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LOCAL Spotlight: Wendy Gates Corbett with Refresher Training

WendyCorbett_13-11-12-6847 - CopyWendy Gates Corbett runs Refresher Training, a company that redesigns presentations and training materials for individuals and businesses. She’s been in the training industry for 20 years and is fanatical about helping others learn. Her mission is to rid the world of painful PowerPoint presentations (and their less-than-impressive presenters) by transforming them into powerful visual reflections that support, not detract from the presenter’s message.

Today’s audiences expect more from presenters and presentations. Refresher Training works with keynote presenters, motivational speakers, trainers, and others who make presentations. They take your voice, message and expertise and improve the presentations and materials that go with them. They design sharp, refreshed materials that leave the lasting impression you want. The Refresher Training team elevates your materials using powerful images and crisp designs. They offer a range of services, including training on how to improve your own presentations. They’re based in Raleigh and work with companies all over the world.

Here’s what Wendy had to say about her experience working with me:

“As a new business owner, the time had come when a cropped candid photo no longer cut it as my LinkedIn profile picture (never mind that the picture was 8 years old and you could see my husband’s tie behind me). First and foremost, I wanted professional pictures that captured the real me, not a stiffly posed headshot. I wanted to convey approachability, competence, and confidence.

I knew even before interviewing him that I wanted to hire David. A friend of mine (Kevin Snyder) had hired David for professional head shots, and when Kevin posted them online I was convinced because the pictures captured his essence and personality. I appreciate that David took the time to learn my about my business and goals for the pictures as well as getting to know me personally before the shoot. During the shoot, he used a variety of techniques to elicit the look we both wanted to capture. He came prepared with several ideas and tried some new ones on the spur of the moment.”

Here are a couple of stories about some of Wendy’s favorite images that we shot.

WendyCorbett_13-11-12-6832 - Copy“As a result of a diving accident, I’ve spent 30 of my 40+ years trying to hide my teeth when I smile because my front teeth were discolored. About two years ago I had dental work done, so now I can smile all I want! But after 30 years of hiding my teeth, my new teethy smile was awkward and not yet natural. So before the shoot, I explained to David that I wanted pictures of me that showed my teeth and I that I’d need guidance and coaching to elicit that kind of smile. And boy, did he!”

“Ironically, one of my favorite pictures that David took  [below right] doesn’t have a teethy smile and I’m not even looking at the camera—I’m looking down. He actually took the picture just to test the lighting, but he really liked the look so we went with it.”

WendyCorbett_13-11-12-6977 - Copy

Wendy’s an active leader in the training industry locally and nationwide. She’s been on the board of the local chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) for nine years and is a national advisor for ASTD chapter boards. She’s a certified instructional designer. Wendy lives in Raleigh with her husband, Don and their Bengal cat, Diva.

 

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David Williams

Short Bio About The Author: I'm David Williams a professional commercial photographer focusing on corporate and business clients with some personal branding, lifestyle photography in the mix. My love for photography began in late 1981 while still in High School. I started making money with his camera in 1982. Brenda, my wife, and I started working together in photography in 1988 shortly after we met. Brenda and I married in 1989 and have two adult daughters. Please be sure to get a quote for services if needed. Call or Text: 919.723.8453. Please reach out to connect with me on LinkedIn.