
I'm on a mission to make art accessible
July studio Content Day
for the creative in you
Hey Y'all
I'm offering the July Studio Content Day for photographers in Cary, NC. I'll be hosting six studio sessions on July 22nd. Applications will open Friday, May 27th on a first come, first serve basis! Mark your calendars. Because of the size of the studio the number of spots available is limited. Breakfast and lunch will be provided! Tickets are $800. We are having this event on Friday so you will be able to get to your weekend bookings!
recharge the creative in you
I know creative shoots can be difficult and expensive to coordinate and setup. I still struggle to set up the big concepts with a busy schedule. I'm using this as an opportunity to setup shoots with a bigger budget and unique props that I am typically unable to do. The shoots will include professional hair & makeup by @peachcowgirl, wardrobe, props, set and more stylized by me! This is a jam packed event so that you can get a ton of content for your portfolio or to recharge the creative part of your soul. We will be bring everyone together so there will be time to make friends, connect, learn from each other, and grow. This event is not a workshop and you will get out of it what you put into it. Update: for the first time I will be having a videographer for the whole event. Get excited for @wanderducksphotoandfilm to record the day!
Concepts:
Signup Process
What happens After the content day?
In my own community I found it hard to connect with local photographers and use them as mentors and resources to grow my brand and my art. After attending the July Studio Content Day you will have met the community you belong to. I'm working alongside my husband, Benjamin, to create a network of photographers who are supportive, encouraging, and want to grow their art and business. These are people who want to see you succeed. We will work together, eat together, and make memories together. After, we will all contribute to our peer's journey's through my educational facebook group. From there we can offer advice, support each other, and learn from each other long after the July Studio Content Day.
FAQ's
The price of $800 includes six photo sessions styled by Me with professional hair and makeup by @peachcowgirlbeauty on instagram. Unique props, wardrobe, and set design by Me. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
The July Studio Content Day is an event for photographers to come and refresh their portfolio, connect with other passionate creatives, and reignite your inner passion for creating.
This event is not for models. If you would like to model for a future event, please fill out the google form at the end of this page.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Breakfast will be light with fruits and easy to eat food that we can snack on all day. For lunch, food will be brought to the studio where we will have an hour for lunch. Feel free to stretch your legs at Lake Crabtree County Park, only a 10 minute drive away. Water will be provided throughout the day, if you would like any other drinks feel free to bring your own.
This is not a workshop. A basic understanding of your camera and its settings is recommended so you can get the best content. For this content day there will be plenty of time to connect and collaborate. I am open for any questions you may have. Keep in mind that I will be helping pose and getting shots myself, because I am excited about these concepts too! Be ready to connect with others and grow as a photographer, so you get the most out of the content day.
Spots are given out on a first come first serve basis. Apply sooner than later so you can secure your spot at the content day. Please keep in mind that this event is fast paced and a basic knowledge of how to use your camera will be helpful so that you can get the most out of your time.
Any photographer can come from someone just beginning to professional photographers that have been working for years. Although no experience is required, to get the most out of your experience I would recommend a basic knowledge of your camera and its settings.
Fill out a form to signup. I will send over the acceptance email and contract within 48 hours. Read over the contract for your understanding then sign. After signing you will be able to pay using debit card, credit card, or ACH transfer. After paying the deposit I will add you to a group chat with all the photographers and send over a schedule for the day.
This event is for all photographers. Whether you have been shooting for years, or are starting out you will be able to get something from this content day. Although it's not required, I recommend a basic understanding of your camera and its settings so you get the most out of the experience. Come with the desire to push yourself artistically and the willingness to learn from you mistakes so you can have a great time.
You will get six uniquely styled photo shoots in a studio session with professional makeup & hair, wardrobe, props, set design, and models. You will also be able to connect with other photographers with a passion for creating.
The full amount of $800 is due by Friday, July 15th. Sign up and we can discuss a payment plan that works for you.
Please read through the FAQ and the information on this site. If you still have questions then please do not message me on Instagram. Send me an email at michaelbetznerphoto@gmail.com. I will reach back out as soon as possible.

This is my story
Lifelong Learner and Artist
Hey y'all, I'm Michael. A little bit about me: I started with a homeschool eduction. With the resources I was given, college was not an option. In 2019 I had been working as a waiter and was fed up with the culture. Without many other passions I turned to photography (so happy with that decision!). Over the years I used Youtube, online articles, and meetups to connect and learn with other photographers and models. I was able to teach myself how to use a camera, market myself, come up with concepts, and all the different aspects of my photography business.
Unfortunately, I found that the community I walked into wasn't what I wanted it to be (i.e. gatekeeping and exclusive) and setting up stylized shoots was expensive, time consuming. Starting out, I was lost. Being self taught, I know how challenging growing as a photographer can be. Looking forward, I am creating the opportunities I wanted when I was beginning my career. Content days are an accessible option because I'm able to offer stylized shoots with a bigger budget. Photographers are able to network with me and others to learn and grow from each other. Moving forward in the photography industry, I want to create an open community where photographers help and inspire each other to be better artists and photographers without the limitations I faced.
What are my Retreats like?
Feedback from past attendees
Alan Trammel
“I am so glad I attended this event! The March Content Retreat allowed me to step outside my comfort zone in the company of other photographers. Having three different themed shoots in the same day was a great way to expand my artistic range and technical skills with my camera."

Sonja Bierschenk
“I only booked Saturday, but wish I stayed the whole weekend! I loved working with models and curated sets and wardrobe, the shots I got are otherworldly! Meeting everyone was so much fun, I can see how much work Michael & Benjamin put into this weekend and meeting them was definitely the highlight. ❤️”

Hannah Stiles
"This retreat was a really fun experience! The concepts were unique and detailed. All the sets and outfits were well thought out. The mood boards did a great job of representing the shoots! Overall I would absolutely recommend!"

Briana mejia
“This is my first time attending a retreat and Michael went above and beyond. He made sure models and guest were safe and had constant communication. The sets and models were AMAZING. The only thing I regret was not attending the whole weekend. 10/10 Would do this again.”

Brianna Julian
"I had a blast at Michael's content day! The concepts came to life from his mood boards and did not disappoint! You can tell there was a lot of attention to detail in each set. There was constant communication throughout the days leading up to the shoot, as well as day of. Amongst the attendees, there was a collaborative nature that was very welcoming! 100000/10 recommend!"

Candace South
“Michael and Benjamin did such a fantastic job setting up and hosting this content weekend. I absolutely loved their concepts and so happy to have had the opportunity to shoot these visions. I loved each of the different unique looks - so much more different than other styled shoots I have seen. It was so fun!”
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Check out past attendees work: