I recently completed the Level One Mastermind Course run by Elena S Blair Photography, and I want to share how incredibly valuable it is.
The summary:
Do it. You will not regret it. When you apply what Elena teaches, it will pay itself off and more. Her course is thorough in every aspect of running a meaningful, sustainable and profitable photography business, and will force you to ask the deeper questions that may be stopping you from living in your full potential. You will work on mindset and the deeper beliefs, thought patterns and habits that are holding you back, and you will learn how to align yourself with what you can do when you break free from all that. It's a holistic, no BS, but very safe environment where you will grow as a person and in your business, all at once.
The longer version:
Here's a little back story into how I became acquainted with Elena.
I have followed Elena S Blair Photography on Instagram and been part of her Facebook education community group for over 5 years. She is hands down the photographer who has influenced me most as an artist and in the way I run my photography business. In many ways, it is because of her influence that I even started a photography business.
How it Started (my first images posted to Instagram in 2019.)
How it's going. (My portfolio on my website today.)
Typing out the words "I have a photography business" feels so wild to me because this whole thing started out as a hobby and a creative outlet I did on the side for many years just because I loved it so much, and I wanted to document my kids growing up. When I came across Elena's powerful story of going from a full-time nurse to a powerhouse photographer though, I was so inspired to put myself out there as a real photographer and to see what happened.
While continuing my full-time work with a non-profit missions organization, I started an Instagram, then a website, and applied what I was learning from Elena's resources and her amazing Facebook community, and before I knew it I had more inquiries for photo sessions than I could keep up with! Thanks to one family session and a tagged Instagram post from the incredible Yasmin Agha of Cookie Dough Boutique, I found myself connected to the most amazing families in Beirut, photographing their beautiful stories of love and connection, and walking away from sessions feeling so filled up.
The session and post that launched my business in Beirut. Yasmin has since booked 4 family sessions with me, become a dear friend, and we've collaborated on 4 pop-up events in Beirut! Click the photo to go to her Instagram and see what her business is all about. Even if you don't live in Lebanon, you'll quickly fall in love!
As my client base grew and I improved in my photography all-around, I knew I wanted to continue to give my families the best experience possible from finding me, to inquiry, session experience, all the way through to receiving their galleries. Because everything happened so fast with the growth of my photography business when we moved to Beirut, I didn't have the best systems in place, and I wanted that to change so that everything could be seamless for both my clients and myself, which would allow me to give them the highest quality experience I could offer, while also allowing me to continue in my non-profit work, and give my best self to my husband and 3 children.
The answer for me: the Elena S Blair Mastermind.
I remember feeling so nervous about applying and having my one-on-one video interview with Elena, but once her smiling face came across my laptop screen and she shared why she thought I would be a great fit for her program, all of my nerves went away and so much excitement bubbled up inside. For the last 5 months of 2024, I learned from the very best in the photography industry.
Speaking of the best in the industry, Chloe Ramirez Photo (click image for her website) is a friend from childhood and is the reason I started following Elena in the first place. It was such a fun surprise to see Chloe for the first time in 17 years at Elena's retreat and to learn from her in person. Go follow her stunning work, you will not be disappointed!
Elena's Mastermind covers every single topic you need to run a successful, profitable, meaningful photography business - no matter what type of photographer you are. She will help you completely overhaul your entire business so that you can work with your dream clients, run a profitable business, and do it all while finding an incredible community of other talented, encouraging photographers who will keep you accountable and genuinely cheer you on in your endeavors.
Honestly, I cannot recommend her program enough. It will be more than what you could ever ask or hope for. Not only that, but Elena is honest and kind, and she genuinely loves and is gifted at coaching people. I haven't just experienced this for myself, I have witnessed the direct impact her course has had on countless photographers who went from struggling to making multiple six figures, hiring associates, creating photography education courses of their own, and doing it all with their dream clients (who are actually more like their friends)!
Having my photo taken by Elena during the headshot exchange at the retreat. Thanks to Oh Tannenbaum Photos (click pic for website) for this capture!
And the very best part of all? When you complete Elena's Mastermind, you have access to her exclusive Mastermind retreat where for two full days you will learn from her and several other incredible photographers live and in person. The retreat is so exceptional, many of Elena's students from her previous 7 Mastermind cohorts were in attendance, and many have attended ALL of her retreats, which she has been running for 4 years. After seeing all my fellow Mastermind students, mentors, and Elena in their little Zoom squares for 5 months, it was so much fun to meet them and create lifelong bonds in person. I can't even describe how it felt to be amongst 60+ photographers, all lifting one another up, learning from each other, sharing wisdom and advice, learning from industry leaders and being able to ask questions in such a safe and encouraging environment for those two days. The Mastermind Retreat is like summer camp for like-minded photographers. Plus, escaping January's frigid temperatures and basking in the warm sunshine of Palm Springs, CA at the charming Ace Hotel and Swim Club was the cherry on top.
The Retreat Line-Up
My retreat featured:
-Wellness exercises led by Kelley Lotosky (https://letsspreadbeauty.com/) and Michelle Bliss (https://www.michelleblissphotography.com/)
-Marketing and Workflow expert Noella Andres (https://www.instagram.com/noellaandres/)
-Intimate Motherhood presentation and family maternity demo session by Casey Louise (https://photosbycaseylouise.com/)
-A fireside chat with Chloe Ramirez , Casey Louise and Margo McKelvie (https://www.chloeramirezphoto.com/, https://photosbycaseylouise.com/, https://www.margotmckelvie.com/)
-A demo family session led by Elena (https://elenasblair.com/)
-Pricing Presentation by Jill C. Smith (https://www.jillcsmithphotography.com)
-Directing over Posing Presentation by Chloe Ramirez (https://www.chloeramirezphoto.com/)
-Community Collaborations with Tristin Tracy (https://www.tristintracyphotography.com/)
-Lighting demonstration by B&H Photo
-Complimentary gear rental and printing from Canon USA
-Headshot Exchange both days with everyone!