mentoring
with Elysia Janae
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY — ALL THE DETAILS ARE BELOW!
📍 IN-PERSON ONLY
📹 This Workshop Will Be Recorded!
All registered participants will receive access to the full workshop replay to watch at their own pace, any time!
🎉 HOUSTON CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
📅 Date: September 13th, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST
📍 Location: Copperfield area of Houston, TX (77095)
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
We’ll kick off the day with a casual breakfast, introductions, and a tour of the studio to help you feel comfortable and prepared.
Set Design & Styling
You’ll see a full cake smash set built from scratch. We'll cover:
Theme planning and creative direction
Backdrop layering and prop placement
Cake selection and coordination
Wardrobe styling and accessories
How to create beautiful, DIY-friendly sets that wow your clients
Client Communication & Preparation
I’ll walk you through my entire client workflow — from first inquiry to final session. Learn how to guide parents, prep them for the session, and build strong client relationships that lead to trust and long-term loyalty.
Lighting, Shooting, & Camera Settings
This hands-on portion includes 2 live child models and covers:
Studio lighting setup and positioning
Dialing in camera settings for consistent SOOC results
Posing, model engagement, and shooting flow
Practice time to shoot and build your portfolio
Workflow & Culling
We’ll cover how to efficiently cull your images and organize your workflow to save time and create a seamless experience for your clients.
📌 Please Note:
I DO NOT teach editing during this workshop. I work with a professional editor so I can focus on client experience and business growth. While we’ll touch on workflow and culling, editing is not a primary focus.
Marketing & Business Strategies
Let’s dive into how to grow a thriving cake smash business. We’ll discuss:
Pricing and client upgrades
Parent prep and communication
Upselling tips and product offerings
Social media, referrals, branding, and organization
📌 Note on Business Model:
I’m an IPS (In-Person Sales) photographer, and I’ll show you how I’ve built a strong, profitable model that consistently delivers results. I average $1,500 per session—and never go under $1,000—without overextending myself or sacrificing client experience.
All-Inclusive? DON'T WORRY!
Even if you deliver full galleries, I’ll share strategies to streamline your workflow, boost your profitability, and elevate your client journey—regardless of your business model.
💬 Ongoing Support
All attendees will be added to a private Facebook group leading up to the workshop. This is where we’ll connect, support each other, and answer questions. The group will remain open, and your workshop replay will be posted there for unlimited access and silent mentoring.
🎒 What You’ll Need:
Must-Haves:
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Memory cards
85mm or 24–70mm lens (minimum f/2.5 recommended)
(I personally shoot with a Nikon Z7 and use both a 24–70mm and 85mm lens.)
Optional Items:
Laptop
Additional lenses
Notebook, battery charger, and camera bag
🍽️ Lunch and snacks will be provided in-studio for in-person attendees.
💳 Payment Options
🔹 Pay in Full Option:
$450 (Reg. $850) — Save $400!
🔹 Monthly Payment Option
Total due $450 (original $850)
$150 down payment required- Pay what you want monthly
The total balance must be paid in full at least 7 days before your scheduled date.
✔️ Afterpay is available upon request!
🎯 Final Notes
This is a one-of-a-kind, deep-dive experience created to help you elevate your cake smash sessions creatively and professionally — whether you're just getting started or ready to level up.
Spots are limited, and we do expect to fill quickly.
✨ I can't wait to share everything I’ve learned with you
Secure Your Spot – Click Here
When I first reached out to Elysia, all I wanted was to shadow an IPS session. I had no idea how much of a reality check that would be. I quickly realized I was missing so much when it came to actually running a business. At the time, I was only taking donations, had no real structure, and was just figuring things out as I went. Since working with her, I’ve had several paid sessions, sold products, and finally feel like I’m running a real, sustainable business.
Elysia has challenged me in the best way possible while also meeting me where I am. She’s helped me refine my workflow, improve my client experience, and see the true value in what I offer. But beyond that, she’s helped me become a fully legal business. I’ve learned how to file quarterly taxes, create spreadsheets that actually help me track my numbers, build an entire website from scratch, run a CRM, market my work, create invoices, and properly prepare for sessions. The amount of knowledge and confidence I’ve gained is something I never expected.
On top of that, she’s completely transformed the way I approach posing. From posing safety to refining the way I direct clients, she’s helped me create images that feel more natural, flattering, and intentional. I’ve gained so much confidence in guiding my clients, which has made my sessions smoother and my work even stronger.
One of the most incredible parts of this mentorship has been the hands-on experience she’s given me. She’s allowed me to assist her during sessions, giving me real-world experience that has made all the difference. And through it all, she’s been there—pushing me, supporting me, and genuinely wanting to see me succeed.
I truly hope other people see the value and worth that she brings because I had no idea what I was in for—but what I’ve gained from her is beyond invaluable. I will always be grateful for her guidance, generosity, and belief in me.
If you’re looking for a mentor who will teach you not just how to take better photos but how to actually run a business, Elysia is the one. I can’t recommend her enough!
