone has had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving.

Action SALE and MORE!!!!

Yep, you heard me! A SALE!!!!Normally these actions are $50 for the set, but until Sunday night they will only be

$30!!!!

That's less than a pizza dinner! And these are actions you can use on every image, over and over again! To view them go to: http://www.vickibyerleyphotography.c...isactions.html/

And I'm not done yet!!!!!Until Sunday night you can join the Foundations Forum partial program for only $125! That is $50 off the regular price! What do you get with the partial program you ask? Well, you get all eight lessons and forum access for 1 year. You do not get the personal critiques or the action set, however. Those come with the full program.

What is covered in the lessons? Here is a breakdown on what is covered:
Composition
Getting Close
The Rule of Thirds
The Golden Mean
Focus on the eyes
Plane of focus
Your level
Keep shooting
Cropping
Perspective
Room to Look
Frame in a frame
Natural light
The Golden Hours
Broad Light
Short Light
Rembrandt Light
Backlight
Light the eyes
When to, and when not to use flash
Clothing
Groups
Phrases
Un-posing
Negative Space
Leading Lines
Camera Basics
Aperture
Shutter Speed
Film
ISO
Grain
Digital Noise
Lenses
Depth of Field
White Balance
Tripods
Metering
Post Processing

This program is set up for beginners and for those wanting to take their photography to that next level.

Email me at byerleyphotography@earthlink.net for payment info.

Don't take my word for it!

You don't have to take MY word for how AWESOME this program is! Here are a few testimonials from current members!

From Tawnya:

"I am learning SO much about composition. It is a GREAT program with so much to learn, and I love having the forum to discuss things with everyone else.Vicki gives the best image critiques. Pointing out both what needs improvement and what is great in a very supportive way.It's the best and I highly recommend it to everyone!"

From Nichole:

"I have learned so much. Vicki does a great job with covering the lessons. Her critiques aren't rushed and she really spends time explaining things to you. She genuinely wants you to learn. I am more than pleased and this program is worth every penny."

From Debi:

"Foundations came at the perfect time for me! I am just starting out my own photography business and this program is helping me to not only improve my photography skills through the help of Vicki's lessons and critiques, but it is also answering so many questions I have about starting my business. The learning environment also fits perfectly with my busy schedule! I highly recommend this program!"

From Amber:

"Vicki's Foundations Mentoring Program is the best! I have definitely noticed a difference in my everyday shots with composition, focusing, etc. Vicki does a wonderful job teaching us, answering all of our questions, and critiquing our work. She gives you goals and incentives to work on, and it really makes this program relaxed and fun!I am definitely getting my money's worth!"

From Danielle:

"Foundations is fantastic for many levels! I have a little more experience in photography and have found that Vicki's lessons really make me remember and focus on things I had stopped paying attention to... but are so important! Her critiques are extremely useful, and she is always available to answer any questions you may have. I know the lessons are only going to get better and I can hardly wait!"

From Angela:

"Foundations...I feel like I'm learning why everyone loves child photography. The capture of heart and soul that you see in every photograph that just speaks childhood. After going through a photography certificate program at a local college, I learned basics, which are a good starting point, but you don't get the results of a breathtaking portrait that will be cherished by family and friends for a lifetime. Vicki definitely brings detailed subject matter into her lessons and helps you to understand the importance of having them into your photos. I'm going to the next level with my photography because of Vicki and her program. Thank You for offering Foundations, It's wonderful!"

From Valerie:

"Foundations has started about 3 weeks ago, and I feel like I have learned SO much already. Vicki has helped me open my eyes to things that I never saw before on my pictures that were the culprit of making good but not WOW pictures. She has brought me back to the basis, and reminded me that whatever you do, if the basis are not good, no matter the action, the cropping, or the photoshop job you do, you won't get the result you really want. It is easy to catch on film a pretty face, but being able to catch what lies underneath it is amazing and SO rewarding. Children are so unique and true and being able to tell their story, and show what lies under that pretty face through beautiful images is the best tribute I can make for them and their families , and I feel that foundations is helping me achieve that. Thank you Vicki."

From Suzanne:

"Foundations is a great program for anyone wanting to kick their photography skills up a notch! I have been admiring Vicki's work for quite a while & I feel so lucky to be taking this class! She is so open and willing to share her expertise and experience. Each week I am excited to see what we will be learning & the assignments really challenge me to put my new knowledge to use. I recommend this class to anyone who loves photography & especially those starting a new business like myself."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are half way through the first group now and we are having a BLAST! There is A LOT of learning going on. Don't miss out on all the fun!

NEW OPTIONS!!!!

I've had several emails asking if I can do a payment program. And since there are many interested in it I guess I can go ahead and set something up. The next group starts lessons on Nov 5th, so here are the different payment options.

1 payment of $325 due by Nov 5th. Instant access to the forum.

2 payments of $162.50 each. One due now and the other by Nov 5th.

3 payments - 2 of $108 and one of $109. First one due now, second one due by Oct 24th and the last one by Nov 5th.

4 payments of $81.25. One due now, second one by Oct 22, third by Oct 29 and last one by Nov 5th.

OR

Partial Program:If you only want the lessons and forum access without the critiques you can do that as well. You will be given assignments but they will not be critiqued by me. The total price for that is $175. You can do this option at any time. You do not need to wait for a new group to start. Also, no limit to how many people that can go that route, unlike the full program. BUT for the next 3 days I will take an additional $25 off the price of the partial program, so it will only be $150 until Sunday night Oct 14th!

If you are wanting the full program and not the partial then there are only a couple more spots for the next group.

For more info on the Foundations program email me at byerleyphotography@earthlink.net.

Pre-registration now open!

We are only 3 lessons into the first group and we are having a BLAST!!!! There is LOTS of learning going on. :) The girls are doing an amazing job!

And since I've had several emails asking if I would be doing any pre-registration, I though, WHY NOT! So here ya go! Pre-registration is now open for the second group!

There is a limited number that will be allowed to join this time around as well. But Until October 1st, the fee will be the same. So $250 gets you into the program consisting of 8 weekly lessons and assignments, my personal critiques on your images, a 1 year membership to the Foundations forum, a set of my actions (a $50 value) that I use while I post process, and lots of prizes thrown in here and there! After October 1st, however, the price goes to $325! So get in on the good deal while it lasts!

All Full!

Registration is now closed for this time around. In a few weeks I will reopen it for the next group.

I want to thank my current members for joining:

Amber

Angela

Danielle

Deb

Debi

Nichole

Suzanne

Tawnya

Theresa

Val

Valoree

It's time to FLY ladies!

Almost FULL!

Registration is almost full! So if you are on the fence about joining, jump off and come sign up! Remember, the price will go up next time and you don't want to loose out on this awesome deal!

Time is running out!

And the winner is....

I have been sitting here for a while trying to decide on a winner. I am having THE HARDEST FREAKING TIME! Everyone's entries were awesome and made me laugh. I honestly cannot believe the lengths some of you went to to get this done. lol

So do you want to know who the winner is?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
How about this one image first?

No? Okay...onto the winner then...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The winner will receive a free spot in the program!

Second place will get $50 off the price

Third place will get $25 off the price

and Honorable Mention will also get $25 off of the price.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

So are you ready?

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

First Place

Valerie!

I loved how creative you got with this but I think it was the "toe socks" that got me! lol

Second Place-Deb

Third place - Danielle

Honorable Mention - Tawnya

Congrats ladies!

Registration is now open to all! It's a first come first serve sort of thing, so if you want to be part of the program you may want to register soon. To register simply shoot me an email at byerleyphotography@earthlink.net. Your registration is complete when you have sent your tuition and returned your agreement form (which is pretty basic stuff, ya know, signing over your first born, yada yada yada).

Winners, don't forget to email me as well!

Time's UP!!!!

The contest is officially OVER! I am in the process of reviewing all the entries and I will post the winner soon! Check back later to see the results and the official opening of registration!

YEHAW!

Almost time!

It's almost time to open registration. And I will do so as soon as the contest is over! I'm loving all the entries so far! You all ROCK! You have less than 48 hours to get all your images in, so get busy. Remember, you do not have to have all of them, but the more you have the better your chances.

As soon as all the spots have filled I will send everyone information on how to access the forum. This will be where you share your images, and where I will post critiques and other fun things, including my actions I use on my work. These are action I have created myself and have not shared ANYWHERE else, not even on other paid forums!

So, I don't know about you all, but I am getting EXCITED! And I also want to thank everyone for all the emails I've received about this program and about my work. All of your kind comments are extremely appreciated! So THANK YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!

I will post again REAL soon! So keep checking back. :)

Contest for FREE spot!!!!

YEEHAW!


Yep, you heard me right! I'm holding a FUN and SILLY contest for a free spot to my program. How do you all like scavenger hunts? Ahh, me too! So that is what we are doing. A Photo Scavenger Hunt! Yippee!



The Silly Rules:

• You must pick either odd or even numbers on the list below and complete them all. Yes there are many! It's meant to be challenging. If you include an image not on the list you choose, you lose points.


• You will need to upload the images to a site, like photobucket, for viewing. http://www.photobucket.com/ This is so I don't receive a horde of images emailed to me. Photobucket is a free service. Go to the link above and sign up. Please put them in a separate folder so I can see them easily. Then you can either email me the link or post a comment on the blog here with the link. If you post the link on the blog for all to see you will get EXTRA points! :)


• You have until FRIDAY August 31, 2007 @ 5PM CENTRAL time to complete the hunt.


• The person that has the most creative and funny images (I'll be the judge) will win a FREE spot to the program!


• You will get points for each image you get. So try to get them all. You will get extra points for a creative or funny image.


• You can have other people helping you (up to 5 people). But try to take as many images as you can yourself. Remember, I want to see how creative and funny YOU are.

Now, on to the hunt list!!

1. A strangely shaped tree.
2. The local hospital ER entrance.
3. A staff member of a tattoo parlor.
4. The landscaping in front of your house, or apartment.
5. A funky blue shirt.
6. A Mini Cooper.
7. Pose someone you know in a very cheesy way.
8. Your family brushing their teeth.
9. The shoes in your closet (or wherever you keep them).
10. A picture of you on the ugliest piece of furniture you can find, wearing the ugliest outfit.
11. Picture in a hardware store wearing hunting garb.
12. Photo of you and your family with a lawn chair, a bowling ball and cake.
13. Adult strangers playing on playground equipment.
14. You in red shoes.
15. You with a piece of farming equipment.
16. The funniest sign you can find.
17. A lamp.
18. A spoon.
19. Your car.
20. Your Bedroom.
21. Your Bathroom.
22. Picture of you with a cow.
23. Picture of you standing in front of a McDonald's holding a sign that says "I wanna win!"
24. Picture of you with a Wal-Mart greeter.
25. A golf course.
26. A pink car.
27. Photo of you with the biggest slab of meat you can find in the grocery store but promoting vegetarianism somehow.
28. Picture of you with the largest stuffed animal you can find in a retail store.
29. Photo of a friend wearing the strangest outfit in the middle of the mall.
30. Picture of yourself with a funny outdoor sculpture.
31. With your friends help, use your bodies to spell out YMCA.
32. A sign that has the number 1974 on it.
33. A photo of a Starbucks (or similar) employee handing you your coffee.
34. A photo of $4.44 all in change. None US currency gets extra points.
35. A movie marque sign.
36. A movie poster.
37. Your office.
38. Your desk.
39. A photo of a big juicy cheeseburger from a local (not chain) restaurant.
40. A photo of you getting money out of an ATM.
41. A school bus.
42. A city bus.
43. A big truck (the more axles the better) going down the highway.
44. A squirrel in a tree.
45. A purple flower.
46. A glass object.
47. A candle.
48. Something older than you are.
49. The cover of a local magazine.
50. A green vegetable.
51. Someones hand giving a peace sign.
52. A friend trying on clothes for the opposite sex in a department store.
53. A public bathroom.
54. A stop sign.
55. A friend trying on new white shoes at a shoe store.
56. A convertible car.
57. An old house.
58. A barn.
59. A truck.
60. Your couch.
61. A slide.
62. A bike.
63. A ticket stub from the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
64. A bucket of chicken.
65. The Alaska state quarter.
66. A high school class ring.
67. A diamond ring.
68. A photo of you or a friend sitting in a movie theater.
69. A box of Nerds candy.
70. A photo of you buying a box of tea bags.
71. Magic 8 ball.
72. A piggy bank.
73. A coon skin hat.
74. A Ouija board.
75. A paper clip.
76. An American $2 bill.
77. A Spongebob Squarepants electric toothbrush.
78. A plastic plant.
79. An alarm clock.
80. A bow tie.
81. A funky picture frame.
82. A brown paper bag.
83. A USPS stamp.
84. Something that says "Made in Canada" on it.
85. A tent.
86. One Lego piece.
87. A yo-yo.
88. A dill pickle on a paper towel.
89. A used dryer sheet.
90. A Flintstones vitamin.
91. Toe socks.
92. The Headline from your local newspaper dated August 25, 2007.
93. The candle stick from the board game Clue.
94. A pack of "Vicki Gum" from Victoria's Secret.
95. A whoopee cushion.
96. A bald man wearing brown shoes.
97. An old lady at a bus stop.
98. A Ken doll.
99. A green umbrella.
100. A Lazy Susan.

And one last thing that you MUST have. A good self portrait to use as your avatar on the forum. If you don't have this then you WILL NOT WIN!!!!

So, gather up your friends and get out there. It's not meant to be easy, but it is meant to be FUN! The more I laugh at the images the better your chances. Remember, I've got a weird sense of humor. lol

And remember, you only have until NEXT FRIDAY to get this done!!!!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!

Welcome to Foundations!

I would like to welcome you to the Foundations Blog.

What is Foundations you say? Well Foundations is a sort of learning/mentoring program for those just starting out in the photography business. It is open to anyone wanting to improve their work.

The 411

The program is designed to help you grow as a photographer. It consists of 8 weekly lessons and 8 assignments. Within the program we will cover topics such as Composition, The Rule of Thirds, The Golden Hours, Natural Light, Flash, Backlighting, Clothing, and many, many other topics. We will also learn how to use the manual controls on your camera. I'm a firm believer that you should not be in this business if you are using Auto controls. Therefore, we will work hard at learning manual. It's not as painful as it looks. I promise you. We will also discuss post processing in detail. I will share my tricks of the trade. I will also share my actions I use during my post processing. I will not share that information anywhere else, expect during this program.

My main goal of the program is to get everyone shooting in manual and to understand the basics. I want you all to get the image correct in camera as much as possible so it only takes you a few minutes to post process each image. The lessons will not be too long, because I understand that everyone has other things to do. I will touch base on all the info and then will discuss things further in the forum. I want everyone to have a firm foundation so you can build your business successfully.


You will also receive a membership to the Foundations Forum. This is where we will continue to discuss topics and where I will personally critique your assignments. Membership to the forum will be good for one (1) year and you can ask me any questions you want while you are a member. I will also hold contests within the forum for prizes!

The Stipulations

As with anything, there must be a few rules.

• The main one is that members MUST have a SLR camera, preferable a DSLR. It doesn't matter which brand, Nikon, Canon, whatever, but it needs to be a SLR.
  
• There is only a limited number of spots available per session. Once the current session is over, more spots will become available.


• No one within 150 miles of Springfield, Missouri may become a member. That is simply because it's the area I market my photography business.


• You must give your all, 100%, to learning the lessons and completing the assignments on time. You don't have to be a working professional to become a member but you do have to take photography seriously. Hobbyists are fine.


• Payment is due in full when signing up. No partial payments will be accepted. I only accept PayPal payments for the program.


• No refund will be giving after the start of the program.


• I reserve the right to make changes to the program at anytime.

The Rate

I will be offering an INTRODUCTORY rate for the first session of $250. This includes everything, the lessons, the assignments, the personal image critiques, my personal actions, the forum, etc. The rate will most likely go up after the first round.

This is truly a STEAL!!!! Don't pass it up!

About Me

My name is Vicki Byerley and I have been into photography for many, many years now. I run my own photography business out of Springfield, Mo. I specialize in natural light portraiture of children and teens.

To view more of my work please visit my site at http://www.vickibyerleyphotography.com/

Or visit on my blog at http://www.vickibyerleyphotography.blogspot.com/

For more information please feel free to contact me either by email at byerleyphotography@earthlink.net or by simply leaving a comment here on the blog.

The first session will begin soon so keep checking the blog for updates.

Have an AWESOME day!

Vicki