The Cannons Mastermind Retreat: Real Growth, Real Connection, Real Breakthroughs

There’s something powerful about stepping away from the daily grind and surrounding yourself with photographers who truly get it.

That’s exactly what happened at The Cannons Mastermind Retreat—a weekend of deep conversations, business breakthroughs, and major mindset shifts that will impact our students for years to come! We loved being able to finish off the entire Mastermind Experience with this retreat as our end cap. After our retreat we wrap up with a few open Q&A calls and final one on one calls with each member.

From refining workflows to learning how to work less while making more, to panels with industry-experts and heartfelt late night conversations in our PJs — every part of this retreat was designed with intention. But more than that, it was about gaining confidence, pushing past limiting beliefs, and building deeper connections with photographers who have now become lifelong friends through the Mastermind Experience together.

Here’s a look at everything that we covered during this round of our in-person retreat here in Ohio!

Friday’s Theme: Laying the Foundation for Growth

We kicked things off with big hugs, warm welcomes, and instant connections. Being able to be in the same room was like taking our mastermind calls that we’ve come to love to the next level! Everyone came committed to making the most out of this weekend by being open and willing to change the way they think, work, and show up in their business.

Here are a few highlights from Friday:

1. Mastering Flash & Lighting – We walked through our simplified methods to create consistent, high-end wedding images.
2. Mini Hot Seats – Each student got time for personalized coaching to identify gaps, gain clarity, and create a plan for growth.
3. Quarterly Planning & Outsourcing – This lesson was all about learning how to scale smarter, set clear goals, and reclaim their time
4. Vision Boarding – Maybe the most fun activity of the day! We spent time mapping out the business and life you actually want.
5. Website Review & Strategy Pow Wow – Refining brand messaging and online presence to attract dream clients.

By the end of the night, we knew—this was more than just a business retreat.

Saturday’s Theme: Business Breakthroughs & Storytelling Mastery

Saturday was all about digging deeper into your brand, refining your messaging, and mastering the art of storytelling.

Topics that we tackled during Saturday:

1. Crafting a Compelling Brand Story – Through strategic storytelling, our attendees discovered how to create deeper connections with their ideal clients.
2. Mini Hot Seats – Round two of our hot seats continued with coaching specifically around refining their pricing, marketing approach, and overall client experience.
3. Branding & Headshots – Each attendee left with updated headshots they can now use on their website & social media to showcase their elevated personal brand!
4. Website Strategy Deep Dive – This lesson was all about identifying weak points and tweaks to make on their website to help convert their ideal clients.

Sunday’s Theme: Deep Conversations & Real Breakthroughs

Sunday was raw, real, and transformational. It was the day photographers realized they were capable of more than they ever believed.

What we covered all day Sunday:

1. Open work time – Time to sit down and really start to dive in on all of the things that everyone had on their fresh todo lists with everyone nearby to give open feedback.
2. Planner Panel Q&A – This is one of our attendee’s favorites —a rare opportunity to hear directly from wedding planners about what makes a photographer stand out to them.
3. Bridal Party Posing Workshop – We did a quick overview of our large group posing and creating natural movement to make it easier during chaotic wedding days.
4. The Ultimate Brain Dump – Clearing mental blocks and creating an actionable roadmap for growth.

This was the moment fears were confronted, limiting beliefs were rewritten, and confidence clicked into place.

Monday: Wrapping Up & Stepping into Confidence

Monday was bittersweet—the retreat was ending, but the momentum, mindset shifts, and friendships were conversations that have continued over Voxer.

Monday’s Takeaways:

1. Detail Styling Workshop – We spent time learning to capture high-end wedding details that elevate your portfolio
2. We captured beautiful flatlays together to practice what we had just learned from the call.

We wrapped up with one last meal together, reflecting on just how much had changed in a few days!

Why Our Retreat Was Different & Our Mastermind Values

1. It wasn’t just about learning—it was about transforming how we think, work, and show up.
2. It wasn’t just about growing a business—it was about building one that serves our lives.
3. It wasn’t just about making money—it was about creating impact, finding balance, and doing work we love.

 

At The Cannons Mastermind, serving our clients well is at the heart of what we do, but so is creating space for our own lives—the moments with family, the weekends we’re not glued to a screen, and the joy of doing work we truly love. Time is precious, and we’re intentional about making sure our businesses support the life we actually want to live.

And we don’t do it alone. The best part of this mastermind? The community. The friendships. The people who challenge you, cheer you on, and push you to dream bigger than you ever thought possible.

This retreat wasn’t just about business strategies. It was about stepping into the next version of ourselves.

Applications for The Cannons Mastermind are open until February 19.

If you’re ready to scale your business without overworking yourself, confidently raise your prices, and surround yourself with a community that actually gets it—this is your invitation.

Apply now and take the first step towards changing your business and your life for the better.

 

Photos Captured by Rachael Leigh Photography and The Cannons Photography