Colie James-min

I am so excited to be back teaching all about How to create an amazing client experience using a CRM at this year's {online} Business Retreat hosted by The Milky Way!

In my class, you will learn the systems and strategies to elevate your client experience with a perfect blend of templates and automated workflows!

Along with my class, you'll get to learn from 21 other amazing instructors!!

Hope to see you there!

Colie


Ready to give your photography business the attention it deserves?


 

Then you need to join us for the

2022 {online}

Business Retreat

for newborn + family photographers

SALE -Version 2- Animated Biz Template-min

Don't miss your chance to learn from 22 world-class instructors to help you build, grow and refine your portrait photography business - all from the comfort of home.

  • Pricing + selling strategies that feel good
  • Tips on how to create an amazing client experience - every.single.time.
  • SEO strategies you can actually implement
  • Mindset shifts so you can get out of your own way

...and so much more!

Enjoy INSTANT access!

You love photography - but the business side?

Maybe not so much.

Quiz-Lisa-2

If that's you...I get it.  Trust me...I REALLY get it.

But here's the hard truth

- it ISN'T enough to be an amazing photographer if you want to run a successful photography business.

The good news is, you don't have to be a business wizard either.

What you do need to do is find the right blend and work on the key areas that will pave the way to creating a business that fits YOUR dreams.

and this retreat can be the kickstart your need.

Not next month. Not next year.  But now. 

Get ready to immerse yourself in an experience that will inspire fresh ideas and make the business side of things feel less heavy.  Because you do NOT have to go it alone.

Meet Your Teachers

(To see full class description, hover over the teacher)

To view class details, click on teacher.

2-min

Ang McCabe

The Client Experience

Experience is everything! Ang will teach you how she has created a loyal base of clients through efficient and personable communication, going above and beyond (the right way), and creating a system that not only provides a great experience for her clients but that allows her to keep loving what she does — every part of it! Work smarter, not harder.. and know your worth (your clients will too!).

Angie McPherson-min

Angie McPherson

Grow your Business with Branding Photography

Learn how branding photos can refresh your marketing and help skyrocket your business! Having custom branding photos on your website, social media profiles, and other online platforms can showcase who you are as an entrepreneur, highlight your services and products in a unique way, and elevate your brand. From headshots to your workspace, creative process, and your tools of the trade, you’ll be able to tell your story, connect with your audience and grow your business. Your industry may feel oversaturated, but there's one thing in your business that sets you apart from the competition... and that's you!

Annemie Tonken-min

Annemie Tonken

The Three Systems Every Photographer Needs

Good systems are the difference between a business that feels cumbersome and confusing and one that runs smoothly and efficiently... but what exactly are systems? And what systems do you really need for your business? In this talk, Annemie Tonken walks you through the three systems every photography business needs, the systems that have worked best for her business, and the creative approach that will help you create strong systems ideally suited to your unique business.

Colie James-min

Colie James

Using a CRM to Create an Amazing Client Experience

In this class, you will learn the systems and strategies to elevate your client experience with a perfect blend of templates and automated workflows! Although Dubsado is Colie's CRM of choice, the ideas presented in this class are CRM-neutral, meaning you could implement them in a less automated way, or even if you don't have a CRM at all.

D'Ana Joi Spencer-min

D'Ana Joi Spencer

How to Create Clear Priorities as a Multi-Passionate

As a multi-passionate creative, trying to bring your many ideas to life, you may be facing burnout or lack of focus along the way. In this class, taught from the multi-passionate heart of D'Ana Joi, you will discover how to end the cycle of constantly doubting whether or not you're working on the "right thing." You will know how to have a simple, repeatable process for knowing which ideas to act on now, and which can come later. By the end of this class, you will finally be able to stop worrying that you're going to bail in the middle of yet another project before reaching the finish line. Let's go!

Erinn Bridgman-min

Erinn Bridgman

Leveraging your Money Mindset and Management

Are you a creative entrepreneur who has mastered how to earn but now wants to learn how to start building wealth? Your relationship with money does not have to be uncomfortable. In this class, we will dive into particular ways to shift your money mindset & management to in turn shift your personal confidence and wealth.

Feuza Reis-min

Feuza Reis

Building a Website with SEO In Mind

How will your dream clients find you? The answer lies in crafting a website that Google will love, by using SEO in a strategic way. Feuza's expert guidance will be invaluable if you are in the middle of a website design or rebranding, but if you've got an existing website, her tips will enable you to audit your site to make sure you are maximizing your exposure on search engines.

 

Hope Taylor-min

Hope Taylor

Building a Personal Brand: Create Genuine Connection on Social Media

Hope teaches about her signature marketing strategies that allow you to create REAL connection with your social media audiences. Allow your followers to feel connected with you long before they become clients, and turn them into raving fans that are willing to pay a premium price for your services. This class is jam-packed and Hope's no-fluff approach to teaching will leave you with a notebook full of practical action steps!

 

Jane Goodrich-min

Jane Goodrich

Sustainable Pricing for Photographers

The foundation of creating a photography business that lasts is to price yourself for success in the long term. But how do you do that when there are so many variables at play? Not to worry, Jane will walk you through the process of calculating your specific worth, and help you avoid common mistakes photographers make when pricing themselves, all based on the fundamental reasons why it is important to do so in the first place. She will also guide you through the process of increasing your prices without losing your valued clients.

 

Jenna Henderson-min

Jenna Henderson

Increase Your Value with Business on Your Terms

As busy creatives who are usually wearing many hats, it is essential to operate your business on terms that allow you to actually enjoy the perks of the flexibility and independence associated with running your own business. Jenna leads us through a list of cringe-y, people-pleasing things that we need to stop doing, as they lower your value. It is time to start building a balanced and profitable business on YOUR terms

Johl Dunn-min

Johl Dunn

Mindset & Sales Psychology Hacks to Dominate Your Photography Business

There are three aspects you need to nail to dominate your business and they are your mindset, sales & marketing. In this dynamic presentation mindset & business coach, Johl Dunn will tackle both mindset and sales. Johl will take you through some structural and habitual changes you can implement straight away to improve your mindset. The second part of the training is all about knowing the psychology behind the sales process & the secrets to drastically increasing your average sales without the need to sell.

Julie Christie-min

Julie Christie

Feel-Good Marketing: For Photographers Who Hate Marketing

In this class, you’ll learn how to create marketing that builds and nurtures a fiercely loyal audience filled with people you love and who love you back! Let Julie help you discover ways of marketing that are so saturated with your personality, character, and values that it doesn’t even feel like work.

Kimberley Anderson-min

Kimberley Anderson

Writing Copy For your Pricing Page

The art of copywriting is a specialized skill, but Kim is here to show you easy ways to use the kind of words on your pricing page that will drive your clients to the products and packages that are right for them. Being more mindful and strategic in your website copywriting will translate to potential clients feeling more connected to you, and convert them from "just looking" to "booked".

Krista Lynch-min

Krista Lynch

Finding Success with Niche Based Marketing

Krista tackles the essential process of defining who your ideal client is and identifying their pain points and desires, in order to create a sales and marketing approach that is intentional and highly converting. This class will help you get clarity on how you specifically help those clients get to where they want to go, by creating a marketing strategy that makes them want to say "YES!" every time.

Maria Arellano-min

Maria Arellano

Using Video to Enhance the Customer Experience

Maria will show you how video has transformed her business giving her back hours of time while creating a consistent experience for her clients. One Google search of Maribella Portraits and you will find several reviews raving about her communication and client experience. Combined with her CRM, Maria repurposes video content that she captures throughout every client interaction allowing her to educate, nurture and excite potential clients. You don't need expensive equipment and in this course, you will see how one day of filming will save you hours of work.

Mark Rossetto-min

Mark Rossetto

How to Streamline your Shooting Workflow and Increase Sales…Without Being Salesy

Most photographers think that marketing is the problem, but Mark is here to show you it's what you do AFTER the booking that can mean the difference between a $500 and a $5000 Sale! Do you get to your sales session and struggle to find the perfect combination of images to suit the products you sell? Are you fumbling your way through the fulfillment process with no real systems or strategy in mind? Mark will help you streamline your shooting workflow so you always have the perfect images to suit the products to sell which will increase your sales, wow your clients, and create raving fans.

Megan DiPiero-min

Megan DiPiero

The Niche Down Fallacy

One small and simple tweak may be all that’s standing between you and unleashed success.   Nothing is more frustrating than pouring your heart and soul into what you do and coming up short on your financial goals. The hive mind says the riches are in the niches. So why hasn’t specializing earned you the full calendar and raving fans you deserve?

 The simple truth:
 The experts got it wrong.

 In this disruptive program, Megan will challenge the prevailing wisdom and show you how to expand to win! Selling more genres does not mean selling out. You can still focus on the shoots you love while opening the door to more repeat and referral business. By expanding out, you will have more bookings, less stress, and the full calendar you’ve always dreamed of.

Nate Grahek-min

Nate Grahek

The Biggest Mistakes Photographers Make on their Websites and how to use StoryBrand to Fix them

Too many photographers don't have enough clients to grow their businesses. In this course, Nate walks us through the most important StoryBrand concepts and how to use them as photographers, on your website, and beyond so that you can start turning more strangers on your website into booked clients on your calendar.

Rachel Brenke-min

Rachel Brenke

The Legal Snapshot for Your Photography Business

Whether you are new in business, or a seasoned veteran (or somewhere in between!), Rachel's easy-to-follow checklist approach is a handy way of ensuring all the legal aspects of your business are covered. As both a lawyer and photographer, Rachel has a unique insight into practices that will not only make your business legally sound but in the long run will save you time, money, and energy.

2022BR-TeacherImages (1)-min

Zakeya Smith

Workflow + Time Management 

The booking component of your overall workflow sets the tone for the entire client experience, but because it has so many moving parts on both photographer and client sides, it has the potential to be overwhelming. Zakeya is here to relieve the stress by helping you create a booking workflow that is streamlined and organized, either manually or using a CRM. In addition, Zakeya has some excellent suggestions on managing and balancing your time between business and personal, so you never have to try pouring from an empty cup!

Shannon Squires Toews -min

Shannon Squires Toews

Selling Your Fine Art Photography

What exactly do clients buy when your work is fine art, rather than galleries filled with images? The answer is simpler than you think! Let Shannon show you her entire workflow, from pre-booking to order fulfillment, and see how she structures her sessions and pricing to allow for a fine art approach. An essential part of fine art photography is a curated product offering and Shannon shares all of her favourite products and vendors.

Teri Hofford-min

Teri Hofford

The Resilient Business Owner

The reason why most businesses aren't sustainable beyond the 5-year mark has a lot to do with the emotional, mental and physical resilience of the business owner. in this class, Teri introduces you to the most common pitfalls that come with running a creative business. She will teach you the tools & techniques that will help you not just survive but also thrive.

New to our Retreats? 
Here's what to expect...

IT’S ALL
ONLINE

Icons_Computer

Get every lesson
from every instructor—
ready with the click of a mouse any time you want to watch.

LEARN ON YOUR
SCHEDULE

Icons_Clock

Prioritize what sounds interesting & exciting to you, move on to other lessons when you’re ready for more.

CONNECT IN
COMMNITY

Icons_Chat

Our private FB is open all year ('til we kick off the 2023 retreat), providing a safe + drama-free place to grow! 

How to know if the {online} Business Retreat is right for you?

business-retreat-polaroid-double-min

You’re always watching what other photographers are doing to see if you can discover something new to try in your business. 

You’ve been doing this for a while, but if you’re honest, you feel a little stuck. You've been putting off things you know would help streamline your business and you are ready to take action.

You’re just getting started, and while you are feeling good about your photography process, you know it's time to start focusing on the business side of things.

You could pay a similar price for just ONE in-depth lesson … 

Or, you could can enjoy classes from 22 amazing instructors that you can
revisit time & again as you need it in your business. 

2022BR - Video Thumbnails

2022 {online}

Business Retreat

Showcase Template-min

22 Talented Instructors | Lifetime Access

The retreat you can pause, rewind, & rewatch
- any time you like, as many times as you want.

Instead of trying to soak up and retain as much in-person education as you can, or devoting countless hours to scouring YouTube, dig into value-packed education from some of the top names in the portrait photography world…developed with YOU in mind.

And, while you’re at it, quit feeling like you’re all by yourself on the journey—and join the drama-free community of other portrait photographers ready to cheer you on and champion you in your business as you do the same for them.

Hey Lovely02

Created by a photographer

for other busy photographers.

If we haven't met yet, I'm Lisa!

When I first got started, I so badly wanted to learn from others. But I couldn't take time away from my family (and business) to travel to in-person events.

Plus...I found my brain could only absorb so much info before what I'm learning goes in one ear and out the other!

Can you relate?

That's exactly why I created the {online} retreat experiences.

So MORE people can enjoy the energy and inspiration that comes from an in-person event (without having to travel!)

Over 24,000 students have experienced our online retreats + classes...

will you be next?

With such a wide variety of talent joining us this year to teach, we don’t just get to witness how one person works; we get to see the process from a variety of different photographers.


Because there isn't just ONE way to run a business
(and for that I'm grateful!)

kelly-goggin-min

“I was looking for the right way of doing things, instead I found permission to do things the way that worked for me.”

~Newborn Retreat alumna turned instructor, Kelly Goggin

The {online} Business Retreat brings together a diverse group of photographers from all over the world to teach techniques & topics through the specific lens of portrait photography.

“What I realized was that everyone was doing things so differently
- but they were all successful.


If you’re open & teachable, when you attend an {online} Retreat,
you get so much more than what you think you need.

You don’t need the right answer, you get a lot of right answers, and you get to choose the one’s that are right for you.

You don’t have to be the same as everyone else.” 

2022 {online}

Business Retreat

An online experience to kick-start your business
- plus a supportive community to cheer you on.

Copy of Showcase Template (1)

Inside you'll find...

  • Pricing + selling strategies that feel good
  • Tips on how to create an amazing client experience - every.single.time
  • SEO strategies you can actually implement
  • Mindset shifts so you can get out of your own way

    ...and so much more

You’ll enjoy instant access to:

The Client Experience with Ang McCabe

Experience is everything! Ang will teach you how she has created a loyal base of clients through efficient and personable communication, going above and beyond (the right way), and creating a system that not only provides a great experience for her clients but that allows her to keep loving what she does — every part of it! Work smarter, not harder.. and know your worth (your clients will too!).

Grow your Business with Branding Photography with Angie McPherson

Learn how branding photos can refresh your marketing and help skyrocket your business! Having custom branding photos on your website, social media profiles and other online platforms can showcase who you are as an entrepreneur, highlight your services and products in a unique way, and elevate your brand. From headshots to your workspace, creative process and your tools of the trade, you’ll be able to tell your story, connect with your audience and grow your business. Your industry may feel oversaturated, but there's one thing in your business that sets you apart from the competition... and that's you!

The Three Systems Every Photographer Needs with Annemie Tonken

Good systems are the difference between a business that feels cumbersome and confusing and one that runs smoothly and efficiently... but what exactly are systems? And what systems do you really need for your business? In this talk, Annemie Tonken walks you through the three systems every photography business needs, the systems that have worked best for her business, and the creative approach that will help you create strong systems ideally suited to your unique business.

Using a CRM to Create an Amazing Client Experience with Colie James

In this class you will learn the systems and strategy to elevate your client experience with with a perfect blend of templates and automated workflows! Although Dubsado is Colie's CRM of choice, the ideas presented in this class are CRM-neutral, meaning you could implement them in a less automated way, or even if you don't have a CRM at all.

How to Create Clear Priorities as a Multi-Passionate with D'Ana Joi Spencer

As a multi-passionate creative, trying to bring your many ideas to life, you may be facing burnout, or lack of focus along the way. In this class, taught from the multi-passionate heart of D'Ana Joi, you will discover how to end the cycle of constantly doubting whether or not you're working on the "right thing." You will know how to have a simple, repeatable process for knowing which ideas to act on now, and which can come later. By the end of this class, you will finally be able to stop worrying that you're going to bail in the middle of yet another project before reaching the finish line. Let's go!

Leveraging your Money Mindset and Management with Erinn Bridgman

Are you a creative entrepreneur who has mastered how to earn but now wants to learn how to start building wealth? Your relationship with money does not have to be uncomfortable. In this class we will dive into particular ways to shift your money mindset & management to in turn shift your personal confidence and wealth.

Building a Website with SEO In Mind with Feuza Reis

How will your dream clients find you? The answer lies in crafting a website that Google will love, by using SEO in a strategic way. Feuza's expert guidance will be invaluable if you are in the middle of a website design or rebranding, but if you've got an existing website, her tips will enable you to audit your site to make sure you are maximizing your exposure on search engines.

Building a Personal Brand: Create Genuine Connection on Social Media with Hope Taylor

Hope teaches about her signature marketing strategies that allow you to create REAL connection with your social media audiences. Allow your followers to feel connected with you long before they become clients, and turn them into raving fans that are willing to pay a premium price for your services. This class is jam-packed and Hope's no-fluff approach to teaching will leave you with a notebook full of practical action steps!

Sustainable Pricing for Photographers with Jane Goodrich

The foundation of creating a photography business that lasts is to price yourself for success in the long term. But how do you do that when there are so many variables at play? Not to worry, Jane will walk you through the process of calculating your specific worth, and help you avoid common mistakes photographers make when pricing themselves, all based on the fundamental reasons of why it is important to do so in the first place. She will also guide you through the process of increasing your prices without losing your valued clients.

Increase Your Value with Business on Your Terms with Jenna Henderson

As busy creatives who are usually wearing many hats, it is essential to operate your business on terms that allow you to actually enjoy the perks of the flexibility and independence associated with running your own business. Jenna leads us through a list of cringe-y, people-pleasing things that we need to stop doing, as they lower your value. It is time to start building a balanced and profitable business on YOUR terms

Mindset & Sales Psychology Hacks to Dominate Your Photography Business with Johl Dunn

There are three aspects you need to nail to dominate your business and they are your mindset, sales & marketing.  In this dynamic presentation mindset & business coach Johl Dunn will tackle both mindset and sales.

Johl will take you through some structural and habitual changes you can implement straight away to improve your mindset.  The second part of the training is all about knowing the psychology behind the sales process & the secrets to drastically increasing your average sales without the need to sell.

Feel-Good Marketing: For Photographers Who Hate Marketing with Julie Christie

In this class you’ll learn how to create marketing that builds and nurtures a fiercely loyal audience filled with people you love and who love you back! Let Julie help you discover ways of marketing that’s so saturated with your personality, character and values that it doesn’t even feel like work.

Writing Copy For your Pricing Page with Kimberley Anderson

The art of copywriting is a specialised skill, but Kim is here to show you easy ways to use the kind of words on your pricing page that will drive your clients to the products and packages that are right for them. Being more mindful and stategic in your website copywriting will translate to potential clients feeling more connected to you, and convert then from "just looking" to "booked".

Finding Success with Niche Based Marketing with Krista Lynch

Krista tackles the essential process of defining who your ideal client is, and identifying their pain points and desires, in order to create a sales and marketing approach that is intentional and highly converting. This class will help you get clarity on how you specifically help those clients get to where they want to go, by creating a marketing strategy that makes them want to say "YES!" every time.

Using Video to Enhance the Customer Experience with Maria Arellano

Maria wil show you how video has transformed her business giving her back hours of time while creating a consistent experience for her clients. One Google search of Maribella Portraits and you will find several reviews raving about her communication and client experience. Combined with her CRM, Maria repurposes video content that she captures throughout every client interaction allowing her to educate, nurture and excite potential clients. You don't need expensive equiptment and in this course you will see how one day of filming will save you hours of work.

How to Streamline your Shooting Workflow and Increase Sales…Wthout Being Salesy with Mark Rossetto

Most photographers think that marketing is the problem, but Mark is here to show you it's what you do AFTER the booking that can mean the difference between a $500 and a $5000 Sale!

Do you get to your sales session and struggle to find the perfect combination of images to suit the products you sell? Are you fumbling your way through the fulfilment process with no real systems or strategy in mind? Mark will help you streamline your shooting workflow so you always have the perfect images to suit the products to sell which will increase your sales, wow your clients and create raving fans.

The Niche Down Fallacy with Megan DiPiero

One small and simple tweak may be all that’s standing between you and unleashed success.

Nothing is more frustrating than pouring your heart and soul into what you do and coming up short on your financial goals. The hive mind says the riches are in the niches. So why hasn’t specializing earned you the full calendar and raving fans you deserve?

The simple truth:
 The experts got it wrong.

In this disruptive program, Megan will challenge the prevailing wisdom and show you how to expand to win! Selling more genres does not mean selling out. You can still focus on the shoots you love while opening the door to more repeat and referral business. By expanding out, you will have more bookings, less stress, and the full calendar you’ve always dreamed of.

The Biggest Mistakes Photographers Make on their Websites and how to use StoryBrand to Fix them with Nate Grahek

Too many photographers don't have enough clients to grow their businesses. In this course Nate walks us through the most important StoryBrand concepts and how to use them as photographers, on your website, and beyond so that you can start turning more strangers on your website into booked clients on your calendar.

The Legal Snapshot for Your Photography Business with Rachel Brenke

Whether you are new in business, or a seasoned veteran (or somewhere in between!), Rachel's easy-to-follow checklist approach is handy way of ensuring all the legal aspects of your business is covered. As both a lawyer and photographer, Rachel has a unique insight into pratices that will not only make your business legally sound, but in the long run will save you time, money and energy.

Selling Your Fine Art Photography with Shannon Squires Toews

What exactly do clients buy when your work is fine art, rather than galleries filled with images? The answer is simpler than you think! Let Shannon show you her entire workflow, from pre-booking to order fulfiment, and see how she structures her sessions and pricing to allow for a fine art approach. An essential part of fine art photography is a curated product offering and Shannon shares all of her favourite products and vendors.

The Resilient Business Owner with Teri Hofford

The reason why most businesses aren't sustainable beyond the 5 year mark has a lot to do with the emotional, mental and physical resilience of the business owner.  in this class, Teri introduces you to the most common pitfalls that come with running a creative business. She will teach you the tools & techniques that will help you not just survive, but also thrive.

Workflow + Time Management with Zakeya  Smith

The booking component of your overall workflow sets the tone for the entire client experience, but because it has so many moving parts on both photographer and client sides, it has the potential to be overwhelming. Zakeya is here to relieve the stress by helping you create a booking workflow that is streamlined and organized, either manually or using a CRM. In addition, Zakeya has some excellent suggestions on managing and balancing your time between business and personal, so you never have to try pouring from an empty cup!

2022 {online}

Business Retreat

Showcase Template-min

22 Talented Instructors | Lifetime Access

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question

unanswered?

Leave us a note. We’ll get back to you within 24hrs Mon – Fri 9AM – 4PM PST

(Having work hours makes us feel a little corporate – but we’re all about having work boundaries!) 🙂

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