Styled Shoots COming
in 2021!

about me

I'm a wedding photographer based in Central California, and admittedly fell into photography by accident. Now, I'm 6 years into my photography journey and loving it! MHP is now a team with an assistant and associate photographer so we can better serve our couples!

We're here because we wanted to create an educational experience that was unique and jam packed with awesomeness! We didn't want something that was basically "Business 101" because real talk - we don't know all the things. And besides, what worked for someone else in their business might not work for you so teaching that felt icky.

Rise + Thrive was born out of the desire to create a very focused educational experience. We wanted to really dive deep and explore a specific topic, rather than brush over a bunch of topics. With every workshop, we want to elevate not only what we offer you, but what you can take away and offer your clients. Ultimately we hope to offer a place where you can master new skills, elevate your own work and connect with others who share your passion.

I'm megan helm, owner and photographer of megan helm photography

location + date

Styled Shoot dates to be announced soon!

You feel like there are way too many photographers out there and you have no idea how to make your work stand out from the crowd!

You love pretty details, but when it comes to styling you feel overwhelmed with no idea where to start.

You're looking for new ways to enhance your client experience, elevate your skill set and overall capture better photos for your clients.

You love details, but when it comes to wedding days, you feel rushed and unsure of what to do next.

You feel like you're struggling with inspiration and creativity and are looking for a place where you can recharge your creative batteries!

You’re willing to learn, but you're also looking for a place where you can grow with like minded creatives!

who is this for?

Rise + Thrive: The Details is for you if…

Hi friends, it’s Megan! I’m a CA based wedding and portrait photographer who loves capturing the happiness and joy filled moments of life. Since beginning my business in 2014, MHP has expanded into a full service wedding photography team! We have photographed over 80 weddings and spent countless hours working and planning weddings with our couples.

I love weddings as much as I love creating the beautiful photos we make at weddings. I’m so excited to serve more couples through sharing the knowledge I’ve gained through years of trial and error and learning! Investing in myself has been the best thing I have ever done for my business, and I am excited to offer others the opportunity to do the same. 

megan helm photography

Joey & Tawni Fernandes acquired this 5 acre property nestled amongst many Oaks on a creek in 1999 with a dream of building a home there for their family of three boys. In 2001 their home was built and they’ve hosted many events with family and friends over the past 18 years. They love to share their home with others and had a vision of opening it up as a venue for special events.

Joey grew up near the property and spent much of his childhood and life playing in the creek and under the Oaks while working on their family dairy. Tawni, Joey, & their boys currently operate Fernjo Farms near their property. Tawni has always had a love for entertaining, cooking, decorating and event planning. Thus the creation of The Oaks at Fernjo.

The oaks at fernjo

Hey guys! My name is Erika Grubb and I am a wedding planner in the Central Valley. When I married my high school sweetheart in 2014, my passion for design, organization and planning all fused together. It was that moment of clarity that shifted my life for the better.

I spent a few years working in the event industry before I started my own business, and now I get to work with incredible people and create moments of bliss. The best decision I ever made was to follow my happiness. It was scary, and hasn't always been easy, but I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I love my community, I love my clients, I love my team and I love my friendors. I hope to continue to bring others joy for many years to come.

erika amalia events

We're Anna & Andrea: the ladies behind Botanique Floral!

We specialize in garden style arrangements for weddings and parties. No matter how small, we would love to be a part of it. What started out as a way to serve family and friends turned into a passion and a way to love others!

We are sisters and florists in Fresno and Clovis, California, creating out of overflow of our creative hearts. We live to see the smiles on our brides faces! 

Botanique Floral Artistry

We are Steve & Angelica Cory! Our passion for storytelling is rooted in our love of the Lord and the amazing journey He's brought us both through in life.

Steve got his start in photography when he was just 15. His passion is for aerial photography & videography. Fun fact: he's not afraid of meeting new people, even if that person is MICHAEL JORDAN! He sat down with him at a wedding and they chatted over drinks!

Angelica has always been in love with weddings, getting her start in 2006 as a wedding coordinator. There's nothing she loves more than watching the beauty of a wedding unfold in front of her. Fun fact: Angelica was so sure of Steve from their first date that she bought her wedding dress before he asked her to marry him! 

CORY MEDIA

At TradeMark Handmade Inspired we pride ourselves on being one of the most innovative custom paperie around! Through handcrafted details rich in color, texture and original artwork, TradeMark strives to create concepts that are far from the cookie cutter invites of the past.

With the hands of an artist and the skills of a designer, TradeMark is revolutionizing what it means to truly offer custom stationery. Staying on top of the trends and the ability to mix the best of modern and vintage, our handmade details create an authentic element making your wedding truly unique.

Aptly named, we have an innate ability to put your stamp - your "TradeMark" if you will, on your special event.

TRADEMARK INSPIRED

At Stockroom Picks, we believe that every piece we pick has a story and every piece we create adds to the narrative. We aim to assist you in the design for your space and to help you create the brassiest, most unforgettable moment this side of the Mason-Dixon.

With a warehouse stocked full of one-of-a-kind picks and handcrafted items, we have what you'll need to give your event a killer vibe. This is our obsession, passion and basically the only reason we get up in the morning.

Stockroom Picks

Hi everyone! I'm Whitney Igoa I'm a hairstylist located in the Central Valley but I will travel just about anywhere to get my hands on a bride's hair! I discovered my passion for bridal hair over 8 years ago when one of my dear salon clients asked me to help her and her party get ready for her wedding day. There's something so magical about creating the perfect style a bride envisions for her most special day. I love being a part of the getting ready moments when we're creating that vision that makes the groom go yowza! Sharing my passion for weddings and teaming up with my local vendor village that puts together such a momentous day is what it's all about!  

WHITNEY IGOA

Hey there, I'm Janelle! 

My makeup motto is "pretty. simple." I specialize in radiant, glowing skin, and softly defined features with a little sexy edge. My style is always flawless, and never overdone. My clients leave my chair feeling confident, not cakey. 

I love this wedding industry because I get to be a part of one of the happiest days of your life! I consider it a privilege to be able to walk down the aisle with my brides via my artistry. Also, I get to work with the BEST people on the planet. This little valley is chock-full of so much wedding vendor talent, it's a little overwhelming. And the best part? They are all so down-to-earth and just "good people". I hope you love them all like I do!

janelle mashtal

Bio coming soon!

Madeleine's Bridal boutique

My name is Shelley, I am the owner, calligrapher and creator of Scribble and Script. I create custom signage on unique surfaces like acrylic, mirrors, and wood that is all 100% hand lettered, 100% of the time. I love getting to put beauty into the world one bride at a time, and it is so rewarding watching my brides look at their pieces for the first time after I've poured my heart and soul into them. Being a leading calligrapher in the wedding industry has given me the opportunity to meet and work among the most amazing creative minds. I am so proud to be a member of the wedding community and I hope this dream job never ends! 

signage

Hiya! I'm Julian and I am the owner and baker behind Belladonna Baking Co. My goal is to provide my clients with unique, one of a kind cakes that have an artistic flair. Whipped up with European sweet cream butter, Valrhona chocolate from Tain L’Hermitage, France, fresh fruits and vegetables, the best vanilla on the planet, and free-range eggs.

My favorite part of meeting with my clients is hearing what makes them different. Just as a couture dressmaker designs, patterns, sews, and embroiders a custom gown, I take the same care with my cakes. Using their stories, inspirations, and ideas to come up with a cake that is uniquely their own. Making a promise that their cake will never be replicated for another couple. This encourages me to stay up to date with trends in fashion, art, pottery, colors, textiles, and flavor profiles. I'm so excited to meet you!

BELLADONNA BAKING CO.

vendor spotlight

the details

Due to COVID, we are restructuring Rise + Thrive so we can maintain a safe environment for all attendees and vendors. Updated information will be announced soon!

Ticket PRICES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON


All transactions will be assessed a 2.9% convenience fee. 

frequently asked

1. What do I need?

You’ll want to bring your shooting gear and a laptop or notepad to take notes. We will have light snacks and refreshments available throughout the day. We will not be serving any alcohol and we will not tolerate any alcohol or drugs during the workshop; this is an educational experience, not a party.

You should also have an understanding of how to use your camera; digital or film. This event is not intended to teach you how to work your gear. We will be covering camera settings as it related to details, styling and serving your wedding clients well. 

2. WHAT ABOUT THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK?

UPDATED: 8/12/2020 at 12:30pm PST. We've moved the education portion of the workshop to be virtual and are structuring the styled shoot portion of the workshop to comply with social distancing requirements. We will be requiring masks and will have wipes and sanitizer available for attendees. We will base the group rotations off of the final number of attendees to ensure each group has ample time at each styled shoot station.

3. How much does Rise + Thrive cost?

Our 2021 styled shoots will our "beta" workshop, so tickets will be at a discounted price. Future workshop prices subject to change.

4. What if we’re a photography team - is there any kind of discount?

5. Can we set up a payment plan?

Because of the changes we have made due to COVID in splitting full ticket into two tickets, we are requiring payment in full to reserve your seat. Please know that should we have to make any changes, you will be refunded in full provided we are unable to find a new date that you can attend. We do not anticipate having to make any changes to the date as our shoot is outdoors and the mini workshops are virtual.

6. Is travel provided?

You are required to provide your own travel to the venue for the styled shoot. Overnight accommodations are your responsibility. We are not responsible for travel restrictions that prohibit you from arriving to the shoot on time.

7. I have dietary restrictions; will they be accommodated?

Yes, please e-mail us once you register so we can be aware of any specific restrictions or allergies that we need to account for. We are not responsible if you fail to communicate restrictions with us by October 25, 2020.

8. How many people can attend?

We are limiting the styled shoot to a maximum of 30 people. Attendees will be divided into groups to rotate through the styled shoot stations to maintain social distancing requirements. If state mandates continue to require masks, we will abide by those rules.

We are so excited for the opportunity to serve you all with some amazing education and a one of a kind workshop experience! Our sponsors have all donated some really awesome prizes and discounts for our workshop attendees exclusively! We cannot wait to share all the goods with y'all. We plan to make this an annual thing, so get used to the awesomeness, because we're going above and beyond to make this workshop totally kickass!

thank you

thriving through creativity + community

Real inspiration, friendship and support for effortless growth in your wedding photography business!

terms & Conditions

By registering for the Rise + Thrive you agree to the following:

Rise + Thrive is hosted by Megan Helm Photography LLC. In exchange for adequate and valuable consideration, Participant agrees to these terms for the following Rise + Thrive as follows: a one day Rise + Thrive Workshop. Registration is non-refundable due to the limited number of seats available. Participant may transfer registration to another attendee. Registrant is responsible for any financial transactions relating to the transfer of their ticket. Rise + Thrive is not responsible for Participants inability to transfer a ticket or any issues that may arise out of their attempt to transfer their ticket.

Terms and Conditions

The Instructor agrees to deliver the Participant a Rise + Thrive as a work-for-hire independent contractor providing Rise + Thrive services. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute a partnership or joint venture between Instructor and Participant. Further, this Rise + Thrive does not create a relationship beyond the confines of the Rise + Thrive Workshop. The Participant is responsible for providing all equipment they need to complete Rise + Thrive unless agreed upon otherwise. Equipment required includes personal and/or professional camera equipment, note taking equipment and any other equipment the Participant deems necessary.

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

The Participant understands that all materials, including but not limited to, pricing information, agreements, and other information, documents and educational materials (verbal or otherwise) that are given to them in the course of the Rise + Thrive Workshop are the exclusive property of the Instructor and are privileged and confidential information. The Participant shall not disclose, whether for compensation or not, the confidential information obtained from the Instructor to anyone unless required to do so by law.

Non-Refundable Retainer Payment

In exchange for the services described herein, Participant agrees to pay the total ticket price of their choosing. Ticket prices are discounted if Participant pays in full. In consideration for reserving a seat, which is a limited item, for Participant, the Participant agrees to pay an up-front, non-refundable retainer (50% of the payment plan option OR 100% of the paid in full option). Upon receipt of the non-refundable retainer, Rise + Thrive agrees to reserve, against all other requests, a seat for Participant at the workshop date and time as stated on the workshop website and registration portal, as such, both parties agree the retainer is earned upon payment. For Participants convenience and marketing purposes only, the retainer is bundled into the full price of the workshop seat, but to be clear, the retainer is a separate fee, not an advanced payment for services and no fees or services are billed against the retainer. Participant is not required to choose either option and has the freedom to choose the option best suited for them.

Transfers/Refunds

The Rise + Thrive Workshop registration fee is non-refundable. The Rise + Thrive Workshop registration fee maybe transferred to another Participant subject to the approval of the Instructor. Transferring is the responsibility of the Participant and Rise + Thrive is not responsible for any transactions relating to the transfer of Participant’s ticket.

Cancellation

The Instructor shall make every effort to give the Participant advanced notice of any changes to the location of the Workshop. The Participant shall give twenty-eight (28) days notice to the Instructor or shall forfeit the entire Rise + Thrive ticket fee. As stated, the retainer payment which is used to reserve your seat only, remains non-refundable. In the event that an assignment is cancelled, the Instructor will provide notice to the Participant as soon as practicable. Instructor is not liable for damages incurred in reliance on this agreement.

Rescheduling

In the event that Rise + Thrive needs to be rescheduled for any reason (including but not limited to illness/injury, emergency, fire, casualty, strike, act of God, or other causes beyond the control of Rise + Thrive and Megan Helm Photography LLC), Rise + Thrive will make every effort to notify attendees in a timely manner and accommodate a reschedule date to their best of their abilities. Participant agrees to make every effort to accommodate the new workshop date and Rise + Thrive agrees to provide reasonable notice of a new date as soon as possible. Megan Helm Photography LLC and Rise + Thrive reserve the right to select a new venue in the event that the chosen venue cancels the event.

Non-Compete

Participant shall not compete as a photography instructor within one years of the completion date of this workshop. This includes, but is not limited to, in-person, online as well as digital products. The Rise + Thrive schedule is subject to change and no adjustment/pro-ration of fees shall be applied if the schedule changes due to extenuating circumstances.

Participant Preparation

The Participant is required to have basic working knowledge of DSLR and Lightroom/Photoshop editing, Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed and general use of their DSLR camera as required by the Rise + Thrive. Rise + Thrive is not responsible for any equipment failure or issues that arise during the course of the workshop. Rise + Thrive will not be providing any tools such as lenses, memory cards, camera bodies, etc. for Participant to take photos during Rise + Thrive.

Travel

Participant is responsible for all travel associated with their attendance at Rise + Thrive. This includes but is not limited to flights, hotel accommodations, rental car, fuel expenses, etc.

Insurance and Legalities

The Participant shall provide to the Instructor, prior to start of the Rise + Thrive, evidence of current business formation and liability insurance. Participant shall be subject to produce continued evidence of current insurance policies at any time during the course of the Rise + Thrive. Failure to produce these documents within one week of the Instructor’s request shall result in delay or termination of the Rise + Thrive. In the event a delay or termination occurs, Rise + Thrive fees shall not be prorated or refunded.
All compensation for fulfilling assistant duties shall be delivered through the education provided within the confines of the outlined Rise + Thrive. Assistant duties include, but are not limited to, equipment retrieval, equipment adjustments (including lights, reflectors, etc.) and other duties as necessary. The Instructor shall conduct themselves with professional courtesy, including but not limited to, refraining from drinking, eating, smoking, and speaking only when addressed by Instructor.

The Client shall not capture the Educational session in any capacity, including but not limited to voice recording, tape recording, photography, etc. In the event the Rise + Thrive includes practicing of photography on models, the Participant shall be allowed to publish the photographs as their own work, but Participant is required to post the vendor list with business names and Instagram handles anytime they post images from the workshop. Participant is also prohibited from submitting any photographs obtained during Rise + Thrive for any publications; exclusive or non-exclusive. This right remains solely with Megan Helm Photography LLC.

All photographic materials obtained in the course of the Rise + Thrive shall remain copyright property of the creator per Copyright Law Title 17, Appendix V. Additional Provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act 2005, Section 102.

Cooperative Attitude

The Participant shall retain a cooperative attitude throughout the course of the Rise + Thrive. At any time the Participant acts uncooperative the Instructor shall terminate the participant’s Rise + Thrive workshop access and retain all Rise + Thrive fees. Cooperation includes, but is not limited to, online and in-person decorum whether directed at Instructor or a third party in reference to the Rise + Thrive. A waiver by either party of any provision of this Agreement in any instance shall not be deemed a continuing waiver for the future. The Instructor shall be held harmless for any and all injury to Participant and Participant’s business and equipment during the course of the Rise + Thrive.

Governing Law and Choice of Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the California without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. The parties may bring an action concerning this Agreement only in the state and federal courts for California. Megan Helm Photography LLC is located in Fresno County and any legal action against Rise + Thrive and/or Megan Helm Photography LLC shall be taken within the county of Fresno.

Attorney Fees

If either party to this Contract brings a legal action against the other party to this Contract to secure the specific performance of this Contract, collect damages for breach of this Contract, or otherwise enforce or interpret this Contract, the prevailing party shall recover reasonable attorney’s fees and all costs, premiums for bonds, fees, and other expenses expended or incurred in the action in addition to any other relief that may be awarded.

This Agreement incorporates the entire understanding of the parties. Any modifications of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. Any waiver of a breach or default shall not be deemed a waiver of a subsequent breach or default of either the same provision or any other provision of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California in Fresno County.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties on its subject matter and supersedes any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement. There are no other promises, conditions, understandings or other agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.