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Reflections from the Beyond the heARTs Workshop Retreat
From June 5th to 7th of 2023, a picturesque vineyard estate, Chateau Ste. Agnes in Sutton, QC, became a haven for passionate and eager photographers and filmmakers. The occasion? Our first ever “Beyond the heARTs” workshop retreat! Hosted by Kerstin Hahn Photography and Cremeux Photo, this is an event dedicated to fostering growth, skill, and connection within the wedding vendor community.
Beyond the heARTs was designed to immerse attendees in a fast-track educational experience that would have otherwise taken years to accumulate.
We had a deep dive into personal branding that can truly transform your client experience and turn it into an everlasting love story. This goes beyond just capturing beautiful moments; it’s about understanding the importance of ‘mattering’ to your customers. By focusing on the “why” behind your photography, you can build a brand that truly reflects who you are as an artist. Defining your ideal client allows you to tailor your services and messaging to resonate deeply with those you want to serve. And it doesn’t stop there—offering an elevated client experience is key to creating lasting connections. By combining exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and a unique artistic vision, you can create a memorable journey for your clients. And, of course, all of this is beautifully complemented by your photography, capturing the essence of love and storytelling.
The core of the workshop went beyond skill acquisition.
It was a space that valued individual questions, pre-assessed needs, and allowed for bespoke learning experiences. The hands-on approach allowed for personal growth and business-centric discussions, proving to be a catalyst for success.
Our participants were given exclusive access to the breathtakingly enchanting Chateau Ste. Agnes, a venue that transported us to the rustic charm and allure of Europe. Here we curated two unique wedding-styled editorial shoots that allowed our attendees to add impressive artwork to their portfolios. With an esteemed team of wedding professionals, our attendees captured stunningly crafted moments. Below is the incredible and curated team of professionals that made this event even more than a dream come true!
- Narges Sheed is a make-up artist who worked at Germany’s Next Topmodel, does international fashion editorials, video productions, and weddings, and teaches masterclasses for other make-up artists. We loved her incredibly professional and calming aura as well as her talent and elevated, modern take on bridal make-up.
- Courtney Elizabeth Events provided a fun, authentic, and effortless full-service concierge planning experience, making the two styled shoots an absolute success!
- Cristina Kisil’s flower arrangements, which are inspired by nature and the seasons, made the venue even more elegant and refined.
- Sarah Alouache Bridal gowns are centered around beauty, and true feminine power, and are inspired by romance and love. They were truly for the modern romantic bride who’s not afraid to express her fashion-forward style!
- La vie est une fête‘s beautiful collections of tableware and accessories are everything you look for in a full-service event rental company for your wedding.
- Letterland Studio offered timeless, romantic stationery that is artfully created for the modern wedding.
- Blandin & Delloye specializes in offering the finest and timeless looks for sophisticated gentlemen. Their commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and traditional tailoring ensured that every piece worn by the groom is meticulously crafted.
- Sweet Savour by Felicia‘s cake graced the workshop as well, with the renowned handcrafted sugar flowers and the overall lovely personality that lights up any occasion with Felicia!
- Paulina & Co. delivered an outstanding event coordination service, elevating the event experience, creating moments that matter, and designing with intention.
- Groupe ABP offered a huge choice of beautiful furniture and table decors, just enough for the set of the workshop!
- Château Nadia’s beautifully curated dresses are a great highlight of the Beyond the heARTs editorial shoot, as it is meticulously selected to offer the most exclusive and one-of-a-kind dress for every bride.
- Bright Sight Visuals ran by the power couple Peter & Ashley, provided the videography documentation for the whole duration of the workshop.
However, Beyond the heARTs was not just about honing professional skills.
We aimed to craft an environment conducive to holistic growth. Our students had the opportunity to participate in guided yoga sessions with a professional health and wellness coach, adding a touch of serenity to the schedule. And let’s not forget the exclusive wine tastings and the healthy culinary experiences that were carefully curated to delight the senses too!
Beyond the heARTs was about connecting—connecting with peers, building lasting relationships, and establishing a safe space to share, learn, and grow. This was supported by exclusive access to an online community group solely for attendees, extending the scope of interaction and collaboration beyond the physical event. Within the three days, we laughed, we shed tears of joy, and we created beautiful memories. We are incredibly thankful to our students who arrived with open minds, enthusiasm, and a willingness to be vulnerable.
In fact, the feedback we received from our students warmed our hearts and attested to the success of the retreat. One shared,
"The information given was so pertinent because of the exercises that we were given. It forced us to really think personally about our own business, which made it so practical for us... I also loved the yoga and wine tasting sessions because they gave us ways to connect together beyond just being photographers."
Another attendee valued the opportunity to experiment and grow.
"I came into this workshop with the mindset that I would experiment and try new things with photography without the pressure of it being a real wedding day, and that is exactly what I got!"
The retreat also helped clarify the visions and values of our students. As one of them put it,
"The value that I want to communicate to my ideal clients and doing the exercises to know what my values as a business are clarified so much for me and made me really understand better my vision. It gave me so much clarity and re-boosted my energy!"
Our personalized, expert-led approach to the curriculum was appreciated as well. One participant mentioned,
"It was amazing!!! Kerstin's wealth of knowledge related to client journeys, workflows, and branding identity was exactly what I needed as I prepared to take my business to the next step... Myriam's approach to photography was so refreshing. She pinpointed exactly what I want to achieve in my photography but that I wasn't able to put into words before."
The retreat was not only a learning experience but also a feast for the senses. Our participants thrived in the beautiful Chateau Ste. Agnes and decors from esteemed vendors that served as a creative playground for their photographic experiments. As one participant expressed,
"The location and decor were just amazing (ESPECIALLY that table setup and the flat lays, I can't get over it). I got so much variety out of the different settings we were able to use and I really loved that. Working with models was so nice because we didn't have to focus as much on making them feel comfortable. I was instead able to put my energy into refining my shots and trying things I normally don't have the capacity for when I'm with real clients."
To strengthen and give the workshop a full circle, we recently hosted a 2-hour virtual Q&A session with all attendees one month after the workshop. This is to help with any follow-up questions from the attendees, and each of them is offered an additional coaching session with the hosts to be redeemed within the next 6 months after the workshop for individual questions.
Looking back, Beyond the heARTs 2023 was not just a workshop retreat. It was a milestone, a shared journey that exceeded all expectations, leaving us eager to explore what the future holds. Whether you were an attendee or are considering joining future editions, we hope this glimpse into our event stirs a sense of excitement, anticipation, and commitment to pursue your passion for photography and filmmaking to even greater heights. We can’t wait to welcome more passionate artists into our community in the future!
You may check out the event highlights of the workshop here!
