Mentorships
Hi, I’m Jude! I’m a professional photographer from Canton, Ohio. I officially started my business in 2016 after two years of second shooting for a well-established wedding photographer. Since then, I’ve seen my business grow in a number of incredible ways!
In 2018, I was able to replace my full-time salary at my marketing gig with my photography business. It was scary but I knew that I had the motivation and the amazing clients to pull it off! I bought a studio and quickly decided to upgrade to a bigger space that felt more like me. I have been a 6-figure photographer since 2020, and am getting ready to celebrate 5 years as a full-time photographer.
In my opinion, the major thing that separates successful photographers is the drive to learn. Learning and education are not pursuits where one size fits all. While college might be for some, a 1:1 mentorship can really focus in on the specific area you want to grow in. It’s important to continue growing your craft so you’re always giving your clients your very best work.
Mentorship Opportunities
There are a few styles of mentorships that range in skill set and experience. Since many of these build on one another, complete the questionnaire below to ensure you start in the right place! Each of these mentorships is roughly 2 hours and includes a planning consultation and a final 15-minute check in for remaining questions or a recorded editing critique. Mentorships are $500, and mentees will receive a discount on future mentorship sessions.
Getting started – Are you ready to dive into photography but don’t know where to start? This mentorship is designed to teach you the basics of photography, whether you’re interested in building it into a business or enjoying it as a hobby! I’ll answer any questions, offer advice on programs and services, and help you get set up for success.
Promoting your business – In this mentorship, we’ll talk about building your client base and how to market yourself in a saturated industry. This includes marketing tips and identifying potential opportunities that will grow your business. p.s. I have a degree in advertising that will come in very handy here!
Building a six figure business – This is an in-depth look at the business side of photography to ensure you’re building a profitable business. We’ll look at pricing models, review helpful programs and services intended to minimize your back-end work, and work on your money mindset.
Working with clients – In this, we’ll cover ideal lighting, posing, and how to get the best out of your client relationships. From that initial inquiry to gallery delivery, we’ll craft every touch point in your client experience.
Studio lighting 101 – Learn the basics of studio lighting, including a review of different lighting styles and modifiers. Natural light is great but it isn’t always an option. I’m a firm believer that every photographer should know how to control light, even when natural light is their preference.
Editing with ease – Interested in learning a specific editing technique? Feel like you’re seeing another language when you open PhotoShop? This mentorship is designed to upgrade your skills to make post-processing easier and more fun! Learn how to smooth a background, use head/body swaps to perfect your photos, add a little magic, and so much more.
Creative refresh – Already know the stuff listed above? The Creative Refresh is designed for established photographers to co-create and spark your creative joy. This may include a small styled shoot or just playing around with new techniques or building content together.
Ask Me Anything
Running a small business is tough, and sometimes you just need a sounding board. This 30 minute FaceTime/Zoom call is perfect for helping craft client responses, brainstorm new ideas, or review your website or social media for fresh marketing ideas. Need help balancing your business and family? Been there, let’s chat. Ready but nervous to level up your prices? You deserve to make a living way; let’s build a plan of action. No topic is off limits! Ask Me Anything calls are $75.
Ready to Level Up?
To get started, please fill out this questionnaire to make sure we’re getting you into the correct mentorship! While each one is specifically built to your style and existing knowledge, photography has a few necessary building blocks. We’ll chat through your answers and build you the perfect foundation to learn!