Is it time to take your business to the next level?
No matter where you are on this journey of yours, the goal posts are always moving! Imposter syndrome is real and NO, YOU DON'T SUCK! In an industry where anyone can just pick up a camera and be a photographer, there is a lot more to actually being a SUCCESSFUL photographer. It can be extremely overwhelming when you start to wonder what you should be charging clients, if you should register your business as an LLC, how to get clients, track expenses, deliver photos, editing, insurance, taxes, website, oh and figure out how to use your camera properly so you aren’t having panic attacks in front of clients if something goes wrong. I have learned a TON in my 13 years as a photographer and I want to help you be successful too!
Photography & Business Coaching
Hiring a business coach is one of the best things you can do for your business. I hadn't planned to become a photographer. I went to College for business - for a long time I might add! See my qualifications below. For most people the thing that gets in the way of their photography goals is dealing with the business side of things! I get it, it's kind of boring and time consuming when all you want to do is get out there and SHOOT! Having an outsider peel back the layers of your brand isn't easy. It's uncomfortable but if you don't take the risks, you don't get the rewards. I can help you identify the gaps and see your strengths to help you visualize getting your business to the next level!
FAQ
What is mentoring?
A mentor is someone who helps you grow your skills, make better decisions, and gain new perspectives on your life and career. As a mentee, your mentor will leverage their experience to give you guidance on your career or life now and in the future. Rather than learning through trial and error, a mentor is a person you can look to for direction and a role model to imitate. I am here to help with both the business side of photography as well as the technical photography aspects.
What are your qualifications?
My formal education list is a bit long. I may have wanted to be a professional student at one point! I have an Associates Degree in Business Computer Systems Management. A second Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. A Bachelors Degree in Business Management from St. Cloud State University. And a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Concordia University, St. Paul which I received in 2013. I have been a successful photographer for 13 years and through this is where my experience in web design, graphic design, editing, marketing, accounting, and a whole lot of other things that come along with running your own business were developed.
I just have a few questions, I don't think I need a full blown mentor or business coach.
And I will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. I have several coaching options available and you can choose what fits your needs the best. There isn't a one size fits all option when it comes to business. Each business is unique and you will always get out what you put in.
How can you help me?
I am here to guide you and provide an outside perspective to improve your business strategies, offer constructive feedback, make decisions more confidently as well as help accelerate business growth and revenue! Sounds great right but how will you do this? Well, I will review your current portfolio and website to understand how your work is being perceived and what may need to be strengthened. I will help you create a strategic plan for your business by evaluating your entire brand. That includes the services you offer, website, social media presence, your systems and procedures and how they fit with your current and future goals. Let’s work together to uncover the challenges you are facing to take your photography business to the next level.
How do we get started working together?
Hit the Let's Chat button first to send me email about your goals and what you are hoping to accomplish as well as make sure we are a good fit by getting to know one another!
Then, I’ll send over a proposal with a few different options to consider specific to your needs. Lastly, you will select your package and complete your contract.
Mentorship
This is a 1 on 1 hands on mentorship program with Crystal Sayen Photography at her studio in Monticello, MN. Join me at a portrait or newborn session to learn all about:
Lighting
Studio Setup
Prop Use
Posing
Newborn Posing Safety
Wrapping
Editing Workflow/Photoshop
You may take photos at this session to use in your portfolio with the disclaimer that images were taking during a 1:1 mentoring session with Crystal Sayen Photography. Join me for lunch after the session where we can chat about any questions you may have. We can come back to my studio where you can see my editing workflow and ask questions.
Portrait Session Mentorship $525
Newborn Session Mentorship $625
Coaching
Success happens when strategy is practiced with consistency, but especially with an accountability partner. You are 95% likely to accomplish your goals when you have a partner that you check in with regularly. I’m here to keep you on track.
I'll help you set and refine your personal and business goals with specific, actionable steps in an attainable timeline and help to keep you motivated along the way.
After our initial 60 to 90 minute phone call, I will send you your goals broken down in to bite-size tasks in an easy to follow spreadsheet. We will continue to connect monthly over the phone for 30 minutes to check on your progress and make changes where needed. After our calls, I will email you your tasks for the month and follow up with a mid-month check in. You can email me in between meetings with any questions you have regarding your tasks or goals. I'm available to you along the way.
You can expect:
-A basic review of your portfolio, website, and social media accounts
-1 to 2 hour initial phone call to learn more about you and your business to better identify your vision, growth, goals, and of course how to reach them.
-Monthly phone call for 30 minutes to check in where we will:
· Uncover growth opportunities & define your next steps
· Goal Sheet
· Follow up support to keep you on track and accountable to help you reach your goals
*Additional time can be booked on an hourly basis if needed.
3 Months $625
Chat
This is a 1 hour phone call where we can cover anything you are struggling with relating to business or photography. This is a chance to get those questions answered that you might be too nervous to ask elsewhere. I am an open book and am here to help you be successful.
Topics often addressed are:
-brand development
-finding your niche
-portfolio consistency
-shooting style
-attracting your dream client
-pricing
-contracts
-photoshop/editing
-lighting/posing
-CRM/client interaction
-website/social media
-Workflow/backup
$225