Texas School ”Off the Record” Podcast

Cris Duncan
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Texas School "Off the Record' is the official podcast of the Texas School of Professional Photography. Texas School director, Cris Duncan, host these candid and unscripted conversations about creativity, photography, the photography business and entrepreneurship. Texas School host an annual continuing education event each spring. 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—attend Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Learn more at texasschool.org

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Clone Yourself with Automation and Workflows. Texas School "Off the Record" with Jeff Poole

    Photography Studio Automation: Booking Links, Transactional Emails & Long-Term Nurture Sequences (with Jeff Poole) In this episode, Cris Duncan interviews Jeff Poole of Indigo Silver about putting a photography studio “on autopilot” with scheduling and lead automations. Jeff explains why giving prospects self-scheduling links improves booking, and recommends choosing an automation-capable platform like Go HighLevel while keeping invoices/contracts in tools like Tave for long-term data. He outlines a two-part email strategy: short plain-text “transactional” follow-ups that feel personal and land in inboxes, plus a genre-specific, value-driven nurture sequence with graphics that addresses objections over time. Jeff shares a suggested cadence (initial email within minutes, follow-ups over a week, then “close the loop”), using only transactional SMS, and tapering nurture frequency from weekly to monthly. He discusses list hygiene for deliverability, keeping emails focused, using AI to draft sequences, avoiding seasonal offers, and notes a HighLevel snapshot product and where to find his work and Texas School class details. Jeff and his wife, Lori, operate Indigosilver Studio located in Wilmington, NC, specializing in boutique boudoir portraiture, Headshots, and luxury wedding photography. Their passion for capturing timeless moments extends beyond their studio through Photo Insight, their dedicated educational platform for photographers. With over 15 years of experience in wedding and portrait photography, Jeff understands one fundamental truth—the industry is constantly evolving. Success isn’t just about taking great photos; it’s about adapting to change. Through the power of digital marketing, Jeff and Lori have consistently grown their business year after year, regardless of economic shifts. instagram.com/myphotoinsight myphotoinsight.com 00:37 Why Scheduling Automation Matters 03:13 Choosing an Automation Platform 04:52 Plain Text Transactional Emails 08:30 Personalization by Genre 13:30 Timing and SMS Follow Ups 16:12 Long Term Nurture Sequences 18:38 List Hygiene and Unsubscribes 20:51 Keep Emails Short and Focused 22:50 Set and Forget Best Practices 25:44 Templates and Where to Find Jeff 27:19 Texas School Class Promo Wrap Up Texas School is the country's largest and best hands-on education event. ! With 30+ world-class classes, hands-on learning, amazing social engagement 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

    Clone Yourself with Automation and Workflows. Texas School "Off the Record" with Jeff Poole

  2. 5d ago

    Practice, Patience and Persistence. Texas School "Off the Record" with Michelle VanTine.

    From Weddings to Major Brands: Michelle VanTine on Commercial Photography, High-End Retouching & AI Compositing . Consider listening and watching on YouTube for full visual experience. https://youtu.be/47xPN0HQXJA  Texas School director Cris Duncan interviews Miami-based commercial photographer and retoucher Michelle VanTine, a 2026 Saturday Texas School instructor, about her path from fine arts and teaching into full-time photography starting in 2008. Michelle describes building a wedding business with a distinctive creative style, then rebuilding after moving to South Florida by taking varied jobs, second-shooting, and discovering product photography through an early Creole Essence shoot. She explains how commercial work is highly competitive and success came through incremental credibility rather than a single “big break,” noting that social media attention didn’t directly translate to jobs. Michelle shares retouching work such as replacing Pacifico beer cans shot in Mexico, and details a Kai Trump energy drink campaign where she used AI-generated elements, compositing, and hand-painted color bounce to create a movie-theater-themed scene that was cut from the budget, then leveraged it for portfolio and marketing. https://miamimichellephotography.beehiiv.com/p/the-ai-workaround-every-commercial-director-needs-to-see-my-latest-trump-shoot?utm_source=miamimichellephotography.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=the-ai-workaround-every-commercial-director-needs-to-see-my-latest-trump-shoot&_bhlid=236541b44c7ace2a9af86899e7ff69c074e8e603 Michelle VanTine is a commercial photographer specializing in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and sports. She also works as a professional retoucher for national advertising campaigns including brands such as Coors Light, Miller High Life, and Pacifico. Her commercial client roster includes products found on shelves at ULTA Beauty, Sephora, Target, and Whole Foods Market. She works across sports and product photography and has photographed multiple Olympic and professional athletes. She served as Senior Staff Writer for Fstoppers, where she covered gear reviews and creative processes. Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! 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 2026 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 #kaitrump 00:00 Meet Michelle Van Tine 01:20 From Painting to Film 03:40 Wedding Hustle Years 07:14 Breaking Into Commercial 11:26 No Big Break Myth 13:02 Kai Trump Campaign 16:48 AI Movie Theater Composite 20:47 Practice to Stay Sharp 26:16 Portfolio and Marketing Play 31:18 Where to Follow Michelle 32:05 Wrap Up and Texas School

    Practice, Patience and Persistence. Texas School "Off the Record" with Michelle VanTine.

  3. 6d ago

    A Life of Connections through Photography. Tony Corbell and Texas School

    On this episode of "off the Record", we visit with Tony Corbel. Tony has been a household name within the photographic industry for almost 5 decades and has the record for attending the most Texas School events--As a student, volunteer and instructor. Sit down and enjoy the conversation between Cris and Tony as they discuss the changes to the industry, what hasn't changed, what it takes to survive and what is next.  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 Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

  4. 6d ago

    From Hobbyist to Multi-Six-Figure Studio: Allison Russell’s Journey

    Photographer Allison Russell of Twisted Wire Design shares her 15-year journey from hobbyist to multi-six-figure studio owner. She discusses in-person training at Texas School, the importance of intensive education, balancing family and work, improving craft through competitions, and planning for a sustainable, sellable business. Allison emphasizes the value of hands-on learning, strategic instructor selection, and the hustle required to replace corporate income—plus tips for photographers at different stages of growth. Learn where to find her work and how Texas School helped shape her career. Allison Russell is a full time photographer and understands the challenges of running a successful studio. She has operated her boutique studio in rural South Dakota for 15 years, as the sole income provider for herself and her three children. She is passionate about having a financially sustainable business and helping other photographers to experience the same success. Her accomplishments include degrees (Certified Professional Photographer, Master Photographer, Craftsman Photographer), awards (Gold, Silver, & Bronze Photographer through IPC), and her images have been selected for the Loan Collection images in International Print Competition. She specializes in family and children photography, rounding out her business with commercial, senior, and sports portraits. Learn more about Texas School at texasschool.org

    From Hobbyist to Multi-Six-Figure Studio: Allison Russell’s Journey

  5. 6d ago

    PPA’s New CEO on AI, Community, and the Future of Photography

    In this episode, Cris Duncan interviews Angela Kurkian, the new CEO of Professional Photographers of America, about the state of the industry, the rise of AI, and the enduring value of human creativity. They discuss education, community, storytelling, and practical ways photographers can adapt and thrive. Angela shares PPA initiatives like Photo Vision and Imaging USA, stresses collaboration and valuing your time, and offers encouragement for photographers navigating disruption while preserving authenticity and connection. As the first female CEO of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Angela Kurkian leads the organization with a strong “members first” philosophy, guiding its strategy, growth, and operations. Founded more than 158 years ago, PPA exists to support the photography profession and empower photographers to thrive as both artists and entrepreneurs. Angela joined PPA in 2012 as Director of Education after successfully operating a wedding and portrait photography studio in Cincinnati for 25 years. A passionate educator and industry advocate, she has spent more than two decades teaching and mentoring photographers across the country. One of her most impactful contributions at PPA has been the development and expansion of the organization’s photography and business education platform, now known as PhotoVision on PPA.com. Angela is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and holds both the Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America. Under her leadership, she remains committed to helping photographers build sustainable businesses, strengthen their creative skills, and elevate the value of professional photography. Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! 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 Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool

    PPA’s New CEO on AI, Community, and the Future of Photography

  6. 6d ago

    Thoughts into Stories into Images. Texas School "Off the Record" with Corey McDonald

    BEST viewed as a video podcast, watch on Youtube at https://youtu.be/-Jn4GA8ATCM One day Corey McDonald was mowing his lawn and began crafting a story full of complex characters, a storyline of good and evil, of kings and kingdoms and of conflict and resolution. That day, all he had was a vision in his mind's eye. Fast forward a few years, with photographic skills, wizardry in Photoshop and some help with Ai tools, Corey has been able to bring these characters to life and in this conversation, he shares the process and the story of his characters with you. Photographer and artist Corey McDonald discusses his award-winning career, his specialty in seniors and wildlife, and a lifelong fantasy world he began writing in 2010. He explains how he uses AI to generate character faces, then combines photography, Photoshop and digital painting to bring those characters and scenes to life. Corey McDonald is a Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, and Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery, dividing time between Alabama and Dallas, Texas. Corey is also a 2026 Best of Nation recipient and a medalist in World Photographic Cup. https://www.macwildlifeart.com https://www.coreymcdonaldphotography.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/macstudioteaching Texas School is the country's largest hands-on education event. ! 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 April 25-30, 2027 with an optional Saturday Class on April 24th. Learn more at Texasschool.org #learnphotography #txschool #dfwphotography #photographyeducation #texasschool #descript

    Thoughts into Stories into Images. Texas School "Off the Record" with Corey McDonald
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

Texas School "Off the Record' is the official podcast of the Texas School of Professional Photography. Texas School director, Cris Duncan, host these candid and unscripted conversations about creativity, photography, the photography business and entrepreneurship. Texas School host an annual continuing education event each spring. 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—attend Texas School of Professional Photography for a week of growth, connection, and unforgettable fun! Learn more at texasschool.org

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