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November 14, 2008
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my haunting basketball failure
November 5, 2008
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Our 44th President is BLACK!
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images and music]BLACK in the WHITE house
Our 44th President of the United States is African- a big deal, yet not a big dealWe Have an African President of the United StatesDoes this really surprise you?After watching the election news coverage, it is very apparent that many people have gained hope again in America, especially those Africans who thought they would never see this day, many in tears of joy and near disbelief- a great day for the African community and America. It is wonderful that the African community can gain hope and feel affirmed that they can achievesuccess in life, here in America. I really do hope this bridges some of the great divide I see in America and gives hope to others to who feel they are disadvantaged.The fact that America overwhelmingly elected an African president with a total black vote of only 12% means an overwhelming number of NON-AFRICAN voters put Obama in office- more than 60% of the voters where white. White people can take much of the credit of putting a black man in office. This clearly shows that America is open and has been open to people with new ideas despite the color of their skin. I'm not going to be ignorant and say we have no race problems in America because we do and always will, but I can say that America is truly a fantastic place to live and there is plenty of opportunity to create success despite one's background, color of your skin, or disadvantages we think we may have. Just look at how America loves Oprah Winfrey, she is one of the most influential and most wealthiest people in the world! Quite honestly, she may be even more powerful than the President as an African woman!Yes, we all have disadvantages, but it is a mistake to wait for affirmation to begin your journey to success. For example I ask the following question...Does an Asian man, Hispanic, Native American woman, quadriplegic or openly gay person have to wait until one of "their kind" gets elected to President of the United States to feel hope that they can achieve success in life? I hope not because I may never see an Asian man get elected to the high office and I'm not going to wait until that happens before I work on making my dreams happen. I will still tell my children anything in life is possible and I don't even care if an Asian ever gets elected to President of the United States. I'm proud of my culture and I'm proud of America and how it has provided a better life for all types of people.The truth is, one's success journey usually starts with NO or HARDLY ANY AFFIRMATION. But it does start with a BELIEF IN ONESELF. A belief so strong that you are willing to bet on yourself against all odds. A crazy kind of belief that is completely illogical to most, like betting $100 on the Oakland Raiders winning the Super Bowl this year (well, not even the truest fans would do that!). This means, having the courage to sacrifice, to "go all in" as they say in poker and to invest much in oneself, even if it means many years of financial sacrifice and hardship. This means giving up the good to get the great and extraordinary life.The ability to pursue your dream with NO AFFIRMATION- is the most impressivecharacteristic about Obama, that 21 months ago, he had a dream to do something no one has ever accomplished and against many, even in his own party and African community who said it could not be done, conversations like "Are you crazy, you want to go up against the very popular and white Hillary Clinton at the young age of 47 with hardly any political or international security experience and you think you can win? Did you know that over 60% of the Democratic party is white and that the African vote only accounts for 10%?" Here is what was printed in Time on Jan 2007...Robert Ford, a South Carolina, African-American state senator, said supporting Obama was too risky for the Democratic Party. "Obama would need 43% of the white vote in some states to win, and that's humanly impossible," said Ford. "Black Americans in the South don't believe this country is ready to vote for a black President."Obama ended up winning not 43% of the white vote but 60%! Reality is often different than perception and maybe black America has doubted the American ability to see past skin color. I'm not surprised at all that Obama won, I was predicting it ever since the get go, not because of the issues, simply because he has a greater like ability factor- looks better and speaks better than McCain- case closed, he wins. In regards to a person achieving success in America, race is a non-issue although I know racism still exists. I'm not black or white, I'm Asian. In fact, I feel the African male has a more elevated status than the Asian man. What impresses me about Obama is his never say die attitude and the willingness to pursue his dream despite the cards being stacked against him.If we are waiting for someone or the government to drop $150,000 on our lap and say, "Here you go, now go after your dream" or expecting all our friends and loved ones to support us 110% and wish us nothing but happy thoughts, we might as well give up our dream now. Most likely, our journey will be lonely and with little or no help. In fact, if we are married, our spouse will probably think we are crazy or perhaps our parents will too!I like what Obama said in his acceptance speech, it was something like "We haven't done anything today, it just means we have a great opportunity." Well, we don't need affirmation to seize our opportunity because it has always been there. You just need a crazy belief in oneself, that will stick with you during your lonely journey to success to brave the unknown.Congrats to America and its ability to elect a person to the highest office of the land on the merits of his ideals and not the color of his skin. May the 44th, African President Obama be an inspiration to us all! I hope Obama does help heal some of the resentment felt by the African community towards white America. We can't change the past but the future we can and we did!
2009 Scott Robert Next Level WorkshopsA revolutionary way of learning through personal mentorship2008 was a phenomenal year for the Scott Robert Next Level World Tour. We went to France, Spain, The Caribbean, California, New York & Canada. We are extremely pleased to see that many of our alumnus are prospering in their photography business regardless of economical situation. Listen to their Success Stories and view slide shows2009 is gearing up to be even more outstanding with a new and improved program:The SR Next Level Learning Experience. Expand your business to new levels of success despite today's economic challenges. Our new format will consist of 4 days with practicum and lectures on 6 pillars.I. LightingII. PosingIII. CompositionIV. The Art of Post ProcessingV. The Business of Photography (Tactics and Strategies)VI. 7 Principles For Living the Extraordinary Life2009 Workshopswww.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipment recommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourLas VegasVenice, ItalyHonolulu, HawaiiMontreal, CanadaBeijing, ChinaLos Angeles, CAand more!
new pics!
November 4, 2008
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Christina and Daniel Wedding
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images and music]Christina and Daniel Wedding
Christina & DanielThere was no shortage of love and good times at this wedding in Los Angeles. It was a hot day in the middle of May and I remember having such a great time with the entire wedding party. Christina and Daniel are two people that are very much loved by their family and friends and it was so evident during their entire wedding day. I feel fortunate I can call them my friends too.I hope they will enjoy my artistic interpretation of their day and I want to sincerely wish Christina and Daniel the very best.www.scottrobertstore.com to view more equipment recommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourLas VegasVenice, ItalyHonolulu, HawaiiMontreal, CanadaBeijing, ChinaLos Angeles, CAand more!new pics!
October 28, 2008
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#1 reason for failure
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images and music]#1 Reason for Failure
Most people don't respect photography as a legitimate career path but not these photographers. They are highly motivated artists who are willing to sacrifice much to fulfill their passion and dream.Why People Fail at Becoming Pro Photographers#1 Reason- People do not respect the process of becoming a Pro PhotographerPhotography is like any other career and in fact probably harder then most. Just think of how many successful, fulltime photographers that you are friends with, probably only a handful. If this is the case, why would a person think that it is easier than becoming an engineer, CPA, pediatrician, architect, attorney, etc.?Let's examine the cost and investment of typical careers as of 10/29/2008If this is the typical cost and career path, to make $53,000 per year as a photographer, one would expect to spend at least 6 years of full time study and well over $100,000 if it is like any other career.Do most people make this kind of a commitment or investment into their photography career? NO. I would say the average person tries out wedding photography for a year or two, they take low cost photography seminars that come to their area because traveling to study under a top photographer would be too much of a sacrifice and quit soon after because they didn't make at least $40,000/yr.If a person is only going to invest this little into my industry, it is really a slap in the face to me. Why would a person respect any other career with more time, effort and financial sacrifice and yet when it comes to photography, people do not nearly invest the time and money it would take to earn a college degree?The highly successful are not afraid to invest in themselves and make HUGE SACRIFICES for their career. Becoming a professional photographer is tough but very doable with the right resources so be prepared to spend many years and make a large financial sacrifice if you really want to make it.I am actually tremendously proud of many of my students, some people look down at them for attending so many of my workshops but I can honestly say, the people who come the most, succeed the most. Many have created a photography career for themselves or have tremendously increased their bookings and rates within just a year or two which is unheard of! Most of them spending less than $12,000 going to my workshops and getting a chance to see the world at the same time and creating a successful career for themselves!Give me $115,000 and 6 years of your time and I will guarantee you will make more than $54,000 a year with photography! If you want to become a professional photographer, respect the industry and learn, learn, learn!
2009 Scott Robert Next Level WorkshopsA revolutionary way of learning through personal mentorship2008 was a phenomenal year for the Scott Robert Next Level World Tour. We went to France, Spain, The Caribbean, California, New York & Canada. We are extremely pleased to see that many of our alumnus are prospering in their photography business regardless of economical situation. Listen to their Success Stories and view slide shows2009 is gearing up to be even more outstanding with a new and improved program:The SR Next Level Learning Experience. Expand your business to new levels of success despite today's economic challenges. Our new format will consist of 4 days with practicum and lectures on 6 pillars.I. LightingII. PosingIII. CompositionIV. The Art of Post ProcessingV. The Business of Photography (Tactics and Strategies)VI. 7 Principles For Living the Extraordinary Life2009 Workshopswww.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipment recommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourLas VegasVenice, ItalyHonolulu, HawaiiMontreal, CanadaBeijing, ChinaLos Angeles, CAand more!new pics!
October 22, 2008
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Lisa and Franco E session
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images and music]Lisa and Franco E session
Lisa and FrancoE session....Here's another handsome couple I had the pleasure of photographing. I remember this day was rather hot but they hung in there and we got some terrific photos. I suggested taking a break midway through the session because I think we all needed to recharge a bit because of the heat. On a hot day, as a photographer, I always want to make sure my subjects are as comfortable as possible. Even little things like keeping them in the shade while they are waiting and not having them hold a position for a long time while you photograph them can make a big difference. If your subjects are not comfortable, then the photos are gonna show it. Fatigue will set in and their expressions will show it. I try to keep a flow going with the couple so the session doesn't lag. IGiven the extreme heat, Lisa and Franco did an outstanding job and I want to thank them!I will soon be releasing my 2009 Workshop schedule, just got a few dates to confirm. I have another billion weddings and slideshows to show everyone so stay tuned, including more weddings in the Northern California area, Korea and Paris!www.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipment recommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourTBA SOON!!!new pics!
October 19, 2008
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Binita and Steven, Day 2!
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images andmusic]Binita and Steven day 2Binita and Stevenday two celebration....Okay, I must apologize, this slideshow is waaaaayyy overdue! But better late than never. This was day 2 of their weekend celebration! You may have seen some of this imagery in Ceremony Magazine or blasted all over my official website. Binita has these amazing eyes, I'm hoping she will model for us when I have my LA workshop next year!I still vividly remember this great day, the amazing Indian food, the women and how beautifully dressed they looked, the dancing and the dancing and the dancing!! I remember Binita's girls doing this dance for her and Steve and I couldn't believe how beautiful and professional it was, it looked they had been dancing for years together, maybe they have- I'm not sure but it truly was amazing. After that dance I started to theorize that there are not too many things more beautiful than a woman dancing with skill and grace.I hope you can relive the celebration again through these images!www.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipment recommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourTBA SOON!!!new pics!
October 14, 2008
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Easter and John Esession
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images andmusic]Easter and John
Easter and Johntheir Pasadena E session....Here is another gorgeous couple! I really like their style. I want to add that it is a good idea to not where a white or very light colored top when doing a portrait session if your skin is on the lighter side. This way the face wont get washed out and the dark clothing will frame the face better.Well it is back to the grind for me!!! So many weddings and E sessions I have to catch up on. I really need to process one every day or two days. Thanks so much for my clients for waiting sooooo patiently. I truly appreciate your patience. I'm excited to look through the sessions/weddings I did- so many good images I forgot about.Hope you like this little session we did around my favorite places near my house!I am proud to annouce the music for this slideshow is by our own recording artist Yelitza (Spain workshop model!) Wow, she is so talented2009 Workshop Schedule...In about a week I'm gonna launch and accept applications for my 2009 Scott Robert Next Level World Workshop Tour for all levels of the professional photographer.
I just love the tone of the dark shirt and Easter's hair color, really frames the face well, John is just there to compliment Easter!!! You look good too John! hahaaha.
hmmm, seems to be my favorite pose now a days!! Sorry but it just works on everyone!
Do you notice that many of the images have a glowing quality to them? That's because of the lighting situations that I choose to place my subjects in. It is not merely Photoshop, yet the post processing does enhance the glow that is there.www.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipmentrecommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourTBA SOON!!!new pics!MyFREEstuff
October 13, 2008
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Spain Slideshow!!!
Scott Robert photographya brand new look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images andmusic]Spain 2008Join the Revolution....My last workshop of the year turned out to be my best ever. I did have an amazing group of passionate and dedicated people like all my workshops, but this workshop was great because I've become a better teacher and with the experience of coaching so many wonderful students, I can more effectively target and and assess on an individual basis those tools needed for personal success and push them to the next level.Let's face it, the chance of making it as a full time professional photographer is about 1,000 to 1. If I were to ask anyone, "What is the best way to learn golf and become a professional golfer?" Of course the obvious answer is to have personal and direct instruction from Tiger Woods. Success in a highly competitive field is acheived from highly personalized training from someone who is very successful and who is willing to tell ALL the secrets and who is good at teaching. This is also true with photography.My workshops are designed so I can mentor my students and give them very customizable information. It is not only related to technical photography information, but I also teach life skills and after doing so many workshops, I know half the battle is building vital life skills. I often can get to know two individuals, both with the same training, tools, talent and resources but one will experience a great amount of success and the other may very well be frustrated and feel trapped, stuck in the mud as they say. This phenomena intriqued me, that is why I decided to create the lecture , "7 Principles for Living the Extraordinary Life." A lecture designed to give people an understanding of life skills required to be happy and successful.I am so glad to hear many of my students are finding success on so many levels- booking weddings in foreign and exciting destinations like Cuba, South of France, Paris, Italy, etc. Many have taken away a lot of self confidence too which has made a great difference in their life and business approach. As each workshop passes, the SR community just seems to get stronger and stronger, everyone helping each other to new levels of success. It is like we know each other like brothers and sisters, the community is ready to explode to new heights- just keep your eye on these fab photographers. If you are a photographer longing to get to the next level and into a healthy photography community, I urge you to consider taking one of my workshops next year. Don't be afraid to join the revolution, we can help a person at any level.Here are a few previews of the slideshow....
Thanks to self proclaimed #1 SR groupie Vanessa- she'll be in Venice of course!
Gayle's daughter from our SF workshop also did an amazing job for us. Thank you Johanna!
Gayle has some game too!
Fellow student Abigail always seems to get her money's worth out of my workshop and gets me to photograph a session w/ her. That's a $1,600 value!! LOL!
Thanks Mandi, hair and make-up was outstanding!!!
A new world opening up for Stephen and others.
Sou-Wah from the UK also wanted me to take some photos of her, she's talented and just a wonderful person whom everyone falls in love with. Even single guys from California!
Thanks Kate for hanging out with us for a few days!
Just had to photograph fellow student Jackie, she was part of the orignal Paris group in 2007. Btw, Abigail posed the picture on the left.
Thanks Yelitza, you're part of the SR family now!! See you in Venice, China??
The Flamenco show was one of THE visual highlights of Spain. AMAZING!! Flamenco originated in Sevilla. To witness excellence of the highest level is just overwhelming. 
The music was awesome too and brought many of us to tears, it was so moving!
Got to visit the largest Cathedral in the world.
Plaza de Espana is one amazing place
Kitty was another amazing model. Thanks Kitty!
Nina!! Self proclaimed SR groupie #2. One of my favorite images.
This was a wedding dress made of a bedsheet and white and red organza!! Nice job Yelitza. Thanks Nina for spending a few minutes with me.
Many of us who stayed an extra day saw the Flamenco show and shared a last dinner together. It was sad leaving everyone, we had such an amazing time. Thanks everyone for making Spain so special!!
www.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipmentrecommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourTBA SOON!!!new pics!MyFREEstuff
October 9, 2008
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Seville, Spain 2008 the amazing workshop
Scott Robert photographya brand newlook at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images andmusic]Living the Extraordinary LifeSpain Reflectionsthe extraordinary lifeSeville is a beautiful place but the food and service is really bad, at least that was our experience. On the other hand, the workshop was probably my best and a huge success! Not because of the images I produced or the location but because this workshop impacted people at a deeper level, heck I even went deeper than expected!I wasn't sure how my new lecture "7 Principles for Living the Extraordinary Life" was gonna go over. This was the first time I spoke on life skills but after doing workshops for over a year now, I noticed the need for vital life tools to help many of us get to that next level which have nothing to do with photography. Once I began to share about my wife and extraordinary relationships... it all hit me like a ton of bricks, all within 2 seconds while giving my presentation. I realized that just a few years ago, I felt so alone and in the very dark pit of life (www.scottrobertstory.com) and then suddenly realizing the present- I was having the time of my life, earning a living with my passion and sharing it with amazing friends in a beautiful and foreign place like Seville. I couldn't believe the complete transformation of my life and I felt like the most blessed man alive and I owe it all to my wife- her love, support and sacrifice, I was there in Spain, France, London, Korea, Canada, NYC, Miami, Mexico, etc. living my dream. The blessing I felt was too much for me and I started to break down and weep tears of joy. I was so moved to see that there wasn't a dry eye in the house and I knew the workshop was going to enter a new level. Heck, that was part of only principle #3 and was wondering how I was going to get through the rest! Bandele surprised me by speaking at the end of the lecture on behalf of the class and said some really nice words about my family and how much he enjoyed seeing that side of my life.I am very privileged to help people in their life journey in very significant ways and when people tell me that the week has changed their life, it is one of the most rewarding experiences along with seeing them succeed and produce images of quality, many times better than what I could have produced. It is nice to make people feel good but I also need to see fruit, to know that I am a good teacher- people producing stunning images, doing well with their business, living the extraordinary life.I learned something about myself in Spain. On the plane ride home, I thought about my direction and where I want to go with my photography. I do like creating art and striving to be a great photographer but what is even more rewarding to me is making other people great. I think that is my overall calling in life. I see myself as an educator that happens to be an artist. The two were pulling and tugging in my soul- my need to be a great artist and my need to make others great. What will I choose, how can I do both? I have come to the realization that I can't focus on both, I have too much on my plate like most of us- a husband and father of two, soon to be three, a wedding photographer, an educator, a fine art photographer, business owner, visionary, etc.My direction is now clearer- I want to be a world class educator first and artist second. I feel I can do both at a high level and one will feed the other but I needed to figure out what is first in my life. Yes, I will continue to strive to be a great photographer but my biggest passion is to help others live the extraordinary life we all dream about- follow your passion and fly. I am so proud of many of my students who have come a long way in their development! I know for a fact many students are more talented than I and starting to produce work that is completely amazing.I am so looking to a better and bigger year of workshops in 2009 and you can just ask those who have attended many of my workshops- they just keep getting better and better. I want to thank everyone who sacrificed so much to be in Spain with me, even the spouses and family who stayed at home to make it possible for their loved ones to go to this workshop. A special thanks to our models: Vanessa (self proclaimed #1 groupie), Nina (self proclaimed #2 groupie), Johanna, Yelitza, Kitty, Kate and Mandi our fab make-up and hair artist. How I get beautiful and talented women to follow me around the world is amazing to me and feel eternally grateful!We had such an amazing time in Spain, it is hard to describe the bond and community we lived in for one glorious week. The community that we are creating will be a force to reckon with I believe, slowly but surely. When people start to cry when we say our goodbyes, I know there is something special with our group. The perfect environment for learning, sharing, being inspired. Somehow the adventure of discovering new things together is an incredible bonding experience. Thanks to everyone for giving me another week I'll never forget!To read more about my workshop from the perspective of a student, go to Lyssa's blog!MORE PICTURES AND SLIDESHOW ON THE WAY SOON!!!!www.scottrobertstore.com toview more equipmentrecommendations
Scott RobertNext LevelWorkshopsJoin the Revolution...2008 Workshop Images2009 WorldTourTBA SOON!!!new pics!MyFREEstuff
October 1, 2008
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Spain 2008 Day 1
Scott
Robert photographya brand new
look at life www.scottrobertphotography.com [new images and
music]Spain
2008 Day 2
Spain
2008Day 1
Trying NOT to be a perfectionist is hard for me. These photos are not finished but since I made it a goal to post every day- I´m gonna post images that still need some work and are substandard for me. Hopefully you can see in your mind what I might do with some of the imagery. We are having a great time in Spain and we had our first shooting session at night around our hotel.Today we arranged for us to photograph a small, intimate, traditional Flamenco dancing show. I will be going to that on Sat night and I can't wait to shoot that. We are going to Plaza Espana tonight for some awesome imagery!
Enjoy!
ScottRobertNextLevelWorkshopsa brand new
wayof learning...2008World
TourAmazing!Sept7-10Paris,FranceWaiting
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ListOnly2009
WorldTour-JanuaryLosAngeles
TBA-Venice,ItalyJune or
July-Santa
Barbara,CAw/David
JayTBA-San
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-SoHo,NYC
HI
AugDuring US Open
early
Sept-Victoria,CanadaIE 2009NEW!Scott Robert
InspiredWorkshops
geared for the beginner
and intermediate photographer. Emphasis on camera basics and fine art
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