Texas School ”Off the Record” Podcast

John Gress on Lighting, Photojournalism to Commercial Portraits, and Teaching Flash at Texas School 2027
On Texas School Off the Record, host Cris Duncan interviews Chicago-based commercial photographer and educator John Gress, a 25+ year veteran known for lighting and work with brands like Nike, Hyatt, and the NBA, and a recent World Photographic Cup winner. Gress recounts starting in sports photojournalism, working for outlets like the Associated Press, Reuters, People, and The New York Times, and memorable assignments including photographing Barack Obama’s rise and an MTV shoot with Sting. He explains how journalism contacts led to commercial work such as photographing NBA/NFL rookies for trading cards, and how his lighting evolved from simple setups to high-pressure multi-scene productions using gels, LEDs, and coordinated workflows. Gress shares common lighting mistakes, recommends starting with simple loop lighting, and previews his Texas School 2027 class, “Fearful to Fearless: Understanding Flash Photography,” focused on building confidence with flash and multi-light fundamentals.
https://texasschool.org/harness-flash-from-fearful-to-fearless-in-one-week/
 
Website:
johngress.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/Johngressmedia
Bio:
John Gress is a Chicago-based commercial photographer and educator with over 25 years of experience working with brands including Nike, Hyatt, and the NBA. Recognized by Professional Photographer magazine as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting,” he is known for his bold visual style and deep understanding of light. In 2025, Gress received the Best of Nation Award for the highest-scoring image in the United States and earned a second-place finish in the Reportage category at the World Photographic Cup as Team USA went on to win the Cup. That year, he was also honored for his achievements in photography at the United Nations. In 2026, he returned to represent Team USA at the World Photographic Cup, contributing to back-to-back team victories. Through workshops, YouTube, speaking engagements, and The Academy, Gress helps photographers develop a stronger understanding of lighting and portraiture so they can create more intentional and consistent images.
 
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:29 John’s Photojournalism Roots
04:54 Memorable Assignments Sting and Obama
07:15 From Press to Commercial Clients
09:58 Trading Card Shoots Explained
12:14 High Volume Lighting Workflow
15:35 Developing a Bold Lighting Style
19:48 Common Lighting Mistakes to Fix
26:26 Simple Setups That Always Work
30:11 Texas School Class Preview
32:10 Where to Find John and Wrap Up
 
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
 
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Learn more at Texasschool.org
#learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

AI Marketing for Photographers: Get Found, Get Chosen, Get Booked (Mary Fisk-Taylor & Kira Derryberry)
 
Cris Duncan of Texas School Off The Record interviews award-winning photographers and former PPA presidents Mary Fisk-Taylor (Hayes & Fisk Photography, Richmond) and Kira Derryberry (Kira Derryberry Photography, Tallahassee), co-hosts of the Get Your Shoot Together podcast, about how AI is changing photography businesses. They argue great images alone aren’t enough; clients buy the feeling, connection, experience, and strong communication, and photographers must deliver proactive, responsive customer service beyond traditional 9–5 expectations. They warn against competing on price, inconsistent marketing, weak websites, and trying to market to everyone, urging specialization and adoption of “answer engine optimization” (AEO) as search shifts from keywords to question-based queries. They recommend auditing sites with tools like ChatGPT/Claude deep research or Semrush and using AI to implement fixes. The episode also previews their Texas School class, “Get Found, Get Chosen, Get Booked: Modern Marketing for Profitability and Sustainability,” April 25–30, 2027.
 
https://texasschool.org/mastering-the-art-business-of-photography/
 
 
Website:
www.hayesandfisk.com
 
http://kiraderryberryphotography.com
 
https://getyourshoottogether.com/
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/@hayesandfisk
 
https://www.instagram.com/shekira
 
Mary Fisk-Taylor and Kira Derryberry are award-winning photographers, business owners, educators, and former Presidents of the Professional Photographers of America who share a passion for helping photographers build profitable, sustainable businesses. Together they bring more than five decades of combined experience in photography, marketing, business strategy, branding, and client acquisition. Mary Fisk-Taylor is co-owner of Hayes & Fisk Photography in Richmond, Virginia, one of the most respected portrait studios in the region. She is a Past President of Professional Photographers of America, an International Photographic Competition Judge, Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, Past President of PPA Charities, a five-time Virginia Photographer of the Year, recipient of three PPA National Awards, Diamond Photographer of the Year, ASP Fellow, ASP Education Fellow, Certified StoryBrand Guide, Profit First Professional, and holds certifications in Google Analytics, Google Ads, and HubSpot Email Marketing. Kira Derryberry is owner of Kira Derryberry Photography in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Past President of Professional Photographers of America, an International Photographic Competition Judge, Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, and nationally recognized educator. Before opening her studio, Kira worked professionally in web design and advertising, bringing a unique blend of creative and marketing expertise to her photography business. Together, Mary and Kira co-host the popular photography podcast Get Your Shoot Together, where they tackle the real-world challenges photographers face in business, marketing, pricing, technology, and studio ownership. Their combined experience as photographers, educators, volunteers, marketers, and business owners gives them a unique perspective on what it takes to build a photography business that thrives in today's rapidly changing marketplace. Their mission is simple: help photographers get found, get chosen, and get booked.
 
 
00:00 Meet Mary and Kira
01:20 Why Great Photos Aren’t Enough
02:28 Sell the Feeling and Experience
03:50 Speed Wins With Clients
06:18 Flex Work and AI Responsiveness
08:09 Common Marketing Mistakes
13:41 AEO Replaces SEO Thinking
20:04 Run an AI Website Audit
23:49 Keeping Up With Rapid Change
28:55 Texas School Class Preview
32:44 Where to Follow and Wrap Up
 
 
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
 
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Learn more at Texasschool.org
#learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Immersive Set Building & Storytelling Portraits with Heather Harvey | Texas School Off the Record
 
Host Cris Duncan interviews creative set-building photographer Heather Harvey about creating immersive, interactive portrait sessions that use foreground, middle ground, and background to help clients feel part of the story. Harvey shares how building a portable foam fireplace for at-home Santa sessions during COVID sparked her theatrical approach to props, texture, detail, and believability, using inexpensive materials like insulation foam, hot knives, hot glue, and house paint. She explains how set building evolved beyond Santa into personal and client storytelling, sometimes connected to healing and legacy, including an example of making couture from trash bags. Harvey discusses creativity as often a knowledge barrier, her inspiration from theater set building, repurposing everyday items, and her goal of teaching others. She previews her weeklong Texas School 2027 class (April 25–30), covering inspiration, color theory, set building, lighting, photographing, and Photoshop, and shares where to find her work online.
https://texasschool.org/story-telling-and-set-building/
 
Website:
heatherharveyphotography.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/@heatherharvey_photography 
Bio:
Heather Harvey is a creative set-building photographer specializing in fine art portraits that blend storytelling, imagination, and visual artistry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for crafting immersive environments, she transforms each session into a unique, visually rich experience that brings her subjects’ stories to life.
 
00:00 Meet Heather Harvey
00:54 What Immersive Sets Mean
01:28 Defining a Set
02:20 COVID Sparked Set Building
03:43 Foam Fireplace Build
05:52 Detail and Believability
07:31 Beyond Santa Stories
11:17 Trash Bag Couture
12:36 Client Story Consultations
14:31 Healing Through Images
16:53 Unlocking Creativity Tools
21:49 Favorite DIY Materials
26:57 Budget Friendly Set Design
28:04 Teaching at Texas School
31:58 Class Experience Highlights
33:17 Where to Follow Heather
33:37 Final Thanks and Registration
 
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Learn more at Texasschool.org
#learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

Richard Sturdevant on Art, Photoshop Mastery, AI as a Tool, and Teaching at Texas School
 
Host Chris Duncan interviews artist and photographer Richard Sturdevant on Texas School Off the Record about his 35-year creative journey from traditional art, graphic illustration, and airbrushing to photography and Photoshop compositing. Richard shares lessons from working in corporate creative environments, learning to communicate visual ideas through mockups, and building confidence by mastering tools. He recounts a pivotal moment when a client’s gift helped keep his studio open, leading to major success including shooting 350+ seniors and earning recognition such as a Range Finder cover and multiple awards. He explains how he uses AI for commercial elements and as a learning reference for lighting, while keeping personal art fully his own. Richard outlines how his Texas School class uses repetition, a full composite project, and recorded videos to help students learn to see and create with confidence.
 
https://texasschool.org/fine-art-composites-a-journey-into-the-world-composites-using-advanced-photoshop-skills/
 
Website:
sturdavinci.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/Richard_sturdevant
Bio:
Richard Sturdevant M.Photog., M.Artist, MEI, Cr., Hon.EA-ASP Bio Richard’s fluid combination of photography with fine art skills stems from his original artistic roots and his portraits certainly reflect that. Trained in all types of media, Richard is one of our members that utilize digital painting in combination with his photography to create his fine art portrait style. This work has earned him high praise within the photographic community. Richard is a member of WPPI, PPA and ASP. He holds the titles of WPPI Master, PPA Photographic Master, PPA Master Artist, and PPA Photographic Craftsman. He is the recipient of the following top awards. Award Highlights: 400 print case He also made history with PPA at SWPPA District competition in September 2010 for the highest print case ever scored in the USA, Receiving a 100 print score on all four of his prints. He also scored 4 – 100’s at WPPI. Grand Imaging Winner: First and Second year Overall Grand Imaging Award (GIA) Winner for 2011 and 2012 with best print in PPA 22- 100 print scores in competitions over career Gia Finalist for first 10 years World Cup Finalist 2014 2 Time PPA Grand Imaging Awards Overall winner 15 Time PPA Diamond Award Winner 4 Time Double Diamond Award Winner 4 Canon Par Excellence Awards 16 Fuji Masterpiece Awards 15 Kodak Gallery Awards Kodak Grand award WPPI 5 Time PPA Imaging Excellence Award Multiple first, second place Awards in WPPI 16x20 competition With over 35 years’ experience as a creative artist, Richard brings a unique eye to the world of photographic education. Sharing knowledge and experience with others in the industry is something he enjoys. As part of his commitment to helping others learn and succeed, he has launched his own brand of educational materials to photographers, graphic artist, designers, and artist nationwide. As an artist, educator and international judge, Richard has dedicated his photographic knowledge to both his clients and his fellow photographers.
 
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:17 Early Art Career Roots
03:03 Airbrush Breakthrough
04:43 Teaching and Video Hustle
06:21 Custom Bikes and Fine Art
07:28 Going Digital and Studio Leap
08:38 Business Saved by Faith
10:17 Awards and Humility Lessons
13:06 Corporate Communication Tips
16:11 Directing Models with Confidence
17:48 Spec Work and Protecting Ideas
19:38 Creating for the Soul
20:12 Research Driven Faith Art
20:58 Pitching Visual Ideas
21:23 Raw Impact Over Words
23:22 Artistic Choices For Clients
25:04 Painting Made Photoshop Better
26:04 Using AI As Reference
30:16 AI Limits And Quality Control
32:54 Texas School Class Approach
36:48 Teaching Philosophy And Passion
39:05 Helping Students Learn To See
41:37 Final Invite And Wrap Up
 
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
 
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Learn more at Texasschool.org
#learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
 
 

How to Build a Scalable “Media Day” Engine for High-End Sports Volume Photography | Angelo McComas
On Texas School Off the Record, host Cris Duncan interviews Angelo McComas, founder of Ohio-based AMAC Photo, about shifting traditional school sports picture day into a scalable “media day” that delivers an agency-level experience. McComas explains how modern teams need engaging, ready-to-use content for social media and season-long storytelling, not just standard portraits for parents and yearbooks. He details how to execute high-volume sessions with production-quality, locked-in lighting, efficient pose progressions, and even multiple sets to meet time constraints while elevating athlete confidence and excitement. McComas also discusses positioning the studio as a strategic partner to boosters and teams by checking multiple boxes—banners, posters, sponsor assets, and special-night content—creating an “indispensable” moat. The episode previews his Texas School 2027 class, “The Media Day Engine,” sponsored by PhotoDay.
 
https://photoday.com/
 
https://texasschool.org/the-media-day-engine-elevating-volume-ti-into-high-yield-sports-production/
 
Website:
https://amacphoto.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/amac.photo
Bio:
Angelo McComis, founder of AMAC Photo, is an Ohio-based sports photographer who built his studio on a simple belief: picture day should be one of the most memorable experiences of the season. While exceptional portraits are the lasting keepsake, the real product is the excitement, confidence, and energy athletes feel in front of the camera. By blending creative vision with operational precision, Angelo has developed practical approaches that help studios streamline operations, elevate the athlete experience, and build stronger, more profitable businesses. He enjoys sharing those ideas through workshops and industry education, helping fellow photographers create picture days that athletes remember long after the photos are delivered.
 
 
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:50 Media Day vs Picture Day
03:32 Social Media Drives Change
05:45 Scaling the Experience
08:34 Who Is the Client
10:38 Becoming a Strategic Partner
13:23 Building a Content Catalog
17:07 Competitive Moat and New Standard
19:24 Pricing and Multiple Revenue Streams
21:51 Making Volume High End
25:07 Texas School Class Preview
26:31 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
 
 
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
 
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Learn more at Texasschool.org
#learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool
 
 

Photoshop Must-Knows: Selections, Layers, Remove Tool & AI Workflow (with Michael Collins)
Cris Duncan of the Texas School of Professional Photography interviews instructor Michael Collins about practical, beginner-to-intermediate Photoshop essentials and how his workflow has evolved. Collins explains his process of opening RAW files in Bridge and Camera Raw for basic exposure and color work before moving into Photoshop, noting Camera Raw and Lightroom share the same development engine. He emphasizes setting up a personalized workspace, learning selections and masks to target edits without affecting the whole image, and working in layers for non-destructive editing, including smart objects. Collins highlights newer tools like Select Subject/Background and the AI-powered Remove Tool for quickly deleting distractions such as signs, wires, and people, plus newer transform and “harmonize” capabilities for compositing. They discuss AI as both a tool and a threat, touch on Adobe Firefly video creation, and preview Collins’ hands-on Texas School 2027 class.
 
Michael Collins has been a professional photographer for over 30 years and has served on the board of directors for the Professional Photographers of California becoming President in 2007-2008.  Michael is a PPA Master Craftsman,  has earned the Professional Photographers of California Service Award (with 19 additional bars), the California Master Degree, Fellowship Award, Business and Arts Degree, Evans-Kingham and National Award in California. He also won the PPC People’s Choice Award in 2013 and Professional Photographers of Idaho Peoples Choice Award in 2022.  In 2023 he was elected to the PPC Hall of Fame.
 
He has written several articles, published in both photographic and law enforcement magazines.  He has hosted an On-Line Photoshop Program (Photoshop Party) for the last four years, having created over 200 episodes on various topics related to Photoshop.
 
Instagram.com/Michaelcollins5150
www.collinsfoto.com
https://texasschool.org/photoshop-zero-sixty-in-a-week/
00:00 Meet Michael Collins
02:00 Workflow Raw to Photoshop
02:40 Camera Raw vs Lightroom
04:01 Must Know Photoshop Basics
05:24 Selections and Masking
09:08 Remove Tool and Shortcuts
14:33 Layers Made Simple
16:40 AI Tool or Threat
18:47 Remove Clutter Fast
23:52 Firefly and Generative Bar
26:12 Texas School Class Details
29:31 Wrap Up and Thanks
 
Most photography workshops give you a quick splash of ideas, and then you’re right back in your studio, totally on your own. Texas School is built differently. It’s an entire week where you don't just scratch the surface—you master your craft under one world-class instructor. You're surrounded by a community of creators and entrepreneurs who are all actively building, sharing ideas, and pushing each other to level up. You don’t just leave with new skills; you come home re-energized, with a thriving business and a true creative family that wants you to win!
 
With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, and the best gear deals of the year, you’ll sharpen your craft in lighting, posing, business, and more. Stay sharp. Stay inspired. Stay ahead—join us at the 2027 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Texas School 2027 is April 25-30, 2027
Learn more at Texasschool.org
#learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool #adobe #photoshop