Testimonials
For the Printing, Marketing and Composition Mastery
Workshops on DVD


1 - Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD

1 - Testimonial from Doug Winn in Oregon
 Hi Alain:

Well, I just finished a two-and-a-half day session focused on your new “Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD” and I have to say that it is the very best compilation of useful concepts, work flow and techniques that I have yet seen on this subject—bar none.  As you know, I participated in your “Expressive Fine Art Print” workshop last February—that was tremendous and I have my notes from that workshop right next to my work station all of the time, referring to them regularly during my Photoshop works.  But this “Workshop on DVD” is just wonderful, and far better than my notes!  It will reside in one of my DVD drives on my computer until it all becomes second nature to me, and as you say in your conclusion, “mastery come from repetition and regular use” so I’m encouraged that “mastery” is attainable, thanks to you and Natalie.

The “highlights” for me are many:

Starting with the clarity in concept and application of your 28-step approach.  It is clear, is based upon your years of experience and good fine art work, is clearly presented and each step is then validated with real live examples.  Since the presentations are on a DVD I was able to repeat the steps as I went through your video presentations.  [I actually had Photoshop CS2 on in the background, and I applied your steps to one of my images right along with you as you showed how to do it in the video.  That was very educational for me, and it really drove home the concepts and techniques that you were presenting].

Next was your demonstrations of current systems on the market today relating to digital image conversion—showing how Camera Raw Pro, Bridge, DXO and Lightroom work was dynamite.  You made it so clear, without “trumpeting” any of the hype from the digital street…you focused just on how they each worked, where each of them “shined”, and what the future might have in store.  That was so helpful.

Next, your video “how to’s” and “Quick Steps”.  They are loaded with information, and I’ll use them often.  I’m in the process of making a number of my own templates, based upon my workflow, but revolutionized by the extensive use of layers.  Thank you so much for clearly explaining how to use them.

Next, your presentations on printing and printers and RIPs.  Again, comprehensive, practical, usable and results oriented.

And finally, Natalie’s presentations on the nuts-and-bolts of mat cutting, mounting, and framing was very helpful.  And her personality made it all very genuine.

PS:  I've opened the DVD four times already today...adjusting my colorspace, resetting my Photoshop memory, and referencing two adjustment curves on two different images.  I really am using it!

Thanks, Alain and Natalie, for your good work,

Doug Winn, Oregon

2 - Testimonial from David White in California
I've found that the DVD is very well organized with a wealth of materials. Every lesson is presented as a Quicktime movie with additional supporting materials which can be viewed separately. I've found that working on one of my images in Photoshop while viewing a movie presentation has been very helpful. I can pause the movie and try what he is presenting on my own photographs and instantly see what works and what doesn't work on a particular image and why.

The DVD has more material and presentations that you would probably get in a 2-3 day workshop on printing and is costs a lot less than you would pay to go to such a workshop when you look at the workshop cost, transportation, lodging and meals.

The material is superb and covers just about everything you need to know about how to produce a fine art photograph from capture to mounting and matting and I've found it to be a worthwhile investment for me. I've already had several concepts and techniques that I have struggled with cleared up and made easily understandable.

Certainly, $975 is a lot of money, but when taken in perspective it isn't that much. This is certainly no corporate fluff training DVD.

I am impressed with the quality of the teaching.

David White, California

3 - Testimonial from Bob Fields in Texas
Your Printing Mastery Workshop DVD is simply masterful. I'm just up to Global Image Adjustments, and it's apparent if I had this DVD when I started working in Photoshop and pursuing fine art printing it would have saved me a great deal of time and money.

It is well worth the price.

Bob Fields, Texas

4 - Testimonial from Peter Cox in Ireland
I have gotten through a large part of the DVD now and have found it very useful. The curating section in particular has given me plenty of ideas re my own print framing and fulfilment.

Bravo.

Peter Cox, Ireland

5 - Testimonial from Edward Delaney in Ireland
I am amazed at the amount of information contained on the Printing Mastery Workshop on DVD and the Expressive Print Seminar 2006 CD.

I am looking forward to the challenge of studying the 28 Steps. I can really appreciate the amount of work that went into putting this together. I consider it great value for money.

The more I delve into this DVD the more I am impressed with its contents.It definitely wont be your fault if I don't produce excellent fine art prints when I finish the course.

Many thanks

Edward W. Delaney, Ireland

6 - Testimonial from Rob Eckert in Pennsylvania
Hi Alain,

I am very impressed with the DVD. I have been pouring over the contents since I received it. I have most of the software tools that you cite on the DVD, but I did not understand how to tie them together in a cohesive workflow as you have done for me. Who knew that I could compare my Joseph Holmes DCam profiles with my camera profiles in ColorSync. ColorSync just sat on my hard drive with all that potential that you unlocked for me. The tools that were on my computer were, metaphorically, like a disorganized orchestra. All they needed was a talented conductor to bring them together. I must say I was taken aback by the price of Printing Mastery when I got your email announcing the availability of the DVD, but it was well worth every hard earned penny.

Thanks again,

Rob Eckert, Pennsylvania

7 - Testimonial from Ambika Balasubramaniyan in Arizona
Your Printing Master Workshop on DVD is absolutely amazing. It has so far well exceeded my expectations - by far one of the best investments I have made. This is an absolute MUST for any one interested in furthering their skills in image processing and presentation. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years.

You have moved me up my learning curve by leaps n bounds!

You present an absolute wealth of information in an easy to absorb format and the overall content is well produced. Personally, the spontaneity of your presentation style keeps the material interesting and retains a sense of humor. I have worked through your 28 steps - listening/viewing to content and experimenting with the techniques you have showcased. Results so far on my image(s) have been nothing short of spectacular! The Quick steps and curves sets have come in quite handy as well - I appreciate the thoughtfulness of providing them.

You and Natalie have produced a winner! Congratulations ...

Ambika Balasubramaniyan, Arizona


8 - Testimonial from PW in New Jersey (full name witheld by request)

Alain & Natalie,

I have just finished working through the workshop at my own pace, and wanted to write something for the two of you.

The Printing Mastery Workhsop on DVD is a gift.

It is a set of tools--with a message

It is an exhortation--
____- to focus better, to extract the art from the data,
____- to slow down in the beginning and take a few notes,
____- to slow down in the middle and possibly go in a new direction,
____- to go where the image is going
____- and to expand one's personal art by orders of magnitude.

Part of my personal credo is 'getting out of the way and letting my soul expand' and you've given me lots of new tools to get out of my own way. For me it is about the connotations of an image, about the emotions evoked in the resonance of another soul. Thanks for showing me how to expand my soul and touch others.

The DVD is a remarkable body of work, from the quality of the audio to the clarity of the explanations. The amount of caring that
it took to assemble the body of work is just staggering, and the quality of the production is exquisite. Congratulations!

I have a much better chance of touching others and myself with the help of the DVD. I get to start kind of 'standing on your
shoulders.'

Thanks for the boost, and a very sincere thank you from my heart--

PW from Jersey

9 - Testimonial from Charles Morrin
I have had the Printing Mastery DVD workshop on DVD for about 3 weeks now and I have listened to most of it at least once.  They are far better than any of the books I have read.  I have already learned much. 

I practiced by improving and reprinting a set of photos using your approach.  I just made a print from a photo that I took two years ago, solving the problems that I previously experienced.  But I am not surprised -- most of my progress in learning Landscape Photography results from reading your essays on the Luminous Landscape in 2004, and then practicing when I had time the last 2 years.  Yes, I also bought the book. I look forward to further study of the DVDs and doing more exercises.

Charles Morrin

2 - Marketing Mastery Workshop on DVD

I finished my first listening of your Marketing DVD last night.  I have greatly appreciated the audio aspects of the DVD because it allows me to work on things like photo editing while still getting the value of your instruction.  I greatly appreciate everything that you have shared in your DVD.  The materials, the suggestions, the value of your lessons learned, they will all greatly enhance not only my photography itself but my success in developing my business as a nature photographer. 

I am also impressed with the depth of information you have shared.  Most professional photographers are loathe to share "secrets of the trade."  I once attended a John Shaw business of photography workshop, where someone asked him how it was the he could share his secrets so readily.  His response:  "Because I know that only ten percent of you will do anything with it."  I sense from your DVD that you share the information simply because you hope that others can enjoy the same success that you have. 

Thank you again for the fantastic Marketing DVD and its many pieces of wisdom.  I look forward to implementing your suggestions.  I also look forward to attending one of your workshops in the future.

Carl Johnson


Alain, I haven't finished listening to the entire Marketing Mastery set but so far I think it is a very valuable source of information.  Great Job!!  A bargain given the amount of information contained on it.

Dave Hammaker


Hi Alain.....just wanted to let you know I used another principal from your Marketing DVD..."make them buy today, not later". I put a small ad in the local paper reminding them that Holiday shopping is at hand,  that they needed to give the gift of photography instead of the same old gifts..AND if they bought THIS weekend only they could get 20% off. So at my gallery I sold 7 Large framed prints and 5 smaller framed prints. The biggest weekend I had ever had.

I had planned on shooting late this afternoon but called my wife and told her I had to stay at the gallery and do some printing to take the replacements to the framer on Monday...COOL!!!  Also thanks for putting my website on your site in that comment....It definitely picked up the traffic on  my site!

Got the printing done so I guess I'll go shoot tomorrow. Trying to get the hang of 4x5 photography, there is a learning curve there for sure. Also trying to shoot some "southern" panoramics with the Fuji 617. I haven't shot film in about 5 years but needing those "WOW" shots for the gallery. Thanks again  

Robert Garvin



Alain's experience selling photographs is not only extensive, it is phenomenal.
Here is one of the best selling living photographers sharing how he is selling and marketing his work,
sharing what he is doing and explaining how you can do it too.
This is unique.

I don't know of anyone else who is doing this or of anyone else who plans on doing this,
especially not a photographer who is at the top in terms of sales.

John Besham


I just received my copy of your Marketing CD and am very impressed.

I was not sure the material would be worth the price, but can now say it was a wise investment.

Thank you for making this CD available.
I plan to follow nearly all your advice, as I have just started going to shows to sell my artwork. .

Rob Bennett


I have really enjoyed the Marketing DVD....I have been in retail my entire life so many of your thoughts were the same I have lived by in my grocery business for all these years but it all helped me to focus and revitalize as I try to make my new venture...Real Southern Images...my photography gallery a success.

The gallery is not supposed to work...small southern town with very little walk-in traffic...but as my "product" is getting more widespread I am amazed at what I am selling. Ofcourse my expenses here are not like a big city. I bought the 110 year old building I am located in for a mere $10,000 and ofcourse now it is a showplace and people walk in and their mouths drop open. It has helped spur a complete downtown revival.
Six new business have opened in the last 2 months with more in progress.

I am now working on getting some more "WOW" shots printed and framed for the gallery...like you said in your dvd ( . . . ). My wife and I just returned from  Jackson, Wyoming and Cody, Montana and after spending days in the galleries had decided that is what my gallery is missing...the "WOW" prints!

Robert Garvin
http://www.realsouthernimages.com


I would like to give you some of my initial impressions about your Marketing DVD which I received a bout 1 month ago.

I had never before spent so much money on acquiring information and my purchase of your Marketing package was a leap of faith in you and your product.  Let me tell you that within a few minutes of listening to your audio recordings, I was blown away by the contents.  The quality and quantity of information you provide is extremely valuable and massive.  I have already learned so much and my mindset towards selling art has changed dramatically to say the least, and I'm only one quarter into the material.

However, the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and I'm trilled to have sold my first photograph at an exhibition.  I was able to go from the buyer saying to me in an apologetic manner "...we just bought a painting from another artist..." to closing the sale and handing the photograph to the happy new owners (without lowering the price).  There is absolutely no way I could have sold that piece without the knowledge I gained from your Marketing DVD.  I have so much more confidence now in my selling abilities. I can't wait to go through the remaining three quarters of the material.

Thank you very much Alain.

Araz Jakalian
over email

Testimonial from David White in California
Alain,

I received the Marketing Mastery Workshop on DVD early this week.  Although I have not had the time to go through all the materials and presentations, I wanted to let you know about my initial impressions.

The amount of material, both audio and written is simply amazing.  Every aspect of marketing photography from A to Z is covered in the topics on the DVD.  Out of curiosity I did skip around a bit to get a feel for things and to explore a few areas that were of particular interest and I have to say that the material presented is on a par with and exceeds corporate marketing courses costing thousands of dollars for a few days of instruction.

I can certainly see that if one follows the philosophy and specific instructions provided by this DVD that there is no excuse for failure for those willing to put in the effort to implement your recommendations.

The price may seem high to some, but if you look at the costs of a workshop plus transportation, lodging, meals, and time away from home,  it is a bargain.  One big advantage of the DVD is that unlike a seminar or workshop, if something is missed, forgotten or not completely understood, the material is available to repeat at any time.  

I have transferred the audio files to my iPod so that I can listen to the lessons when I am doing other things such as the endless miles on the treadmill at the gym or in the car when on the road.

Congratulations on another excellent product.  You never disappoint.

David White


2 - Testimonial from James Moore:
Hi Alain,

Here are my impressions of the Marketing Mastery Workshop on DVD:

1. Satisfaction:
The Marketing Mastery Workshop on DVD is, without question, the wisest investment of my money that I have ever made! While I cannot point to a boost in sales via marketing efforts after only one week to substantiate that claim, I don't need material gains to do so.

What I have purchased is knowledge: a knowledge that appears to have been claimed and secured in the trenches of marketing and salesmanship; a knowledge that has been honed through years of trial-and-error, employment of consultants, adaptation of technique to a niche market, and perhaps more efforts that I have not yet thought of. Such information is priceless to me. As an owner of your Marketing CD it was of great value to me in getting me started. The Marketing Mastery DVD takes that rudimentary information so much further. It is like trying to compare apples and oranges.

I have already learned a few simple mistakes that I have made which are easily correctable. And, I have had questions answered that have nagged at me. I listen to your audio files immediately upon returning home from work and have even begun listing to the audio on my drive to and from work. I am excited! I am thrilled! And, I cannot wait to implement your system to grow my business. This is fun!

2. Audio:
Listening to your audio files is a joy. It is just like having Alain Briot sitting across from me explaining what he knows about marketing fine art photography and how to do it successfully. By the third audio file I was very comfortable with this format. At first I was concerned because I have a severe hearing deficiency and you do have an accent that I find difficult at times; however, I can boost the sound level via my headphones and repeat the phrase or sentence as many times as necessary before I fully understand your meaning--this is something I can't do at workshops, so this is a big plus for me.

3. Quickstep Cards:
Having read in advance what your Quickstep Card system was, I tested the concept by taking my own notes during the first two chapters, "Introduction" and "Art & Business." When I compared my notes to your Quicksteps I was satisfied that you captured the essential concepts, points, and emphasis of each chapter in a concise and succinct manner.

I now have the freedom of devoting my concentration to the audio portion while employing the supplemental PDF files as required during your verbal presentations without the extra effort of making notes. Although you may not have designed the Quickstep concept as a primer for tests and/or quizzes, I have begun employing them to that end in order to test myself for my understanding and knowledge.

4. Overall Impression:
This DVD program is, in my opinion, far more useful than any workshop that I could attend (I had previously targeted your 2008 workshop season to attend your Marketing Mastery Seminar until I learned of your announcement for the Marketing Mastery DVD).

I have found workshops allow for a personal interaction and networking that is beneficial and/or crucial, and workshop materials and resources are always reviewable, but a workshop is a singular event that, like a photograph, cannot be revisited.

The audio files, Quickstep Cards, and supplemental resource materials of the Marketing Mastery DVD may be reviewed over and over again until thorough familiarity with foreign concepts, ideas, reasoning, and practices become second nature. In short, the DVD program is a gold mine of information and opportunity.

James Moore

3 - Composition Mastery Workshop on DVD

I have completed the first 5 of the 32 steps in the Composition Mastery Workshop on DVD and I amextremely pleased and impressed with the material.

Having purchased and looked through hundreds of books, and after taking a few online courses I can say with certainty that I have not found this information anywhere else,especially in this detail.

This workshop on DVD is everything I had hoped for, and I've barely scratched the surface. I particularly like the multi media approach that covers the same material in written form as well as audio andvisual. The three approaches together insure retention of the material.

Thank you for producing such a high quality product! I will update you in afew weeks as I delve deeper.

Glenn Gilchrist
Southern Pines, NC


I am now about half way through my first pass of the DVD and I know that I am going to get a lot out of your presentation.

I have had a hobby of photography for 50 years now and have been struggling with composition the whole time. I am a retired engineer, and it seems that my brain just does not have an artistic section.

I know all of the technical stuff, but just can not seem to "see" pictures. I have bought a number of books on composition, but they just did not seem to help. Thank you for creating this DVD.

Charlie Cobeen
Phoenix, AZ


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