Hello! I attended the @bellybabysummit in Orange County, CA this past weekend. Ana Brandt was the mastermind behind this summit, she’s done it for many years and I wish I have been going prior to this year.

I want to first start off by talking about how nervous I was to attend this summit. I originally learned about it when Esther from EstherKayPhotography posted that she was going to be teaching at it. I’ve been following Esther pretty heavily for a few years now and am always amazed by her work. She is an amazing and very talented, well known, fine art maternity photographer here in the Bay Area. Honestly, just knowing she was going to be there is what drove me since I knew ONE person.

As a photographer, we are in an artistic industry where we need to continuously learn and educate ourselves to grow our art and our businesses.

Ana was absolutely amazing! All the teachers were! If you're a photographer, you know that the portraiture industry is heavily saturated and is very competitive. So much to the point that  a lot of photographers don't sit and build each other up or create community, they are more focused on not sharing or teaching, not helping one another for fear of losing clientele and competition. That was NOT what this summit was all about. This summit was to help other photographers like myself learn more and grow within themselves as business owners and as artists.

All the teachers were so willing to answer all and any questions, they were an open book, sharing secrets, and business practices, different ways to speak to your clients, speak to future and repeating clients, ways to change the experience your client has with you, ways to better your lighting skills, and how you see things in camera. It was hands on. I felt like I could ask anything and my questions were always answered with above and beyond answers that were detailed, and helpful.

Not only did I learn more about my specific sessions I offer such as newborn, maternity, and holiday minis, and cake smashes, but I also had the amazing chance to learn how to photograph under water, as well as a worship about birth photography. Kristen was an amazing teacher who resonated with me so much because she too LOVES to shoot holiday minis back to back, and Ana loves photographing everything and anything and has this amazing business that she has built for many years and is so successful at what she does! Veleska taught me some different ways of how to change my newborn work flow and posing techniques, Jane has a new business that is geared directly towards photographers called picsello, Alaina is such a talented birth story telling photographer and her passion for it really shows in how she speaks about it. Lastly I learned so much as well from Tristene and Monica especially about how safety plays a huge part in water photography.

I just cant speak enough about how much I truly took away from this summit.

And I cant forget all the amazing women (and man) who attended this summit, everyone was very transparent and open and willing to talk and made me feel comfortable. As photographers we have to remember we need to be here for one another and build each other up not tear one another down, especially just because someone may do something different or have a different view on something. Looking forward the new friendships I

Thank you Esther for checking on me a few times the first day and second day to make sure I was ok and feeling more comfortable.

Thank you to all the teachers, especially Ana for not only holding this summit and letting us take over your studio, but also being an open book and sharing all the amazing information you have learned over the years with being a photographer and business woman. Kassandra Lee

Attending the California summit last year propelled me to push myself harder; to believe that I can do this! Whether you believe me or not … I am here to say worth the time away from family and investment. If you don’t believe I will only say this when I look at my work today and pinpoint what where when …. It goes back to all I learned from all her teachers at that summit! And of course Ana! Editing, styling, hanging concept, creativity and believing in myself. Once again - I ask …. Do you know anyone who mentors or teaches and does what Ana does??….Her last one and coincides with a huge milestone for her…. I WOULDN’T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD!!! Can not wait! Linda M

______________________

I've attended a few of Ana's workshops and now summits and I have to say, I always come away with new knowledge, many ideas and a renewed drive in focusing on my business.
Everyone, the instructors and students, are so kind and helpful. You can tell everyone there is wanting our industry to do well and our fellow photographers/business owners to succeed. We become each other's cheerleaders. It's amazing!
Highly recommend attending one of Ana's trainings for business and personal growth. Alaina N

_______________________________

Ana's workshops are always absolute Photography gold. But what's more, she is incredibly warm and inviting to photographers of all levels. She invites other photographers to come and teach, proving that at the bottom is competition and at the top is collaboration. The instructors and fellow students were kind, encouraging and seem to be each other's biggest fans and cheerleaders. If you are looking to find your photography tribe, come to one of Ana's summits, or really any of her workshops; you will leave with more information then you can fit and a tribe of supporters. Rise up! Melissa W

_______________________________

Thank you so much for having me as a speaker, I loved being able to help your students with pricing!

I also saw what an amazing group of photographers you have, everyone is eager to learn and I even learned from the other speakers too.

It is more an a summit, it is life-changing and gives you the confidence you need to make your photography business a success from all aspects. From posing, working with clients and babies to marketing, to pricing, to editing... to bringing your own creativity to the shoots. What an amazing summit! Highly recommend to anyone looking to up their game in newborn and child photography!

Jane  

_______________________________

I've been to 2 summits now and I love that each summit is unique. I come away so inspired. It's nice to be around other women photographers and business owners who understand the journey, the process, the struggles and can celebrate your wins even if they just met you. Even if you've been to a clinic or workshop with Ana before, you should definitely add the summit to your yearly to-do (must do) list. Thank you Ana for providing the opportunity to meet all these amazing creatives and for sharing your heart and craft. I appreciate you!

_______________________________

I’m back in the what seems like “country life” after being in LA and enjoying my bluebirds and Monarch butterflies but there is an itch that I can’t scratch. I’m missing all of you incredible women, students and teachers (you too Gary and the most amazing men helping out). I asked several of you, “how do you know each other” because I felt like I was a newbie. Well, the response was that they had been repeaters to Ana Brandt’s conferences. They found friendship, support, and education repeatedly. So, I guess I’ll see you ladies again. Hugs.
Oh, and a shout out to #Outex The Belly Baby Summit in LA May 2022 #Sony

_______________________________

This is 4th Belly Baby Summit.  I have attended four thus far and wouldn't miss one ever!! Each summit is better than the next (if that is even possible)!!!  I always leave having learned so much!! from so many industry leading guest speakers and Ana!!!  My takeaways are too many to list but motivated, inspired and new friends with like minded people are my top three!  The time and effort Ana puts into these summits boggles my mind each time!!! Thanks Ana for another amazing Summit!!!

_______________________________

I've been to 2 summits now and I love that each summit is unique. I come away so inspired. It's nice to be around other women photographers and business owners who understand the journey, the process, the struggles and can celebrate your wins even if they just met you. Even if you've been to a clinic or workshop with Ana before, you should definitely add the summit to your yearly to-do (must do) list. Thank you Ana for providing the opportunity to meet all these amazing creatives and for sharing your heart and craft. I appreciate you!

_______________________________

This is my second Belly Baby Summit Live and I am already excited for the surprises that await for all attendees in the 2024 Summit. I am flying back to California and in the meantime I've been able to process all the new information given to us. My mind is exploding (in a good way) and my heart and soul are happy because of the new bonds I made with talented and beautiful photographers. It will always be an amazing investment attending the summits (or any workshop with Ana) because of all the valuable things you take home. Thank you Ana and your amazing team for doing this for us.

_______________________________

It is more an a summit, it is life-changing and gives you the confidence you need to make your photography business a success from all aspects. From posing, working with clients and babies to marketing, to pricing, to editing... to bringing your own creativity to the shoots. What an amazing summit! Highly recommend to anyone looking to up their game in newborn and child photography!