There’s something incredibly powerful about taking a community that exists online and turning it into real-life connection. That’s exactly what we experienced at our Spring 2025 30A Brand Photography Retreat, where we spent several days with a group of talented photographers focusing on next level brand photography education in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
🎥 Watch the Retreat Recap Video:
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the energy, creativity, and breakthroughs that made this retreat so unforgettable.
Yes, the white sand beaches were incredible. Yes, the luxurious beach house created the perfect backdrop for conversation and creativity. And yes, the styled shoot was one for the books. But what made this retreat truly unforgettable were the transformations we witnessed in each attendee.
As we reflected on the experience, we noticed a trend—three specific mindset shifts that not only impacted our students, but resonated deeply with our own journey as well.
If you’re pursuing growth in your business, these lessons from the retreat will serve you well. Let’s dive in.
Stop Robbing Yourself of the Win
Ever walked away from a shoot thinking, “I barely made it through that one”? Whether things went wrong, you felt like you were winging it, or imposter syndrome crept in hard—know this: you’re not alone.
Every photographer has those moments. We’ve had them too, even after nearly a decade in business.
One of our biggest brand clients, the Chicago White Sox, started with an absolute disaster of a shoot. Seriously—if something could have gone wrong, it did. But here’s the thing: it didn’t change the fact that we had the opportunity to shoot with a professional baseball team.
For too long, we let the messiness of that day invalidate what was actually a major career win. And we’ve seen our students do the same—talking themselves out of celebrating because things didn’t feel “perfect.”
But here’s the truth: you are the only one who saw the behind-the-scenes. To the outside world, you just did something amazing. Stop robbing yourself of the joy and confidence that comes from that win.
Stop Sitting in Unhealthy Client Relationships
Beautiful brand. Killer photos. Miserable experience.
Sometimes the clients who seem like the dream on the surface turn out to be anything but once you’re deep into the project. And yet, so many photographers stay stuck in those relationships out of fear—fear of losing income, losing exposure, or losing momentum.
But we’ve learned (and continue to teach in our brand photography education) that the only way to create sustainable success is to stand firm in your boundaries. You don’t need another difficult client to fill your portfolio. You need space on your calendar and in your mental bandwidth for the right opportunities.
Over and over again, we’ve watched our students walk away from draining clients and almost immediately attract something better. Not by accident—but because they made room for it.
If you’re in a pattern of saying yes to clients who run over your processes, disrespect your boundaries, or don’t value your work—it’s time to stop. You’re a business owner. Act like it.
Stop Thinking Your Story Invalidates You
Everyone has a story. Everyone has struggles, regrets, and insecurities. But those don’t disqualify you. In fact, they’re often the very thing that makes your brand powerful.
Too many photographers think they need to hide the hard parts. But we believe—and teach—that your story is your superpower.
You’re not the “weird one” who only connects with other misfits. You’re the one who makes people feel seen.
You’re not the “broken one” who carries shame. You’re someone who can lead others into healing with empathy and hope.
You’re not the “harsh one” who says what’s on your mind. You’re a truth-teller with the kind of confidence your clients need to borrow from.
In brand photography, especially when building a personal brand, authenticity is everything. Your ability to share from your own story is what will allow you to connect with the people you’re meant to serve.
At our 30A retreat, we explored all kinds of technical skills, creative strategies, and business growth tactics. But in the end, it was these personal transformations that left the deepest impact.
If you’re looking for brand photography education that goes beyond the camera and helps you grow both personally and professionally, keep following along—we’re just getting started.
—Erica + Jon
Shout out to our friends and retreat sponsors from Showit, Rogue Photographic Design, and BDOW! for making this retreat a next level experience!
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