Self-Assessment
Where are you now
as a photographer?
Choose your level in each area — and see where your growth point is
Income & Career
Level not selected
0
Photography generates no income. I shoot rarely or only for myself.
1
Income under $200. Shoots are occasional, often free or "for experience." No sense this could become a real profession.
2
Income $200–1,000. Paid shoots exist but inconsistently. More of a side gig than a reliable income source.
3
Income $1,000–3,000. Regular clients and shoots exist, but no stable system for growth or scaling.
4
Photography is my main occupation. Stable income $3,000+/month. Steady client flow, clear income model, and control over workload.
Portfolio
Level not selected
0
No portfolio or it's put together chaotically. Work is unstructured.
1
There's a set of work, but no unifying style. Looks amateur or like "various attempts."
2
There are strong images, but no cohesive positioning. The portfolio doesn't answer: "why should I pay you?"
3
Good portfolio with a clear style. But it's not tailored to a specific client segment or high rates.
4
A precisely curated portfolio for a specific niche and rate. Selective, structured, visually consistent. Attracts the right clients and sells at a high price point.
Shooting Skills
Level not selected
0
No experience working in a studio or with lighting.
1
Some basic attempts, but results are random. No understanding of how light works.
2
Strong shots happen sometimes, but no consistency. Results depend on luck.
3
Understanding of light and technique exists. Can replicate results, but not always to the client's brief.
4
Full control of results: light, composition, technique. Can reproduce any style to a client's brief consistently.
Working with Models & Team
Level not selected
0
No experience working with models or a team.
1
Have done shoots, but no understanding of how to manage the process.
2
Can direct a model, but not always confidently. Working with a team feels chaotic.
3
Confidently direct models and understand the shoot process. Have experience coordinating with a team.
4
Can independently organize a shoot: assemble a team (MUA, stylist), manage the process, and maintain control over the outcome. Consistently deliver professional results.
Working with Brands
Level not selected
0
Haven't worked with brands and don't understand how it works.
1
Have a general idea, but no practical experience.
2
Have tried to engage with brands, but without results or only isolated cases.
3
Have experience with client briefs. Understand the process, but no consistency.
4
Already worked with brands and got paid ($1,000+ per shoot). Understand the full process: how to approach, present, negotiate, and deliver.
Client Acquisition
Level not selected
0
No clients.
1
Clients come randomly (friends, word of mouth).
2
Have tried promoting, but no system. Results are inconsistent.
3
There's a stable client flow, but it's not controllable.
4
Have a client acquisition system. Know where income comes from, which actions generate leads, and how to control the flow.
Pricing & Rate
Level not selected
0
Working for free or nearly free.
1
Rate under $100. Often agree to any terms.
2
$100–500. Getting paid, but often underpricing.
3
$500–1,000. Starting to feel my value, but not always selling confidently.
4
$1,000+ per shoot. Name my price confidently, understand my value, and know how to keep growing.
Your Results
Skills Matrix
What do you need
to work on?
Tap each skill to mark how important it is for you to develop right now
Not a priority
Important
Critical for me
Portfolio
Portfolio Curation
Selecting only strong images that match your target level and clients
Moodboards & References
Building shoot ideas based on industry-level visual references
Portfolio Structuring
Organizing your work to create a clear and professional visual flow
Website & Instagram Setup
Presenting your work through a clean and converting visual profile
Positioning for High-Ticket Clients
Aligning your portfolio with the clients and pricing you want
Shooting Skills
Lighting Setups & Studio Work
Mastering key lighting schemes for consistent commercial results
Pre-Production Planning
Preparing shoots through concepts, references, and structure
Shooting Different Client Types
Working with models, kids, and commercial clients effectively
Capture One Workflow
Fast editing and live preview to deliver a professional experience
Shooting in Different Conditions
Adapting to studio, outdoor, and complex environments
Working with Models & Team
Moodboard & Shoot Planning
Building a clear vision and structure before the shoot
Posing & Model Direction
Guiding models and understanding what looks strong on camera
Team Building
Finding and organizing stylists, makeup artists, and assistants
Working with Model Agencies
Communicating and collaborating with agencies professionally
On-Set Workflow Management
Controlling timing, process, and overall shoot execution
Working with Brands
Finding Brands
Identifying and sourcing potential brand clients
Outreach Messaging
Reaching out to brands with clear and effective communication
Project Presentation
Presenting yourself and your ideas in a professional way
Pricing & Negotiation
Setting rates and confidently discussing budgets
Working with Brand Briefs
Understanding and delivering according to brand requirements
Client Acquisition
Client Platforms & Apps
Using platforms to generate consistent incoming leads
Referral System (Word of Mouth)
Building a controlled flow of recommendations and repeat clients
Networking
Creating connections that lead to new opportunities
Collaborations & Creative Projects
Working with others to grow portfolio and visibility
Social Media Content (Instagram)
Using content to attract and convert clients
Money & Pricing
Pricing Structure & Packages
Creating clear offers and service tiers
Transition to Paid Work
Moving from free shoots to consistent paid projects
Increasing Your Rates ($100 → $1000+)
Positioning yourself for higher-value clients
Selling Your Services
Handling client conversations and closing deals
Working with High-Ticket Clients
Delivering and operating at a premium level
Critical 0
Important 0
Not priority 0
Action Plan
Your priority skills to develop — start from the top
Critical — start here
No critical skills selected yet
Important — work on next
No important skills selected yet
Start Working with Brands & Earn $1.000–$8.000 per shoot
Working with brands is less about creativity and more about building a reliable source of income.
Start Working with Brands & Earn $1.000–$8.000 per shoot
Working with brands is less about creativity and more about building a reliable source of income.
This mentorship is for you if you want to:
Adopt my experience of working with top brands
Chanel, Boucheron, Bulgari, Tiffany, US Polo, H&M, Levi's, Adidas, Fila, John Hardy, Omega watches, Lime, Tory Burch
Learn by cases how to reach $1.000–$8.000 per shoot
. If small-town work doesn’t fulfill your ambitions and you’re striving for something greater, it’s time to make a move
Get Immediate Professional Feedback
Working with brands is less about creativity and more about building a reliable source of income.
Mentorship Program by Natalie Kogan
I’ve shared examples of shoots earning $1,500, $5,000, and $8,000. Brand projects provide funds to invest in personal creative projects, raising your status as a photographer. For example, I’ve held my own exhibition in New York.
Natalie Kogan
Work with Chanel, Boucheron, Bulgari, Tiffany, US Polo, H&M, Levi's, Adidas, Fila, John Hardy, Omega watches, Lime, Tory Burch.
• Moved to New York after receiving a talent visa, live in Manhattan working only in my profession.
• 17 years in the industry
• Publications in international editions Vogue Italy, Vogue Portugal, Vogue Hong Kong, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, GQ, Esquire, Glamour, Marie Claire, L'officiel, Tatler, Cosmopolitan.
• Personal exhibitions in different countries of the world.
• Shooting with celebrities and top models.
• 17 years in the industry
• Publications in international editions Vogue Italy, Vogue Portugal, Vogue Hong Kong, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, GQ, Esquire, Glamour, Marie Claire, L'officiel, Tatler, Cosmopolitan.
• Personal exhibitions in different countries of the world.
• Shooting with celebrities and top models.
- 17+ yearsIn industry
- $8.000Price for Fila shoot
- Trusted by
30 top brands
My shoots
From magazine covers and personal projects. Swipe →
Additional Materials:
- Example of how to invite and collaborate with make-up/hair artist or model to a shoot
What You’ll Cover
• Why brand collaborations can elevate your photography career
• How to identify brands that are the right fit for your work
• Where photographers find brand opportunities and how to start conversations about a project
• Common mistakes photographers make when approaching brands
• Why brand collaborations can elevate your photography career
• How to identify brands that are the right fit for your work
• Where photographers find brand opportunities and how to start conversations about a project
• Common mistakes photographers make when approaching brands
WEEK 1
— Your Entry point into brand photography
— Your Entry point into brand photography
Example of my mood boards for brands
How I gained access to brands
3 ways to find brands to collaborate with
Proven strategies
My way of building contacts and working towards larger brands
in the future
4 ways to search brands to work with
breakdown and listing
Student's work:
- Studio fundamentals (pdf / video / practice): how to choose the right studio, safety basics, working with monoblocks.
- Key elements of a professional shoot: synchronization with the camera, basic light setups, shooting tethered or in-camera.
- Focus on the essential workflow so you can confidently build more complex setups over time.
- How to select references and organize a shoot from idea to execution.
- Conference call: Present your shoot plan step-by-step (references, location, equipment, model, styling, number of looks).
WEEK 2
— Building your first pro. brand shoot for your portfolio
— Building your first pro. brand shoot for your portfolio
5 light setups
for the shoot
+ Checklist for working in a studio
+ Checklist for working in a studio
Examples of messages for collaborations
– how and what to write to people
How to make the modeling agency cover the cost
How to negotiate sharing the studio rental cost with the client /
Examples of a project presentation
What to pay attention to
Student's work:
Self work: research potential small brands and reach out with a collaboration proposal supported by your portfolio.
Self practice: organize and complete your own photoshoot.
Self practice: organize and complete your own photoshoot.
- Understanding the specifics of shoots with kids: how it changes the production process, key moments to prepare for.
- Shooting with playback: what it is and why it’s used in professional productions.
Offline studio session for participants in New York
(+ video recording for online students)
Conference call
Present your project plan step-by-step (references, location, equipment, model, styling, number of looks, props list, timeline).
Present your project plan step-by-step (references, location, equipment, model, styling, number of looks, props list, timeline).
- Show your results, receive feedback, and discuss what to refine and improve
WEEK 3
— Kids shoots as a commercial service and new source of income
— Kids shoots as a commercial service and new source of income
Examples of shoots with children
/product photograph
Example of brand communication
How to become a photographer people want to work with
Networking: How to build connections
Student's work:
Register on platforms and learn how photographers connect with brands through social media.
Capture One workflow: how to deliver ready-to-use images and create a professional experience for clients on the day of the shoot.
Self Practice: plan and execute your own shoot.
Capture One workflow: how to deliver ready-to-use images and create a professional experience for clients on the day of the shoot.
Self Practice: plan and execute your own shoot.
- Strengthening your production skills: planning ahead, understanding the full workflow, and managing the key elements that affect the result.
- Outdoor shoot fundamentals (pdf / video / practice): choosing a location, working with monoblocks, key production moments and outdoor shooting rules.
Conf call: Present your project step-by-step (references, location, equipment, model, styling, number of looks).
Self work: research potential small brands and prepare a collaboration proposal using examples of your work
- Review the results, discuss feedback, and identify challenges from the shoot.
Self work: research potential small brands and prepare a collaboration proposal using examples of your work
WEEK 4
— Outdoor brand production + Capture One
— Outdoor brand production + Capture One
Examples of my outdoor shoots
+Checklist for preparing for an outdoor shoot
How to organize a team and work process
Portfolio review & how to adapt it for brands
Instagram review & how to design/rearrange it
Student's work:
- Use feedback to refine your approach and convert leads into long-term clients
- Finalize ongoing shoots and complete outstanding tasks.
- Focus on client outreach and building professional connections.
- Update your portfolio with the shoots completed during the program and strengthen your personal brand.
— WEEK 5
Positioning yourself as a brand photographer. Building a client-ready portfolio
Positioning yourself as a brand photographer. Building a client-ready portfolio
Case study: Shoot worth $8,000
How to deliver files, do a back up to a client's hard drive
Export raw and files for digital usage
Engage through direct outreach
emails, apps, social media
— WEEK 6
Moneymaking. Further steps. Turning Your Work into Paid Projects
Moneymaking. Further steps. Turning Your Work into Paid Projects
- Spend this week dedicated to growing your client base and perfecting your client acquisition techniques
- How to price your shoots as a brand photographer
- Different pricing models. How photographers move from $100 shoots to $1000+ projects
How to talk to clients
- How to present your work to a brand or client
- What to discuss before confirming a shoot
Career roadmap
- How to continue growing after the program
- How to move from collaborations to paid brand work
As a result
You will discover how to work with brands and shoot for them
Goal: to start shooting for a high check
Goal: to start shooting for a high check
Make your best work in your portfolio
Will organize a shoot with a team
Raise your prices
You will learn to work with higher-level clients. Begin to build a path to working less and not having a drop in income
Repackage your portfolio, self-presentation
Review your sales, price list, communication with clients and attitude to work
Reach out to people on your networking list
New photographers, top-brands
How much can brands pay ➝
Examples from my experience
Shot for two days, earning $5,000
Pretty Little Things
Fila Shoot - $8,000
shoot took place on a private jet
Half-day shoot for $1,000
6-week course to improve your photography level
& earn income from photo shoots with brands
& earn income from photo shoots with brands
April 1: start of the programm (online)
Immediately after prepayment - you receive assignments to prepare for course
You watch lessons, participate in calls, write to brands, conduct filming & attend master classes
May 13: The end of the program
Access to lessons remains for another half year. Moving forward according to the planned strategy
learners who have gone through the training
and loved the journey!
and loved the journey!
People who will study and practice
- Victorio LPhotographer
- MoE PPhotographer
- Alonso PradenasPhotographer
- Andrew SJPhotographer
- Olesya NPhotographer
- Syd TaskI’ve only been shooting for about a year
- MarinaPhotographer
- AnastasiaI’ve been photographing non-stop for two years now.
Reviews
"In 6 weeks, I achieved a very impressive result that I would never have achieved on my own."
Marina
"After 6 weeks, I stopped scared make lighting set up, text to model agency and work with professional models"
Ekaterina
"This is the best experience in my life because it's maximum professionalism from Natasha. She shared her knowledge with the open heart "
Anastasia
"This was honestly one of the best course I've ever taken"
Alina
"I learned a lot about light and modification than I ever though I would"
Hardley Jeannite
"I feel a lot more confident you know photography and studio work"
Hardley Jeannite
"I can't believe all of this happened within 6 week of time"
"What you truly learned from this class is that you are enough and that your ideas matter"
"What you truly learned from this class is that you are enough and that your ideas matter"
Shante’ Patterson
"I'm so grateful to Natalie for everything that she taught us all these skills how to believe in yourself,your thoughts and in your ideas"
Marilyn Arcila
"I learned so many things. I learned a lot about lighting, working with the agencies and collaborators "
Jacob Reichenaur
"- Last 10 photos on your instagram is like a second breeze. What did you do?
- I just took a Natalie’s class"
- I just took a Natalie’s class"
Agatha Belova
"The reward is so much bigger than you could possibly think it would be be so absolutely do it"
Morgan Pruitt
🙋♀️ Dream of shooting like a pro? Let’s make it happen!
Plans & Prices
Select your format: online or offline
based on a 6-month plan
based on a 8-month plan
- Access to all live recorded classes for 12 months.
- Access to the WhatsApp group chat with all the participants. A dedicated chat where you can ask me any questions and receive detailed answers.
- + Weekly 6 live calls offer a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and gain insights directly from me.
- Private weekly one on one call with me to review assignments, receive feedback, and ask any questions.
- Premium support. Text me directly any questions
- 3 organized practical shootings
- +1 personal
Personal support
$748 / month
$987 / month
Group learning
- Access to all live recorded classes
- Access to the WhatsApp group chat with all the participants. A dedicated chat where you can ask me any questions and receive detailed answers.
- + Weekly 6 live calls offer a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and gain insights directly from me.
- 3 organized practical shootings
Homework with feedback from me
+2 shootings on your own for practic
⏰ Time left before prices increase
Venmo: @Natalie-Kogan-1
00 : 00 : 00
00 : 00 : 00
Online Group learning
$ 3000 $ 2590
- Access to all recorded classes
- Access to the group chat with all the participants (Communication with other students, sharing additional information or inspiration).
Weekly calls – answering your questions, reviewing your shoots, discussing your ideas on photography. Homework with feedback
based on a 5-month plan
based on a 6-month plan
$748 / month
$518 / month
Online Personal
- Access to all live recorded classes for 12 months.
- Access to the group chat with all the participants. A dedicated chat where you can ask me any questions and receive detailed answers.
- + Weekly 6 live calls offer a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and gain insights directly from me.
- Private weekly one on one call with me to review assignments, receive feedback, and ask any questions.
- Premium support. Text me directly any questions
- 3 organized practical shootings under my guidence
⏰ Time left before prices increase
Venmo: @Natalie-Kogan-1
00 : 00 : 00
00 : 00 : 00
How many brand-shootings
does it take to recoup the cost of mentorship? ❤️
brand budget
⚡ Group participation
⚡ Personal
$800
(common price)
(common price)
5 photoshoot
7 photoshoot
$1200
4
6
$1700
3
4
$2500+
<2
2
The cost of training includes
- 3 organized shootings
of 6 hours eachWith children, outdoors and in the studioAll those shoots that brands do. For shooting their collections, which come out at least 4 times every year - Professional models, stylist & make-up artistLearn to work in a teamWe create an atmosphere of real service and shooting
- Analysis of each shoot. Preparation for it beforeNew, professional portfolio shoots, approved by me at every stage
- Tasks to find clients and a general working atmosphere in which it is impossible not to actGeneral chat, community, support, analysis of difficultiesAlready during the program, you will write to brands and offer your work
You will move from a dead point, break through the glass ceiling
and take responsibility for achieving your goals
