a woman leaning on a wooden fence holding a camera
Carmela taking a photo of a bride and groom next to a lake and gazebo

Mentoring

FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

I LOVE being a wedding photographer and getting to share one of the most special days of my couple’s lives with them is so rewarding. It really is the best job ever and I have been so blessed to have been doing this full-time since August 2017. When I first started my photography journey I was lost, had tons of questions, and had no idea where to begin. I wish I had someone who I could sit with one-on-one to ask for advice, pick their brain and answer my questions. This is why I now offer mentoring!

I have a heart for serving others and passion for helping - especially when it comes to this industry! Over the years, I’ve built my business from the ground up, defined my brand and ideal client, honed in on my editing style, established my workflows, and more! I’m a full believer in “community over competition” and my mentoring sessions reflect that mindset. With an industry that is constantly evolving, it’s important for us creatives to learn from each other and continue to grow as I still am to this day! We’ll have a laid-back, down-to-earth time together where I am a completely open book. I’m here to be your cheerleader and pass along the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years. 

If you are new to the industry, want to transition into shooting weddings, are trying to get your business rolling, or want to know how I run my business - the mentoring session options below are for you! 

Investment

60-Minute Chit Chat Mentoring Session $500

Mentoring sessions are available in person or over video call. Once we have scheduled a date, I will send over a questionnaire to get to know you and your business and what you are most excited to learn about! This will help me prepare for our session to maximize our time together. Before your session, I encourage you to come with a list of topics that you want to discuss. During your session, we can chat about these topics and I can answer any questions that you have along the way. I am an open book! YOU get to choose what you want us to focus on. My goal at the end of your session is that you will walk away with helpful information that will help you grow your business and photography.

60-Minute Live Shoot Mentoring Session $600

Live shoots are available in person only. The location will be based in Arizona but I would be happy to travel to you for a travel fee! During your session, you will come alongside me during a couples session where you can see first-hand how I interact with real couples, direct them, use light in any setting and I can answer any questions that you have along the way. You have the option to shoot alongside me and I can give you feedback as we go. My goal at the end of your session is that you will walk away with beautiful photos to add to your portfolio and apply the information you learned towards your future shoots. 

Bride and groom kissing on a rocky mountain

Potential topics

Including, but not limited to

BUSINESS

  • Workflow

  • Work / life balance

  • Creating an amazing client experience

  • Social media

  • Finding your niche

  • Programs that help me run my business

EDITING

  • Finding your editing style

  • Lightroom

  • Presets and how to use them

SHOOTING

  • Equipment & gear

  • Posing & Directing

  • Shooting in different lighting

  • Interacting with clients

  • Location scouting

MISC

  • Styled shoots

  • Portfolio critique

  • Engaging with clients

  • Composition

I understand that every person’s photography journeys and needs are different so if you would like to have a custom mentoring session that’s just for you, let me know and we can get chat about it!

Words from past mentees

  • I came to Carmela when I was transitioning my photography from a part-time hobby to a full-time career and my mentor sessions with her have helped me identify what the vision for my business was, who my dream clientele are; she helped me set goals and helped me identify the steps I need to take, to take my career in the direction of my goals and dreams. Learning from Carmela has been such a privilege, along with the education has come a sweet friendship and so much constant encouragement! The investment in my mentorship with Carmela has enriched my thought process and confidence as a photographer. I will forever be grateful for the tools, knowledge & inspiration I have gained through this mentorship.

    Georgia

  • I’m another fellow wedding photographer and did the 60 minute chit chat mentor session with Carmela! Let me start off by saying that Carmela is not only an amazing photographer and mentor but is SUCH a kind person and the type of friend you NEED in your life. Carmela gave me some amazing advice on client experience, vendor relationships, staying organized, emails, and so much more. I’ve already started implementing a few things I’ve learned and it has been a GAME CHANGER. Whether you are a new or experienced photographer, you can’t go wrong with a mentor session with Carmela. I’ve been in the industry since 2014 and still learned SO MUCH! Trust me, if you want to know how to level up your business, Carmela’s your girl.

    Jasmin

  • I first found Carmela on instagram when I was looking for a wedding photographer, and have loved her work ever since! When we met for our in person mentor session, I felt very comfortable working beside her! She was very kind and answered all my questions! I loved watching how she worked, she showed me how to pose the couple, and gave me great tips! This was an amazing investment into my business because I learned so much but also gained a lot of confidence! Overall, I loved the entire experience and I would 100% recommend Carmela!

    Carlie

  • I had the opportunity to do a mentor session with Carmela, and I learned so much! Carmela’s photography speaks for itself, she is an AMAZING photographer. But she is so much more than that! Carmela is so encouraging, talented and kind. She customized my mentor session, so that I would get the most out of our time together. She was an open book, and it was clear she really is committed to helping others be successful. I learned about editing, growing my business, posing, and networking. I cannot recommend her mentorship program enough! You will leave your session with so many tools to help you go full send in your own business!! Do yourself a favor and go invest in yourself now by booking a mentor session with Carmela!

    Savannah

  • To know her is to LITERALLY be blessed by her! Carmela is not only an amazing photographer but is also an amazing mentor! I booked a one on one in person mentorship session with Carmela where I got to shoot by her side. It was definitely INSIGHTFUL. I've been photographing for years, and I still learned so much from her. From the way she interacted with her clients to the way she posed her clients during the session, is just astounding! Not only did I learn new poses for my own clients and staying organized in my business and personal life, but I also gained a new BFF. LIKE SERIOUSLY. I had so much fun with Carmela and learned so much from her. When she says she has a passion for serving others and capturing memories, she definitely means it. If you're looking to invest in yourself and in your business, Carmela is your gal! <3

    Justine

Ready to invest in yourself?

“There is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself. It is the best investment you can make; you can never go wrong with it. It is the true way to improve yourself to be the best version of you and lets you be able to best serve those around you.”

- Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart