If you're an aspiring photographer, a blogger, a chef, a maker, or a small business owner who handles all their own photography (and you know it's time to level up your photography game), or even if you're simply someone who loves being creative and capturing beautiful moments—then this post is absolutely for YOU.
You might already know that teaching in-person food photography workshops has always been one of my greatest passions. There's something about seeing a group of people come together, each bringing their unique perspective and ideas, and watching them learn, grow, and take beautiful photos. That energy is absolutely electric, and nothing compares to the satisfaction I feel when a student “gets it” and walks away with a newfound understanding of how to take their food photography to the next level.
But here’s something you might not know: for years, I’ve had people ask me to offer online photography workshops, and for a long time, I resisted the idea. Why? Well, at first, I wasn’t sure how I could possibly replicate that dynamic, in-person magic in an online setting. The thought of teaching to a camera without the immediate interaction, the group energy, and the creative feedback felt daunting to me. What I love most about teaching is the live interaction—the conversations that happen between me and my students, and even more importantly, the way students interact with each other. There's something truly special about people coming together around creativity, sharing ideas, learning from one another, and offering support and encouragement.
And let’s be honest: as a photographer, I’m much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. I think I speak for a lot of photographers when I say that being on camera feels incredibly vulnerable. That was one of my biggest obstacles—I just couldn’t envision how I could make an online photography class feel as personal and engaging as an in-person one.
But last year, something clicked. I realized that I didn’t have to compromise. I could create an online photography experience that still provided that same sense of community and connection. I could offer a platform for creatives to come together, learn new skills, and support each other, all while maintaining the personal touch I love about teaching. I could find a way to make it affordable and accessible to a broader audience. And most importantly, I could make it fun—not just another online course that sits on your computer gathering dust.
That’s when The Photo Collective Membership was born.
What Makes The Photo Collective Different?
Instead of offering a handful of long, overwhelming photography classes that often get abandoned halfway through (we’ve all been there, right?), I decided to create something different—something designed to keep you engaged, inspired, and excited to learn. The Photo Collective isn’t just about watching videos and checking off lessons—it’s a dynamic, evolving membership that gives you a wealth of resources, live interactions, and ongoing support. And it’s all available for just $42/month—a small price to pay for so much value!
So, what exactly does the membership include? Let me break it down for you:
✔️ A Growing Library of Photography Classes
Each class is designed to help you level up your photography skills. These are not just generic lessons. Each class focuses on a specific topic—whether it's perfecting your composition, learning how to style your product shots, or just getting a better handle on your camera settings. You’ll have access to a growing library that truly helps you level up as a photographer, and I’ll continue adding new content to keep you learning.
One of the unique aspects of this membership is that we dive deep into creative photography techniques. For instance, we don’t just talk about how to photograph food—we talk about how to tell a story with your food photos. How to make each image evoke a certain feeling, how to choose props that enhance the narrative of the shot, and how to use lighting to bring out the best in every scene. Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced photographer, you’ll always find something new to challenge yourself with.
✔️ Twice-Monthly Group Zoom Meetings
This is where the magic really happens. These Zoom meetings aren’t just for asking questions (though you’ll get plenty of time for that)—they’re an opportunity to connect with other photographers, share your work, and get feedback in real time. The meetings are small enough to allow for personalized attention, but large enough that you can still feel the energy and camaraderie of being part of a creative community.
You’ll have the chance to ask questions about your photos, get suggestions for improving your composition or styling, and discuss the challenges you’re facing in your photography journey. What’s more, the support doesn’t stop at me—I encourage everyone to interact with each other, offer feedback, and learn from each other’s experiences. It’s all about creating a community where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
✔️ Exclusive Discounts on All Poppy Bee Surfaces Products
As a member, you’ll receive exclusive discounts on all of your Poppy Bee purchases, including professional photography backdrops and access to my in-person workshops. This is a huge bonus if you’re looking to expand your toolkit and level up your setup. Good photography tools can make a massive difference in your images, and we want to make sure you have access to the best resources to help you succeed.
✔️ Monthly Photo Challenges
One of the most exciting parts of the membership is our monthly photo challenges. These challenges are designed to help you push your creative boundaries and try out new techniques. No matter what genre of photography you are interested in, the challenges keep things fresh and exciting. Plus, they give you the chance to practice what you’ve learned and get feedback from the community, helping you continue to improve. You won’t just be sitting on the sidelines—you’ll be taking action, building your skills, and having fun along the way.
✔️ Guest Expert Interviews
Throughout the year, I’ll bring in guest experts to share their wisdom and knowledge with you. I have experts lined up that come from all areas of photography, including food photography, product photography, styling, and even business building for photographers. These interviews are an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, gain insights that will help you grow your photography business, and get new ideas to incorporate into your own work.
✔️ A Supportive and Safe Creative Community
This is what makes The Photo Collective truly special. It’s not just about the classes and challenges—it’s about the people you’ll meet and the support you’ll receive. The community is made up of creatives just like you—whether you’re a blogger, chef, or small business owner, or someone who simply loves the art of photography. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand the challenges of photography and can offer advice, encouragement, and inspiration.
We’ve built a safe space where you can share your work without fear of judgment, ask questions no matter how big or small, and connect with others who are just as passionate about photography as you are. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll feel right at home here.
Why This Membership is Perfect for You
If you’re still on the fence about whether The Photo Collective is right for you, here’s why it might be exactly what you need:
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Affordable, accessible learning: Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for an in-person photography workshop or an online course you might not finish, you’ll have ongoing access to all the classes, challenges, and support you need, for a small monthly fee.
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Build your confidence: Photography can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to capture subjects that truly reflect your vision. With the skills and support you’ll gain in this membership, you’ll start creating images with confidence—whether you’re snapping photos for your blog, your business, or just for fun.
- Join a community of like-minded creatives: The Photo Collective is a space where people come together to grow, experiment, and cheer each other on. You won’t just be learning from me—you’ll be learning from your peers and forming lasting connections with people who understand your journey.
The Photo Collective is more than just another online class—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect in a way that’s supportive, inspiring, and fun. If you’re ready to level up your food photography, product photography or any other aspect of your craft, I’d love for you to join us.
Let’s take your photography journey to the next level, together!
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