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My Mentoring in a Nutshell…
I am very pleased to announce that I am now opening up my one-to-one mentoring and personalised training to everyone.
What does that involve? - This can be as intensive or as casual as you like. Here are a couple of popular options that others have taken part in the past…
Image critiques take the form of a 90 minute call where we go through and discuss your work, make suggestions on how things can be improved based on what you’re trying to achieve and set clear goals for you to work towards.
Option 1: Image Critique
Book a 90 minute video call with me so we can review and constructively critique your work. These sessions are great if you're looking to improve your current work.
For example; you are happy with your shots, but you feel like they are missing something or want to know how to give them that final professional polish to take them to the next level.
This might include lighting advice, posing tips, composition and angles etc. but these are all tactical advise that is specific to your shots and your workflow. I have a specific exercise that I'd also like you to do prior to this call. Doing this will show us what we need to work on. I can get the relevant PDF of advice and instructions over to you for this once it's booked.
With this Image Critique option you also receive:
A series of targeted actions after the call for you to work on that are specific to your training goals
A copy of any of the lighting diagrams, post-pro tips or notes made during the call
Any relevant screenshots and links that were discussed during the call
I have a huge selection of workshops for you to work through and if you can’t make them in person, a live one-2-one session with myself where I take you through absolutely everything I teach on the day is a perfect alternative.
Option 2: Online Workshop
Learn a whole bunch of new technical skills and lighting setups via my one-to-one online workshops. Simply put; these sessions are exactly like my in-person workshops in that I teach you everything I would normally teach at the events, plus you'd get all the pdfs of notes, lighting diagrams, kit lists and Lightroom presets, we simply skip on the actual shooting itself.
With this online-workshop option you also receive:
My detailed PDF of notes,
Lighting diagrams
Kit Lists
Lightroom Presets.
I currently run 7 workshops and you can see them all here ‘JHP Workshop Page’
Retouching is hugely subjective, but many of our images can benefit from a little extra polish. Take part in my live retouching process as I work on your image to show you what’s possible and watch back the recording afterwards so that you’re able to apply the techniques yourself.
Option 3: Personalised Retouching
This more intensive final option is also for those that may want some post-production tips on their specific images. This includes best-practices at point of capture, Lightroom advice and Photoshop techniques. You would watch me retouch 3 of your own shots so that you can see what final results are possible with your own images.
Sure, it's great to watch an online video about retouching in general, but how would it be implemented on your own images?
Some people are great photographers, but their post-production skills is letting their work down. I can show you what's possible and how to achieve the best from your photos. Included with the price of this session, you would receive the layered PSD I worked on, all of my Photoshop Actions and specific brushes, plus any Lightroom presets I used on your shot. This session will also be recorded so that you can watch it back later to exactly what I did (You don't need any specialist software for this-Skype will do it for us).
With the personalised Retouching option you also receive:
All the layered (unflattened) PSD files of your shots that I worked on during the call
All of my Photoshop Actions + plus any Photoshop brushes specific to your images
Any Lightroom Presets I used on your file
Plus a video recording of the retouching session for you to watch later and review.
Curious as to what a Personalised Retouching session looks like? Take a look at the video below as an example….
Business Advice
Lastly, if you're looking to make your photography into a career or perhaps you want more ideas on how to monetise your photographic skills, I can offer some targeted marketing advice on how to do that too. I managed a successful and busy studio for nearly 7 years so I can certainly share some of my experiences and what worked well for us. This includes client acquisition, client retention and boosting your client spend with up-selling tips and strategies.
-Please get in touch to enquire about pricing for business advice.
Get in touch…
Got any questions?
Not sure if this is applicable to you?
Curious about the cost of any of this?
Want to know more?
These are all great questions and I fully expect you to have many more. But whatever questions you have, please don’t hesitate to ask it.
I’m happy to field any and all enquiries about this new mentoring program and whether you’re interested in improving your photography business or want to push your passion and art further, I can help you realise those goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Student Testimonials
Option 1 - Image Critique and Feedback
"As a self-learner, after a few years and many online courses, I was in this spot where I did not know how to improve my portfolio or to get clients. Jake's mentoring session was great because with honest feedback on my portfolio and direction about style, I understand now what I should work on. It is not easy to know which steps to take without feedback, and with your help there are a lot of new directions for me to explore. Highly recommended!"
-Caroline - Paris, France
Option 3 - Personalised Retouching
“Having built a sound base in gel photography and photo editing through visiting several of Jake's Workshops, One-2-One sessions with the King of Gels felt like a natural next step. Seeing Jake editing my own shots and getting advice on how to improve my lighting skills was invaluable. Jake is not only a brilliant photographer and retoucher, but also a very gifted educator.”
-D.L. - Geneva, Switzerland
Option 3 - Personalised Retouching
"Once again Jake delivers! The retouching session takes things to the next level with getting into the nitty-gritty in post-production. Another fantastic opportunity to take advantage of! Thanks Jake!"
-David - Baltimore, USA.
Option 1 - Image Critique and Business Feedback
"My one-2-one with Jake was so helpful in many ways! We discussed many aspects of the photography business as a whole and has given me direction within my interests. The help Jake gave me will fast forward my business and bring it to a new level. This is the best 90 minutes I have ever invested in myself and my business! Thank you Jake, for your professionalism, patience, kindness and sharing your gift! I would not hesitate to reach out to you again! You get a 20 out of 10 from me!!"
-Annie - Alberta, Canada
Option 2 - Online Workshop
“I just got a photography studio and need to use strobe lights to my advantage. I saw Jake’s pictures on IG and loved his style and knew that he would be the go to guy on lights and making my images my own. I took the a one on one workshop on Big Studio Lighting in small spaces, I was able to do a one on one workshop with Jake and learned a ton. He answered all my questions. It is well worth the money. Don’t hesitate to do a class with him.”
-Howard - East Coast U.S.A.
Option 1 - Image Critique & Business Advice
“Jake is an extremely knowledgeable photographer. Having had the hands-on experience for many years, Jake will certainly help you figure out any questions and/or issues you might have.
Jake is a patient and extremely thorough teacher who will help you unlock and maximize your photography potential.”
-JMC New York - USA
Business Advice
“I was full of doubts about my business photography and portfolio, but this session with Jake managed to clear up those doubts with helpful, detailed and practicable advices!
After this session I’m now more motivated than ever!”
-Ludwig - Montpellier, France.
Option 2 - Online Workshop
"Had two amazing and insightful workshops with Jake. I really appreciate these thorough and information-packed online sessions. I learned so much in such a short amount of time. If like me, you are not able to go to Jake’s workshops in person, I highly recommend doing these online one to one sessions. He’s really personable and very generous with his time. I feel inspired to go and brush up on my skills with all I have learned after spending time with him on these one to one workshops.”
-Mathieu D. - Canada
Option 2 - Online Workshop
“I have been awe struck by Jake's work and taking his workshop was in some ways a dream come true. I purchased his Gel Lighting Tutorial and meticulously worked through it. I did find that I wanted more and taking a workshop with Jake was the next natural step. I did ask him before what would be more suitable given that I had taken the gelled lighting tutorial. Jake suggested I take the Creative Lighting Workshop and it was awesome. There are a few key principles that are game changing - they alter the way you think about lighting and give you a process which is repeatable thus yielding consistent results. While gel lighting is not easy - Jake's methodologies make it easy to apply the principles and replicate the various lighting setups included as a part of the creative lighting workshop. He also includes a kit list which is minimal and can be used by anyone to create stunning images. I am grateful for taking the workshop and thank Jake for his time.”
-B. Allen. Dallas U.S.A.
Option 2 - Online Workshop
“Whereas I immensely enjoyed Jake's in person workshops in the past, the online workshop with Jake was superbe too, and saved me the travel to the UK. Jake made great material available and the course was very interactive. Of course you won't be able to shoot yourself, but having exclusive access to Jake for that time made more than up for this. As usual, Jake was generous with his time and explanation, his education style is second to none.”
-Damian Lampart, Geneva
Option 2 - Online Workshop
“Jake, I had such a great time earlier and I want to thank you for making it a comfortable learning experience. - I frequently get intimidated when learning from anyone with a degree of experience as extensive as yours but this online workshop wasted no time getting to content and relatively simple techniques that will completely up-end the way I shoot, and the way I think about light. Jake kept it fun, interesting, and informative - I simply cannot wait to try some of these methods this weekend!"
-Mark. G - St. Louis U.S.A
Option 1 - Image Critique
“There are a lot of great photographers in the world… but it is quite rare to find someone who has truly mastered the craft, thoroughly developed a unique and distinctive style, and has a heart for mentoring and sharing his knowledge with others. That is what my experience with Jake Hicks has been and he has been invaluable in pushing the boundaries of my own abilities, helping me see new possibilities in my images, and inspiring me to be the best photographer I can be.”
-G. Proctor - Infinity Point Studio - Vancouver, Canada
Option 3 - Personalised Retouching
“Jake broke things down in such a simple and easy to understand way. Learning was a joy and his techniques will be such time savers for me.”
-E. Kimbrell - North Caroline U.S.A.
Option 1 - Image Critique and Feedback
"Prepare to have your horizons broadened. The insight and suggestions Jake provides during his mentoring sessions are more than just helpful. They are energizing and eye-opening! Being able to tap into Jake's extensive knowledge one-on-one is an opportunity you don't want to miss. And he's cool to boot!"
-David - Baltimore, USA.
Option 3 - Personalised Retouching
“The 121 session with Jake was superb. I've attended some photography courses with Jake previously and he brings the same expertise, energy and good humour to the online work. I learned a lot in a few hours and the course contained some real fundamentals of a great post workflow. I'm much more confident now and excited to start creating some beautiful new images.”
-L. Rodgers - Kent, UK
Option 2 - Online Workshop
“My online session with Jake was not only highly inspirational, but gave me essential tools for taking my photography to the next level. He made sure to tailor the workshop to my personal skill level, and gave me plenty of resources to get started on the skills he taught me. I would recommend these online sessions to all photographers: both emerging and professional; as they have given me insight into advanced work practices that will greatly assist me in my photography journey.”
-Marla B. - Australia
Option 2 - Online Workshop
“The workshop is so well structured and thought to mentor us, photographers, many complicated themes in such a simple and understandable way. Loved the workflow of it and appreciate the time i was given by Jake. I asked everything i needed with no hurries or pressure. He simply never stops to surprise me by his creativity and his willingness to teach us all.”
-R. Geitani - Mexico City
Option 1 - Image Critique and Feedback
“Meeting with Jake was very insightful! He pointed out things that I wasn't able to see in my work and challenged me to break through some of my misconceptions. On top of that, he's very personable and makes you feel like you're chatting with a good friend.”
-G. Gardner - South Jersey, U.S.A.
Option 3 - Personalised Retouching
“I’ve only just got back into photography after a 7 year hiatus and obviously in that time, a LOT has changed when it comes to editing techniques. I’ve been following Jake’s work for some time and I’ve always struggled to get skin as perfect as he does, so I decided to a one to one session with him to see where I was going wrong. I’ve literally thrown my whole workflow in the bin and from now on will be using the incredible techniques I’ve just learned in our session. Jake covered absolutely EVERYTHING, from the ins and outs of Lightroom (which I’ve only ever used to lighten up an image) to his entire workflow, actions, brushes, skin editing, backgrounds, absolutely everything I could possibly need for my beauty, fashion and portrait work. The session has given me years of knowledge and a whole wealth of information that would have taken me forever to try and learn on my own.
I cannot recommend him enough.”
-O. Shaker - London U.K.
Option 1 - Image Critique
“Having spent a couple of years attempting to teach myself about photography, specifically gel photography I found myself in a bit of a mire and losing motivation.
This mentoring call was a birthday gift from my partner and WOW what a gift it turned out to be!
Jake as usual demonstrated his usual approachable style and the way in which he delivers feedback is both constructive and most helpful. I came away with many points that helped reinforce my ability and more importantly, some very good points that will help drive me forward.
If you have been thinking about doing this and have put it off, my advice is BOOK IT NOW! You will not be disappointed. In an hour Jake had already started to point out the errors I had made in lighting my subjects and had provided solutions that only a professional with this experience is able to do. Followed up with a brief overview of the meeting with any lighting diagrams and links discussed and you couldn’t ask for a more complete training/mentoring package.
My plan is to try these techniques & tweaks out and then book another session later in the year to find out whether I have put these practices into place properly.
Oh, and we had a bit of a laugh too – At both our expense!
You will struggle to meet a more down to earth professional in the industry today!”
-M. Yuille – Barrow in Furness, U.K.
Want to take the first step for FREE?
The exercise I’m offering you for free here is the exercise I get all of my students to do before we work together. Essentially you read the PDF I provide and follow the steps I outline within it. By doing this, it unlocks and highlights some of the key areas for us to work on specific to your training needs. My one-to-one mentoring is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach where I give you the same advice and tips I give everyone else. My training is specific to you and your goals, and this exercise helps both me and you understand what those goals are.
Plus, whether you decide to take my mentoring further or not, I think you’ll find the exercise just as useful as everybody else before you has. ….and it’s free, so what have you got to lose?
Interested in reading and taking the free exercise? Simply reach out to me using the contact form above and I’ll send you the free PDF as soon as I can.
My Background in Education
I’ve been in a very fortunate position for some time now in that I’ve always been involved with educating others about photography in some capacity.
Years ago I manged a very successful portrait studio for nearly 7 years. Whist I was there, I was in charge of training all the new recruits both in my studio and other studios around the country. One thing that quickly became apparent to me was that just because you’re good at something, it doesn’t mean you can teach it.
Over the years I developed techniques and exercises that enabled my students to truly understand what they were doing with lighting, composition and post-production, but more importantly why they were doing it.
We are all very fortunate to live in a world where limitless amounts of education are at our fingertips online. Sadly, most of that education is positioned as ‘just copy what I do and you’ll be fine’. This style of learning can certainly work in the short term, but it can limit our understanding of why we’re doing certain things further down the line which can dampen our own voice and can seriously hamper our progress of developing a defined personal look to our art.
The other significant drawback of online learning compared to the more traditional education is the capacity for targeted goals. What is important to you? What are you trying to achieve? What are your weaknesses and what are your strengths? How can we develop those?
This is where a mentor or one-to-one education can really propel your learning forward at a remarkable rate. But why is this? What can a mentor do that an online video can’t? Have you ever taken a photo and thought, “It’s okay, but it’s not exactly what I wanted”. Maybe you’ve been a little deflated because you really felt like you’d done everything right, but something is still missing.
It’s at this stage where many of us simply move on to the next shoot and what inevitably happens is that the same thing happens again. This is where a mentor or some form of one-to-one training can help you progress. Having someone with a little more experience than you looking over your work can help you improve your work dramatically as they will be able to highlight any weaker areas and offer you advice on how to improve them. Anybody online can tell you what’s wrong with your shot, but few can accurately tell you how to improve it.
As I open up my mentoring to more of you now, I very much look forward to working with you and helping you develop your craft. Photography is a fundamental part of who I am today and I derive huge pleasure, strength and peace of mind from being able to create images and work I’m incredibly proud of.
If teaching others has taught me anything over the years, then it’s how much I enjoy seeing others getting excited about creating art they’re incredibly proud of too. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve some of your goals very soon.