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A gathering for like-minded creators in the event industry. Two days in a classroom-style setting: collaborating, refining, digging deeper into the 'why' and 'how' of what we do.
the artist's
intensive
SESSION ONE: AUGUST 12 + 13
Owner, CEO, CFO, and intern. You operate by yourself, but you're your own worst critic. Art by nature is subjective- so the path towards 'success' in this field is also up to interpretation. Which leads us to ask ourselves, "how will I know if I'm really improving?". Are we chasing metrics, publications, notoriety, our names on a list? Or is that just the algorithm talking?
One of the most common complaints we hear in the industry is that entrepreneurship puts you in a vacuum.
Let's get to the point, shall we?
The Artist's Intensive was born from a feeling of longing. Missing the days of art school, where community and candor made us better.
No long-term subscriptions or accountability groups. Practical time commitments, and price points.
Genuine feedback, not just from photographers, but other industry veterans.
Dedicated time to take the floor and present. No competing for the shot, or the one-on-ones.
We know exactly how this feels.
Walking away with something more valuable than content: information. Tangible knowledge, shared trade secrets.
but in order for this to work, it needed modernizing.
we lay the ground rules
Be respectful. Critique the work, not the person. Everyone has a time limit, and most importantly: always participate.
let's say you've never been to an art class;
how exactly does a group crit work?
you step up, and stand by your work.
Tell us your intent, the greater meaning behind the images, or why you're excited about them. What makes your work specifically yours?
we analyze and interpret as a group
Communal feedback is so powerful because art thrives from diversity. Someone with a completely different background or approach may see something you don't.
reflect, and reframe.
Take the opportunity to step back from your work. Walk away with concrete suggestions, and maybe some new questions to guide you.
but who's hosting?
develop visual literacy
Speak with intention and grow to evaluate photography more thoughtfully. Recognize patterns across your own work, and look for it in others.
Let's talk pricing
build relationships with intention
Critique by nature is a personal and vulnerable process. We want to help each other build confidence through sharing the good, the bad and what can be improved.
clarify your own artistic choices
Expressing your thought process out loud often leads to realization in it's own right. It allows you to define your thoughts more clearly and fully.
revisit artistic principles in your work
Let's get into the nitty-gritty details of why we love it, and what can improve. Composition, color theory, and so many more fundamentals can still be a priority in a wedding day timeline.
gain confidence in individualism
Social media can be a help, and also a vice. When it's so easy to see what's trending and what others are doing, copycats thrive. We want to hone in on what makes your approach different and special.
talk shop and share techniques
Is there an approach you've been trying to improve? Something about your work that isn't hitting like you want it to? Group work only means more experience and backgrounds at your disposal.
from vulnerability comes camaraderie.
we all struggle, and artists rarely thrive in isolation. community is necessary for growth. over the course of two days we will:
so what's the timeline?
Starting with the big idea, then zooming in. We want to understand your brand voice first, then dive into the nitty gritty full galleries.
Glad you asked.
Here's the plan:
MODULES
The bigger picture
what to expect
Time to lock in and show us what you're working on. We focus on your overall brand, and how it's presenting to the public. Let's celebrate your wins and look at your best images side by side with your vision board.
big goals, business dreams, money talk, walking the walk.
DAY ONE
Discussing broader ideas: Culture influences trends, so let's talk about what's impacting our work most. What inspires you? What feeling do you want your art to leave behind?
Hear from local Planning vets: Our art doesn't exist just to serve ourselves. Let's talk with other vendors who our work impacts most. An open and raw Q&A.
Food, obviously: Catered breakfast and lunch breaks. We're not helpful to anyone hangry. Also, the best conversations happen over a shared meal.
fundementals, strategies, logistics, editing, dirty details.
what to expect
Comfy clothes, long discussions, and food. We've talked about the overall brand, now let's look at your full galleries as a group and see how the actual execution is going.
A comfy environment: A projector for you, chairs and yoga pants for the rest of us. Let's look at a full day through your lens and talk about it.
Nothing is off-limits: We'll talk everything from industry obstacles, to detailed camera settings. Social media trends, and practical applications.
Walk away feeling energized: Our goal is that you leave wanting to create. To go out and get back to art for art's sake. To be a better vendor, and creator.
let's get detailed
DAY two
You appreciate what's popular, but want to infuse trends more genuinely into your own style of work.
This IS for you if
You value the fundamentals, and want to talk shop with other artists.
You're wanting to invest in something more than images: Knowledge that can propel your business forward.
You're committed to participating in community. No gatekeeping, just helpful collaboration.
You're just starting out, or need more time to build a broad portfolio of work.
This is NOT for you if
You're looking solely for marketing or branding help. We're going to dive deeper into artistic strategies, too.
You are looking for content or a styled shoot. We won't be picking up our cameras at all.
You have a hard time with constructive criticism or sharing your personal work in a group setting.
knowledge is a powerful thing,
but your experience matters most.
Here's the thing, with an intensive like this we can't send you away with anything more tangible than a gift bag. What you really get out of it, is what you absorb. This isn't an empty promise. We believe you'll walk out the door after day two with at least one new piece of knowledge or insightful perspective. This entire premise balances on the idea that artists need other artists candid feedback to grow. So if you haven't grown in one single aspect, we'll give your investment back in full.
100%
MONEY BACK
GUARANTEE
What your brand looks like from a third party perspective, and where you want it to go.
We aim to cover it all.
How your business choices play a role in your brand voice and service to your clients.
The nitty-gritty of how you shoot, and full gallery curation.
Social media strategy and how to navigate trends without losing your individuality.
Q
&
A
What am I really getting out of this?
We'll be real: putting a dollar sign on qualitative experiences is tough. But at the end of the day, the most valuable tool we have is our knowledge. So we're encouraging you to invest in something that will give you more than content for social media. At the end of this we want you to walk away with a more defined vision for your business, and actionable steps for the coming season.
What type of grouping can I expect?
We aim to cap attendance at 10 people, in order to give ample presentation time to each photographer. We're also using an application process instead of first come, first serve. This is to ensure a diverse group of artists, with an array of perspectives to give you feedback.
I'm not available for this intensive, will there be another?
Yes! We hope to plan these intensives at milestone times of the year. One mid-season to check in and get re-inspired, and one in December to recap the year's growth and plan for next year's goals.
Do I have to be there in person?
Yes! However if you live out of state and cannot attend, please let us know where you'd like to see this intensive travel to next! Our goal is to take it to different states, and serve the industry as a whole, not just locally.
How long will this take?
It's 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, on a Tuesday and Wednesday. We're starting with caffeine and breakfast, and getting you out of there before Baltimore rush hour hits.
Meet Molly, a designer-turned wedding photographer based on the Eastern Shore. With a BFA in Visual communication, her corporate path in the graphic arts eventually led to her entrepreneurial spirit and deeper concentration into photography. Now as a business owner for 8 years in the wedding industry, she's been known for her steady presence that evokes the purest emotions in front of her lens. Always looking to absorb more about her craft, she's seen what's possible when artists collaborate, and wants to create more space for that opportunity in the world of event vendors.
Meet the team behind The artist's intensive
madi serio
molly mcmanus
Meet Madeline, a Maryland-based photographer whose love for people led her to the world of wedding photography. With a passion for capturing the feeling of each moment, her goal is to create an effortlessly natural experience for anyone in front of her lens. Having fallen in love with painting in her early days, she aims to incorporate inspiration from all forms of art into her work, hinting at modern trends while creating galleries that feel forever timeless.
did we mention our guest hosts?
Jessi Rutherford
lauren corrigan
Session one: wedding planners you know and love.
Bringing her museum curatorial and education background to the world of events; Jessi Rutherford created her company with one thing in mind. Bring together talented artists with creative clients to create connection and community through shared experience.
Honesty and advocacy is at the heart of Lauren's designs, and execution. Known for her concepts that represent her couples so clearly, she shows intentionality that has earned her notoriety and accolades from industry-leading publications.
we're ready for you.
join the conversation