Create your own path to success
Over the course of the past 2 years I’ve had the opportunity to travel in both Canada and the US to attend workshops with some of the most talented women in the photography industry. One of the most profound observations I had after attending these events and having the chance to talk to photographers from all over North America is that each person created their own path to creative and financial success.
Become an expert on your own business
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to owning a photography business and while that means the possibilities are endless it also means photographers often feel overwhelmed by the options available to them when it comes to running their business. I am here to help you create goals, processes, and plans that meet your creative and financial needs.
Why I created this workshop
My goal is to create a community of photographers who are committed to their own professional development, adhere to professional standards, but also who want to support others. The purpose of the group is to provide accountability, support, education, and problem solving as workshop members navigate their way through their new plans, goals, and strategies.
Why I’m passionate about this workshop
This workshop is an opportunity to share my experiences as a professional photographer with you but also for me to share my professional background as a group facilitator to help you learn, plan, and focus on what you want to achieve.
Building my business has been one of the most inspiring, frustrating, exciting, challenging, and fulfilling experiences of my life. When I graduated with a Masters degree in educational counselling I certainly didn’t expect that this is the path my career would take. In addition to managing a full-time schedule of sessions for the past five years, for the past two years I have welcomed hobbyist photographers into my studio for Learning to Use Your DSLR classes as well as Intermediate workshops on low light photography, baby & child photography, photo walks, nature photography, and editing with Lightroom. These courses, and the upcoming workshop, allow me to combine my professional background in education, facilitation and counselling with my passion for photography.
Who this workshop is for:
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part-time and full time photographers
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new photographers
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A photographer with an open mind and who has set time aside to dedicate to moving forward with the plan you develop as part of the workshop. This workshop is for people who are ready to problem solve, learn, and support others as they work to find the best way to run their business.
What this workshop is not
If you expect that in one day you’ll be provided with a cookie cutter business and marketing plan and have all the solutions to running a successful business, this is not the workshop for you.
What to expect:
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Two weeks before the workshop you will be added to the private Facebook group and mailed a copy of the workbook.
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You will need to set aside 5-10 hours to complete the workbook prior to attending the workshop.
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I will be available in the Facebook group to help guide you through the completion of your workbook.
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On the day of the workshop we will work through each of the seven modules identifying your current strengths, weaknesses, your short and long term goals, as well as an itemized plan. I want participants to walk away from the workshop with an understanding not only of how they will achieve the goals for their business but also with solutions to their challenges that meet their personal and business needs.
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After the workshop is over the Facebook group will remain active for accountability & support.
What Others Are Saying
“When I enrolled in the Behind the Lens workshop, I was unsure if I really even needed this workshop. As a operator of a small existing photography business, I believed I already had everything worked out. Once I received the workbook, I realized that there were many parts of my small business that I hadn’t taken into consideration. Sara challenged me to really rethink my branding, editing workflow, marketing & finances. I throughly enjoyed meeting & learning from other talented, local photographers during the workshop. Thank you to Sara & the other photographers, they have all helped me to make improvements in my business. Even though I still do have many improvements to make, the Behind the Lens workshop has given me support & a roadmap to help me to accomplish my business goals.”
Jennifer
”Behind the lens was such a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and answer questions and find more clarity, vision, courage and dedication for my business. Sara created a space for everyone to share, grow and learn during the workshop. She understands the value of community and also created a platform for continued exchange of ideas, ressources, inspiration, challenges, opportunity to ask questions, get intelligent feedback and be positively challenged toward more joy and success. Sara is a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience and success as a photographer, business woman and from her heart as a mother, wife, friend and mentor.’’
Sophie
“Although starting my own storytelling photography business was something I was thinking about, I had no clue where to begin! The class and its workbook really helped me solidify what I wanted my business to be. When you sign up for the course, you sign up for so much more than just a one day class : you become part of a unique community of photographers that support and encourage each other. I’m so grateful for Sara’s Behind the lens course. It gave me the tools and confidence I needed to start my business. Don’t hesitate and sign up! You won’t regret it!”
Myriam
“Starting a business is a big step. I wanted to ensure I started on the right foot and get all my ducks in a row. So I registered for Sara McConnell’s business workshop. I left feeling empowered. At the end of the day, a photography business is not all about photography. It’s also about the sales business. Without a strong knowledge of marketing, the risk of a business failing is high. Not only was this covered in the workshop, but the daily support after the workshop has been gold. Learning from other photographers is extremely helpful. I recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to take the leap! Thank you Sara for all your support and sharing so much vital information. I know I can make this business work!!!”
Tammy
“The Behind the Lens workshop helped me figure out the steps I needed to take to get my photography business going. The course manages to help people who are at different steps in their business journey. I myself am just starting out, and taking it slow. Sara’s workbook, workshop and online group have helped me to figure out my goals and to align my actions to meet them. I’ve found the community of photographers who have taken this workshop to be a wealth of not only information, but invaluable support and encouragement. Thank you Sara!”
Kelly
“Behind the Lens was a great source of realism to start my photography business. It gave me a in depth look at what I need to do as ground work to start a successful venture. It also allowed me to join a network of fabulous photographers in the region who are also going through or went through the exact same thing as I am. I don’t feel alone in this journey. I think that that alone is priceless. I still have so much to work to do, but I’m looking forward to achieving every step in making this happen!”
Dominique
“The business of photography has provided us valuable insight into how to run a successful photography business. Sara’s course provided us tools, templates and advice on how to properly launch our business, and also enabled us to connect with other photographers in which we can draw valuable expertise and share experiences. We definitely recommend it for photographers at all stages of their business whether starting out or already established and looking to optimize their business model. The course has set us up for success, and allowed us to consider areas of the business that aren’t inherent to picture taking. Great course!”
Meghan & Maria
“I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in starting a sustainable photography business and I believe it is also a great course for established photographers to continue to build community and develop professionally. There really is always something to learn! Thanks for a great day, Sara! (Read Kim’s entire blog post here)”
Kim
Let’s Talk
I hear you: change is scary; investing time and money in your business can feel overwhelming; let me help with some of the ‘what if’s’ in the back of your mind.
I can’t afford the cost
What about the cost of your current business structure? Are you paying yourself enough for all the work and time you invest into your business? Can you really afford to continue working for your current rates, at your current pace? You can earn back the workshop fee when you book just one new client using your newly developed plan. This workshop was designed and priced so that it would be accessible but still maximize participants’ returns.
I can’t leave my baby yet
Non mobile babies are welcome to join us for the day! At our first workshop we had two little guests who provided much needed laughter and entertainment throughout the day (and some amazing cuddles).
I don’t have time
I know it’s hard to find time, especially when you have a family or run a business. Or both! Instead of running a two day workshop, I have created a workbook that will allow you to work through the first half of the course at your own pace. All you have to block off in your schedule is 1 day. Just 1 day to make a huge difference in your life and business.
I can’t write about my business for 5-10 hours. I don’t even have a business name yet!
Don’t worry! The workbook is designed for photographers at all stages of their business. Everyone who participates will benefit from thinking about and writing down the ideas and plans generated by the workbook. Even if you are very busy, an hour a day for a few days will mean you are ready to fully absorb all of the benefits from the workshop.
I’ve already been in business for several years and already have lots of clients. What will I get out of this?
You may have noticed that people who are successful never stop learning and never stop investing time, money, and effort into their own business, education, and skills. Do you have a solid business plan? Have you consistently met and / or exceeded your artistic and financial goals for the last two years? Are you making money that covers your costs or are you making a profit, paying yourself a salary, and investing money back into your business? If your answer is yes, then send me an email and we can talk about your own next steps. If the answer is no, then this workshop will be a great fit for you.
It’s not the right time to make changes to my business
I intentionally scheduled the workshop before the arrival of Fall colours when I know photographers are busy on the weekends with Fall sessions. Before you spend another several months working for too little money or not having enough clients, start the process with us now and work at your own pace. The Facebook group will remain active after the workshop so you can continue getting the support and accountability you need. Businesses are in constant need of evolution to survive and grow and this workshop and the continued feedback will help you with that.
I’m scared to commit the time, money, and to set goals that I may not be able to meet.
Fear of failure stops a lot of people from doing so many things. Going into business for myself and taking risks on a daily basis has been the most challenging part of the past five years for me. I am risk-averse and prefer the ‘path well travelled’ rather than forging ahead on my own. So why did I do something so outside of my comfort zone? My passion for photography and admittedly because so many people told me I would fail. Send me an email and let me know what you’re scared of: let’s talk through it.
I can give you 10 good reasons why I shouldn’t take the workshop
I will give you one why you should: you’re worth it! It’s so easy as an entrepreneur to put your head down and work through the exhaustion and frustration of trying to build a successful business. It’s time to pause and take the time to evaluate what you’re doing, why it’s working (and not working), and what you need to do differently.
Why would I want to be a part of a group of photographers?
Owning your own business can be an isolating experience. It’s a unique industry that most people outside of cannot relate to. The small group workshop and private Facebook group gives you access to others in your industry who can support you, encourage you, and help you problem solve. I am excited to be a part of a positive and supportive group that everyone can benefit from!
Still not sure?
Send me an email with any questions you have, even the ones that you think ‘can I even ask this?’. I’m happy to help you figure out how you can benefit from this workshop!
Registration
What the workshop investment includes:
Registration to the workshop is limited to 10 people to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with one another but also to ensure all participants get the support and feedback they need.
Sign up before by December 31, 2016 at 11:59 pm EST and take advantage of the $399+hst early bird rate (regular price, $549).
Included in your investment is the one day workshop from 8 am to 4 pm, lunch and snacks, your workbook, as well as ongoing access to the private Facebook group. The group will remain active after the workshop for continued learning, support, and accountability.
My next Workshop is January 28th, 2017
Register online today!
