Workshop Reviews


We wanted you to get an idea what the attendees thought of their Savvy workshop experience~

2012 October Workshop~ Alys Beach Reviews~

The Savvy Workshop was much, much more than a business investment for me. I learned, laughed, cried, laughed some more, cried some more and made some truly amazing new friends. I brought back so many new tools to incorporate into my business - the hardest part is figuring out where to start! I cannot recommend this workshop enough. This is something you must not miss!

- Alyssa Albers
Alyssa Albers Photography


***

The experience I had at the Savvy Sisterhood Workshop was so positive and inspiring. I really went into the workshop ready to learn all about business - I didn't think about the"sisterhood" aspect, but it had the biggest impact on me. From my own housemates, to the other attendees, to the speakers -everyone was so honest, open and giving. It was invaluable to be able to talk with a wide variety of speakers and learn the business from many different aspects. These speakers gave so much of their time and continue to offer it after the workshop is over.  I love that I am now part of a small community of photographers that are constantly looking to improve and be inspired. I really enjoyed so many aspects of the workshop and continue to enjoy the camaraderie that it offers even after it is over. Not only did I walk away with an an extremely large amount of new information that changed the way I look at photography, but I met 30+ women who share the same passions and struggles that I do. That is invaluable. 

Brooke Nussbaum
This Little Light Photography

***


I attended the Savvy workshop with apprehension, as I had been in business for almost 4 years and what I was doing was working well enough.  I committed to attending because something was missing in my business, I wasn't totally sure what was missing, but it was. As I arrived, I immediately felt taken in and welcomed by some of the top photographer business women in the industry.  They were very
available to answer questions both during their talks and even on break.  One of the best things about the workshop is that the speakers never felt detached from the event, they were very connected and honest with both their successes, struggles and failures.  The workshop was amazing and I would go every year if I could!

Jennifer Burns
Jennifer Burns Photography


***


I had such an amazing week at the Savvy Workshop!  This is definitely one of my favorite workshops I have attended since starting my business five years ago.  Marsha is amazing at planning this event, down to every detail.  The location was absolutely gorgeous - I am dying to take my family back for vacation and/or plan a girls trip with my friends!  The speakers were fabulous, approachable and ready to share!  I loved the variety of topics and the small, relaxed dynamic of the group.  Thank you, marsha, for making the workshop so fabulous!

Haley Birkelbach
Haley B Photography 



***





The Savvy Sisterhood Workshop is a lady photographers dream!  It was amazing to be around 20 plus like minded woman, who own and operate their own photography business.  Although there was photo talk the entire time, it didn't feel like work!  The environment allowed everyone to learn, discuss and reflect.  I know for me, a wife and a mother of 3, quiet time to reflect is rare & priceless.  And to have woman who "get it" to bounce ideas off of was incredible.  This workshop was everything that it said it would be and more. The deepest connection for me was meeting mommies that were juggling it all.  We all gave each other personal advice and support.  Amazing!!  Marsha Mifsud has a gift for bringing people together.  By the end we all truly felt like sisters.  I will cherish my time at this workshop forever.  It was a game changer for me!


Loreta Washington
Earth Tone Photography




2010 Savvy Sisterhood Workshop on the Waterfront in St Michaels, Maryland reviews~


Interview from Janelle Ringgenberg and Kim Casey:


Tell us about your business before the Savvy workshop?
At the time of the workshop, we had been in business for three years, however, we were just at a point where we significantly changed our pricing structure. It was a leap of faith to increase our pricing, because we worried that we would lose our client base. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that rather than losing clients, we weeded out the folks who were just "looking for a deal," rather than true clients who liked us for our vision and artistic approach. It was the best decision we've ever made.

How has it changed since returning?
The most important element we learned was to trust ourselves. Being surrounded at the Workshop by strong, creative women taught us that we are strong and creative, too. So often, as photographers, we second guess our choices, approach, style, processing techniques, pricing, etc. This workshop taught us that it's ok to be us. Forget about the external hype. Just focus on yourself and your clients.

What do you think is the most important thing you learned from the Savvy workshop?
Don't worry about the competition. Be true to yourself.

What was your favorite part?
Our goal in attending the Workshop was to be inspired and gather new ideas. Sharing a room together, we stayed up late each evening discussing our business. It was nice to have uninterrupted work time without family/kids/life.


Janelle Ringgenberg and Kim Casey
RainKite Photography

***





Interview from Pamela Miller:

Tell us about your business before the Savvy workshop?
My business was very new. I was only one year into my business so I learned so much through the Savvy workshop through all the speakers who were so generous to be so open and share their expertise and experience, as well as through all the other workshop attendees. 

How has it changed since returning?
In the next year after the Savvy workshop, my business grew by 150%. I was much more confident in my abilities and how to grow my business and boy did it show in the results!


What do you think is the most important thing you learned from the Savvy workshop?
Hands down, the most important thing I learned while I was at the Savvy workshop was how to shoot in manual. The workshop did not focus on the technical aspect but I learned this from watching and asking a lot of questions while I was at the workshop of both the speakers and my fellow savvy sisters. The little lightbulb went off on what those markings were for in my camera! I also starting shooting in RAW. I can’t even believe that I was shooting any other way and it truly does show in my photos.

What was your favorite part?
My favorite part of the workshop was meeting all my savvy sisters and speakers. We all bonded over those three days, even having a pajama party on the last night. It’s amazing how quickly you bond with those that have the same passion as you. I am forever grateful for this.

Pamela Miller 

***

Interview with Tina Flohr~

Tell us about your business before the Savvy workshop?  Oh man!  Before the workshop I was naive, scared, uncertain.  Not sure what was next or how to take the next step.  I was building my portfolio and just needed the extra push in the right direction.  Lucky for me, the Savvy workshop changed all of that!
How has it changed since returning?  I am way more confident and secure in my style.  I learned that everyone has their own style, I don't have to fit into a particular "mold" and if I stay true to myself then I will build the clientele that I want.  Which ultimately gives me the the GREATEST clients ever and the ability to work my own schedule.  I don't have to book a ton of sessions and stress myself out, in the end this is the perfect melting pot for my family. 

What do you think is the most important thing you learned from the Savvy workshop?  Most important, do what works for you!  That was the amazing part about this workshop.  Most of the ladies attending were moms and we all discussed how we keep sane, keep our businesses thriving and our families happy.  I learned that I absolutely can say, "no" and that I absolutely need to make sure I keep time for my family.  Otherwise, you'll get burned out very quickly! 

What was your favorite part?  The amazing ladies!  I went with a love of photography and knowledge that this is what I wanted to do, and I left with confidence knowing that I can do this and these ladies that poured out incredible support.  I tear up thinking that I have friends that will last a lifetime that bloomed from 3 days of learning.  We all put ourselves out there and became better because of it.


***


Interview with Angie Warren~


Tell us about your business before the Savvy workshop?
Oh it was alright, I was going along at a pace that felt comfortable. Happy with my clients and sales but yearning for something more. Unsure what it was, but wanting to push myself and my business.

How has it changed since returning?
I know I have changed! I was inspired and encouraged. I looked outside the box and found that what I had been searching for - was always within me. It just took a change of location and mindset. 

What do you think is the most important thing you learned from the Savvy workshop?
I came away with a wonderful new pack of friends! I learned that though we may shoot with different brands, edit through a completely different process, and see the light and our subjects in one way - when another sees it their way, we have this one thing bonding us. Bringing us together. For that I'm quite thankful.


What was your favorite part?
I loved the night-time get togethers! From packing our Epiphanie bags with drinks, to PJ parties, and late night chats.


***


"The Savvy Sisterhood retreat/workshop I attended in St. Michaels was.....informative, inspiring, organized, action-packed (hands-on not just speeches) and most of all, fun! 


THANK YOU Marsha.  You did a fabulous job of organizing as well as re-organizing because of the weather....

Thanks for all of your effort and caring.... it was truly wonderful to spend 2 days with women who all share a love of photography and of capturing images of children and families.  I met so many great women who I am sure will prove to be long-term friends.  The instructors were fabulous and so well prepared.  It was great to have such a range of "styles" and approaches to learn from."


Diana Place~  Wonderblink Photography


1 comment: