After the great success of last month's StyleLab Workshop with The Wedding Chicks, we have decided to do another workshop in May!
*THE DETAILS*
Founded by Chenin Boutwell (www.boutwellstudio.com) and The Wedding Chicks (www.weddingchicks.com), The StyleLab is a one day photography workshop, designed to help wedding photographers identify and cultivate their unique style and brand.
The Wedding Chicks, Amy and Jocey, will discuss trends in wedding photography, as well as general trends in advertising and publicizing in the wedding world. As editors of one of the most highly trafficked and well-known bridal blogs in the country, The Wedding Chicks will discuss topics such as:
*the general market trend toward online advertising and the "demise" of the traditional bridal magazine
*guidelines for submitting to blogs and magazines
*Search-Engine Optimization (SEO)
*tips and tricks for getting your work published
*getting the most out of your online advertising
Chenin Boutwell (that's me!), owner of Boutwell Studio and co-founder of Totally Rad Actions, has been in the wedding business for 8 years, catering to a high-end and highly-stylish clientele. In 2009, her work was published in two major books on wedding photography, as well as numerous magazines and bridal blogs. Chenin will discuss topics such as:
*developing a strong brand that gets you noticed (by brides AND editors)
*identifying your target market (i.e., how to book the brides you want!)
*how to shoot details, with an eye toward editorial publication
*how to shoot magazine-worthy portraits
*advertising vs. publicizing (hint: publicizing is cheaper AND it works better!)
*workflow: how to deliver to your clients AND the editors in a timely manner
*networking
Founded by Chenin Boutwell (www.boutwellstudio.com) and The Wedding Chicks (www.weddingchicks.com), The StyleLab is a one day photography workshop, designed to help wedding photographers identify and cultivate their unique style and brand.
The Wedding Chicks, Amy and Jocey, will discuss trends in wedding photography, as well as general trends in advertising and publicizing in the wedding world. As editors of one of the most highly trafficked and well-known bridal blogs in the country, The Wedding Chicks will discuss topics such as:
*the general market trend toward online advertising and the "demise" of the traditional bridal magazine
*guidelines for submitting to blogs and magazines
*Search-Engine Optimization (SEO)
*tips and tricks for getting your work published
*getting the most out of your online advertising
Chenin Boutwell (that's me!), owner of Boutwell Studio and co-founder of Totally Rad Actions, has been in the wedding business for 8 years, catering to a high-end and highly-stylish clientele. In 2009, her work was published in two major books on wedding photography, as well as numerous magazines and bridal blogs. Chenin will discuss topics such as:
*developing a strong brand that gets you noticed (by brides AND editors)
*identifying your target market (i.e., how to book the brides you want!)
*how to shoot details, with an eye toward editorial publication
*how to shoot magazine-worthy portraits
*advertising vs. publicizing (hint: publicizing is cheaper AND it works better!)
*workflow: how to deliver to your clients AND the editors in a timely manner
*networking
Kirsten said:
So excited for this!
(02.15.10 @ 04:24 PM)
amy b said:
do it! It's good stuff.
(02.16.10 @ 12:44 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Orange County Photography Workshop, StyleLab 2!
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A while back, the lovely Davina Fear did a nice interview with me for her Women in Business Series. She was particularly interested in how I juggle my workflow with a (now walking!!!!) baby in the house. I give detailed, day-by-day instructions for making it happen RIGHT HERE!
And since no mommy post is complete without a cute pic of the wee one, here's Maxfield on his new swing!
And since no mommy post is complete without a cute pic of the wee one, here's Maxfield on his new swing!
Heather Stokes said:
He is such a doll and thank you for sharing the info for workflow! You didn't have to do that and it is greatly appreciated!
Heather
(02.02.10 @ 12:22 PM)
brooke bowland said:
he is adorable. walking already? wowzers. lock the cupboards! hehe.
(02.02.10 @ 12:32 PM)
Zach Hodges said:
you just became my time management idol. WOW! Thanks for sharing that.
(02.02.10 @ 01:37 PM)
judy said:
That was an amazing interview. I liked reading about how structured your week is and having Mommy Days. Looks like your organizational skills are an intregal factor of your success. Thanks for sharing! P.S. Max is adorable!
(02.02.10 @ 01:57 PM)
Kia Gregory said:
I love when baby's scrunch their faces. It makes cream cheese in his hair not so bad, huh? And thanks for sharing the link to the Women in Business Series! PEACE!
(02.02.10 @ 03:29 PM)
seth goodman said:
Your kiddo is totally cute! That was a good interview. Life with kids can be crazy. I have three kids under eight and one of them has autism. It definitely takes a lot of discipline and love to maintain this crazy life.
(02.02.10 @ 05:47 PM)
melissa said:
awww, chenin! so precious.
(02.02.10 @ 09:30 PM)
Kim said:
Chenin, thank you so much for sharing that interview. I'm 8 months pregnant right now and have to be honest, am a little freaked out about how I am going to manage my business after the baby is born. Like you, it's a "just me" operation. Your interview really truly alleviated some of my fears and showed me it's all possible. Just wanted to say thank you!
(02.03.10 @ 07:19 AM)
Katie Neal Photo said:
SOOOO CUTE! I am so excited to read about how you do it, as I don't have time and I don't have kids yet! :(
(02.03.10 @ 03:49 PM)
Heather Moreau said:
So Cute! And great article too! You already know that I am on the search for any kind of info like this:)
(02.05.10 @ 08:24 AM)
Sarah said:
I just recently came across your blog, and have found the info you put on here for photogs so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing :)
(02.05.10 @ 09:20 AM)
jessica g said:
Thanks so much for sharing! This is a constant struggle for me and I'm amazed at how well you do it. Love your three 'S's - I will have to get that into action right away!
(02.08.10 @ 08:50 AM)
Amy said:
First of all, he's adorable. And secondly, thank you SO much for doing that interview. I needed that.
(02.24.10 @ 07:08 PM)
Andrea said:
I was browsing through your blog again & remembered this post especially. I had opened the link to the interview & read through it later... it was freaking helpful! I always appreciate your transparency. Sometimes even the smallest little things help bring clarity for those of us still catching on!
(03.02.10 @ 07:35 PM)
Mary @ Lemon Fresh Designs Photography said:
Thanks so much for sharing this post. It is a struggle, but who needs sleep right? We love what we do, and we find the time to be superheros and it shows in our work! Love the swing... he looks so happy!
(03.04.10 @ 07:34 AM)
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Photo Workflow for Moms, plus Maxfield!
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For years now, my husband and I have frequented Sushi Wasabi, a tiny strip-mall sushi restaurant in what can only be described as the "wrong side of the tracks." It is 30 miles from our house and the decor leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, the only decor being a big sign above the sushi bar that reads "TRUST ME." But we go, year after year, because it is the best damn sushi in the world.
So what makes Sushi Wasabi so good? What makes it good is the hard-core dedication of it's chef, Katsu, to doing his own thing. Although conjuring scenes from Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi," Katsu is 100% dedicated to serving only the best sushi. There is no menu, there is no edamame, there are no Sexy Ninja rolls.... heck, Katsu won't even let you take your order to go. Everything at Sushi Wasabi is served Omakase Style, which means that the Chef feeds you whatever he/she wants until you're full. Omakase is the antithesis of choice.
I have often visited Katsu and looked around to notice that this little restaurant is packed to the gills (pun intended.) There is always a ton of people waiting for Katsu to work his magic, despite the lack of loud music, neon cocktails and ridiculously-named sushi rolls. Let's just say that Katsu's business is booming, and he didn't have to make a single compromise to do it. Methinks there is a business lesson here....
As photographers, we do our best work when we are given total trust from our clients. But how many of us are asking for it? Do you have the guts to be like Katsu and ask "TRUST ME?" I do. And, admittedly, not all clients honor my request; some clients take a look at the proverbial "menu" and walk out of my "sushi bar." But you can bet that the clients who take a chance - who let me do my thing - leave very, very full.
delightfully,
Chenin
Contact Me * My Portfolio * Stuff for Photographers
So what makes Sushi Wasabi so good? What makes it good is the hard-core dedication of it's chef, Katsu, to doing his own thing. Although conjuring scenes from Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi," Katsu is 100% dedicated to serving only the best sushi. There is no menu, there is no edamame, there are no Sexy Ninja rolls.... heck, Katsu won't even let you take your order to go. Everything at Sushi Wasabi is served Omakase Style, which means that the Chef feeds you whatever he/she wants until you're full. Omakase is the antithesis of choice.
I have often visited Katsu and looked around to notice that this little restaurant is packed to the gills (pun intended.) There is always a ton of people waiting for Katsu to work his magic, despite the lack of loud music, neon cocktails and ridiculously-named sushi rolls. Let's just say that Katsu's business is booming, and he didn't have to make a single compromise to do it. Methinks there is a business lesson here....
As photographers, we do our best work when we are given total trust from our clients. But how many of us are asking for it? Do you have the guts to be like Katsu and ask "TRUST ME?" I do. And, admittedly, not all clients honor my request; some clients take a look at the proverbial "menu" and walk out of my "sushi bar." But you can bet that the clients who take a chance - who let me do my thing - leave very, very full.
delightfully,
Chenin
Contact Me * My Portfolio * Stuff for Photographers
jessica claire said:
this is a really cute analogy! it's also ironic--i'm shooting some photos for my favorite sushi chef at sushi plantation on monday. he wasn't going to have me do that, he said he could just have a friend do it. i told him that would be like me cutting some fish and slapping some rice on it--so he booked me :)
(01.29.10 @ 11:04 AM)
Amanda Rae said:
I love this story as much as I love random whole in the wall eateries. And that's a lot! Now it's just a matter of reminding myself of this everyday when people ask me to do things I don't want to do.
(01.29.10 @ 11:14 AM)
David of DavidHam said:
My kind of place. Great analogy and writeup Chenin. So no ninja rolls there? Are there pirate ones? ;)
(01.29.10 @ 11:20 AM)
jane button said:
Great analogy - I think you might be onto something here...thanks for sharing!
(01.29.10 @ 11:37 AM)
Terri said:
Great story, Chenin. We should all ask for trust from our clients because most people are happy to give it as a gift and it makes them feel empowered, too!
(01.29.10 @ 12:17 PM)
Michelle said:
I'm glad to see this post. Not only was it helpful, but my husband has been to this resturaunt and described the Sushi Chef the exact same way you did. He asked for Ponzu sauce and the chef told him "NO PONZU FOR YOU!!!" seriously, true story. What makes this story even funnier, is that I'm reading this story and we now live in Georgia, but know exactly where that little Tustin place is.
(01.29.10 @ 02:11 PM)
Tony Bisson said:
Chefs who can get away with tasting or pre fix menus have to work very hard to deliver the goods or the place dies. It is a tall order to take away an American's choice and make them happy. Few can pull it off in the business world. There are just many choices and word travels too fast if you fall short.
(01.29.10 @ 02:15 PM)
cindee bae said:
love love this post!! It's weird how some people won't trust the professional when they're paying for the service.. it really boggles my mind.. If a sushi chef wants to feed me a certain dish cause he believes it's the best of the night, I'll take his word for it, NO DOUBT! Btw, just googled sushi wasabi and planning to go there next weeked, thanks! :)
(01.29.10 @ 02:41 PM)
Santa Barbara Wedding said:
Very well put. Couldn't have said it better myself!!!
(01.29.10 @ 05:04 PM)
Andrea said:
Good stuff. I've noticed a difference when they do trust & respect me, but I've never been the one to have the guts to "ask" for it. I see it a little differently after this post. Thanks.
(01.30.10 @ 07:51 AM)
Mel Watson said:
Perfect analogy! It really drives home the idea that people will do whatever it takes, drive 30 miles, to get the quality product they desire. Katsu has clearly done a bang up job of creating dedicated fans. Thanks for sharing and now I'm pretty much wanting to fly to the west coast for some sushi! ;)
(01.30.10 @ 08:49 AM)
Alisa Greig said:
LOVE this, so true, the sessions where the clients do put full trust, are the ones that turn out the best!
(01.31.10 @ 12:30 AM)
Harold Jankowiak said:
You are so correct, I think I'm going to have to direct my blog readers over here to check out this post.
(01.31.10 @ 02:34 PM)
Joel Flory said:
So so so true. Thank you for reminding me to ask/recommend that they TRUST us because you are so right in that when they do it is the best photos possible.
(01.31.10 @ 05:17 PM)
Joel Flory said:
So so so true. Thank you for reminding me to ask/recommend that they TRUST us because you are so right in that when they do it is the best photos possible.
(01.31.10 @ 05:18 PM)
Cari Chee said:
Thanks so much for sharing this story! It's really difficult for newer photographers to trust themselves and their vision sometimes, and I think it's the best lesson for us all to learn. It also makes for a more rewarding relationship with clients, and a lasting love for what we do.
(02.01.10 @ 07:39 AM)
corey said:
I love that Chenin esp when the client will say well Corey your the artist you choose whats best for us!! Wish life was always like this!!
(02.04.10 @ 06:25 AM)
jenny said:
good stuff chenin. i have a hard time saying that...but when they do trust me and let me do my "own" thing everything works out a lot better!
(02.13.10 @ 07:59 PM)
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Photography: Omakase Style
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Last Sunday, I had the unique opportunity of styling and photographing a shoot for 16 lovely women! The ladies at Details, Details are top-notch when it comes to design and service, so I really wanted to knock it out of the park for them.
The inspiration for my shoot was a sort of Parisian Flea Market, with a little touch of whimsy and an homage to my love of all things hills, grass and green. Jeannie was kind enough to give me carte blanche with the look and feel of the session and scoured flea markets for weeks looking for awesome props. Ultimately, it took her flea-market finds, half of the furniture from my studio, some borrowed trunks from a friend, and some actual pieces from my own home to make this happen.
Having never done anything on this scale before, I was a little taken aback at how many people it takes to make something like this happen! We had 3 men moving furniture, a hair and makeup team working their magic and, of course, the models and myself.
After a ton of worrying about the light, when it finally came time to shoot, the sun peeked behind the clouds and created the most perfect light a girl could ask for. Here are a couple favorites from the shoot -
The inspiration for my shoot was a sort of Parisian Flea Market, with a little touch of whimsy and an homage to my love of all things hills, grass and green. Jeannie was kind enough to give me carte blanche with the look and feel of the session and scoured flea markets for weeks looking for awesome props. Ultimately, it took her flea-market finds, half of the furniture from my studio, some borrowed trunks from a friend, and some actual pieces from my own home to make this happen.
Having never done anything on this scale before, I was a little taken aback at how many people it takes to make something like this happen! We had 3 men moving furniture, a hair and makeup team working their magic and, of course, the models and myself.
After a ton of worrying about the light, when it finally came time to shoot, the sun peeked behind the clouds and created the most perfect light a girl could ask for. Here are a couple favorites from the shoot -
To Jeannie and the Ladies of Details, Details: Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity! I had a blast!
delightfully,
Chenin
Contact Me * My Portfolio * Stuff for Photographers
delightfully,
Chenin
Contact Me * My Portfolio * Stuff for Photographers
Joey Nicole said:
Chenin, this is gorgeous! Large group photos can be a challenge, and you made this work in so many ways. I love the contrast of their dressy attire with the rustic props. Super classy shots.
(01.26.10 @ 03:21 PM)
Amanda Rae said:
Perfect in every way! Good thing you didn't have tornado warnings on this day!!
(01.26.10 @ 03:50 PM)
Diana said:
Chenin, perfection! Love the props. lighting, wardrobe, composition. you're a veritable maestra of visual perfection.
(01.26.10 @ 03:56 PM)
Lori Anderson said:
What an awesome idea! And a perfect way to tie everyone together.
(01.26.10 @ 04:05 PM)
Melissa @ The Loveliest Day said:
That is such a perfect idea. All the props come together perfectly. Love it!
(01.26.10 @ 04:59 PM)
s h e r r y said:
These are FABULOUS! They're all workin' it. And mad props for the intensely large group shot! :)
(01.26.10 @ 05:11 PM)
Tony Bisson said:
I remember when you would have been inspired by the Cypress swap meet. My how you've grown.
(01.26.10 @ 07:11 PM)
Michele DeVries said:
Wow! This looks like quite a challenge and you totally hit it out of the park. Nice work!
(01.27.10 @ 02:51 PM)
Tina Harden said:
This is fantasic! I knew you would do something great when you were desribing it, it sounded fabulous and it is!
(01.29.10 @ 09:30 AM)
Michelle Guzman said:
I love how they are all dressed. These are so beautiful!
(01.29.10 @ 12:36 PM)
carrie said:
Chenin you are awesome! I love what you did!
(01.29.10 @ 01:06 PM)
Sandy said:
Wow, I really love all the colors work so well together!! It's great that the setting is a neutral color to really bring out the vibrancy in the dress colors. The brown sofa is soo cool too! Great shots!
(02.02.10 @ 09:57 AM)
Jennifer said:
Ohmyword! Totally blew me away! BEAUTIFUL setting, photos, ladies, and props. Super fun!
(02.03.10 @ 12:49 PM)
Allison said:
Would love to know the recipes you used for the photos, the colors are so awesome!
(02.07.10 @ 08:15 AM)
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Orange County Portrait Photographer, The Ladies of Details, Details
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It's Monday and I can finally share my images from The StyleLab! I think it's safe to say that the workshop was a great success. The Wedding Chicks, Doug and I received rave reviews from the attendees and everyone seemed to walk away with some knowledge and inspiration. It truly was a great time and I am really looking forward to doing it again soon.
This workshop simply could not have happened without the generosity of a lot of vendors. These people donated their time, creativity and handiwork to make the first StyleLab an amazing event. I will be indebted to them forever and ever....
EMAIL US TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE STYLELAB WORKSHOPS
I also wanted to take a minute and thank the many photo vendors that provided meals, giveaways, samples and all sorts of goodies for the attendees. I feel so lucky to work with the following amazing companies -
My Funky Camera - for the cutest camera straps on the planet!
Shootsac - for great lens bags and awesome laptop bags
ProDPI - the best photo lab a girl could ask for (thanks for welcoming me with open arms!)
Colorati - for all of their RAW processing goodness
Finao Albums - the best albums in the world
Totally Rad Actions - awesome Photoshop actions, filters and pre-sets
And to the StyleLab Class of 2010: Thanks for taking a chance on a new workshop, for coming with open arms, minds and smiles, and for braving wind, rain and cold to come hear us talk. Giant hugs from the OC :)
delightfully,
Chenin
Contact Me * My Portfolio * Stuff for Photographers * Workshops
This workshop simply could not have happened without the generosity of a lot of vendors. These people donated their time, creativity and handiwork to make the first StyleLab an amazing event. I will be indebted to them forever and ever....
Styled By: Angel Swanson of Events of Love & Splendor
Floral Design: The Treasured Petal
Stationary: Wiley Valentine
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Dress Designer: Joan Shum
Makeup & Hair: All Made Up Team
Deserts & Goodies: Vanilla Bakeshop
Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
And a special thanks to Amy and Jocey at The Wedding Chicks for being my partners in crime through this whole crazy thing. I was always the kid in school that got stuck doing everyone's homework and it was so, so nice to have these gals do (more!) than their part! Love you girls :)
EMAIL US TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE STYLELAB WORKSHOPS
EMAIL US TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE STYLELAB WORKSHOPS
I also wanted to take a minute and thank the many photo vendors that provided meals, giveaways, samples and all sorts of goodies for the attendees. I feel so lucky to work with the following amazing companies -
My Funky Camera - for the cutest camera straps on the planet!
Shootsac - for great lens bags and awesome laptop bags
ProDPI - the best photo lab a girl could ask for (thanks for welcoming me with open arms!)
Colorati - for all of their RAW processing goodness
Finao Albums - the best albums in the world
Totally Rad Actions - awesome Photoshop actions, filters and pre-sets
And to the StyleLab Class of 2010: Thanks for taking a chance on a new workshop, for coming with open arms, minds and smiles, and for braving wind, rain and cold to come hear us talk. Giant hugs from the OC :)
delightfully,
Chenin
Contact Me * My Portfolio * Stuff for Photographers * Workshops
weddingchicks said:
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! this looks amazing if course!! xoxoxo to the best biz partners! just WAIT until you hear about the next location!
(01.25.10 @ 11:40 AM)
gladys jem said:
ooh chenin, you definitely brought pretty back. thanks for sharing your knowledge on how to shoot details! your detail and bride and groom shots are rocking! i'm lovin every single photo! thanks again! :)
(01.25.10 @ 11:41 AM)
gladys jem said:
ooh chenin, you definitely brought pretty back. thanks for sharing your knowledge on how to shoot details! your detail and bride and groom shots are rocking! i'm lovin every single photo! thanks again! :)
(01.25.10 @ 11:42 AM)
weddingchicks said:
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! this looks amazing if course!! xoxoxo to the best biz partners! just WAIT until you hear about the next location!
(01.25.10 @ 11:42 AM)
weddingchicks said:
LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU! this looks amazing if course!! xoxoxo to the best biz partners! just WAIT until you hear about the next location!
(01.25.10 @ 11:42 AM)
Kia Gregory said:
So loving every. last. detail of this splendid day. Brilliant styling!
(01.25.10 @ 12:15 PM)
Emily Steffen said:
I am proud to be the Stylelab class of 2010 attendee.....I would sooo sooo sooo recommend it to anyone hands down! :)
(01.25.10 @ 01:53 PM)
Amanda Rae said:
LOVE! I love all of them! We had such a fantastic time with you and all 20 of the other photogs there! Thanks for letting us frolic around in storm weather in a fancy dress and nerdy nerd clothes!
(01.25.10 @ 04:33 PM)
jenny said:
Awesome! love the wedding dress!
I'd love to attend a workshop..hopefully I can talk my husband into the investment..maybe next year :)
(01.25.10 @ 07:17 PM)
angel swanson said:
loooooove! :) thanks for allowing me to be a part of the inaugural stylelab, chenin! working with you is always so.much.fun. ADORE you!!!
(01.25.10 @ 08:03 PM)
amy b said:
Love your images Chenin. Amazing job every everyone and thank you for your willingness to share information and artistry.
(01.25.10 @ 08:04 PM)
Drew said:
Yay for Amanda looking great in that dress! I love how these images turned out and I hope to make the next workshop!
(01.26.10 @ 07:27 AM)
kristine atienza said:
Chenin! Thanks so much for hosting an awesome StyleLab with the Wedding Chicks and TRA! It was soo fun to be a part of this! Ya'll are great teachers and definitely rocked it out! THanks also to everyone who made this event happen with all their beautiful *styles!* =P
(01.26.10 @ 08:21 AM)
kristin @ The Treasured Petal said:
yay! these turned out so gorgeous! one of the most crazy fun days in Treasured Petal history.
(01.28.10 @ 12:11 PM)
delbarr said:
chenin, these are beautiful! thanks again for hosting such a great workshop. it was my first ever and i learned SO much. thanks for sharing...hope to see you again soon!
(02.01.10 @ 05:42 PM)
Sandy said:
Wow, these photos are beautiful! I hope that one day I can join one of your Style Lab workshops! I have A LOT to learn when it comes to photography!!!
(02.02.10 @ 09:59 AM)
Serendipity Photography said:
Stunning stunning!! What a beautiful wedding! Great capture!
(02.11.10 @ 12:36 PM)
Linda Beeson said:
Wow! What amazing details and Amanda and Mike fit the bill perfectly for your little session. Looks like you made the rain work for you!
(02.17.10 @ 03:05 PM)
Linda Beeson said:
Wow! What amazing details and Amanda and Mike fit the bill perfectly for your little session. Looks like you made the rain work for you!
(02.17.10 @ 03:06 PM)
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Chenin Boutwell Workshop, StyleLab Recap
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