photo by Dallas and Sabrina Photography

There are so many workshops and conferences out there, it’s almost overwhelming to choose the perfect one for you and your business. In the past, we’ve done our own research to come up with our 2016 and 2017 lists, but this year, we decided to accept nominations instead. We wanted to hear about your experiences so that we could make our 2018 round-up full of events that are tried and true. Over 300 nominations were submitted for the following events, and we’re so very excited to share them with you today! Here’s to a year of growth for you and your business!

Pssst. If you’d like to nominate (or report) an event, please do so below via our nomination form. Thanks!

Thrive Modern

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

Dates: 1/9/2018-1/12/2018

Price: TBA

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“As a young woman starting my own business, it was incredible to get to spend the day learning from Melissa & Abby who started out exactly where I am now. I learned so much & was given the confidence I need to make a living doing what I love. It was one of the most special days of my life.” – Abigail W.

“Refreshing weekend with genuine girls and we all left feeling ready to take on our goals. Most of us actually cried happy tears at the end!” – Tricia M.

Speaker Lineup: Melissa Marshall, Abbie Rose Metcalf

More Info: https://www.thrivemodern.co/

Fight Together

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Dates: 2/12/2018-2/15/2018

Pricing: $1600 … profits made for Fight Together are donated cancer patients and their families (payment plans are available)

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

*This is a new event. We included this event in our round-up because we appreciate Fight Together’s mission.

Speaker Lineup: Rosey Red Photography, Rafal Bojar, Sullivan & Sullivan Photography, Kevin Lowery, Twyla Jones, and Chadwick Braithwaite

More Info: https://www.fighttogether.com/

Inspire Photo Retreats

Location: Southbury, Connecticut, United States

Dates: 3/12/2018-3/15/2018

Pricing: $639

Size of Event: 100+

Testimonials:

“I’ve attended Inspire for the last five years because of the community it fosters, the focus on helping others learn and building them up, and the variety of speakers and topics that are available every year. I’ve been to other conferences, large and small, and this one is the only one that I have come back to every year.” – Michelle G.

“It’s an awesome, well-rounded event. So much to learn and many ways to grow.” – Heather V.

Speaker Lineup: Susan Stripling, Charmi Patel, Anja Winikka, Audrey Woulard, Manolo Doreste, Casey McCauley, Nana Annan, Amber Marlow, Easton Reynolds, Brian Leahy, Anna Sawin, and more!

More Info: http://www.inspirephotoretreats.com/

Cultivate Workshop

Location: Nashville, Tenessee, United States

Dates: 3/19/2018-3/22/2018

Price: $900

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“Everything about the workshop was incredible, the food, the women, Dawn & Emily, the couples. Everything far exceeded my expectations” – Candace Smith

“Super friendly leaders, very down to earth. I felt at home and not like an attendee. Learned a lot and they still keep in touch with me!” – Tori H.

Speaker Lineup: Dawn Charles, Emily Magers

More Info: https://www.cultivate-workshop.com

Constellation

Location: Newcastle, United Kingdom

Dates: 3/22/2018-3/23/2018

Price: £495

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“The event was incredible, I have learned so many valuable things that have already influenced my business for the better. Caroline and Paul were fantastic, giving us all personal advice on what would individually help us. Before I’d left the workshop, I felt like my business had already changed from the valuable things I’ve learned” – Lauren M.

“This is hands down the best photography workshop I have attended. It has inspired me to my core and I didn’t want it to end. It covered every single aspect of wedding photography with a humble, open and honest approach. It has given me the tools and a renewed passion to move forward and strive to be the best that I can be.” – Julie B.

Speaker Lineup: Caroline Briggs, Paulo Santos, Heather Shucker, Nigel John

More Info: http://constellation-workshop.co.uk/

The Reset Conference

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Dates: 4/7/2018-4/8/2018

Price: $450-$475

Size of Event: 100+

Testimonials:

“The organizers are absolutely incredible! The weekend is full of hands-on photography workshops and sessions from wedding to still life to videography and beyond.” – Nathaniel C.

Speaker Lineup: Rebekah Albaugh, Ryan & Lauren Anderson, Kellie Bieser, Ashlyn Carter, Elen Blair & Sandra Coan, Anesha Collins

More Info: http://theresetconference.com/

Snap Photography Festival

Location: Norfolk, England, United Kingdom

Dates: 4/23/2018-4/28/2018

Pricing: Starting at £1000

Size of Event: 100+

Testimonials:

“I’m a wedding photographer who constantly wants to better myself and continue to grow. 2017 was my second year attending this event. It was so well organized and the speakers and learning were the best I’ve ever attended. The organizer goes to lengths to be inclusive supportive and has created something far beyond the few days of learning. A massive community of like-minded photographers who continue to support and inspire each other outside of the workshop days. The event had everything, top worldwide speakers, ace accommodation, food, adventure, surprises, opportunities for photographers at all levels. No one would feel left out or not included. If you look ast the website you can see the amazing films and feedback. I’ve already booked a place for 2018. I cannot wait.” – Sharon C.

“I’m nominating snap because it was so much more than a workshop. Snap gave me a community in which I felt at home and comfortable enough to be totally honest in. This in turn has given me confidence I don’t think I’d have had otherwise.” – Alice B.

Speaker Lineup: Kristen Kalp, Marianne Chua, Don and Helen, Cathy Haynes, Chris and Verity Sansom, Wyn Wylie, Alison Branagan, Chadwick Braithwaite, Laura Babb, Matt Badenoch, Claire Penn, Ellie Gillard, Kari Bellamy, Jamie Sia Gadong, Elly Lucas, Shelley Richmond, Hannah Hall, Ell Narbrook

More Info: http://www.snapphotofestival.com/

The Real Workshop

Location: Morrilton, Arkansas, United States

Dates: 7/16/2018-7/20/2018

Price: $1,200-$2,000

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“One of my biggest pet peeves in attending workshops is when it’s just a bunch of big name folks with huge Instagram followings showing off their portfolio (or re-packaging their free “educational blog posts”) and not offering practical, real-world education. TRW was a completely different experience. Yes, it had styled shoots and epic locations, but every talk was practical real-world stuff. How to shoot in harsh light, SEO, pricing, how to write meaningful emails to leads, how to write evergreen content for blogging, how to deal with pressure and work-life balance and how to submit to blogs. It was kinda like the Photobug blog posts in person. Real stuff. I was really blown away by how useful the entire experience was. We attended on a whim after a year or so of being fed up with really underwhelming workshops that didn’t feel worth the investment. Full disclosure: we are attending next year as educators. But we really believe in their approach to photography workshops.” Trevor K.

“While there are no “big names” that spoke at the workshop, the heart and soul put into it was HUGE. We had classes specifically based on the things that could go wrong during a wedding day – REAL LIFE stuff, the nitty-gritty. Even the styled shoots were teaching us how to handle less than ideal situations that every wedding day is filled with (ex. harsh light!). We had other classes that dealt with the business side of the the wedding industry and the relief that I and the other attendees felt when our questions were answered honestly and without judgment was amazing. I’ve already signed up again for next year. REAL STUFF NOT FLUFF.” – Julia D.

Speaker Lineup: Lizz Hoard, Emily Hatch, Laura K. Allen, Erin Morrison, Korina Moore, Kate Anthony, Kaila & Jay

More Info: https://www.therealworkshop.com/

The Secret Retreat

Location: Santa Maria di Castellabate, Cilento Coast, Italy

Dates: 9/11/2018-9/15/2018

Pricing: TBC

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“The women that run this event are humble and full of honest goodness, warmth, kindness, enthusiasm, passion, friendship, knowledge, artistic expertise, and all around awesomeness. I have never laughed so hard in my life or had such an experience of being welcome, cared for, and included. If you ever get the opportunity to hang with these women, DO IT!!” – Lily A.

“I am a Wedding Photographer in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA and have been dying for some culture and beautiful sights outside of my daily grind. After researching several Wedding Photography Workshops, I decided to join the Secret Retreat. The cost was doable compared to some of the two day workshops being offered here in the U.S. A four day retreat in Italy near the ocean sounded magical. Upon arriving at the Secret Retreat, everyone was so friendly… I loved our shoots and our fancy meals and all the little secret surprises throughout the Retreat. Andrea, Lucy, Mandy, Melissa and Claire each add something unique to the table on Classroom days. I absolutely adored the passion in their stories and how they each speak with such confidence. I am absolutely thankful for all the knowledge they had shared with me and I am highly inspired by their spirits all together.” – Corri B.

Speaker Lineup: Claire Penn, Andrea Ellison, Lucy Woodrow, Melissa Love

More Info: http://the-secret-retreat.co.uk

The Photo Rehab

Location: Estes Park, Colorado, United States

Dates: 9/30/2018-10/4/2018

Price: $1,500 (payment plans are included)

Size of Event: 50-100

Testimonials:

“Photo Rehab was an amazing experience, each mentor had something unique to share, and having multiple options for classes each day was great to customize the experience based on what you want to learn! While having 50+ people at the workshop can seem like a lot, each class was only 10-15 people! The best thing about Photo Rehab was the sense of community and bonding with the other attendees. Everyone is so talented and unique, it’s so refreshing to share ideas and help each other improve our photography and our businesses. When I came home from Photo Rehab, I was exhilarated and excited to work on my business again. It’s been a few months since I went to Photo Rehab, but we all still stay in touch and support each other.” – Michael C.

Speaker Lineup: India Earl, Adonye Jaja, Mackenzie Nemeth-Suko, Ashley & Graham Scobey, Luke Gottlieb, Daryl Love, Twyla Jones, Teri Hofford, Chad Braithwaite

More Info: http://thephotorehab.com/

ARC // The Experience

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Dates: 10/23/2018-10/25/2018

Price: $950

Size of Event: 100+

Testimonials:

“More than just having great speakers show up, the organizers truly care about bringing the creative community together. It’s a hell of a conference – photographers from a range of disciplines (street, commercial, wedding), cool social outings and surprisingly affordable.” – Mathias F.

Speaker Lineup: Angela Ruscheinski, João Guedes, Caroline Tran, Grace & Jaden, Hugh Whitaker, Levi Tijerina, Niki Boon, Junebug Weddings (oh, hey!), Mike Vardy (The Productivityist), and Great North Co.

More Info: https://experience.thisisarc.co/

Real Life Photography Conference for Women

Location: Canmore, Alberta, Canada

Dates: 11/6/2018-11/8/2018

Pricing: $1375 CAD (payment plans available) … Early bird ticket available until 2/28/2018: $1175 CAD

Size of Event: 50-100 (tickets are capped at 130 for 2018)

Testimonials:

“This is by far the best, most inspiring, most game-and-life changing conference I’ve ever been to. It’s attended by talented, passionate, compassionate women who lead from the front in their businesses and in their lives. The opportunities for REAL connection are incredible, and the inspiration & support was amazing. I bought my ticket for next year as SOON as they released them!” – Carla D.

“Real Life conference is directing the compass towards equality in the photography industry. Through its online community that pushes boundaries and the conference experience of rawness, Real Life supports women to grow their inner strength so they can shine to the world unhindered. No other conference has such a strong and important focus on women inequality, first nation rights, mental healing, women of color and the LGBTQ community. This conference changed my life and informs my photography career more than any conference I’ve attended.” – Mary M.

Speaker Lineup: Ami Vitale, Charmi Pena, Endia Beal, Kiana Hayeri, Kari Herer, Tenille Campbell, Latasha Eaddy Haynes, Nancy Borowick, Courtney Zerizef, Kristi Odom

More Info: https://www.reallifeconference.com

Let’s Go

Location: Oregon, United States

Dates: 11/13/2018-11/16/2018

Price: $1,700

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“It is completely life-changing as an artist and as a business owner and anyone who wants to improve their photography should consider going to it!!” – Naba Z.

“IT’S THE BEST WORKSHOP EVER! Seriously, so amazing. Such valuable information and just the right size. We got to have personal coaching from the speakers and an awesome variety of styled shoots. It was the perfect balance between practical, applicable business savvy and creative inspiration. Just what my business needed! There were also these two amazing ladies from Junebug Weddings (you may know them) there and that just took this workshop to 1000%!” – Tara J.

Speaker Lineup: Grace and Jaden, India Earl, Helena and Laurent, Jonathan Suckling, Catalina Jean, Junebug Weddings (oh, hey!)

More Info: http://www.letsgoworkshop.com/

Cascade Workshop

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Price: TBA

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“It’s all around the most honest workshop I’ve been too. They offer practical knowledge from business all the way to boost your creativity. I should also add that they focus on your client experience and not on making you the next social media sweetheart. All styled shoots are with regular everyday couples, not people out of a feeling magazine if you know what I mean. Plus, the speaker goes above and beyond to answer your questions, ANY questions, with honest answers and not “you can do this!” fluffy bs.” – Nate M.

“I attended Cascade earlier this year and had a fantastic experience. The range of topics covered, the beautiful and intimate setting, and the people I met all provided such an unforgettable and positive workshop experience. I’m so grateful for the time I spent there, the community we formed, and all of the brilliant takeaways I brought home with me. Would definitely recommend Cascade to any photographer looking to up their game!” – Natalie N.

Speaker Lineup: Benj Haisch

More Info: http://benjhaisch.com/cascadeworkshop/

Otsuni Workshop

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Price: TBA

Size of Event: 50-100

Testimonials:

“Atmosphere, connection, great speakers and masters. superb organization, amazing venue, staying, food. Everything is almost perfect, I’ve been there three times.” – Francesco S.

“It’s the best workshop in the world!!! If you don’t try you can’t understand how much is special. I will return for sure.” – Lisa D.

Speaker Lineup: TBA

More Info: http://ostuniworkshop.com/

Free the Bird Workshop

Location: Various cities

Dates: Various Dates

Price: $1150AUD

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“I am nominating Jai’s workshop because it is the best I have attended and totally helped me and my business. I don’t think I would be where I am today without attending this awesome workshop.” – Leah C.

“Fantastic and was great to hear from someone new and fresh in the industry” – Kim. B

Speaker Lineup: Jai Long

More Info: http://www.freethebird.com.au/workshops/

The WrkShp

Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Dates: Multiple

Price: Varies

Size of Event: 100+

Testimonials:

“All the teachers were amazing. They provided such a variety of classes to take to fit the needs of each photographers level of learning” – Autumn B.

Speaker Lineup: TBA

More Info: http://www.wrkshpwrkshp.com/

Nine Dots Gathering

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Dates: TBA

Price: TBA

Size of Event: 100+

Testimonials:

“I’ve attended this event for 3 years since it started and there are so many reasons I do. The community that has built up since the start and its acceptance and warmth towards photographers at every level are unrivaled in my eyes. The honesty and openness from the fantastic range of speakers are so valuable and the mini-masterclasses are the icing on the cake. Every year I walk away happy, inspired and dare I say love! It’s quite simply awesome!” – Paul P.

“Attended in 2017. Fabulous, friendly, inclusive. Amazing speakers. Fun guys that run it. Great venue. Good party atmosphere in the evenings. Can’t recommend it highly enough.” – Jo N.

Speaker Lineup: TBA

More Info: http://nine-dots.co/

The Wolves Workshop

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Price: TBA

Size of Event: 50-100

Testimonials:

“It is the best so far I have been to! The best place in the middle of Atlantic Ocean, just of the shore of Africa, Morocco, on a small Island called La Graciosa, where love is in every corner of it 🙂 Knowledge, atmosphere, love, fun – it’s all there <3” – Kamila P.

“I’d heard amazing things about Wolves and finally got to go this year – it was better than I could have imagined. I left feeling so inspired and with so many new, incredible, creative friends.” – Danielle C.

Speaker Lineup: TBA

More Info: http://wolvesworkshop.com/

Hustle + Flow

Location: Multiple Locations

Dates: Multiple Dates

Price: Varies

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“On April 1st, 2018, I had ONE wedding booked. I launched my new brand, new website, new everything! Fast forward seven months: I ended up having 16 amazing weddings this year and have 20 more so far for 2018 and 3 for 2019! This workshop seriously changed my business for the better. I am a full-time after graduating college in August. I didn’t even have to THINK about getting a 9-5 job. Jon and Brittani are also SUPER nice (they come off tough, but they have hearts of gold). They deserve this!!” – Veronica M.

“Hustle + Flow completely changed my business thinking and made me a better photographer by giving me the business and marketing tools to set me apart from others.” – Sydney M.

Speaker Lineup: Jon and Brittani Hon

More Info: http://hustleandflow.net/

The Refresh Workshop

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Pricing: CAD$650

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“Jen and Hugh are some of the most caring and inspiring people in the industry. The Refresh workshop has helped so many photographers I know to strengthen their brand. It’s a great networking and learning event. Loved it!” – Danielle M.

“The value is incredible. Everyone I know who has attended agrees that this workshop is game changer for wedding photographers. I learned so much and left feeling truly inspired with pages full of ideas. Also, Jennifer and Hugh are fantastic humans!” – Ashlea MacAulay

Speaker Lineup: Jennifer Moher, Hugh Whitaker

More Info: http://refreshworkshop.com/

{un}convention by Catalyst Wedding Co

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Pricing: TBA

Size of Event: 50-100

Testimonials:

“Unconvention carves a space for wedding disrupters who wish to serve the underserved: people of color, the LGBTQ community, larger bodies, etc. This event is incredibly educational as well as a space to challenge the norm in the wedding industry.” – Latoya D.

Speaker Lineup: TBA

More Info: http://www.unconventionconf.com/

Exposed DC: The Workshop

Location: Washington D.C., United States

Dates: TBA

Pricing: TBA

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“It transformed the way that I want to approach my work. After 29 years in this business, I needed a creative boost. I’d like to think that this way of taking even the most mundane of locations and creating awe-inspiring imaging with incredible clients was just the catalyst that I needed to reinvigorate me.” – Derrel T.

“Kanayo Adibe is a phenomenal photographer. He provided a lot of insight into how he processes a scene which in turn helps him to create images in even the most difficult/challenging environments. There was an actual live shoot in which he explained what goes into his thinking when working with couples. Overall great experience.” – Anton D.

Speaker Lineup: Kanayo Adibe

More info: http://www.kanayoadibe.com/exposed

Two Mann Studios Workshops

Location: Varies

Dates: Varies

Pricing: $3900 CAD

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“Hands down, Erika and Lanny helped define my photography business and shooting style. They clearly care about this industry and its future. Their workshops are small but for a very good reason: one on one hands-on help and creating an intimate experience. I would take this workshop again in s heartbeat!” – Barbara C.

“This workshop was unlike any other I’ve attended. It was a small group so you really felt like you had a hands-on experience. They wanted to better you and your work, not just sell you stuff and do styled shoots. I went there so burnt out and left with a whole new drive to approach weddings with.” – Becky Brown

Speaker Lineup: Erika and Lanny Mann

More Info: https://twomann.com/wedding-photography-workshop/

The Camp Collective

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Pricing: TBA

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“I think Sara Rogers & Tara Lily did a great job organizing this camp, it was a perfect balance of education & fun. Great for networking and meeting other photographers in the business!” – Danielle L.

“I like my experience at the Camp Collective because it’s the perfect mix between a camp for adults and a small workshop. It is really focusing on creativity and connection and I needed this. It is not a big fancy business conference. It’s more like a retreat to challenge your creativity and also re-focus on your work while connecting with other creatives.” – Emilie I.

Speaker Lineup: TBA

More Info: https://www.thecampcollective.com/home

TNC Mini-Full Day

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Dates: TBA

Pricing: TBA

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“It was the best workshop I’ve attended this year” – Melissa N.

Speaker Lineup: Chad Pennington

More Info: http://www.sobitartphotography.com/tncminiatlnyc/

Gathering Workshop

Location: TBA

Dates: TBA

Pricing: TBA

Size of Event: Less than 50

Testimonials:

“Eastlyn Josh, & Nicola truly care about helping other photographers grow. They don’t just skim the surface to make a quick buck, they keep their workshops small and intimate to foster real conversation and really dig deep into what matters most. I HIGHLY recommend!” – Emily W.

More Info: https://www.gatheringworkshop.com/

Nominate or Report an Event:

we reserve the right to include or exclude events based on the information provided to us via this form.

We will update our round-up monthly! Thank you for your patience!

Thank you so much to all who nominated. You made this list possible! In addition to signing up for a fun workshop in 2018, you should also consider treating yourself to something nice. Check out our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Wedding Photographers!