Recently, I had the opportunity to join Dane Sanders in San Francisco for one of his Roadshow Workshops. I’m going to start by saying I just adore Dane Sanders. Like me, when he teaches his workshops it is of the utmost importance to him that his students take something away that will change their world for the better. I love that about him. Dane is a talented photographer, but coming from an Academic background, he’s a also fantastic teacher.

If you are new to the wedding photography world or are thinking about jumping on the train, you need to read his book, Fasttrack Photographer, and attend Dane’s workshop when it comes to your town. Yes there is a shoot-out, and yes you’ll get TONS of freebies from places such as

• ShowItSites/ShowitWeb
• Pictage
• Kubota Imaging Tools
• PhotographyMentor.com
• ShootDotEdit
• ShootQ Studio
• SmugMug
• KISS Wedding Book
• Drobo

But the real value is in spending time with Dane and learning to understand the core of running a REAL business for yourself. I have been in business now since 2001, and I was scribbling notes like a mad person during the workshop. What’s special about Dane is not only is he an artist, but he’s a sharp businessman. Not all photographers are like that, and if you want to make photography your business, its important to learn.

I have often said that if you were going to open a grocery store, you wouldn’t be the only person in there making purchasing decisions, stocking the shelves, ringing up customers, sweeping the floor, etc… Oh, you would have a tiny part in all things when its your “baby”, but you learn to outsource and hire a staff to make your store run efficiently. Dane takes this concept to the next level by clearly explaining who you need to bring into your life and company to make your photography business run efficiently. Workflow techniques such as Lightroom and event organization are covered as well. It is an eye-opening, challenging experience, and you will learn what it takes to make your business successful.

I had a great time at the SF Workshop. Dane split the photographers into groups and asked me to lead one of them during the shoot-out. That was really fun. Here’s a shot I took of the photographers shooting the models!

Everyone got five minutes being the “lead” photographer with the couple, so at the end I decided to take a turn, too. This was my favorite.

Thank you, Dane, for letting me come to your workshop! I am pleased to write about it here on Jules Café and would highly recommend it. Dane is taking the workshop all over the country, so click here to see when it will be in your city!