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At the beginning of June Wayde, Kathy, Angie, and I all had the amazing opportunity of going to Billings, Montana. In Billings we attended the “Show Me Studio Success” three-day conference hosted by Clark and Rachel Marten with Clark Marten Photography.  There, we not only got to meet and get to know the amazing team behind Clark and Rachel, but we also got to get to know other photographers and owners from all over the country. It was great to not only hear everyone’s stories but also share strategies and get to see how other studios overcome similar obstacles. In addition to that, we got to collaborate with other professionals who also understand the value of continuous learning and bettering oneself in our field of photography.

Throughout the conference they targeted many different areas in succeeding with your studio business. Some of the topics that especially stuck with us here at Babbonis were mindsets, creating systems, studio design, Photoshop tips, studio culture, as well as marketing strategies – just to name a few.

One thing that stood out to me specifically was when Rachel talked about mindset. She referenced Russell Wilson’s, Seattle Seahawk’s quarterback, quote: “why not me?”.  My inner football fan was intrigued. As she continued she brought up the difference of having the mindset of “I hope for a good year” verses “I am planning on a good year”.  Another speaker at the event, David Hilton, expanded on this with showing us different ways of putting mindset into action and the importance of systems. I especially loved his quotes: “It’s not about working harder but working differently” as well as “frustration is a lack of system.”

Having this opportunity for our whole team to go to this conference was truly wonderful. Not only did we all get the opportunity to learn together and be on the same page, it also gave us the time to decide how to take everything we learned and implement it to our studio in addition to give us the chance to grow closer as a team. But ultimately, we’re excited to implement everything we learned to provide an even higher level of service and increase the value of your experience here at babbonis.

•  Posted by: Angela Povlich • Communications Director

Each year the Muscular Dystrophy Association of SE WI presents the MDA Black-N-Blue Ball. The Ball’s motorcycle theme encourages a relaxed and fun evening on the part of its guests dressed in “black” leather and “blue” denim. No stuffy tuxedos or fancy cocktail dresses here – just the opportunity for area business and community leaders to expose their alter-egos on the road to a cure for neuromuscular disease.

As great traditions go, all the supporters who roll up to this huge event in down town Milwaukee, are offered a commemorative photo opportunity offered by Wayde. Not only is this a great way for Babbonis to give back to this community of big hearts, but we also get to mingle with those making a difference and hear their stories. We tip our hat to all the sponsors, health care providers, volunteers and friends who support the courageous families living with muscular dystrophy.

Harley-Davidson is a legend in the Milwaukee area and they are legends in the fight of many great causes. Another event we are privileged to give back to is the annual Toast To Hope night held at Hal’s Harley-Davidson in New Berlin. Each year the event has a new theme and the fund raising efforts continue to soar. 2014 was no exception as guests dressed in 50’s style, bopped to the rock’n beat and supported ALS research. Wayde was there again and photographed many new and old friends on the back of a retro style bike.

Our relationship with these two organizations goes back over 12 years. It’s a great way to get out into the community and capture the many great faces that make a difference.

•  Posted by: Kathy Hillery • Portrait Consultant, babboni photography