MVP 2025 - here’s what you missed
What if one day could completely change the way you run your studio?
That was the promise of MVP 2025. And on June 23 in Raleigh, it became a reality.
This wasn’t a typical conference. It was a one-day, high-impact event before SPOA Summit where Captura users led the way. No fluff. No theory. Just hands-on strategies from people who have been in your shoes and know what works
Learning by example
Most of the sessions were driven by studio operators who shared their actual workflows. That was the heart of MVP: learning from each other, not from a stage full of buzzwords.
Bethany Knutson from Upstate Images showed how a unified price sheet isn’t just a backend change. It simplifies the entire process from order to delivery and keeps the customer experience smooth.
Nick Gigante from Gigante Productions pulled back the curtain on his job setup, showing the practical ways automation saves time and prevents errors.
Brendan Collopy and Elliott Tyson from Strawbridge Studios helped us rethink yearbooks. With the right setup, they’re not a burden. They’re a strong source of recurring revenue and a smart way to diversify your studio’s offering (and reduce your risk).
Heather Waters from Watermark Photography shared how AI-powered editing through Workflow saves hours in post-production without sacrificing quality. With that time back, her team focuses on what truly matters: building lasting relationships with schools and parents. In this session, Heather showed how the right tools, paired with trust-driven partnerships, created a winning combination for her studio.
Alex Ela from Cherished Memories highlighted how flexible Captura is when it comes to different capture methods like QR codes and facial recognition. Shoutout to Zach from The Photo Guys for graciously volunteering as a model on stage to demonstrate just how quickly images sync from camera click to Workflow
Jordan Limerick from Captura gave a preview of Captura’s upcoming fall release, spotlighting powerful new tools designed to help studios work smarter and grow faster. Highlights included the time-saving AI Crop, streamlined navigation, keyboard shortcuts, and one click order transfers between jobs, all aimed at boosting efficiency. With a continued focus on platform stability and smarter selling tools, attendees also had the chance to vote on future updates, making this a real opportunity to shape Captura’s next chapter.
Michele Federschneider and Priyanka Sai Sankar from Captura wrapped it all up with a deep dive into data backed, easy to apply marketing strategies, plus a look at new features designed to make campaign marketing easier and more effective. From editable campaigns and automatic campaign adds to strategic guidance on timing and messaging, they emphasized the value of partnering with Captura’s expert marketing strategists to ace year-round promotions across all job types.
These sessions were packed with insights, but more importantly, they were real. Honest takeaways, shared by studios, and industry experts that understand the day-to-day.
A toast to connection
After a full day of learning, we gathered for happy hour in Captura HQ. It wasn’t just a social add-on. It was a moment to decompress, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the day together.
After enjoying snapping pictures in our meeting pods, our guests enjoyed some tasty deli sandwiches and drinks. But what really stood out was the energy. Conversations flowed, connections deepened, and the industry felt just a little smaller and a whole lot closer.
That happy hour reminded us that community isn’t built in the sessions. It’s built in the in-between. The laughter, the casual advice, the shared sense of “you get it.”
What’s next?
MVP 2025 proved that one day really can shift how you run your studio. From workflow improvements to revenue ideas to new friendships, it was packed with the kind of momentum you carry with you.
If you were there, thank you for making it special. If you missed it, don’t worry. We’ll be back. And we’d love to see you next time.
Because when we learn from each other, we all grow smarter, faster, and stronger.
Let’s keep making more.