Many portrait and wedding photographers across the country are familiar with Collages.net. We use their online galleries, print fulfillment, album design and binding every day. Recently, when I was teaching at WPPI back in March, Sophia and I had dinner with the Collages.net team along with several other studios from across the country. The purpose of the dinner wasn’t just the fantastic food (thanks Kevin!), but to talk about something that Robert and Kathleen Trenske had started back in Connecticut called “Collages.net CLASS” meetings. Basically, these Collages.net Learning And Sharing Sessions were very popular due to the roundtable format of sharing information between studios on how to create and sustain a thriving photography business. From Robert and Kathleen’s idea, the movement has spread. With the Trenske’s laying the groundwork, two more CLASS meetings have sprouted. One in southern California, hosted by Nick of Nick Corona Photography; the other hosted by me!
Needless to say, last night’s first Collages.net Austin CLASS meeting had some very information-hungry photographers! It amazes and saddens me how many new and seasoned photographers feel like they’re completely alone out there. Which is why I decided to have us do headshots of each other to help break the ice!
Afterwards, we had food and drink, then sat down to talk about the real meaning behind our CLASS meetings. I stressed that we are here to help each other build up our businesses. Even though we are competition, we learn from each other and improve our skills which enhances the experience for our clients. So many times, I’ve heard and repeated that there are no secrets in business. And it’s so true! With that out there, everyone was extremely excited to be apart of something that will grow and make a huge positive impact in the photography community. Everything from experienced photographers to beginning shutterbugs, all of us getting together to help each other grow. What a thought ;)
Anyway, our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month. We have a Facebook Group that you can join if you’re interested. We’d love to have you!
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