We went to the facebook page asked our Unleashed attendees from years past: “What was the one most important thing you got from Unleashed?”  And here are their responses:

“hard to pick just one.. but for me, I think learning how to properly price my work and time was most valuable. (And I love that we can still get advice from each other!) :-)”

“The opportunity to shoot in a real studio and out on location. Not watching someone else doing it or reading about. But getting to do it yourself!”

“The people. Being able to share stories, struggles and experiences with others and knowing they are there and willing to discuss anything I need too if I get stuck on something.”

“The possibilities. I had so very much to learn that I didn’t even know to reach for. My head practically exploded for all the information and I developed a framework to build on that’s kept me busy since. I could take it again, have just as much fun, and learn lots more that was beyond me the first time around. Hmmmm.”

“I’d say it’s a toss-up between lighting with off-camera flash, working with pets (and their parents!) in the studio, and pricing my work.”

“I agree–hard to pick one thing–but if I had to choose one thing I’d say the Business Structure and pricing! ok well that’s 2!”

“For me it was being able to being able to SEE the possibilities at a location. Being able to scout out the light, possible composition in the surroundings. Seeing the potential in the lines from different angles.”

“I think I said this in the little promo video too…the opportunity to use MY equipment and see what it could do. Most times when I would attend a seminar or workshop, I would come home with a list of things I wanted to purchase because that is what the instructor used. Unleashed was different – the instructors helped me use my equipment. I distinctly remember having trouble with my Pocket Wizards and explaining the issue I was having to Bev. She told me to stay and sit (now it sounds like I am a dog…!) in the session that we were having, while she left the room with my equipment, went outside and experimented with it until she figured out what was wrong. Considering that Bev shoots with a Nikon and I have all Canon gear, this was above and beyond. When Bev returned 30 minutes later, she had figured it out, showed me how to do it, and worked with me until I got it right. Teresa inspired me to work with rescue and volunteer groups and I honestly have had opportunities I would not otherwise have had as a result. More than that though, Teresa showed us HOW to do it, so I had a place to start and left with a plan. Together, both Bev and Teresa set me on the road to profitable pricing. I really couldn’t have done what I have without them!”

“DON’T DISCOUNT!”

“I too find it hard to pick…but I really loved meeting the people and having a support group…Still speak with so many of you regularly. This was the first place that I could get solid advice on pet-photography business and how to start my business. I loved that Bev Hollis & Teresa Berg were complete open books when it came to questions and advice and gave me such a good solid foundation for my business.”

“January doesn’t work out for me, but I’m hoping to do the full Unleashed if it’s offered later in the year. I did attend Teresa‘s Studio Shooters workshop and OMG was it awesome. I learned *so* much. Enough to feel confident buying my first lighting kit AND using it afterward :)”

“So hard to pick just one! I did the studio 2 day with Teresa and i learned so much and enjoyed the participants, the dogs, the dog owners, being in Teresa’s studio, and having our facebook page to keep in touch. But i guess my main goal was to learn how to photograph in the studio on a white background with studio lights and Teresa Berg did that and more! I have watched tutorials and read all about high key photography but could never get it in camera and Teresa made it possible for me to get it in camera and i love photographing with a white background. I am so happy and grateful to Teresa for teaching me that!!!! I really want to come in January to get more business info and photograph outdoors. Still trying to see if i can make it happen with my schedule.”

“ditto, hard to pick just one. the in-person planning consultation and ordering sessions have been so helpful!”

“All the information received is priceless. I would say the studio work helped me the most, but the location work helped me understand how to get those beautiful shots clients want to order as big prints! Of course the friendships forged with the other members of the group is a wonderful bonus! Bev and Teresa are the best! If you are on the fence about going…go ahead and jump on the go side, you will not regret it!!”

“I attended the Studio Shooter workshop with Teresa, and I think the most important thing I took away is that there is no “one way” to do something. What is important is the light and how we use it, but there’s a lot of ways to get there. I had no studio or lighting experience, but I learned enough and gained enough confidence through the class to set up a “mini-studio” at my animal shelter/adoption center, which is a very challenging environment for such a thing. Several animals have been adopted through the photos from this set up, and for me that is what it is all about. I am going to the Unleashed, Dallas to get some more experience and learn something about the business side of things. I’m also looking forward to meeting Bev Hollis and getting another perspective on things. Come join me!”

“I agree … so much to take in, but for me, probably the most eye-opening was pre-planning/taking control of the session … still working on it, and definitely considering UNLEASHED again when comes back to VA . Bev and Teresa rock!”

“It is difficult to pick just one thing. This workshop came at a critical time for me and helped me determine what I wanted to do. 🙂 I met some of the greatest people and continue to keep in touch. I really don’t think I would be as far along as I am today if I hadn’t taken the plunge and attended UNLEASHED. I am forever grateful!!!”