Tiffinbox

Inspiring Photographers

Why You Should Go To Brand Camp This Summer

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When I was in high school, I rather grudgingly went to summer band camp. Don't laugh, but I was instrumental (no pun intended) in leading our marching band to local championships by playing the … cymbals.

Yep, that was me crashing my cymbals in front of my face, sometimes catching a bit of my lip. Sometimes, I had to carry those heavy cymbals and march backwards, holding them up so that the snare-drummers had their shot at hitting it. Sometimes they missed the cymbals and they hit my fingers instead. It was painful. It wasn't fun and I didn't look forward to it at all.

But every April, I would need to sign up if I wanted to be a part of the marching band (and I didn't after the novelty wore off) and so I did. I was following a script given to me. As a teenager, I resisted and looking back, I was a cranky mess. I didn't want any part of it because it simply wasn't fun.

How many of us have businesses like that – that are simply not fun anymore? Do you think your business requires you to lock-step with what your competition is doing? How many of you have forgotten the real reasons why you picked up a camera and decided one day to make photography not just a hobby but a profession? How many of you dear readers remember the look on the face of your first clients who simply LOVED you and your work? Now, wasn't that fun? Wouldn't you like to experience that again and again and again?

I know deep down that one need not work in isolation. So much of our work as photographers depends on connecting and creating relationships with a slew of different people who are now an integral part of our lives. Still, we often hold these people off at arm's length, afraid of letting them into our lives and perceiving that you would be intruding in theirs. Imagine how much stronger your bonds with them could be if you get to know them?

How would you like to rekindle that feeling for what you do … again? Is there a way for you to fall in love again with your business, make it truly your own and become a part of a community of go-givers?

I say, YES, there is. That way is through Brand Camp.

This is an event that Kristen Kalp of Brand Camp Blog, with a whole host of presenters, is coordinating for 4 days – May 27 to May 30th. But Kristen is front-loading that actual camp (think cabins and s'mores and even a Ferris wheel) in May by providing valuable master classes that not only lay the groundwork to the full camp experience but also help you in making money and paying for the camp before you arrive!

And yes, I am going. I feel like this is going to be a very good thing for my business and me. Will you join me at Brand Camp?

I spoke with Kristen Kalp recently and this is what she had to say about what you can expect at Brand Camp:

I also spoke with Brand Camp presenters Anna Kunnecke and Josh Solar.

Brand Camp registration closes on April 4th (that's this Friday). Again, why go? Because you are worthy and you are tired of going to yet another cold photography convention. If you have been to one, you know and you know that there has to be better. That better is Brand Camp.

As a fellow Tiffinboxer (I just came up with that), I urge you to join me. I look forward to working with you, seeing you grow as a photographer who loves your business and even more than that, blossom into a compassionate human being.

Yes, it's possible. Just join Brand Camp before April 4th. You with me?

Here's a list of presenters who won't just present and disappear but will hang out with you and chat with you about you and your photography business (how different is that from the usual run-of-the-mill conferences?):

Bob Goff, Jenny Shih, Jesh de Rox, Brian Andreas, Kendrick Shope, Josh Solar, Jonathan Canlas, Anna Kunnecke, Katie O'Farrell, Michelle Waters, Nicole Polk, Jenika McDavitt, Jeanette Leblanc, Michelle Cormack.

Seshu | Editor & Publisher

Seshu | Editor & Publisher

Seshu is an Avon, Connecticut based headshot photographer and family portrait photographer. He edits and publishes Tiffinbox and produces Tiffincast for photographers like you!