"Empowering you to forge your own path—your journey, your story, your unique way to success with honest and real mentorship.”

Wedding & Elopement PHOTOGRAPHY

Mentor Sessions

Building a career you’re proud of takes hard work, passion, and authenticity. With 15 years of wedding photography experience, I’m here to guide you step by step, sharing insights to help you thrive as both a creative and a business owner.

Together, we’ll dive into what matters most to you and what stage you are in your business. We can create and style standout shoots, build meaningful connections with industry professionals, and craft a brand that’s uniquely yours. This isn’t about cookie-cutter advice—it’s about giving you the tools and strategies to carve your own path and tell your own story.

Let's make it happen if you’re ready to grow, get real about your goals, and create a business that reflects who you are. Your journey starts here—let’s build something extraordinary together!

I don’t promise overnight success

or sell you a six-figure dream.

Invest in Yourself with Honest and Real Mentorship

  • MENTOR SESSIONS

    No fluff, no gatekeeping, just real, honest insights from my years in the wedding and elopement photography business.

  • BUSINESS & WORKFLOW ESSENTIALS

    Master pricing, client workflows, social media, and file management to build a sustainable, organized business while keeping your files safe.

  • SHOOTING + EDITING

    Master guiding clients, posing for natural emotion, and location scouting. Maximize gear, experiment with techniques, and refine your editing with Lightroom, Photoshop, and custom presets for a consistent workflow.

MENTOR SESSIONS ↓↓↓↓

Coaching Session $500

A 2-hour online session - tailored entirely to you. Whether it's business, shooting, editing and workflow, website audit, camera settings, posing prompts, client experience, or more! And all the in-betweens, we'll dive into the topics you're most eager to learn about. If we need more time, additional hours are just $350 each.

IF LOCAL - A 2-hour in-person coaching session - $700

Editing Mentor Session – $600

Spend 2 hours with me in a screen-share session, in person or online, where we'll cover:

  • Everything from importing to exporting your photos.

  • Mastering Lightroom shortcuts and tricks.

  • Refining your style with Lightroom and Photoshop.

  • Includes the MCP preset Film Pack to jumpstart your editing workflow.

One-on-One Workshop – $2000  

Ready for the ultimate experience? This is a one-on-one in-person Workshop for those who want to learn the most they can—from running a photography business to organizing and nailing a live-styled photoshoot. You'll get:

  • 5 hours covering business strategies, editing, client interaction, and more.

  • A live-styled shoot to bring everything you’ve learned all together.

  • A session hosted in Southern California or another location I'm traveling to.

  • The MCP preset Film Pack + creating your very own preset pack

No topic is off-limits. You bring your questions, and I'll bring all the answers and guidance I can provide.

↓↓↓↓ 90-DAY ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP

Gain unlimited access to me, Mariela, for personalized support and accountability to help you achieve your goals.

We’ll work together to refine and curate your portfolio to reflect your unique style and attract the clients you want. I’ll also help you develop a clear, actionable 90-day plan to move your business forward with intention.

If you need help with branding or website design, my talented team can help with the process, ensuring your online presence is professional and aligned with your vision. Additional info ➾ HERE

Most importantly, I’m here to help you build the confidence to focus on what you do best. Let’s take your photography business to the next level!

THREE-MONTH One-on-One MENTORSHIP

Ready for an in-depth experience? For those who want to learn steadily and at your own pace. — from running a photography business to organizing and nailing a live-styled photoshoot. You'll get:

  • Business strategies, editing, client interaction, and more

  • Short + long term goal setting

  • Website review and or gallery curation

  • Six video call sessions - I am an open book, you bring your questions and Il’ll bring all the answers.

  • Accountability and check-ins

  • Plan & curate a styled shoot to bring everything you’ve learned all together toward the end of your term

  • Session will be hosted at one of our trusted venue partners

  • The MCP preset Film Pack + creating your very own preset pack

No topic is off-limits. Go deeper with my dedicated support for a full 90 days.

  • $2500

    Offering a monthly payment plan

One-on-one Curated Photoshoot…..

I will help you create a stunning editorial that perfectly represents your brand and style. Don't worry about competing with other photographers—I will assist you in strategically planning, coordinating, and elevating your portfolio. You will have access to my guidance, a curated gallery, and social media and marketing advice, including my three-month mentorship program.

The service starts at $3,500

I'm happy to give you a quote. Let's work together to create something unique!

SAMPLE Topics

We Can Dive Into during our Mentor Session

Curious about growing your photography skills or running a successful business? Maybe you're considering booking a mentorship session but aren’t sure exactly how I can help. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my most popular topics to get you inspired and ready to take the next step:

  • Imposter Syndrome: Let’s tackle the doubts that hold you back and build confidence in both your business and yourself.

  • A Legit and Legal Business: Learn how to legitimize your business with a proper license, contracts, insurance, taxes, and all the essential pieces to protect yourself and your clients.

  • Behind the Scenes of Business: From pricing, branding, and workflows to client communication and management, I’ll show you how to simplify the back end so you can focus on what you love most.

  • Wedding Photography: I’ll guide you on creating a valuable client experience, capturing raw emotions, and building your dream wedding portfolio.

  • Marketing Deep Dive: Simplifying blogging, Instagram, Pinterest, and email marketing to create a strategy that works for you.

  • Equipment and Editing: Nervous about gear or editing? I’ll help you master flash photography, Lightroom, and more so you can feel confident in any situation.

Let's chat if any of these topics speak to you—or even if you’re unsure where to start! This is your chance to elevate your skills and business on your terms. Ready to take that step? Let’s make it happen.

〣

Website REFRESH? or Custom Site?

Do you need a refresh on your existing website and gallery? You may need a new website design and need help and guidance. I have Graphic Designers, Website creators, and SEO experts within arms' reach! I work with "Muse Media House." to enhance, fix, or create your website with a detailed curation and/or walkthrough. And optimize for search engines.

Starts at $1,200

Complete Custom Website design starts at $2,800

SEO + Marketing Monthly Subscriptions start at $1000 per month

View some samples of our past clients customized websites.

The Nature of Things

Custom Website Design

A Touch of Class Events

Custom Website Design

Mariela's mentorship is amazing. She knew her stuff and was able to give me some great advice that helped me improve my business. I'm so grateful for the insight and feedback that she provided me.

— Skii F.

Got Questions?

we have answers

  • For your in-person mentorships/workshops that includes the live styled shoot with models, photographers often book a mentor session around 6 – 12 months in advance.

    For any mentorships without photographing models, you can book at a minimum 1 month in advance (subject to availability)

  • During our mentor sessions, I'll take the time to ask thoughtful questions to truly understand you, your goals, and where you want to grow. From there, we’ll dive into every aspect of building your photography business—both as a creative and as an entrepreneur. Together, we’ll craft a learning experience that’s completely customized to fit your needs and aspirations.

    If you already have a clear idea of what you want to focus on, that’s perfect! I’m an open book and promise to approach our time together with complete transparency and honesty. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just genuine guidance and actionable insights to help you thrive.

    I’m so excited for the chance to share what I’ve learned and help you take the next step in your journey. Let’s do this together!

  • My in-person mentorships are held around November through to March.

    For online mentorships, I am available year round with limited availabilities during June – September due to elopement + wedding season

Our partners