THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 3, 2023 | WILLIAMSBURG, VA
EIGHT STUDENTS ONLY
Welcome to the World of Black Label.
With a one-week intensive held at our studio, and three follow-up modules held via Zoom, this 4-month Masterclass is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience unlike any workshop you’ve attended before.
Learn the secrets behind the Black Label style and brand, and how to implement this gorgeous portrait line in your studio. Nothing will be held back, you'll get it all straight from Monica.
You'll finish this course with your portfolio started, workflow mastered, and launch plan built.
Once you pass your final image submission, you'll be an official Black Label certified studio.
Tuition cost $5,990 – if accepted
Please see our Terms and Conditions for specific details on the Application and Workshop
WHAT TO EXPECT
SMALL CLASS SIZE
Limited to only 8 students to maximize shooting time and enable hands-on attention. Alumni Mentors on site to ensure everyone gets what they need.
PORTFOLIO BUILD
Three days of shoots with models and real people so you’ll have plenty of images to kick off your portfolio.
IMAGE REVIEW
Time allotted to review and critique images before the next day’s shoots, preventing you from making the same mistakes twice.
COMPLETE PORTFOLIO PLAN
Leave with a complete strategy to finish your portfolio build at your studio when you return home.
BLACK LABEL LOGO
After you pass your final image submission, you’ll receive the coveted Black Label logo to use for your studio.
VENDOR KIT
Our complete list of vendors, products, and special discounts to outfit your Black Label studio properly.
CONTENT CREATION
You and your classmates will take and share plenty of BTS footage so you’ll have plenty of content to get your audience back home excited.
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
You’ll be in a private group with your classmates and a few Mentors before and during the course. After graduation, you’ll be added to the private Black Label Workshop Alumni group.
PRE-WORKSHOP MEETING
10/24/23 via Zoom
We’ll discuss everything you’ll need for the workshop, as well as what you’ll need to prepare for when you return.
POST PROCESSING MODULE:
11/7/23 via Zoom
Learn the secret sauce for that distinct Black Label look so all of your images are consistent and your clients will come clamoring.
SALES MODULE:
11/14/23 via Zoom
Pricing review, and learn the complete strategy from Design Session to Selection Appointment to ensure your clients are buying fine art, every time.
LAUNCH MODULE:
12/5/23 via Zoom
Monica will lay out the complete recipe you’ll need to guarantee a successful Black Label launch for your studio.
AND…YOUR VERY OWN BLACK LABEL SESSION
Friday you’ll have your very own Black Label session, photographed by Monica herself.
This transformative experience will allow you to feel exactly what your clients will feel, enabling you to empathize with and understand their fears and excitement as they prepare for their own sessions. Before and after your session you’ll be able to watch Monica as she works one-on-one with each of your classmates.
Additionally, you’ll receive three digital files with complete usage rights for your launch, marketing, and your new Black Label landing page. (And we just bet you’ll be making some wall art from them, too!)
Most importantly, you’ll be able to speak from experience and show your clients that you believe in the Black Label line yourself.
Included in your tuition, valued at $4200.
(You'll pay Hair and Makeup artists separately)
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Completing your application for the Black Label workshop can be both exhilarating and thought-provoking.
The process begins with a series of thought-provoking business questions designed to ensure we understand where you are in your portrait business journey.
The next part of the application is a personal statement, wherein you are asked to delve into your background, experiences, and goals. This is your chance to emphasize why you believe your experience makes you a strong candidate for the workshop. Crafting this statement allows you to reflect on your journey and express your passion for the industry. It is important to use this section to highlight your unique strengths and experiences that make you stand out as an applicant.
The third component of the application is the reflective writing brief. This part presents you with opportunity to explain what obtaining Black Label certification would mean for you and your business. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your business acumen and commitment to workshop requirements. Make sure to provide well-thought-out solutions that effectively address the unique challenges that obtaining Black Label certification may provide for your business.
Finally, the application includes a portfolio review. This section allows you to present tangible evidence of your photographic achievements and skills. Take the time to compile a diverse range of images that best represent your abilities and accomplishments.
Completing the application for the Black Label workshop is an opportunity to encapsulate your abilities, aspirations, and eagerness to grow as a business professional. Take the time to carefully craft your responses and present yourself in the best possible light.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for further details.
Good luck!
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October 24 | Pre-Workshop Video Call
October 29 - November 1 | Week-Long Intensive Workshop at the Sigmon Taylor studio in Williamsburg, VA
November 7 | Post-Workshop Post-Processing Module
November 14 | Post-Workshop Sales Module
December 5 | Post-Workshop Launch Preparation Module
January 16 | Deadline to Submit Final Portfolio for Black Label Certification
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Tuition for the Black Label Workshop retails at $8500.
Tuition for the 2023 Black Label Workshop is being offered at $5,990. Option for four-month installment payments is available ($1,600/month).
This cost includes the pre-workshop video call; the entirety of the week-long intensive workshop at the Sigmon Taylor studio in Williamsburg, VA; lunches for the 5 days of the workshop; all LIVE post-workshop Zoom modules (recorded for you to refer back to); access to a private facebook group exclusively created for this workshop cycle; a personal Black Label session, photographed by Monica Sigmon (retail value $4200); Black Label certification upon Image Submission approval.
Anne-Marie Shumate
“From the first moment that I discovered Sigmon Taylor’s Black Label images, I was mesmerized. Being chosen to participate in the first Black Label Workshop was a dream come true. … I am creating Black Label images in my studio that I would never have been able to produce without the things I learned in my week at Sigmon Taylor. I highly recommend this workshop. …”
READ MORE
Please see our Terms and Conditions for specific details on the Application and Workshop
THIS WORKSHOP WILL SELL OUT
APPLY TODAY
Our first class sold out in a matter of just a few hours...
all from people who signed up to be notified first.
We didn't even get the chance to announce it publicly.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for specific details on the Application and Workshop
Tuition cost $5,990 – if accepted
-
Completing your application for the Black Label workshop can be both exciting and thought-provoking.
The process begins with a series of thought-provoking business questions designed to ensure we understand were you are in your portrait business journey.
The next part of the application is a personal statement, wherein you are asked to delve into your background, experiences, and goals. This is your chance to emphasize why you believe your experience makes you a strong candidate for the workshop. Crafting this statement allows you to reflect on your journey and express your passion for the industry. It is important to use this section to highlight your unique strengths and experiences that make you stand out as an applicant.
The third component of the application is the reflective writing brief. This part presents you with opportunity to explain what obtaining Black Label certification would mean for you and your business. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your business acumen and commitment to workshop requirements. Make sure to provide well-thought-out solutions that effectively address the unique challenges that obtaining Black Label certification may provide for your business.
Finally, the application includes a portfolio review. This section allows you to present tangible evidence of your photographic achievements and skills. Take the time to compile a diverse range of images that best represent your abilities and accomplishments.
Completing the application for the Black Label workshop is an opportunity to encapsulate your abilities, aspirations, and eagerness to grow as a business professional. Take the time to carefully craft your responses and present yourself in the best possible light.
Please remember that applications are considered on a first come, first considered basis. It is quite possible the 8 spots will be filled before the deadline of midnight EST August 20, 2023.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for further details.
Good luck!
-
October 24 | Pre-Workshop Video Call
October 29 - November 1 | Week-Long Intensive Workshop at the Sigmon Taylor studio in Williamsburg, VA
November 7 | Post-Workshop Post-Processing Module
November 14 | Post-Workshop Sales Module
December 5 | Post-Workshop Launch Preparation Module
January 16 | Deadline to Submit Final Portfolio for Black Label Certification
-
Tuition for the 2023 Black Label Workshop retails at $8500.
Tuition for the 2023 Black Label Workshop is being offered at $5,990. Option for four-month installment payments is available ($1,600/month).
This cost includes the pre-workshop video call; the entirety of the week-long intensive workshop at the Sigmon Taylor studio in Williamsburg, VA; all post-workshop modules LIVE via Zoom (recorded for future reference); access to a private facebook group exclusively created for this workshop cycle; lunch each of the five days of the intensive workshop in Williamsburg, VA; personal Black Label session, photographed by Monica Sigmon, (retail value $4200); cost of Black Label certification.
All of these images were created by Black Label Workshop graduates in their own studios.

Carla Jacobson

Anne-Marie Shumate

Candace Hires

Carla Jacobson

Kristine Logan

Candace Hires

Kristine Logan

Candace Hires

Anne-Marie Shumate
TESTIMONIALS
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“From the first moment that I discovered Sigmon Taylor’s Black Label images, I was mesmerized. I studied the beautiful lighting, organic and seemingly effortless posing, and the timeless yet modern approach to family portraiture. I wanted to do all of those things with my own work. Being chosen to participate in the first Black Label Workshop was a dream come true. Now, I would finally learn how to create images like the ones I had been dreaming of. We started the workshop with a welcome dinner and the week of creation and portfolio building was laid out in front of us. Our group was wonderful, and I enjoyed working with each of my fellow photographers. We had so many demonstrations and practice sessions with Monica to guide us and help us refine our work. There were eighteen models to collaborate with as we learned how to light and pose in Black Label style – it was an incredible opportunity to compose a body of work over the course of three days of photographing. Each morning, we were able to have image critique and feedback on the previous day’s work. Then we spent a day learning the editing and finishing techniques needed to turn an image into a Black Label Portrait. Our final day we had the once in a lifetime chance to have our own Black Label session. This was intentionally designed for us to be able to empathize with and understand our clients as they prepare for their own sessions. The images were stunning. There were tears as we all said goodbye to Monica and Michael. We were told that we would measure this time as life before the workshop and life after. I am creating Black Label images in my studio that I would never have been able to produce without the things I learned in my week at Sigmon Taylor. I highly recommend this workshop. It was exceptional.”
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“Let me just start by saying that the Black Label workshop with Monica Sigmon was an absolute game-changer for my business! Seriously, one of the best investments I've ever made. From the get-go, it was obvious that Monica and Michael had put so much thought into every detail of the workshop. The content was tailored perfectly for what I needed to succeed with the Black Label line in my own studio. They covered everything from lighting techniques to posing and a little bit of information about how to run our own model calls after the workshop. Black Label not only taught me new skills, but it also boosted my confidence overall as a photographer who wants to specialize in studio fine art family portraits. But you know what really blew me away? Monica and Michael were like open books. They shared all their knowledge and experience without holding anything back. It was such a refreshing and supportive environment, and I felt like I could ask any question without feeling silly. And here's the best part: I made more than my total investment back with just the model calls I did after the workshop, when following Monica's suggestions to the T. The knowledge I gained from Monica and Michael helped me produce top-notch photos that my clients couldn't resist. I can't thank Monica and Michael enough for the positive impact they've had on my photography business. Their expertise and genuine desire to help others succeed make them an exceptional educator team. If you're considering taking her workshop, do yourself a favor and jump on the opportunity. Trust me, it's a decision you won't regret! Thanks again, Monica, for the amazing workshop! You rock!”
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“I have been an admirer of Sigmon Taylor Photography, including the individuals behind the business as well as their impressive body work. Black Label Portraits, which is Monica's signature style, has always been captivating and inspiring. It was an unique experience as well as an honor to be the first to study the creation and marketing of this line of portraiture. This workshop was hands-on, immersive, all-encompassing and life changing. My experience in Williamsburg was unlike any other as Monica Sigmon and Michael Taylor poured every ounce of themselves into their Black Label mentees, giving us an exclusive opportunity to breathe creative life into our businesses. After being mentored by two titans of the photographic community, I have all the tools and confidence necessary to bring Black Label Portraits to my studio.”
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The Black Label Workshop is unparalleled in the world of photography education. Nothing matches Monica’s style of hands-on, immersive education. Working with a small group of hand selected accomplished photographers, the week long intensive was packed with learning all things Black Label. Monica ensured I came away with the skill, knowledge and a working plan to launch my own studio Black Label portrait line. Monica welcomes you as a photography friend but you leave a part of the exclusive Black Label family.
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“I recently had the privilege of attending the Black Label workshop with Monica Sigmon and Michael Taylor, and I must say, it was an experience like no other. These two individuals go above and beyond in their workshops, not only sharing their extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry but also pouring their heart and passion into every class. The workshop was truly inspiring, emotional, and fulfilling – it checked all the boxes and then some. I left feeling motivated and equipped with practical skills to immediately implement what I had learned. From the incredible lighting techniques to innovative marketing ideas, every aspect of the workshop was thoughtfully designed to enhance my skills and understanding. But what truly stood out was the genuine fellowship and camaraderie fostered throughout the workshop. I highly recommend attending the Black Label workshop if you have the opportunity, or any other workshop with Monica and Michael, for an enriching experience that surpasses expectations.”