Testimonials.

“SNAP has been hugely influential on my career as a photographer so far. I have not only learned a whole variety of things from some of the best but I have found a community of people with whom I can share my worries and achievements without the fear of being judged. I feel wholly accepted and like people have got my back and that gives me so much courage to go out there and do what I want to do. I am especially impressed by the level of inclusion and the focus on diversity in the group. I always feel safe but know that if I didn't I would be listened to and that's so important. I feel like SNAP puts values before everything else and it makes me so happy to be a part of it.”

“I've been to Snap three times now and while I feel like I know what to expect, each year has been different. I've learned different things which have improved my business but most of all I've learned how to build my confidence, built a really supportive network of friends and improved my photography. Snap isn't a week away glamping and learning about photography, it's more of a long term membership to the community that keeps me coming back.”

This was my second year at SNAP. Last year I was a little worried that it would be "cliquey" and that I'd feel left out, which has happened to me before at photography workshops/conferences. Of course, it didn't happen, and everyone was bloody lovely, so my only worry this year was that it wouldn't live up to the awesomeness of my first one! But again, I needn't have worried. Literally the only thing that wasn't as awesome as 2016 was the weather, and I'm not holding that against anyone. There's something special about SNAP. I think it's the fact that it feels like a holiday: part summer camp and part workshop. So when you leave you feel rejuvenated all over: your mind has relaxed because of all the fun times and happy people, and your body has relaxed because of the holiday vibe. Add to that the talks and classes, some inspiring for your mind and some full of practicalities for running your business, and it's no wonder that we all left feeling overwhelmed (in the best possible way) and full of excitement about our futures. Remember that book "Chicken Soup for the Soul"? We should all write a book called ‘SNAP for the Soul’!

www.katforsyth.com

My biggest reservation about going to SNAP is that I would have come away having not really gained anything and that it would feel like a total waste of time and money. I was even worried mid-week that that might still be the case as I was totally overwhelmed with everything. The amount of information in my head and being around so many people all of the time was like being at a wedding 24/7. Luckily Fforest is in the most beautiful countryside so I managed a few good long walks to bring back the calm, something clicked into place and it all turned into something amazing. I made such good friends at SNAP and felt part of a wonderfully warm, loving and accepting community. I was inspired by some amazing photographers and business people and learned a whole lot that I can pass on to my life & work. It's difficult to choose my favourite part of SNAP. It really is. I loved the venue and location, Pembrokeshire is one of my favourite places to be and it feeds my soul. We listened to some spectacular photographers and people stand up in front of over 100 of us and bare their souls in their work and life stories and their ways of working. Those same people sat round camp fires, shared dinner and danced with us and then also shared in the big teary hugging mess of people in the biggest group hug I have ever been involved in as we said goodbye to the friends we had made that week. For me THAT is what made SNAP. I still have to go through all my notes from the week and fill my to do lists with all of the things I know I now need to do to improve my life & business and I am sure if you come back in 6-12 months I will have a whole load to add about how SNAP has impacted my life. I really hope so! Much love xx

www.larissajoice.co.uk

Yes I admit, I was debating on whether to come to Snap up until a few days before it all kicked off. I had just come out of a 5 year relationship, with someone who I thought was the love of my life. I *knew* that coming to Snap would do me a world of good and take my mind off of things. But a huge part of me just wanted to crawl into a ball and disappear down a deep black hole and stay in bed and wallow all week. Motivation was at an all time low, I felt like life was over (as dramatic as it sounds) and at the time it felt like my business and finally getting on top of shit was such a far away dream again. I had only really recently got organised (business wise) in the last year and felt like I was finally getting somewhere in terms of my routine, health etc, as we had finally settled in our house and it felt like things were finally getting on track. After the break up, I left our house that night (which we'd only purchased together 8 months before) and felt like I had just taken a billion steps backwards. Where was I going to live? What was going to happen with work now? I had finally started to get to a happy place where I felt like work wasn't ruling my life day in day out. Now there was going to be a huge upheaval and everything felt like a mess.  I can safely say that picking up the courage and coming to Snap was simply the BEST thing I could ever have done. And it could not have come at a better time. I spent time with a bunch of good friends who I had known for a long time, but I also met so many amazing and wonderful new people. My eyes were opened up to what a huge place this world is, how much there is to see and how much there is to do! It was so good to chat to other people, make new friends and swap stories. It was incredibly therapeutic and just made me realise how small my problem was - and that there is so much to live for and be grateful for.  And the talks! I came out of the talks feeling like I could take on the world. Not just professionally but personally. I feel super excited about the future of my business, even if there will be a few hiccups along the way in terms of getting settled into a happy place again. It was exactly what I needed.  Everyone was so kind and welcoming. It can be easy to dwell on the negatives and take our job for granted, I can safely say I left each talk thinking "I am so incredibly lucky, and this is the best fucking job in the world" and I couldn't wait to get back to work.  The organisation of it all was brilliant. Laura, you are an absolute legend and I can't even begin to imagine how much work you and the rest of the team have had to put in to make sure Snap happens. Thank you!

www.lauradebourdephotography.com

Would my third SNAP be as good as the first two? I'll admit I was apprehensive but you smashed it yet again! Thank you Laura and team xXx  I loved the split of newbies and olds and that everyone got on. I loved the way everyone, including the speakers, mixed all week. I loved the Wednesday party night! And finally, I absolutely LOVE the community emotional outpourings & honesty post SNAP too and the community page.

As a photographer from the US I was really worried about going to a workshop abroad because of the cost and unfamiliarity with the speakers on the list but I decided to attend anyway, hoping that putting myself outside of my comfort zone would bring me something different to my life and business. I have attended many workshops over the years because I've always been searching for "my people", which I would consider those who are creative, welcoming, supportive and incredibly fun. SNAP completely exceeded my expectations. From the moment cars started arriving I instantly felt welcomed, included and most importantly seen. At workshops I have attended in the past I felt invisible and unimportant, especially when I knew only a few people to begin with. The SNAP community was incredibly welcoming, genuine and no one acted like they were more important than anyone else. I had conversations with many that went deeper than small talk and left feeling like I had a wealth of new friends from all over the world and many invitations to visit the UK again as soon as possible to spend more time together. I have sung praises about SNAP to many friends already, telling them that it was planned with heart and intention to create a true community that supports each other and welcomes people in with open arms. Ultimately, community is what we crave as human beings and as creatives that thrive on emotion and connection- most of us tend to work alone on most of our days. Having an opportunity for something like SNAP is invaluable to creating new connections. I had the time of my life at SNAP and I was legitimately so sad to leave the U.K. after this experience. Laura you have truly created an incredible space and place for people to grow and thrive and I feel so lucky to have attended. Thank you for all your hard work and know that it has a profound impact on those who attend. <3 I will be making it a priority to stay in touch with the people I met and use the knowledge I learned at SNAP to better myself and my business. I can't wait to attend again!
www.seriouslysabrina.com

The first year of SNAP blew my mind a bit. I fell in love with the wonderful Fforest site and the inspiring group of people who had gathered there, sharing their collective wisdom and enthusiasm. I left feeling so fired up and excited to take on the 2015 wedding season. The second year I was in a bad place emotionally. I was burnt out and I felt like I'd lost my love for what I was doing - full on imposter syndrome with lashings of fatigue. I really needed SNAP to lift my spirits but I also felt a bit intimidated by the awesome photographers who were going to be there and worried that it would have the opposite effect. In reality, I found SNAP 2016 soothing and re-energising in equal measures. I left feeling relaxed and like I had found my way again. This year I was so bloody excited for SNAP and I knew I kinda risked being disappointed as a result. How could it come close to the previous two years? The bar was set so high now. Surely it couldn't be reached? But as soon as I arrived on site I knew it was going to be exactly what I needed it to be. I came away happier than ever. I found inspiration where I needed it and allowed myself plenty of downtime. I didn't try to do everything or experience any thing in particular. I just went with the flow and let the experience wash over me. And it was all good! For me, SNAP is totally about the community and about having some time away from home and the day to day running a business shit that breaks my soul. It's about stoking the creative fire within and then toasting lovely little marshmallow ideas over the flame. It's about trying new things and stepping well and truly out of my comfort zone. And above all else it's about friendships. The kind that make the wedding/photography industry feel a whole lot less lonely and intimidating. The kind that mean I know I have people to turn to all year round when I need them. The kind that will keep me coming back year on year on year. SNAP people are my tribe. The SNAP festival is my happy place. The SNAP community is my home.

Snap for me was a whole bunch of emotions and thoughts and that was before even arriving. I knew I wanted to be pushed outside of my comfort zone in order to create some new friendships, better my business knowledge and generally, improve my work but I didn't necessarily want to do that with over 100 new faces, all of whom kick arse in the photography world! That said, I went for it and bloody hell, I'm glad I did.  Snap and all the amazing people there allowed me to be me! As cheesy as it sounds, I had gotten into a rut of taking the same pictures over and over. Being with a huge bunch of creative genius' allowed me to see things differently, experiment and most importantly, get my passion back for what I do. I have never known a community like this. One where there is so much support and love and pure talent! I have been privileged to have been part of it and literally can not wait to see what next years Snap brings! Laura, you are one hell of a lady organising such a kick arse event - thank you.  

www.timelessphotographystudios.co.uk

Snap for me was a whole bunch of emotions and thoughts and that was before even arriving. I knew I wanted to be pushed outside of my comfort zone in order to create some new friendships, better my business knowledge and generally, improve my work but I didn't necessarily want to do that with over 100 new faces, all of whom kick arse in the photography world! That said, I went for it and bloody hell, I'm glad I did.  Snap and all the amazing people there allowed me to be me! As cheesy as it sounds, I had gotten into a rut of taking the same pictures over and over. Being with a huge bunch of creative genius' allowed me to see things differently, experiment and most importantly, get my passion back for what I do. I have never known a community like this. One where there is so much support and love and pure talent! I have been privileged to have been part of it and literally can not wait to see what next years Snap brings! Laura, you are one hell of a lady organising such a kick arse event - thank you.  

www.timelessphotographystudios.co.uk

Wow, Snap really blew my mind! During my studies I learned a lot of technical stuff but felt really boxed with regards to creativity. Snap really helped me to discover a free and creative side to my photography which I'm so very grateful for. I also learned a bunch of business stuff that I never even thought of.  I felt such a sense of freedom at Snap. Maybe it was the community. Maybe it was seeing how people struggle (just like me). Maybe it was experiencing a bunch of strangers just cheering me on for no reason at all. I felt encouraged and empowered.  I'm so grateful for the experience and wouldn't trade it for anything.

After my first year of Snap last year I thought things couldn't get any better than 2016. Well! 2017 was EPIC! It wasn't any better in any particular aspect. It was different. I think I got a bit more this year from last year in regards business approach and where I'll be focusing my efforts. Last year was very much about me finding my style of photography. I'm not sure if that's just because of the emotion and passion the photographers from last year brought to the table but more that Snap in 2016 molded me visually through my photos. This year has been all about what to do with that and it didn't disappoint. Cannot wait to see what the next Snap brings and what else I can get from it.

Snap really is something very special. Having enjoyed Snap 2016 as an attendee I was so excited to be invited back as a speaker. During the process of proposing and planning out my talk it really struck me how much care was put into providing attendees with quality content. There were steps along the way to set learning outcomes to make sure that the sessions were the best they could be. I felt that it helped me to raise my game as an educator and it made me so excited to see what the line-up had to offer. It was full of rich, diverse and thoughtfully-planned educational content. There was so much to be learned, regardless of what level you were at.  And then there's the community. Snap is more than just a workshop... a conference... a retreat... it's a family. Yes, that's ludicrously cheesy but: if you're part of it, you know exactly what I mean and if you're not part of it yet, all I can say is that I've never known a kinder, more inclusive and just plain awesome group of photographers. At times that meant deep talk, setting the world to rights around the campfire, laughing til my stomach hurt or sharing support when my emotions got the better of me.  It's that combination of inspirational educational content and even more inspirational company to enjoy it with that makes Snap truly unique. I feel so lucky and grateful to have been part of it. 

http://www.camerahannah.co.uk/

Earlier this year I was asked to be a speaker at the world famous Snap Photography Festival in the beautiful West Wales hills.  I had a blast, met some great new friends and experienced lots of great new things…..like a silent disco.

Snap Photography Festival is a unique blend of world class speakers, amazingly creative like minded folks who want to learn, great food, good company and lots of laughs.  Laura Babb and her husband Pete work wonders all year round to create an event that epitomises (to me) what a great learning event should be.

Everybody mixes in, there is no room for ego, and Laura and her band of merry helpers have fostered something that I think is brilliant, brave and possibly even unique in the photographic industry.

By being cocooned with people who’s only ambitions are to be positive, the negatives that often exist in social media and “silent whippers” in my world as a professional wedding photographer were zapped at their core. Laura is a believer, an educator, a bloody good photographer and a person that will grab an embryonic idea and nurture it into something very special.

I’ve spoken at many conventions across the world; the amazing FDF in Argentina, forFujifilm in Japan and all across the UK and Europe.  My latest jaunt took me back to my home land of Wales.  And it was a wonderful experience.   I’d call it F**ng EPIC.
Kevin Mullins

SNAP is so much more than a photography festival.  It's a community that celebrates individuality, cultivates kindness and encourages us to enjoy others for their uniqueness.  There were so many different people from different parts of the world, with different views and ideas about things, yet there is this overriding sense of harmony and support here.  I'm pretty sure this doesn't exist anywhere else in the photography world.  It's priceless. - Alice Boagey

I'll be honest and say I'm always a bit of a skeptic about things which isn't a good thing, and I tried to approach SNAP with an open mind.... However the first 36 hours I wasn't really 'in to it'.  It just seemed like some talks which were good but mainly just an excuse for everyone to escape their lives for a few days and get drunk.  I thought that for the price I'd rather take my family away and spend some much needed time with them.  I really thought I'd not even consider returning next year.  I wasn't having a bad time but it just wasn't for me.  There wasn't much practical stuff and I'm not really in to the 'ooh be yourself vibe'... I just wanted to learn cool tricks to make better photos.  The more SNAP went on the more I realised I just had totally the wrong approach to it, and I didn't change my approach, SNAP changed it for me.  I now realise being a creative isn't just about learning a new trick here and there to make cooler photos but it's a voyage of self discovery, one that in the end helps you become an artist not just someone with a camera who knows a few techniques that helps make an ultimately soulless photo.  I can safely say that I am more inspired than I thought possible in every aspect of my business due to SNAP, I feel less stressed and very clear what I want to do and how to do it (ok I have to apply that now which is the hard part!).
Andy Hudson

I have just got home.....I am so utterly broken that one of my eyes stopped being a useful part of my body somewhere along the M4. I had such an amazing time!! Thank you so much Laura and Pete for putting on such an amazing event. Thank you to everyone who came to support me at my talk and cheered me on when the speed presenting kicked in. Finally thank you to all my new amazing friends...it fucking rocked....just remember....don't be a dick!!!
Sassy aka Assassynation

To Laura and everyone else who shed blood and sweat to make Snap happen you have created something truly special! Thank you so much!  To the speakers and all those I had the pleasure of spending time with, be it a chat by the fire or in the sun, or random (often booze fuelled) shenanigans thank you for making it such an unforgettable week! The future has never felt so bright and exciting :) 
Matt Badenoch

I'm home and feeling completely exhilarated and happy despite being utterly broken from the week's shenanigans. I'm feeling so blessed to have got the opportunity to live the magic of Snap again, to see beautiful familiar faces and to have met fabulous new ones. You're all bloody ace!! The inspiration is off the scale.  Thank you Laura, Pete and to everyone else involved in creating this super special experience. You really are a total legends.  And Xeco and Ro Chan, thank you sooooo much for letting me be part of the most amazing wedding day ever! You are two truly special people.
Ayesha Rahman

I just wanted to say this has been an ultra super week, met so many awesome people, learnt so so much to help me forward ME and most of all I can now say I've been to Snap. Thanks Laura for running such an fabulous event. One that will stay in the memory!   Thanks to Xeco & Ro for deciding to get married and let us all join you all.  Truly unforgettable memories. I've come away having made some wonderful new friends and cementing ones I already had. Please make sure you all keep in touch. Can't wait for the next time we meet. You are all so brilliant and amazing! Right.... I'm off for a cry!  
Jamie Sia Gadong

I'm so sad it's all over guys, WOW. Honestly, life changing, i'm SO fecking pumped for our next wedding! Not to mention the amazing people we've met and friends we've made. Thank you to all of the frigging fantastic speakers and to every one for making the experience so incredible and to you Laura for looking after us all and making everything go just perfectly. Would definitely love to be a second time Snapster. ️
Katie Fairclough

What an amazing week it was!!! Fucking awesome experience! Many thanks for inviting us. It was a real honour to be part of this fantastic event among all the great speakers and attendees. We haven’t expected to meet such an amazing community who will became so dear to our hearts. We’re absolutely thrilled that we were part of it.  We’ve got lots of inspiration from all of you guys. All of you gave us great energy, wonderful vibes and simply say kicked us out into the new wedding season. Wonderful time which we will treasure forever. We’ve got new friends and amazing memories.  Thanks for such a warm welcome, endless talks and friendship! Laura and Pete you've created such an amazing and supportive community. You rock! 
We already miss you all! Until the next time!   xoxo
Whitesmoke Studio

I have an alternative name for SNAP PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL. #Hugfest
Alex James

This last week I had the most amazing time at SNAP Photography Festival!! We toasted marshmallows, sang around campfires, danced our hearts out, hugged all the hugs, were invited to the most beautiful surprise wedding and just happened to attend a whole bunch of fabulous inspirational workshops along the way. I have made so many wonderful friends through SNAP, you are an amazing community. I love you all, huge hugs! 
Louise Miller

This last week at Snap has given me back my confidence to trust my gut and my voice. University had all but destroyed my love of photography and in a single week, all of you have helped me get it back. I just cried AGAIN because I was trying to explain how life-alteringly amazing snap was to someone and couldn't find the words... cry count this week = off the charts. You guys are the bomb.
Sophie Fowler

Home now too and haven't caught up on all the posts... But I'm basically feeling the same as all of you. What an amazing week it's been! So great to meet lots of lovely snapsters! Thank you Laura and Pete for a week I'll never forget! Big love xxxx
Selina Marie Harris

When I first heard of SNAP last year the grumpy cynic in me couldn't believe how everyone that I knew who had gone were putting SO much time and effort into praising it, and promoting it ...I thought everyone must have been coerced into leaving such insanely good feedback by brownies & cups of tea.  Now I realise exactly why those people spent the time and effort talking about SNAP. What an incredible week, with such amazing people. I seriously can't wait to see you all again. Thanks so much for organising such a fantastic event. The grumpy cynic in me has officially gone.
Will Fuller

Thoughts on Snap: You know that thing when you go on holiday and want to do all the stuff but can't do all the things you want to? Well it means you have to go back again, and that's nice. Snap is the same.
Emma Louise Latham

Before snap Megan and I thought we had our shit fairly together, Snap has caused us to loose our shit (in the best possible way) we're now spending the next few weeks finding our shit again (just in time for the first wedding of the year).  Thank you so much Laura and Pete for creating such an amazing supportive community. This week has been incredibly inspiring and a little bit overwhelming. Thank you! You are all beautiful. Keep moving, keep shooting and don't be a dick!
Ahmani Vidal

What an emotional ride. There is no other workshop with this magical vibe. Im trying to write something but Im speechless, just not sure if it was a good idea to book a wedding for tomorrow...
Wojteck Chrapek

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING. thank you for all the laughs and hugs and genuine kindness. I love all of your accents and smiles and caring attitudes. All of you have inspired me to just be myself even more so than I already am. I have never felt more at home anywhere else.... I am exhausted, in tears and really can't put the words together to describe what Snap has meant to me. xoxo
Rachel Kaye

What happened?!! I blinked and it was over! Thank you Laura and every single one of you for a totally SNAPtastic week. My head is swimming with shooting, info, fun, hugs, giggles, cheeky daytime drinking, little chats, belly laughs, smiles, tears, and hundreds of fizzy, wonderful little snippets keep coming back to me. To Ro + Xeco, thank you for sharing such a special celebration with us. It was magical and I'm welling up just thinking about it.  SNAP forever xx
Elyse Marks

What an amazing week back at beautiful Fforest with the Snap tribe.. I've made some awesome new friends, reconnected with old ones, learned shit loads, drunk shit loads, and generally had a bloody brilliant time. After a really difficult time personally, last year's Snap kind of brought me back to life (my Mum's words!), and this year was no less special to me.  We got something really wonderful going on here. All the happy tears..   Thanks so much to Laura, Pete and the other organisers for making it happen. You rock.  Oh and I still haven't been in the sauna, to the beach, wild swimming or made it to breakfast on the last day, so I guess I might just have to come back next year ;) #snapsterforlife
Helen Schryver

Never really been a fan of workshops.  Went on one and watching 15 people running around trying to shoot a couple while the speaker tries to explain how they shot just kinda made me sad.  The last few days I had the honour of shooting at Snap. I have come home tired but completely and utterly buzzing with ideas, business goals and a massive hunger to shoot EVERYTHING.  What Laura and Pete have achieved with Snap is quite frankly unbelievable. They haven't just booked some speakers at a venue, they have created a community that wants to help, learn and share.  I feel very proud to have been accepted by you all in to the Snap family and feel a bit like the strange uncle who never puts down his camera - you know what I'm ok with that.  I may have learnt a lot about shooting, composition and business but the biggest thing I have taken away is that maybe I am alright at this and maybe I should love myself a bit more. I had a couple of chats with people who gave me a loving telling off and the things they said surprised and (sorry for the word) empowered me to be a better person.  So thank you to ALL of you for making this loud mouth, hairy, slightly tubby fool feel loved and very very special.

Lee Allen

I have literally no words. Snap Photography Festival and the incredible people who surround it have absolutely broken me in the best possible way. A more coherent account may appear later once everything's filtered through my brain, but for now I'm just going to go with: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Elly Lucas

I'm just home. Fucking knackered and head full of stuff. I'll write a proper post later next week when I've really made sense of it all.  But what a fucking immense week that was.  A very very special community with some very very special people. You've turned a weary cynic into a different person.  I'm also fairly sure that the most hugs I've ever had in a 4 day period.  To you all. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. 
Guy Collier

There were soooooooo many happy moments this week...seeing old friends, and making new ones! Massive thanks to Babb...you have created something that has, and will hopefully for many more years to come, change people's lives! Great lineup of speakers again...you all rock!  Hope to see many of you again at the reunion.  #SNAPhugs
Andy Li

Sad and tired back home after a wonderful week with so many amazing people. It was a pleasure to see everyone again and get to know the new people of our family. SNAP is really something else and I can't wait for next year. I still can't believe what a weather we had on the wedding day, totally unreal and perfect. Thanks Laura Babb for creating this unique experience!
Lukas Piatek

Words can't describe how I'm feeling. Last years SNAP was awesome and WOW snap 2016 was just as AWESOME.  I wondered whether it would be as good but you certainly did SMASH it!!  Last year when I attended Snap I was still in my day to day job feeling unappreciated and trying to juggle work, my photography business and family life, and like Petar Jurica said 'its fucking hard work'. Fast forward to September 2015 and I've quit my day to day job.  It's just amazing how people have seen the change in my work since attending snap 2015, I thank Laura, Pete the speakers and everyone of you snapsters for creating this special unique community.   Keep hugging tight and remember 'Fucking love your clients', 'don't be a dick' and 'we are all unique and special' x
Richard Savage

This year Snap was extra special for me as my husband got to come too.  For those of you that know our story, Snap was a turning point for me last year and again this year, simply because it brought out a passion for photography and an inspiration I haven't seen in Julian in a long time.  I know its a turing point for him as well and that is thanks to every one of you.  Thanks again Laura Babb for doing what you do.  See everyone next year and hopefully many of you at reunion.  xoxo
Jessica Milberg

SNAP and the amazing people and speakers shone a whopping great big light on a lot of stuff for me. I feel hugely, massively inspired, I feel fired up and don't quite know what to do with all the electricity in me right now. I just wanted to say a mega thank you to Laura and Pete for pouring blood sweat and tears into creating something genuinely amazerbeams. I feel uplifted and inspired with a whole new direction of motivation. I also want to say a heart felt thank you to this group/community for being so damn amazing too. Happy SNAPster love to you all xxx
Bethan Beej Jones

Blimey. What a week. As I prepare to suffer some epic SNAPlag after not managing to get to bed before 4am at any point (sleep is for the weak) I'm really not sure how to describe my first SNAP.  I was relieved to discover all the fabulous things I've been tweeting and sharing about SNAP are ridiculously true and I haven't been lying to the online world for the past six months.  I loved every second. The party bus bonding, the happily hungover shower queues, the three-measures-of-gin pub cocktails, the mandatory surprise fruity vodka shots, the endless amounts of cheese, the brain-scramblingly brilliant talks, the off-road silent disco spins in light up shoes, the campfire crooning, the camp shack deck sunset chats, the moving, the shooting, the swearing, the stories to well up to, the creeping realisation that someone to your right is sneaking a picture of you, and the hugs. So many free hugs.  Huge thank you to Laura (I want to be her when I grow up) and Pete. It was bloody marvellous to be a tiny part of such a huge radioactive camera-clicking Godzilla of an event.  Many hugs to Ro and Xeco for letting me and my iPhone broadcast their wedding to missing SNAPsters and watchers all over the world.  And even more virtual hugs to everyone who made this weird blue-haired graffiti artist feel like part of your tribe, despite the fact I have never taken my camera off auto. Here's to me being inspired to flick over to manual and beg you all for second shooter jobs after I learn what the hell I'm doing.  Love ya, ya bunch of weirdo storytellers (and storytelling deniers).  What you do is bloody brilliant.   
Lauren O'Farrell

I'm sitting here reeling at the amount of love in this INCREDIBLE community this week. It was an awesome week (understatement of the century).
Thanks for accepting/welcoming/hugging/loving me whether I was being a pro or being a party monster, I've never received such a concentration of compliments in the space of a week. You are all freaking awesome.
I just wanted to say that I have never met a more talented bunch of people in all my life. Every one of you produces great work. Every one of you is SO dedicated and committed to honing your craft. KEEP GOING. You are all such an inspiration! 
Laura and Pete, you are the best and you're never getting rid of me now! Thanks for inviting me to be the SNAP SEO Queen (and thanks to those of you who anointed me with that name!!) I am already thinking what I can do to wangle my way back in next year.
Maddy Jones

Just a little post here, now that I've had time to actually reflect on what SNAP did for me and to me.  So, I've typically been the quiet type of person that lulls around working a full time job just to fund my life. Never really thinking I could actually enjoy the job part. That all changed last August when I decided to go full time with photography. Since then, I have realised it is the best decision I have ever made. I finally understood what people meant when they kept saying the cliche terms of "Do what makes you happy." or "Find what you love and just do it." I finally understood that part of it, but still felt like something was missing in my life.  Here comes April, 2016. I had the opportunity to attend a photography festival in Wales. I had the opportunity to hang out with over 100 people that shared similar interests. For the first time in my life, I found that missing piece. The people. YOU GUYS.  To be around that many supportive, inspiring, awesome people. It goes deeper than the photography/creative/inspiring aspect, though. It gets down to the human aspect for me. So many discussions, so many stories, so many real moments spent with the lot of you. It made me realize that THESE are the people I need to be around on a regular basis. THESE are the people that I can turn to if I ever need to. THESE people are my real tribe. And I truly BELIEVE that.  I'm not just saying it to be sappy or attention seeking. I've never had anything like this in my life. I have my friends here back home, and I would die for them, but the connection I made with a lot of you guys is just.........different. It's refreshing. It's reassuring. It's a lot of things.  So, with all of that said, SNAPSTERS..............you've indirectly convinced me to keep chasing. To keep dreaming. To keep doing my thing. One of those "things" that I plan on doing is MOVING TO EUROPE OR THE U.K. in the next 2 years.  That's not one of my typical old Loafman "say I'm going to do something and then forget about it" things, either. I'M GOING TO FUCKING DO IT.  It will take time to move my life over there, but it is exciting and I am being smart about it all. A lot of steps need to be taken, but a few are already starting, because that is how bad I want it. I felt truly alive over there. I felt like I belonged. That's what SNAP gave me.  SNAP was the greatest experience of my life, and I thank all of you for being a part of it.......even if you didn't realize you were.
Jacob Loafman

Got my feet on to Welsh soil for the first time last month. Green everywhere. Left-hand sick driving (terrible), sheep galore and just the quaintest, most lovely countryside. I spoke at SNAP Photography Festival, just outside of Cardigan. Fforest Farm, a beautiful outdoors-nature-everywhere glamping set up.

It was a huge honour to speak among such talented people in the industry. To hear others' hearts and perspectives on their work.

I went just to speak but I was not expecting to leave so inspired and ready to take on my year ahead.

Andria Lindquist

We heard this a lot:  “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  This is how Snap made us feel. 

Alex James (quote by Maya Angelou)

Just want to leave this little three letter word with you guys today. Hope you find it in all you do, in all you hope for, in all are learning. These three letters truly summed up our small experience of SNAP.

JOY

1a. Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness, or an instance of such feeling.
b. An expression of such feeling.
2. A source or an object of joy: their only child, their pride and joy.
v. joyed, joy·ing, joys Archaic
v.intr.
To take great pleasure; rejoice.
v.tr.
1. To fill with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction.
2. To enjoy.
Charis Warrell

What a beautiful experience; so many new friends and memories. It was a gift to be able to spend the last five days with you all, something I'll always treasure.

Inspiring talks, inspiring people, hugs on tap, crackling fires, heart strings being plucked, guitar strings being plucked, brisk starry nights, warm sunsets, destroyed disco sheds, batshit-crazy-impromptu-DIY-parties, trust, home made drum kits, unicorns, empty bottles of tequila (sambuca and whisky) and full hearts.
Ross Harvey

I LOVED SNAP!

It's been very inspirational. It's been straight back to work for me so I've been slow in gathering my thoughts but the sessions from Andy, Sam, Nick and Ross were exceptionally useful and inspiring.

It's was great to refocus on the work and think about what was really important to me. I'll certainly be looking for a reboot in 2016
Andrew Billington

I feel like I've woken up. I mean, I literally have just woken up but bloody hell guys, I'm so overwhelmingly moved by what this week has given me (you may have been able to tell by the overwhelming movement of my tear ducts!). It's brushed away cobwebs I didn't even know were there. It's given me the kick up the arse I have been waiting for! Each and every talk was a breath of fresh air, so varied, so relevant, so important, helpful and desperately needed. Now for some big changes towards mega-happiness, continued learning, celebrating love, immense unbelievable gratitude about the direction my life has taken and some seriously hard work. But if you love what you do, you never work another day in your life... SNAP has reminded me that I love what I do and I somehow think I'd forgotten.
Elyse Marks 

On the night before my presentation a group of us collected around a warm fire in the workshop lodge. We spoke about the industry and we spoke about something quite fresh and interesting – the energy that it draws from the practitioners. And one thing stood out from that talk which in over my twenty years in the photography industry I have never heard as clear as I heard on this night – these photographers were tired. Not because of the industry. Not because of politics or continuous moving posts as we shift from one technology to another. They were tired from the falling in love with their clients. Because in order to do this it means an emotional investment far beyond any wedding photography How To book or YouTube video on lighting and technique. This was further supported by my visit from workshop to workshop where I witnessed photographers showing lovely aesthetics yes – but there were stories behind the images that went so deep that each speaker knew that they were not only image makers.  It bothered me for a time that I couldn’t put my finger on it. And then I realised that for these folks who attended this festival at fforest farm what made them so unique was that they were memory makers and they truly felt a privilege in that. The commitment to deliver from a point of privilege was an emotionally invested act. And through all the clamour we may have come to associate with the wedding photography industry here was this rising heartbeat in a forest in Wales.

Karl Grupe

Home from the most immense week of my life. I can't put in to words what I have come away with as I think only the Snapsters who went along could understand, but I am refuelled and refilled with love for what I do. Amazing friends made, crazy times had and experiences and knowledge that will stay with me forever. 

Thanks Laura Babb and actually especially to all the speakers who literally touch our hearts and screwed with our minds.  I will literally be processing this for weeks!

I have a new way of looking at the world (that is crazy) how can you possibly expect to get that from a photography 'course'!

Snap was immense, crazy, lovely, but most of all to quote.... (Was it Andy Gaines or Emma Case) who said...

'It's is so much more than the sum of it's parts'

That is 100% how I feel about SNAP. 
Katherine Ashdown

lovely lovely lovely lovely....EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!
I don't know where the fuck to start with this....
I personally came to Snap in a bit of an odd place, mentally, emotionally I was all over the place, its a massive combo of the journey Emma and Me have been on recently and other life stuff with families, to be honest I just felt like disappearing for a while and not having to socialise. Which isn't like me at all...

Fast forward to today, I just walked away this afternoon so rejuvenated and nourished and full of wonder at the universe once more. Just the most fantastic group of humans, what a gift. Thank you.

This wonderful community of people happened thanks to the vision of the ever humble and gracious Laura It was a really tough journey, with a few bumps and scrapes but you absolutely nailed it, thank you for having such an eclectic taste and idea to bring together such a diverse yet super connected bunch of people, that is real testament to your guts and your knowledge of people. It was with pure joy that I sat and listened to every speaker bring their vision and ideas across so eloquently and articulately, sometimes from different perspectives but always with a tangible thread connecting us.

Ross, your talk will stay with me for a very long time. Everything that you spoke about resonated massively with where I'm at, where I've been for a while with so many questions and thoughts yet always struggling to make sense of it and put it into any structure, yet you managed to do that in the space of a couple of hours.

All thats left is for us to start a commune, I'm serious, I'll just keep saying it until one of you comes to live with us and then it will begin.
Peter Smyth

I've just returned from a lovely walk with my dogs and am walking on air. I don't really know how I'm going to process this week but feel totally blown away by it. I was really quite low when I booked this and now I know why the universe made it this way. I was meant to be part of something so special like Snap and I am honoured to have met so many amazing, special, warm, sharing, creative, ego-less, loving people.

Laura you totally rock, your vision has made something so special, the speakers you chose, the people that that attracted, the fforest (so magical) all combined to make something soooooo amazing and magic, wow I'm blessed to have been part of it.

So now I'm sitting here in my warm quiet home thinking what I'd be doing today if it had carried on. I'm in a good place now, inspired, happy, knackered, and smiling. All my clothes have a faint tinge of campfire on them and I love it. 

So to finish. Thank you to everyone for making this week so special. Judging by the remarks we all feel the same. Feel like we've been at the start of something really magical and I'm blessed to have played a small part of it.
Charlotte Boothman