The Reality of Hosting + Attending Content Days
Over the years I’ve attended MANY content days and retreats hosted by Baylee Reed, Golden Retreats, and Equipped Creatives. They always left me refreshed and grateful for this career. I started hosting my own this year and after hosting two this far here’s what I’ve learned…
First and MOST important, things will go wrong. I try to minimize this by assembling a great group of vendors that I trust so I don’t have to micro manage and just let them do their thing. Even with that there are just things beyond my control like weather and illness. My first content day it snowed, my second it was supposed to rain, and my third it was supposed to be pretty windy. I tried my best to account for it by booking studios and venues so regardless of the weather we were solid. BUT the snow inhibited one vendor to no show and the rain left me without a vintage car (if you haven’t seen photos yet I figured it out don’t worry). The stress I went through knowing these amazing photographers were counting on me was tough for me. After all of it though it made a smooth day feel that much sweeter.
I’ve also learned the ART OF OBSERVING. This is my favorite part of days like these. I love taking a step back and watching the wheels turn in other photographers head. They inspire new ideas of my own and refill my cup. Because these days aren’t as hectic as actual wedding days, I get to take a second and take in the surroundings to let it inspire me.
My third content day had a lot going on. There were a lot more vendors and reantals going on. It was very much a trust the process putting it all together. I had only ever seen things online before. It really made me anxious but after I had it all setup I felt silly for stressing so much. I’ve learned to trusted my vision more and gave myself some more grace. It all ended fantastic.
Hosting these things aren’t easy. If you’ve attended one of these days just know you have impacted me so greatly. You encouraged me and inspired me truly. I love this little community of photographers and vendors I’ve met!
