July 2008 Issue
In this issue:
How Virtual Backgrounds Can
Work for You
`
Rick and Deborah Ferro Workshop
Scheduled in September 2008
National Ad for Photogenic Features
Simone Image Captured Using
the Scene Machine
Diane Wilson Hits a Home Run
Her First Time at Bat!
Featured Photographers:
John and Teresa Chandler
Senior 2009 Backgrounds
Senior 2009 slide sets are selling like hotcakes and if you haven't already, you need to get your hands on this specialty set! Each year Virtual Backgrounds develops a new set of special Senior backgrounds. If you are doing senior photography or want to do senior photography, these backgrounds are a must! They provide you with an opportunity to present your work as contemporary and always changing to fit the tastes of today’s more demanding clients.
Senior backgrounds add a special something to your senior portrait photography. Seniors and parents alike will rant and rave about them, making others flock to you for their senior portraits! Contact your consultant at Virtual Backgrounds today to order your set of Senior 2009 backgrounds!
Senior backgrounds add a special something to your senior portrait photography. Seniors and parents alike will rant and rave about them, making others flock to you for their senior portraits! Contact your consultant at Virtual Backgrounds today to order your set of Senior 2009 backgrounds!
Don't be Ordinary
Be Extraordinary!
Image by Jessica Laredo
Everyone wants something special whether they are buying a new dress, a new pair of shoes, a new house, or even photographs. He who offers the latest and the greatest is most likely to get the business and the big bucks.
Don’t be ordinary. Be extraordinary! That is what Virtual Backgrounds is all about. It is a tool which enables you to be special. It offers unique and exciting new products to your clients.
Each day think to yourself, “How can I do something really special today for my clients?” Being ordinary is boring. You must separate yourself from the masses and especially from the amateur. It's the only way to survive! You can do it!
VB Mail from Nigerian Photographer,
Gabriel Olude
(Part Two)
Dear Sir,
I am amazed at such technology. Everyday, I dream about Virtual Backgrounds. I have told quite a number of my colleagues about it. Some are extremely impressed. In fact one of them told me, “Let us hide this." He was thinking of how he could get the ultimate advantage. I had to tell him that there are blessings in sharing.
Some on the other hand are blinded to the reality of the wonders of Virtual Backgrounds. Maybe it is because they are still quite successful. What they don't realize is that the “cheese” has moved (referencing the book entitled Background Power! by Dr. Henry Oles). One day, they will wake up to that reality. Hopefully by then, the VB society inNigeria
It is like the Bible says, "Precious things are hidden from the wise and revealed to babes or those considered simple." I am happy to have found out about VB in Rangefinder magazine. A friend brought them down toNigeria,
I happened to catch a glimpse of your book, Background Power! I must say that the book is exactly as I thought it would be. FANTASTIC - AWESOME! I really enjoyed the two parallel lines test and the powerful cartoon of the king who wouldn't buy the machine gun that would have helped him win the battle. That's how most of my guys over here are. When I showed that cartoon to one photographer who was giving all reasons why he couldn't buy the VB system, he was silent and speechless.
I get inspired by just viewing your website. I have read the Perfect Storm more than 5 times and have viewed the DVD uncountable number of times!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I am amazed at such technology. Everyday, I dream about Virtual Backgrounds. I have told quite a number of my colleagues about it. Some are extremely impressed. In fact one of them told me, “Let us hide this." He was thinking of how he could get the ultimate advantage. I had to tell him that there are blessings in sharing.
Some on the other hand are blinded to the reality of the wonders of Virtual Backgrounds. Maybe it is because they are still quite successful. What they don't realize is that the “cheese” has moved (referencing the book entitled Background Power! by Dr. Henry Oles). One day, they will wake up to that reality. Hopefully by then, the VB society in
It is like the Bible says, "Precious things are hidden from the wise and revealed to babes or those considered simple." I am happy to have found out about VB in Rangefinder magazine. A friend brought them down to
I happened to catch a glimpse of your book, Background Power! I must say that the book is exactly as I thought it would be. FANTASTIC - AWESOME! I really enjoyed the two parallel lines test and the powerful cartoon of the king who wouldn't buy the machine gun that would have helped him win the battle. That's how most of my guys over here are. When I showed that cartoon to one photographer who was giving all reasons why he couldn't buy the VB system, he was silent and speechless.
I get inspired by just viewing your website. I have read the Perfect Storm more than 5 times and have viewed the DVD uncountable number of times!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Contact us today to receive your free copy of the Perfect Storm!
Buying Used Virtual Backgrounds Systems on
eBay or Elsewhere
Occasionally we see a Virtual Backgrounds system, with or without a background screen, listed for sale on eBay or in other online stores. Sometimes you might find a good deal, but more times than none, you are likely to have problems. We have found that a lot of factory refurbishment has been necessary to bring these eBay systems back to good working condition.
There are several important factors to consider when purchasing a used Virtual Backgrounds system. The very first Virtual Backgrounds systems were made 25 years ago. While even the earliest systems still work, there have been a long series of technological improvements to both the projector and the screen. In addition, until just a few years ago, all projectors were designed for use with large format film cameras like the RB67 and not for today’s much smaller digital cameras. Old machines can work with digital cameras but they normally need a special camera rotator that can cost $600. Used projectors may have also been subject to various levels of abuse which can make it impossible to bring the machine into proper alignment. Only factory refurbishment can fix the machine.
There have been numerous and significant improvements to the screen technology including recent improvements to the Blackscreen. Today’s screens have a great deal more washout resistance and the seam lines are essentially invisible. Old screens can have visible horizontal seam lines, scratches, and stains from mishandling. The oldest screens were made with two foot wide strips of reflective material as opposed to the four foot strips used today. The Blackscreen can also be mishandled and left with permanent wrinkles. We have seen screens and Blackscreens that are worth nothing.
We recently observed a Scene Machine system on sale on eBay which sold for a surprisingly high price. The system was more than 20 years old. Only the outside packing container for the screen was shown. The actual screen itself was not even shown. You just had to assume that some screen in some condition was inside the cardboardshipping tube! The Blackscreen was shown folded up in a small box. Blackscreens should never be folded! Unfortunately, the new owner may not even know that they got a bad deal because when they begin to use the system, they will not know what it should have been like.
Let the buyer beware: Be careful when purchasing machines from online stores! On a more positive note and in the interest of serving all system owners, Virtual Backgrounds does provide refurbishment services on units that aren't too damaged. Contact your consultant at Virtual Backgrounds for further information on refurbishment.
There are several important factors to consider when purchasing a used Virtual Backgrounds system. The very first Virtual Backgrounds systems were made 25 years ago. While even the earliest systems still work, there have been a long series of technological improvements to both the projector and the screen. In addition, until just a few years ago, all projectors were designed for use with large format film cameras like the RB67 and not for today’s much smaller digital cameras. Old machines can work with digital cameras but they normally need a special camera rotator that can cost $600. Used projectors may have also been subject to various levels of abuse which can make it impossible to bring the machine into proper alignment. Only factory refurbishment can fix the machine.
There have been numerous and significant improvements to the screen technology including recent improvements to the Blackscreen. Today’s screens have a great deal more washout resistance and the seam lines are essentially invisible. Old screens can have visible horizontal seam lines, scratches, and stains from mishandling. The oldest screens were made with two foot wide strips of reflective material as opposed to the four foot strips used today. The Blackscreen can also be mishandled and left with permanent wrinkles. We have seen screens and Blackscreens that are worth nothing.
We recently observed a Scene Machine system on sale on eBay which sold for a surprisingly high price. The system was more than 20 years old. Only the outside packing container for the screen was shown. The actual screen itself was not even shown. You just had to assume that some screen in some condition was inside the cardboard
Let the buyer beware: Be careful when purchasing machines from online stores! On a more positive note and in the interest of serving all system owners, Virtual Backgrounds does provide refurbishment services on units that aren't too damaged. Contact your consultant at Virtual Backgrounds for further information on refurbishment.
Coming Soon: Slide Storage and Viewing Cabinets
Many Virtual Backgrounds system users have hundreds of backgrounds, but they don’t have a good way to store those backgrounds for easy viewing and retrieval. Virtual Backgrounds will fix that problem with the reintroduction of a product we have not made for a while. The prototype has been approved and manufacturing has begun. More details to follow in next month's issue of The Backgrounder.
How May We Help You?
How May We Help You?
Virtual Backgrounds is dedicated to customer assistance. We are here to help you become more successful and profitable through your use of the Virtual Backgrounds process. If you are thinking about Virtual Backgrounds, you undoubtedly have many questions. Contact us! Ask anything you wish and we’ll give you straight answers.
If you are an owner of a Virtual Backgrounds system and are in need of troubleshooting or fresh ideas, contact us. Let us help you with any issues you may have or help with new profit-making ideas.
This is why we publish The Backgrounder every month. We are anxious to share with photographers around the world the good news about Virtual Backgrounds. We are anxious to share the success stories of our customers to help you take full advantage of the powerful benefits that come with using Virtual Backgrounds.
If you have a question or if you need help, let us help you! The company was founded by Dr.Henry Oles , a former teacher, university professor and lifelong professional photographer. The fundamental philosophy of Virtual Backgrounds is to further educate professional photographers everywhere and help you fight the professional photographer’s perfect storm. We can help you not only survive the storm but also flourish in its midst.
If you are an owner of a Virtual Backgrounds system and are in need of troubleshooting or fresh ideas, contact us. Let us help you with any issues you may have or help with new profit-making ideas.
This is why we publish The Backgrounder every month. We are anxious to share with photographers around the world the good news about Virtual Backgrounds. We are anxious to share the success stories of our customers to help you take full advantage of the powerful benefits that come with using Virtual Backgrounds.
If you have a question or if you need help, let us help you! The company was founded by Dr.
Cindy Cofer Speaks for VB and San Antonio Professional Photographers Guild
Pictured above: Vernon Wentz, President of
the PP Guild of SA, and Cindy Cofer
Williamstown, Kentucky photographer, Cindy Cofer was the feature speaker for the July Virtual Backgrounds workshop held in San Marcos
Cindy spoke in both cases about her thriving studio operation in small town Kentucky and her use of the Scene Machine Virtual Backgrounds system. Although she has been in business for only a few years, Cindy draws customers of all ages from a broad area to experience her unique style of work. She accentuated her program with hundreds of sample images covering everything from infants to the elderly, singles to families, and much, much more.
Cindy ended her program stating, “Without my Scene Machine, I probably would not be in business today.” After theSan Antonio program, Cindy returned to San Marcos
Cindy spoke in both cases about her thriving studio operation in small town Kentucky and her use of the Scene Machine Virtual Backgrounds system. Although she has been in business for only a few years, Cindy draws customers of all ages from a broad area to experience her unique style of work. She accentuated her program with hundreds of sample images covering everything from infants to the elderly, singles to families, and much, much more.
Cindy ended her program stating, “Without my Scene Machine, I probably would not be in business today.” After the
You May Have Been Deleted!
A number of photographers have been deleted from receiving The Backgrounder because they have supposedly asked to opt out; however, when we communicate with some of these people they tell us that this is not the case at all! They were even wondering why they no longer receive The Backgrounder.
So, if you notice in the future that you are not receiving The Backgrounder every month, contact us and we’ll be glad to add you to the list again. We will be sending old-fashioned snail mail to those who have mistakenly opted out in case there was an error.
So, if you notice in the future that you are not receiving The Backgrounder every month, contact us and we’ll be glad to add you to the list again. We will be sending old-fashioned snail mail to those who have mistakenly opted out in case there was an error.
Coming Soon:
VB Print Competition
Image by Jessica Laredo
The long anticipated return of the Virtual Backgrounds Project Your Best Image photo contest is finally going to happen. Virtual Backgrounds is scheduling the 2008 competition with thousands of dollars in prizes. The competition will take place before the end of this year.
Full details will be published starting in the August edition of The Backgrounder. The purpose of the competition is to encourage Virtual Backgrounds system owners to stretch their imaginations and produce the best possible and most creative images. These images will be shared with thousands of photographers around the world. Prizes for the winning photographers will have thousands of dollars in value.
It is planned that every entrant will receive special valuable coupons from sponsors making it a competition where everyone comes out ahead. Now is the time to start gathering your best images created with your Scene Machine. All submitted prints must be 8 x 10 inches. All attention in judging will go to the image and how it integrates with the background.
Full details will be published starting in the August edition of The Backgrounder. The purpose of the competition is to encourage Virtual Backgrounds system owners to stretch their imaginations and produce the best possible and most creative images. These images will be shared with thousands of photographers around the world. Prizes for the winning photographers will have thousands of dollars in value.
It is planned that every entrant will receive special valuable coupons from sponsors making it a competition where everyone comes out ahead. Now is the time to start gathering your best images created with your Scene Machine. All submitted prints must be 8 x 10 inches. All attention in judging will go to the image and how it integrates with the background.
Image by Cindy Cofer
Image by Carrell Grigsby
Image by Dave Filler
Image by Jessica Laredo
Virtual Backgrounds
August Workshop
Workshops are not only for system owners, but they are also for those who are thinking about it and want to get more details to feel comfortable that they are making the right decision.
We are a teaching company and we are eager to spread the word about Virtual Backgrounds to each and every one of you!
Consider attending an upcoming workshop! You will be glad that you did!
We are a teaching company and we are eager to spread the word about Virtual Backgrounds to each and every one of you!
Consider attending an upcoming workshop! You will be glad that you did!
July 2008 Workshop Attendees
Last Call to Make
$1000 per Hour!
Make $1000 Per Hour doing School Photography! This is the last call to register for the 2008 School Photography Boot Camps. The last program of 2008 is scheduled for August 4 - 8, 2008, in Dallas, Texas. Don't miss it!
If you currently have any underclass business booked for this season and need to know the "best-practices" of the industry to service accounts professionally, this is the ONLY workshop of its' type to learn how to do it right. If you are just getting started, you're also in luck. Late Summer and early Fall is the best time to prospect for new business in 2009 and you'll learn the best ways to take it from your competition and get schools to sign with you.
Do you have questions on high-volume photography techniques and software for high-speed workflow? We've got you covered with live demonstrations from Express Digital and PhotoLynx.
Want to see Virtual Backgrounds technology demonstrated with live models in a simulated school setting? We've got that, too!
Need Crop-lines installed on your Digital camera? We'll have a technician on site to do it at a special discounted price.
If you currently have any underclass business booked for this season and need to know the "best-practices" of the industry to service accounts professionally, this is the ONLY workshop of its' type to learn how to do it right. If you are just getting started, you're also in luck. Late Summer and early Fall is the best time to prospect for new business in 2009 and you'll learn the best ways to take it from your competition and get schools to sign with you.
Do you have questions on high-volume photography techniques and software for high-speed workflow? We've got you covered with live demonstrations from Express Digital and PhotoLynx.
Want to see Virtual Backgrounds technology demonstrated with live models in a simulated school setting? We've got that, too!
Need Crop-lines installed on your Digital camera? We'll have a technician on site to do it at a special discounted price.
Click here for complete information!
Call the Instructor, Chris Wunder, directly at 704-763-0409 for registrations this week only and to see if you qualify for a special discount. Sorry, no registrations at the door.
See you there!
Call the Instructor, Chris Wunder, directly at 704-763-0409 for registrations this week only and to see if you qualify for a special discount. Sorry, no registrations at the door.
See you there!
Send Us Your Thoughts!
If you have any experiences with Virtual Backgrounds that you would like to share with the readers of The Backgrounder, please write to us at [email protected].
Perhaps you have had an especially successful experience, or perhaps you solved an issue that would be helpful to others. Let us know and we'll share it with the readers of The Backgrounder!
Perhaps you have had an especially successful experience, or perhaps you solved an issue that would be helpful to others. Let us know and we'll share it with the readers of The Backgrounder!
How Virtual Backgrounds
Can Work for You
Image by Lora Yeater. Click here to see more of her work.
Virtual Backgrounds is indeed the most powerful tool you can purchase to enhance your studio operations and upgrade your profits. This is a very powerful statement but it is absolutely true. The proof is clear.
Virtual Backgrounds enables you to do the following:
If you don’t have a Virtual Backgrounds system, now is the time to investigate this technology and what it will do for your studio. If you already own a Virtual Backgrounds system, dedicate this year as the one where you will learn to more fully use it to enhance your operation. There are no limits to your creative imagination if you just put it to work.
There simply is no other tool that can do so much for the professional portrait photographer.
Virtual Backgrounds enables you to do the following:
- dramatically increase your creativity;
- be truly different from other photographers;
- provide much more variety in a single sitting;
- customize your backgrounds to your clients;
- stop spending money on other kinds of old fashioned backgrounds such as canvas or muslin or sets;
- capture your own backgrounds anywhere you go;
- work faster, without leaving your studio and have more fun; and
- attract more clients and earn a greater profit.
If you don’t have a Virtual Backgrounds system, now is the time to investigate this technology and what it will do for your studio. If you already own a Virtual Backgrounds system, dedicate this year as the one where you will learn to more fully use it to enhance your operation. There are no limits to your creative imagination if you just put it to work.
There simply is no other tool that can do so much for the professional portrait photographer.
Rick and Deborah Ferro Workshop Scheduled in September 2008
Rick and Deborah Ferro will conduct a three-day workshop at Virtual Backgrounds September 17-19, 2008, at the Virtual Backgrounds Learn and Earn center in San Marcos , Texas
Enrollment is limited. Contact your Virtual Backgrounds representative to reserve your seat in this phenomenal workshop today!
Enrollment is limited. Contact your Virtual Backgrounds representative to reserve your seat in this phenomenal workshop today!
National Ad for Photogenic Features
Simone Image Captured
Using the Scene Machine
Photogenic, a world leader in studio lighting, has selected a portrait taken by Joseph and Louise Simone at a recent week long workshop to promote their PowerLight product. The Simones, who are world famous photographers, teach a very popular week long class at Virtual Backgrounds at least once a year. Virtual Backgrounds is very much a key part of their workshops and their success!
Dr.
Featured Photographers
John & Teresa
Chandler
| Virtual Backgrounds has raised the level of our studio. Since we came to your facility to get our Scene Machine and attend the Simone workshop, conservatively speaking, we have tripled our income.
-John and Teresa Chandler |
John and Teresa Chandler were both U.S. Marines. They met in
They discovered the Scene Machine Virtual Backgrounds system and decided that it was clearly the way to go if they were to separate their work from that of other photographers and definitely from the amateurs. Their goal was to be significantly different!
The
John continues by stating, “I don’t understand photographers who aren’t interested in Virtual Backgrounds. They just don’t get it. I put them in the same category as all those photographers who would not look at digital cameras for the longest time. When a photographer invests in more canvas, he is investing in antiquity. It just hangs there. It’s not going to change. It takes up room. I have over 80 backgrounds and 2 Simone Collections and they are all in a little notebook!"
When we asked John Chandler how the perfect storm is affecting the Chandler Studio, John responds, “It isn’t affecting us because we understand it. If we didn’t understand it, we would not be in business. We have to do something the moms can’t do. That is what the Scene Machine does for us. If I were not doing things different, I would not be in business.”
John also has very strong feelings about having a formal dedicated studio. “Moms don’t have studios; they shoot outdoors in the same places many professionals shoot. I have to be different and the Scene Machine and the studio set me apart.”
Virtual Backgrounds exists because of customers like John and Teresa. They take our product and build their studio and bottom line around it. They gladly share their feelings with other photographers. Virtual Backgrounds salutes the
Click here to be directed to John & Teresa Chandler's Portrait Studio website!
Want to see Virtual Backgrounds in action?
Click here for our upcoming trade show,
seminar and affiliate school schedule.
Also click here for information on our
Virtual Backgrounds Training Workshops.
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