Over the course of 5 months, photographers who choose to be apart of the Elena S Blair Photography Mastermind will transform their business and themselves. Although every experience is different we have seen so many talented photographers grow in ways that sometimes even surprise themselves. In this blog series we will highlight Alumni who have completed the photography mastermind and allow them to discuss what their personal experience was like. Keep reading to see the thoughts of today’s Alumni, Marlo Moody.
What cohort were you a part of? I was apart of Level 1 – Cohort 4.
What your favorite part of the mastermind?
Elena’s mastermind was a pivotal YES that changed the course of my life personally and professionally. Each week over five months the class taught me how dedication and accountability can organically grow the “dream” of having my own photography business into a reality. The class and speakers gave insight and tangible practices/knowledge that catapulted my photography biz. Furthermore, Elena has intentionally created a class platform that not only teaches you the steps that YOU need to take but connects you within the class by using slack and “small” groups or Pods. By far the most influential for me were the photography Pods and the community that Elena creates. This life can be so hard and challenging; especially overcoming fears within my own head; however, now that I have participated in Elena’s Mastermind I have a photography army behind me. A community ready to give advice, guidance, support, encouragement, and inspiration. The mastermind surpassed all expectations and welcomed me with open arms into Elena’s Mastermind Family. My heart, mind, and soul are forever thankful for Elena’s passion and gift to empower photographers! Thank you Elena!
What are some changes or improvements that you have seen in your business since joining and completing the mastermind?
OH OH OH where do I begin. Since Elena’s Mastermind I have launched my website, set up systemic process for contracts and invoices, opened my own business LLC and bank account, established (and continued to do so) my branding, ironed out my portfolio that added school pictures to off set slower family photo session, and so so much more. I doubled my photo session within a year and increased my prices to a more profitable status. Realizing it is an organic process that I have to commit to doing something each week in order to grow. Picking up my camera and continuing to learn my photography knowledge and pushing my ability within my camera has been a big shift in my mindset as well. What I am forever grateful for is the accountability after the mastermind was over. My amazing pod (#3 is the BEST) continues to meet weekly via zoom. We talk about life, our top 3 things that we are working on to grow our photography business, and bounce other ideas around to encourage each other. To say I am blessed is an understatement.
What are some changes or improvements that you have seen in your habits, lifestyle, confidence, and spirituality that you have seen in yourself since joining and completing the mastermind?
The mastermind has taught me to create a plan each week that moves me forward in my “why” behind the photography business. My “why” motivates me to keep taking steps no matter the size of the step but moving each week so I can authentically grow. Elena truly empowered me to “just do it”! The confidence to unapologetically show up and do me! In my style of photography, in my way of communicating, and in my life! I know that my style will not be for everyone and my prices will not be for everyone. I proudly embrace the acknowledgment and trust that I am doing what is best for me. Keeping my faith in myself is so important and Elena shaped this for me each week. How important it is, to be honest with yourself in the areas you need help with and take time for yourself. I feel like I grew more in five months with Elena’s Mastermind than I did in the first two years of taking my photography business seriously.
How would you describe the retreat experience.
I just wrote a blog on this! haha! https://endive-gecko-8w83.squarespace.com/blog/florida-to-california-reliving-a-revolutionary-retreat.
As I walked into a trendy all-white Palm Springs, California house, I was overwhelmed with a deep profound gut feeling of gratitude and the surrounding presence of all the individuals that have come before. As I physically open the sliding door for my feet to emerge into this room buzzing with chatter and goosing with joyful vibes, I was moved with emotions. This room boldly held the presence of beautifully successful (in their own ways), professional photographers, individuals, partners, friends, mentors, business owners and so much more. The sheer fact that I, Marlo Moody, a girl from a tiny town in Florida would have the opportunity to be in this same room, still astonishes me after a month of attending the most revolutionary Mastermind Retreat by Elena S. Blair! As I stood breathing in this rush of feelings, I was forcing myself to lean into an unspoken fear that I’m not equipped with a quarter of the photography knowledge that is standing in this room but completely open to this self-awareness and the acknowledgment that I am here for a reason. Willing. Open. and Ready to absorb all of it! A reason that I am still defining and will continue to evolve with and without my camera.
Now that I am back home in Tallahassee, Florida I am still processing and reliving the retreat. Reflecting, I remember it was this time last year that I approached my groom about applying for a photography Mastermind. I honestly, had already done an interview but it wasn’t the right time to start it the year before. I remember the kids had just left for school and I asked Mike if he would reconsider this class one more time with me. I proceeded to dive into the positive side that I noticed would bring to my photography business. I had been researching and watching Elena S. Blair for two years ever since I took a class of hers online. I connected with her voice and her passion for empowering other photographers. Mike and I understood the investment it would be for us both to say yes. It was not just a commitment financially but also time. After a good hour’s conversation, we both agreed to say Yes! It will forever be a pivotal shift in my life by saying yes to Elena S. Blair’s Mastermind Cohort.
Five months of multiple weekly zoom calls plus dedication to lean into the fears and unknown. I truly listen, grew, and continue to act on all the knowledge that was provided to me. I kept singing the song “I’m on the edge of glory” by Lady Gaga over and over in my head. This Mastermind adventure with Elena is packed full of believing in yourself, creating a foundation for success, and developing a plan that works for you. Elena’s gift of seeing YOU and graciously giving her all in the class was refreshing, motiving, and inspiring. I quickly realized that the Mastermind was impacting my personal life just as much as my professional. At the end of the Mastermind experience, Elena host a retreat for all to attend and open to alumni as well. Unsure if I could personally afford the trip but knowing that I would definitely regret not going catapulted me into continuing to work hard each day.
Have you ever experienced a “God Wink”? Or as my mom used to say “God cracks me up”! It was the beginning of December and like most of us working hard to finish up the 2022 year and wrapping gifts like crazy at night to be prepared for Christmas. I get a call from Mike (hubby) all excited about something…”bebe you will never believe this but I just signed a new client that is from Palm Springs”. We both realized that this dream of going to the retreat turned into reality! I’m still laughing at how God truly works the details out for us.
Elena S. Blair’s Mastermind Retreat surpassed all expectations and continues to impact my life. From around the world incredible photographers, Bridget Wood and Brooke Schultz gave us insight into their successful photography business. Guest Speaker on “how to balance life” time management by the talented Neyssa Lee Photography. Her insight on balancing your weekly goals into a tangible Top 3 list has changed my day-to-day workflow with Marlo Moody Photography and my laundry! The amazing Canon Team allowed us to test out an array of new camera bodies and lenses. Thank you to each of you! Your time, energy, and love for photography and business ownership are inspiring.
By far the most influential was strengthening the community that was created. Deepening lifelong friendships and solidifying the passion within me. The retreat gave me the personal touch that I didn’t know I desperately needed. The joy of meeting up with these beautiful photographers made me feel like I was a child on Christmas morning.
I showed up to the retreat as me, unapologetic just as I am, and left two days later changed forever. My “Why” behind my photography passion is more refined which purposely carries me in my daily accountability. The photography business can be lonely (and some days they still are); however, now I have Elena’s Mastermind Cohort community on my side. A community that’s foundation is empowering, uplifting, and encouraging! A pivotal YES a year ago that will continue to allow me to slide open doors! Thank you Elena from the bottom of my heart for who YOU are! You have gone before me in so many aspects of this business (and life). I will forever be grateful for the gift that you so graciously give to this community.
What would you tell someone to help them take the leap and join the Mastermind? What words of encouragement do you think they need?
If you are thinking of taking Elena’s Mastermind and hesitating because of the price tag or the time commitment, I completely resonate with you. It was both (time and financial investment) that I didn’t take lightly and prayed over it for months. When I commit to doing something I make sure that I will be able to give everything into that commitment. With life, the balance of another job with my husband, balance with my children, and home life plus what does this commitment look like with my marriage? See, I knew what was important to me, my relationships and I didn’t want to take this step unless it was going to be worth “mixing up” some of the stuff above. I expressed all of the above with my hubby. We talked about what I needed to be successful in this five-month commitment and we both agreed to a plan. Five months go so quickly and the whole picture of life is not that long; however, the investment financially and time is worth the growth, knowledge, and community that Elena offers in her mastermind.
What are you working on right now? What is something that you are excited about in your life and biz?
My big focus for 2023 is leaning into blogging for my SEOs! I have never blogged in my life but learning to embrace my voice and have a little fun! My goal is to do a photography blog a month plus add what I call “Feeling Free Fridays” once a month about life. Showing any photography class work or just photos of my family and any adventures that we have taken. This is allowing me to really tap into my creative side that desperately needed an outlet/platform. The Feeling Free Friday blogs are for me and I’m having so much fun! I’m also working hard to add schools to my business. The Tallahassee market has been more challenging than I anticipated but I’m ready to face the challenge. I have been mailing personalized letters and marketing materials in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Started quarterly email campaigns with my square space website! I’m so excited to add this to my business workflow. My first email campaign went out in early February and I got one booking from it! That booking paid for a year of email campaigns within square space. So so cool and worth it! I get super excited looking at the growth of my business!
You can view more work by Marlo Moody at her website www.marlomoodyphotography.com and on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
If you are a photographer who is looking to level up and transform your business and mindset to achieve your goals, you are invited to apply to be in the next Cohort of the Elena S Blair Mastermind. You can join the waitlist to be notified when applications are live and being accepted. Don’t miss this opportunity to create life long community, the business of your dreams and the confidence to be authentically you.
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