Over the years, my work as a photographer has grown from something deeply personal to something I now get to share with others. And honestly? That’s been one of the greatest gifts of all.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching another photographer step into their confidence, figuring out their voice, their rhythm, and their way of working with clients. That’s why photography education has become such a meaningful part of what I offer. Mentorship isn’t about copying someone else’s path. It’s about understanding your own.
A little about me? I’m Christine, a photographer, educator, and wholehearted cheerleader for creatives chasing their magic. I’ve spent years building a business that feels aligned with who I am, and now I help other photographers do the same—both in person and online. You can learn more about my mentorship offerings here, or feel free to reach out and say hi.
Whether you’re just picking up a camera or you’re years into your business, here’s a little more about my journey, my approach to education, and why I believe so deeply in the power of creative community.
My Journey as a Photographer
I know a lot of photographers got their start after they had kids. I get it! But my journey’s a little different. I fell in love with photography in the 2nd grade. A teacher on the playground always had an SLR camera with them. I showed interest, so they taught me how to manually focus and take photos. They even developed and gave me some of the images I took! I was hooked. For years, I declared I wanted to be a photographer when I grew up. But in young adulthood, I wasn’t sure I could make it a career, so I talked myself out of it.
Fast forward a few years (and working jobs I wasn’t obsessed with) I was engaged, and finding the right photographer was my first priority. Long story short, the photographer I hired (Brant Bender) was kind enough to answer all my photography questions, helped me pick a camera, and invited me to shadow him on shoots. I carried gear, handed him lenses, and learned from him along the way. He was, and still is an amazing, supportive friend who I credit with helping me start my business. And ultimately my dream job!
Today, I photograph familes, maternity, and newborns in San Diego. I’m drawn to real, emotion-filled moments over stiff poses or perfect scenes. I want to photograph life the way it really is, beautiful, a little messy, and full of meaning.
Like most creative journeys, it hasn’t been linear. But it has been deeply rewarding, and mentors along my journey were instrumental. That is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about supporting other photographers through education and mentorship.
Want to hear more about how I got started in photography? I also dive into how I use Google Reviews to grow my biz in my episode on the Raw Edit podcast. It’s full of real talk, smart strategies, and a few laughs along the way!
My Philosophy on Photography Education
There are a lot of courses and resources out there that focus solely on camera settings, posing formulas, or editing tricks. Those things are useful, but in my experience, they’re only part of what makes a strong, sustainable photography business.
For me, photography education is about so much more than learning technical skills. It’s about learning to see, to connect, and to build a business that reflects you—your values, your strengths, and the kind of experience you want to create for your clients.
My teaching style is conversational and practical. I don’t believe in gatekeeping information or pretending that I have it all figured out. I’ll always be honest about what’s worked for me, what hasn’t, and where I’ve had to grow. My goal is to offer clarity and support without adding to the overwhelm that can come with running a creative business.
Whether we’re talking about workflow, editing, or navigating busy seasons, my approach to photography education is built on real-life experience and a deep respect for the creative process.
What I Cover in My Mentorships
One of the things I love most about mentorship is that it’s never one-size-fits-all. Every photographer I work with brings something different to the table, and that’s exactly how it should be.
That said, there are a few common topics that tend to come up, especially with photographers who are in their first few years of business or are looking to make a shift in how they work.
Here are a few things we often dive into:
- Natural light and shooting techniques for lifestyle sessions, including family, maternity, and newborn work. I share how I approach light in unpredictable environments and how to create soft, true-to-life images without relying on artificial setups.
- Editing workflow and time management. I walk through how I streamline my process—from culling to final delivery—so editing doesn’t take over your entire week.
- Client experience and communication. From the first inquiry to the final gallery, I offer tips for building trust, guiding clients with confidence, and making sessions feel relaxed and fun.
- Portfolio and website feedback. We can look through your galleries, talk through your editing style, and figure out what your website is communicating to potential clients.
- Marketing and brand clarity. We explore how to show up online in a way that feels aligned with your personality and goals, not like you’re trying to sound like everyone else.
If there’s something specific you want help with, we can always tailor our time together to fit your exact needs. The beauty of one-on-one photography education is that it’s focused entirely on you.
Curious how communication impacts the client experience? I chatted with Colie James on the Business First Creatives podcast about five simple ways I set clients up for success—practical tips that have made a real difference in my workflow. You can tune into that here.
Why Community Matters
Photography can be a lonely business sometimes. Especially when you work from home, edit late at night, and are constantly making decisions on your own. That’s one of the reasons I care so much about building community and offering education that feels supportive, not competitive.
There’s enough room for all of us in this industry. I truly believe that. When we share what we’ve learned and when we lift each other up instead of comparing or competing, everyone benefits.
Some of the biggest turning points in my business happened because another photographer answered a question I was too nervous to ask. That generosity shaped the way I run my own mentorships now. I want photographers to feel encouraged, seen, and reminded that they don’t have to do this alone.
Education is important. But so is connection. That’s why I create space not just for learning, but for honest conversations about life, business, and everything in between.
Want a peek behind the scenes of my client experience and branding process? I joined the Photo Fuel podcast to chat about attracting dream clients, prepping for stress-free sessions, finding community, leaning on mentors, and staying inspired by shooting just for fun! I’d love for you to listen.
Ready to Learn and Grow Together?
If you’re feeling stuck in your business, craving direction, or just need someone to help you zoom out and see the big picture, I’d love to work with you. Mentorship is one of my favorite parts of what I do—not because I have all the answers, but because I genuinely care about helping you find your own.
Photography education should feel like a breath of fresh air. It should give you tools and encouragement that you can carry forward with confidence. Whether you’re figuring out your niche, refining your style, or navigating the balance between work and life, there’s room for growth, and I’m here to support you in it.
You can learn more about my current mentorship offerings here, or just send me a note to say hi! I’d love to hear where you’re at and how I can help.
