Rewind [Joyce]

Last year we all had the distinct privilege of having Joyce with us. She is so spunky, fun, silly and one heck of a dancer! So, we'll let Joyce take it from here and share some of what she loved about the Photog Retreat 2010!

What I learned most from last year's retreat...
I came away with a new found confidence in myself. I initially didn't want to attend, not because I didn't believe it would be fun, but because I lacked the confidence to stand next to other photographers and believe that I was a photographer as well. I generally regarded myself as a person with a nice camera who tried to take nice pictures of people and their lives. I was inspired by the people around me, and by their stories of their journeys to having successful businesses. I was the newbie on the block but everyone was really open and welcoming and never once did I feel judged for my lack of knowledge, which was something I may have been a wee bit paranoid about. :) Instead I found that people were excited to help out and impart their knowledge.

I absolutely loved the quality time spent getting to know one another. I've attended a lot of networking events but none have produced the lasting connections and friendships the way Photog Retreat has. You don't just show up for a couple hours to shoot together and go your own ways. You hang out together, go dancing together, eat together. There's lots of time to talk and really make friends. By the last day of last years retreat it felt like we were all a little family. I really enjoyed the Bui Brothers because those guys were a lot of fun to have dinner with on last year's Photog Retreat. I think we annoyed plenty of people while our table had fun making "music" with the wine glasses haha.

Overall, we asked Joyce for her top 3 things she enjoyed about the Photog Retreat...
1) Making lasting friendships.
2) Learning new skills as a photographer and business person.
3) The dance-off!

Welcome [Jennifer] to the Family!

This week, we thought that a double dose of incredible would be appropriate for the holidays. This week as we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, we also celebrate another remarkably talented photographer we are proud to add to our family...
Meet Jennifer, owner of Jennifer Sosa Photography in New York! Jennifer is a native New Yorker specializing in Wedding/Portrait Photography. She was raised in Queens and loves the diversity and creativity that NYC offers her as an artist.

The Facts:
Camera: Canon 5D and 5D Mark II
Favorite Lenses: 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8
Experience: Graphic Design Major turned Professional Photographer

We also asked Jennifer to share a little bit of what she is looking forward to with the Photog Retreat and here are her answers...

What are you looking forward to most about the Photog Retreat?
Fun Photoshoot and meeting lots of other photographers while learning more about the business.

What challenges you most as a photographer?
Group photos! I find it difficult to position lots of people in an interesting way.

What challenges you most as a business owner?
I'm more of an artist than business person. I find making packages and pricing challenging.

And of course our favorite questions...
Tell us a little bit about yourself? (what makes you, YOU!)
People often compare me to Ugly Betty. (I take it as a compliment). She is strong, independent, optimistic, warm, quirky, colorful, full of life and has a personality all her own. She is confident in who she is and won't compromise her ideals. If you couldn't tell, I'm also a fan of her show! :)

After being a graphic design assistant for 2 years I got laid off. It was actually the best thing that ever happened to me. With all the free time I had, I rediscovered my love for Photography. I shot my first wedding in the summer of 2009 and I haven’t looked back since. It's been a roller coaster ride but I'm loving every minute of it!

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer to our wonderful family! Thank you Jennifer for adding your style and refreshing perspective to our upcoming retreat!

Welcome [Paola] to the Family!

The goodness continues as we get to know more about the photographers that make up the Photog Retreat 2011 family! In addition to our speakers and industry leaders the photographers that our taking this journey with us bring with them their uniqueness, creativity, fun and personality that sets the stage for a one of a kind experience!

Everyone has something to contribute and we will be the first to say (and continue to do so) that we have a pretty awesome and talented group, but don't take our word for it...read it for yourself :)







Meet Paola, owner and Director of Awesome of Spotted Photography in Salt Lake City! Paola specializes in Wedding/Portrait Photography. She is happily married and loves reading books, is passionate about photography and lives for traveling and new experiences.

The Facts:
Camera: Nikon D700
Favorite Lenses: 50mm 1.4, 24-70mm
Experience: Destination and International Wedding & Portrait Photographer

We also asked Paolo some more questions, here are her answers...

What are you looking forward to most about the Photog Retreat?
The shoots! I want to see myself putting what I will learn to good use.

What challenges you most as a photographer?
I often feel too comfortable with my work. I feel like I need to try different things more often.

What challenges you most as a business owner?
Deadlines and work flow- I am constantly overwhelmed.

And one of our favorite questions of all time...
Tell us a little bit about yourself? (what makes you, YOU!)
I am a happy, social person.
I have been living in the U.S for the past 3 years (I'm Brazilian- but I am often reminded that I look too pale to be one). I am constantly bombarded with inspiring thoughts, dreams, and ideas. I'll admit I kinda live in that world- yet I check back to reality often enough so it doesn't look suspicious (or at least that's what I think).

When it comes to photography, I do it because of the feeling it gives me. I love both the artistic and business side of it. I don't do it for the money, but I really really really don't mind that in the end of the month photography paid my bills.

Please join us in welcoming Paola to our wonderful family! Thank you Paola for adding your positive energy and creativity to our upcoming retreat!

Welcome [Mindy] to the Family!

At the end of our last retreat there was one thing that had become abundantly clear: We came from all over the U.S. as individual photographers but we were leaving as one big happy family. Not only did we learn, plan and develop strategies for our own business, but we now had a team of cheerleaders, encouragers, peers and friends to not only hold us accountable to our goals but to also share the victories and challenges throughout the year.

In that same spirit we would like to welcome photographers who join us this coming year into our Photog Retreat Family. We look forward to meeting you, learning with (and from) you, and supporting you in the future as we all grow our businesses together!

This week as our first special feature, it is our pleasure to welcome Mindy and share with you a little about her...

Mindy, owner of Red Rock Studios in Las Vegas, Nevada specializes in Wedding/Portrait Photography. She is happily married and mother of two beautiful little girls. She studied photojournalism at NMSU, and fell in love with weddings by accident while in school. She discovered it was a much happier form of journalism :)

The Facts:
Camera: Canon 5D
Favorite Lenses: 50mm 1.2 and the 70-200mm 2.8
Experience: Over 8 years as a Professional Photographer

We also asked Mindy a few other fun questions, here are her answers...

What are you looking forward to most about the Photog Retreat?
Shooting in exotic locations and relaxing with my hubby

Who are you looking forward to meeting the most?
Everyone, I love people :)

What challenges you most as a photographer?
The business side, staying focused/organized, and delegating.

And one of our favorite questions of all time...
Tell us a little bit about yourself? (what makes you, YOU!)
I love adventure. I spent my childhood through college years hiking,
biking, kayaking, rock climbing, riding horses, and more! I play piano
(sort of). Once upon a time I competed in triathlons... a long time ago.

Please join us in welcoming Mindy to our wonderful family! Thank you Mindy for adding your sense of adventure and love for life to our upcoming retreat!