WORKSHOPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | AKP URBAN RETREAT | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | AKP URBAN RETREAT | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

My ninth AKP Retreat took place at home! This event was hosted in Baltimore, Maryland and was certainly full of fun. The group took Charm City by storm and we participated in lots of social events, ate at local hot spots, and got down to the nitty gritty of running a photography business. This intimate group made the weekend special as we all explored Baltimore together. I had such a wonderful time hosting this workshop in my very own neighborhood.

Here are just a few things that made the AKP Urban Retreat in Baltimore, Maryland so special:

THE SWAG

My lady bosses were treated with pink gift boxes that contained lots of goodies, including a few of my local favorites. Contents included class materials such as notebooks, pencils, lanyards from EAlexDesigns, etc. Special gifts like Charm City Meadworks and Mouth Party Caramels tailored the box to Baltimore specifically.

THE FOOD

One of my favorite things about Baltimore is the food. My husband and I make it a goal to eat somewhere new for every special occasion. This was a chance to share with the girls some of the places I love, and a few that I had not yet been to. Our group favorite from the weekend by far was Cask & Grain. It’s both beautiful and serves up fantastic cuisine!

THE DOWN TIME

The time that we get to spend just talking is something I treasure. These are the moments we really get to know one another and that we have a chance to chat about our biggest struggles. It lays the ground work for relationships that follow, getting stronger after we all leave and go our separate ways. Even during lectures we enable the group to treat those as discussions. While it often runs over in time, it’s so worth it to be able to open up and share. It’s often helped others going through similar situations or encouraged someone to finally overcome that obstacle that has been looming over them. The absolute best part is watching everyone cheer each other on. There is no better support group than the one you meet at the AKP Retreat!

THE TREATS

We spoiled the girls with quite a few surprises during our time together. I adore giving gifts so this always brings me so much joy to pull off. A highlight of said surprises was our doughnut and coffee display! With fresh doughnuts from Center Cut Doughnuts, custom tumblers from Discount Mugs, and a stylish touch by Simply Gorgeous Events by Lara-Jill, we all woke up to a treat for breakfast on day three.

THE GRAFFITI

More surprises came to light when the girls arrived for their headshot swap at Graffiti Alley. Not only did we arrange a second couple to join us for their creative shooting pleasure, but Maureen from The House of Flynn showed up! She arrived with gift boxes for each of the girls (including myself… thanks for your thoughtfulness, Maureen!) and gave away a backpack and wallet to one lucky attendee. This was a colorful blast!

THE STYLED SHOOT

Old Line Spirits truly opened their doors in each and every way for our AKP Retreat attendees. We had the whole place to ourselves for a gorgeous styled shoot designed by Lara-Jill. This gave us all room to get creative and have fun with Chelsea and Heath, one of my recently married duos! They rocked it and the guys at the distillery treated us all to custom cocktails at the end of the night. We could not be more grateful for such extraordinary vendors working with us.

Love the preview of this shoot? Check back on Friday to see a full blog just for that!

THE PEOPLE

I have definitely saved the best for last! If there is one thing I can guarantee with these events, it is that you will leave with a new family. It will start with the person you first click with, slowly grow into a small group as you let your guard down through the workshop, and grow even more after you go home and are introduced to veterans just like yourself. I have been so fortunate to watch these friendships form and mature. It gives me all the feels to know I had even a small part in it, even if it’s the platform for introduction.

There are not enough kind words to speak about the ladies featured above. They are all kind, full of heart, unique, passionate, and they humble me. Each of them have supported me by taking part in this adventure, and I’m so honored to spend my days returning the favor from their sideline. It’s so cool to be a cheerleader for so many fantastic women and to know that I have them in my corner, too.

Looking for your tribe? Join us in New Orleans!

Videography | Ashton Kelley Photography

Photography | Ashton Kelley Photography & Emily Melissa Photography

Editing | Photographer’s Edit

Event | AKP Urban Retreat

Design | Simply Gorgeous Events by Lara-Jill

Speakers | Ashton Kelley Photography, Images by Amber Robinson, and Anne Casey Photography