A Letter From Laura
Hello Gather Community,
I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to April for making the magic here and creating an incredible place to explore and develop new skills. April, you are such an inspiring artist in many ways! When we need hand holding, you are there…when we need a gentle nudge—you know just the amount to push. It is incredible to see your teachings linger in other artists’ work. The work that you all have created together and individually is spectacular. April, you have such an amazing mind and have made such a difference for all of us. We know you will continue to make a difference for all us here and everywhere you go!
There are changes coming to Gather. April is stepping down from running Gather, but will still be teaching and sharing her incredible mind and skills with us. I am honored to be taking over the day-to-day operations of Gather. Know I have lots to learn and am excited for our next ventures together. Thank you, April, for allowing me to continue with what you have created and build on it.
My commitment to you is this:
I want to keep classes and Webinars coming to you that inspire your creativity and give you a reason to keep expanding your world.
New classes and Webinars for 2024 January, February, & March will be announced on November 15th.
Any ideas or questions, feel free to contact me: texts are returned faster than emails… 916-747-3148, Pacific Standard Time. My email: drmarmimages@gmail.com
NEEDED
We need to share this incredible place with more photographers! No more keeping Gather a secret! Please tell your friends what you love about Gather and invite them to join us.
Truth is, we are not able to fill our classes and by fill, I mean not even 5 people! Once upon a time, Gather Academy had a reach of 3,000 people through the Instagram Account. This account was lost and could not be recovered, no matter what April tried. And she really exhausted all options. So, then what? April had a great reach on her own private Instagram account, she would share upcoming events and classes there. Thank you for that!! But, her “AprilMilaniPhotography” account got hacked and she had to start over with a new name. if you aren’t following her only account, it is: “AprilMilaniArtist”. You don’t want to miss out on seeing what she creates!
Here is the reality. Gather Academy can’t survive without a greater reach into the community. I am beginning to search for a marketing resource that can help us. That is one way, I will pay for it, as I feel we desperately need some experienced experts. Another expert—is every one of you. My background includes Non-profit Management and School Administration. So, I started to think about what else we can do as a community to get the word out about how awesome this place is. I would like to try some ground zero activities. One is having a Photowalk in some towns and cities near you. Even YOUR location! How can we do this? Ideally, if there is a Camera Club or Camera Store you belong to or frequent, let’s get them involved. They have a greater reach of membership and emails. We would offer a free Photowalk that can give them another activity and allow us to build our community at the same time. If you live in a remote area and have a virtual community, we can reach out to this population too. Getting excited for this? I am!
This concept is in the very early stages, so I don’t have everything in place, because I need YOU! Looking for a team of people, 5-10 Gather Members to help me move forward with this concept. No worries—does not mean you have to lead a Photowalk.
WANTED
Gather Members to be part of our “Reaching Out” team. (Bet you all can come up with an even better name too. I just realized it spells out ROT, LOL. See, I need help ☺)
People that are passionate about photography.
Someone who wants to share the magic of Gather with new folks.
If this could be you, call or text me! 916-747-3148.
