::: I interrupt the annual favorites for a very important announcement :::
If you guys follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or are a part of our mailing list, you already know… 😀
…but if you don’t…
ANNOUNCING WORKSHOP DATES! Two One date available: March 16-17 or March 19-20.
BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!
March 16-17 has just sold out! 😀
Is that cool to say? “Be there or be square” ??? I don’t think it is. I’ll now be promptly removing that phrase from my vocabulary.
Moving on…
It’s so hard for me to write about the workshop. We’re SO ridiculously proud of of what we’ve created, the feedback we’ve gotten, and our own personal growth with each one; it’s hard for me to quantify, especially without sounding like we’re tooting our own horns. But uhm, let’s be real here; I love tooting me some horns! Uhmmmm… wait… that sounded weird…
Back on topic.
Here are some words written by workshop alum Lindsay Elizabeth, a really wonderful person and wedding/portrait photographer based in Houston, Texas.
“So I had this moment last week. You know, one of those moments when it all just kind of clicks. I was preparing for a (really super kick butt) bridal show that happened yesterday by updating my image slideshow I run at all my shows. Before every event of this type, I sit down and go through alllll my images pulling out the ones that best represent me, my brand, and the “look” I’m trying to achieve every time I pick up my camera. As I did this image sorting, a realization set in that really made me smile.
I feel like I’m in a business of constant growth and change. Either you’re learning, growing, adjusting, refining, and bettering….or you’re not. I feel neither approach is necessarily better than another, but in my life and in my business, I strive for the growing, refining, and bettering side of this scenario. When it comes to business, there are tons and tons of different ways you can achieve the learning portion. This industry is full of learning opportunities: conventions, gatherings, workshops…you name it, it’s out there. I tend to be rather selective when it comes to said conventions and workshops as most cost lots of dinero and my money tree died a looooong time ago 😉 I did get the opportunity to take a workshop at the very end of 2011, and as I sat and revisited some of my old work while image selecting last week, I was reminded just how much I got out of that workshop.
In November of 2011, I traveled up to Indianapolis full of nerves and excitement to take a workshop from a husband a wife team, Bobbi and Mike, who also happen to be some of my favorite photographers, like, ever. I always looked to their work for inspiration, so when they announced they were having a workshop, I made sure I was SO THERE. I didn’t know what I was going to learn, and to be honest, I didn’t care. At that time in my life and subsequently in my business, I was stuck in a funk that I just couldn’t find my way out of. I went to the workshop with few expectations, literally praying it would give me that jolt I knew I needed to defunkify and get my act together. What I got instead felt practically life changing for my business. I left after two days of talking, learning, watching, listening, asking, laughing, laughing some more, laughing even still, with a completely different outlook on why it is I do what I do, and it was amazing to see the impact it had (and still has) on my business. I should specify by saying I’ve never not loved my job. I always have, and pray I always do. But at that time, it felt like just that: a job. Bobbi and Mike reminded me WHY I love this job so much, and how much it means to my clients that I do my best all the time to capture their love and memories so vividly. Amongst the many tips and tricks for both business and shooting, I was so pleased to see two people in an industry saturated with competition not only give all of their knowledge, but all of themselves to we the attendees. There was no pretense, no fuss, no telling us how cool they are because they know this person and use this product; it was just them, and it was just us, and that might have been the most valuable part. I have since incorporated this “just me” approach to both my business and my shooting, and have felt myself change both in the way I do business and in the way I shoot. So when I was looking back at all these beautiful images I’ve shot over the last several years, it just hit me. I was proud. I AM proud of the moments I’ve been able to capture for some really amazing clients. I’m proud that lessons I learned from Bobbi and Mike over a year ago are still cycling through my internal dialogue, constantly pushing me to do better and be better for all those amazing clients. I’m just really proud to get to do this job I love in the way that I love to do it for people I adore, and I just wanted to take a moment to write it all down so I can always remember this feeling.”
Man oh man I’m so ridiculously proud of that. SO proud of it. Lindsay, I adore you… Thanks for being you. 😀
So, yeah… There are still a few spots left at our March 19-20 workshop, and you know we’d love to have you there!
FYI, for those holding out for Fall, 2013… We’ll only be having an alumni workshop then (open to past attendees). So if 2013 is the year, NOW IS THE TIME!
And for your viewing pleasure… here are some images from past workshops.
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Workshop 3
Workshop 4
Workshop 5
Workshop 6
Workshop 7
Workshop 8
Workshop 9
Workshop 10
[br] [br] [br]
Let us know if you have any questions! 😀
Sending warm vibes your way this crazy cold winter…
Much love friends!
~bobbi+mike ❗ + ❓ [br] [br] [br] [br]
without a doubt, one of the very best investments I’ve made in my business. Friends, don’t miss this opportunity. seriously. It’ll change the way you see relationships and how you capture them…and your clients will thank you for it!
Plus, you’ll get to see your face on future workshop posts! I’m always like “Hey, there’s me!!” Doooooo it!!!
I was one of the members of the FIRST ever workshop and it was worth every penny! This workshop reinforced all of my thoughts and philosophies, improved my shooting style, and sent me home with SO many things to improve on and try! Totally loved every minute:)!
I can say, without a doubt, attending Bobbi and Mike’s workshop was the BEST thing I have ever done. I learned more about myself, my business and how to really make clients enjoy themselves during a session. If you’re debating about the price etc, it is worth every single penny. Bbmk and not only wonderful people but incredible teachers. Do it. Just do it. You won’t regret it. And that’s my two cents 🙂
First workshop I had ever been too and so glad I went. Bobbi and Mike sure so down to earth and really great people. It was so refreshing to be around them and be around all the great people I met. Their confidence is so aspiring and this workshop is totally worth it
Absolutely the best experience! This workshop has it ALL- you will learn way more than you expected, you will have so much fun, and you will meet some super great people. Bobbi and Mike are incredibly generous with their knowledge and time. They manage to inspire you both personally and professionally. You will not be disappointed!!
I love you guys! 😀
I am so incredibly proud to be a workshop alum. No joke… Things I learned at this workshop I incorporate every single dog gone day! And the group of friends/support I have found through it was incredible gravy! If you are thinking about…do it! I am happy to talk to you directly about my experience! Loved every moment and gearing up for the alumni workshop this fall! Cant wait! Kate@kateborgeltphotography.com
**Tempted to sign up to go back because it is such a game changer**
Two years out and I still feel the impact of the workshop in every session I do. Totally worth the investment! It was packed full of learned packaged in a fun few days…..seriously considering signing up again! 🙂 Bobbi and Mike are two of the most genuine photographers in this industry that pour their heart and souls into their work and educating others. heart those two!
GAH! So excited I couldn’t type straight!!
*packed full of learning packaged in a fun few days!!
By far the wisest investment I have made in my business. Rubbing elbows with Bobbie+Mike was the BEST! YES…the photography information was amazing but just like anything in life it was about the relationships…Bobbie+Mike have really BIG hearts!
I was so excited for this workshop, I was hyperventilating in the driveway. Maybe becuase I am also such a huge fan of Bobbi + Mike. After the first HOUR I knew this was the BEST investment I have ever made in terms of professional development. I have become more of the photographer I want to be. You also become part of this amazing community of alumni that are so incredibly supportive. It blows my mind.
This workshop will make you laugh in the best way and cry in the best way. And in the end, be a better photographer and business person.
Thanks so much Bobbi + Mike!!
ditto to what everyone else said!! its been so long and i still refer to my notes!! total game changer! DO IT! sign up before you miss your chance!
Deciding on attending this workshop is a no-brainer. Whether you are a new photographer or a veteran, Bobbi + Mike will unleash a whole new spark of creativity that you didn’t even know you had in you. The cliche of “I laughed, I cried” is oh soooo true. Seriously, you will share and hear stories of WHY professional photography is so important and it will TRANSFORM your business, your attitude and quite honestly, the way you shoot. The workshop is jam-packed with demos on equipment, marketing, branding, pre-production, post-production, orchestrating, tips/tricks, a real live session…and a whole hell-of-a-lot of FUN!
Best.money.i.ever.spent. YA DAMN RIGHT! Would go again in a heartbeat! Love love loved it!
Bobbi and Mike, this workshop, are what I call The Real Deal. They changed my business and my entire attitude. Not only did Bobbi and Mike share aaaaall of their knowledge, but they reminded me how FUN it (photography/life) can all be and the value of laughing your head off. I’ve never had so much fun while learning and while meeting some of THE most amazing people ever. I’m actually already jealous of workshop #11 peeps, is that wrong? 🙂
Oh the BBMK workshop experience…how can I even start to express all the things I gained from that lovely weekend! Confidence, excitement, posing knowledge, tricks on getting natural expressions/interactions, technical knowledge, processing advice, workflow, business, branding, marketing but most importantly clarity about why I do this and a re-framing of my entire business philosophy. I also gained a built-in network of amazing other photographers who are willing to share and grow and all have the same goal…to capture beautiful moments for our clients. Bobbi and Mike held NOTHING back. They answered every single question asked. Never shyed away from giving out their secrets. They were open and amazing. I’m so so glad that I attended this workshop…it really is a game/life/business changer!
Holla back workshop 7!!!! This was the BEST THING I’ve ever done for myself and my business. I will never be able to thank Bobbi + Mike enough for welcoming our wild group into their home and motivating us to see the WHY. It. Was. Amaze-fest. <3 you two.
This workshop is sooooo much more then just a workshop. You become part of a group that helps you, supports you, and laughs with you… Years after you attend. It’s the kind of photography community you want to be apart of and will cherish the rest of your life.
Simply put, this is the best investment I’ve made for my business to date. If you’re debating the idea of upgrading a lens vs. attending this workshop, go with the workshop. Don’t wait. It’s impossible to be disappointed. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
This workshop was worth it for so many reasons (Not the least of which was the use of that new Keurig 🙂 and membership into the Facebook Alumni forum). I have felt welcomed at every turn into a group of genuinely positive and supportive people. To say this workshop is for one weekend doesn’t quite convey the reality. The benefits from being there for those few days just keep coming, even nearly two years on.
Ditto to all of the above. If you’re reading this and asking yourself, “what, are these people being paid to say these nice things? It/they can’t possibly be that good…” the answers are NO, there’s nothing in it for me, and YES, they really are that good. I’d go again in a heartbeat except I just went in November and I’m still thinking and practicing and absorbing all the things I learned. (There are rumors of a Part II workshop, though, and let me tell you, I’ll be jumping on that one for sure…) Go. Seriously. Just go. 😉
Arghhhh! I wish I were closer to you guys, this would be sooooo worth it! HAve fun, good luck, and I can’t wait to see/hear all about it!
One of the best experiences EVER!! I remember Bobbi saying at the workshop that they didn’t want to go into the workshop business until they felt they could make it the best learning experience possible. Well, mission accomplished. I really can’t think of what more you could ask from a workshop. If you’re considering signing up, do it without hesitation and know you are about to get your world rocked.
Alumni workshop fall 2013!!!???!!!!????? YES!!!!!!” For those of you on the fence: go to this workshop….. I’ll be competing for my spot in the alumni workshop :).
People are crazy if they don’t sign up. This workshop is amazing. There isn’t a single shoot where I don’t use at least 5 things I learned from BBMK.
The. Best. Business. Decision. Ever!!
Best workshop ever!! This was money well spent, I’m already saving for round 2, the alumni workshop!
In January 2012 I booked my first wedding. My first major paycheck. The payment arrived the EXACT day Bobbi announced the Spring Workshop.
I literally ran the money straight to the bank. As I was running (my way of thinking) I asked myself, what is the best way to invest this money so I’ll be prepared for the Sept Wedding? Option A: New lenses? (only had the 70-200 and 50mm.) Option B: Bobbi + Mike Workshop.
Yeah … I ran back home and secured my place at the workshop. Totally worth every penny. That short weekend gave me all the tools I needed. I didn’t even know what lenses I would have bought. I didn’t know what I needed or wanted. Luckily, shooting with BBMK gave me the insight into which lenses to buy and the best ways to use them.
There is sooo much more I could say or go into … but why spoil the surprise? Just do it. You won’t regret it. 🙂
It’s only been a few months since I’ve taken this workshop, but I’m still digging through the wealth of info bobbi + mike gave out to us. They care so much about people and about seeing others succeed in doing what they love and are so generous with the knowledge they have. One of the things I loved most about the workshop is that they aren’t teaching you how to be bobbi + mike. They’re giving you the tools and teaching you how to be YOU. And THAT is priceless.
I attended Workshop #6 last February. At the time I had yet to shoot a single paid session. I was really shy about directing people but after watching these two shoot a session, combined with so many of their genius tricks and tips, I couldn’t wait to get out there myself. Bobbi+Mike not only taught me a ton about every aspect of the business, but also gave me the confidence to believe I just might be pretty darn good at it. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just getting started… GO!
If you are on the fence about taking this workshop, let me give you a little push to the “DO IT!” side…it was totally worth the time & money to watch bobbi+mike work with their clients, share their business & life philosophies, and gain insight on their image processing techniques. As a bonus, you also get to meet eleven really cool people who happen to be photographers just like you 🙂 I would do this again in a heartbeat 🙂 Oh, and Murphy-Mo is pretty awesome, too 😉
Lindsey, well said! I took the November 2012 workshop. I was (am still kinda) very new and wet behind the ears with my business, but was a bobbiandmike web-stalker so I NEEDED to go. So I went, hurdling 2 canceled flights and a marathon in Indianapolis. Bobbiandmike (and Kate Newman :)) went out of their way to save me from all of this bologna. Still thankful. Anyway, here is my summary of the workshop: NO MATTER HOW FAR ALONG IN YOUR BUSINESS YOU ARE, YOU WILL LEAVE THE BBMK WORKSHOP KNOWING YOU CAN QUIT YOUR JOB AND BE A SUCCESSFUL FULL-TIME PHOTOGRAPHER. EVEN MORE, THE KNOWLEDGE YOU’LL LEAVE WITH IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT AS THE MORE-THAN-AWESOME EXPERIENCE BOBBIANDMIKE GIVE YOU. This truly is a workshop that keeps on giving 😉 TRUST ME, you’ll see. And then, when you go back to your 9-to-5 (if that’s what you do) on the Monday after the workshop and you’re taking that drive home you’ll be singing every song on the radio with your hair blowing in the wind feeling like a boss (it’s called the BBMK high) I mean, I never did that, I’m just guessing.
One more point I forgot to mention: your photo-taking skills, smile-making ability, and post processing will thank you! Well, that’s a ‘DUH.’
I’m so thankful that I was able to take this workshop and I’ll be thankful for years.
Just Do It! For serious. If you read this and thought, “I wish I could go”… MAKE IT HAPPEN. You will not regret it. The BBMK workshop is so much more than just a photography workshop. It changed the way I approach my business, my clients and my work/life balance. In a word the experience was AWESOMAZING!
This workshop was one of the best memories I have in my growing career! Meeting and learning from Bobbi and mike was so valuable, I highly recommend it. Oh, and hilarious, fun, and awesome 🙂
Best.workshop.ever. This is seriously the best money you will ever spend, my friend. Life changing in every aspect of my life. I didn’t know happiness until bbmk!!!
Loved every minute of this workshop. Loved the other attendees, loved BBMK, loved everything we learned, loved all the laughs and fun. To top it off, I adore the alumni group that has formed, even those I’ve never met. It’s worth every penny and will make you grow in so many ways beyond your business. Now, go sign up! :: wink wink ::
You will only regret not going sooner. It is an invaluable investment. Get there!
I don’t even know where to start! What a most amazing experience this workshop was for me! I was so, SO terrified going in thinking I had no business being there and instead had the most wonderful experience learning from two of my favorite photographers but also meeting fellow attendees AND continuing to learn from all of them! I wish I could grab a spot at every one of their workshops because I know I would learn so much at each one given their expertise and generosity of sharing what they know! I’m so thankful I attended and can’t wait to go again!!
Just registered my hubby!!! I’m sooo excited for him (and definitely a wee (ok…a LOT) bit envious)! March can’t come fast enough! 😀
I attended workshop 10 last fall (I’m that blonde looker on the far right…ladies…). I wanted to come a year earlier but couldn’t quite afford it yet.
In hindsight, I should have taken out a loan or something. And then paid double.
Ooooh, I wish I could come. You’ll see me in early 2014, for sure! (I just did the Pinkle Toes workshop this month — amazing — and yours is next on my wish list!
Way cool! Congrats!!!
That was sweet!