_ac69689.JPG

Mentorship

for photographers

Interested in learning photography?

Whether you're a budding enthusiast or someone looking to refine your skills, you've come to the right place. Here's why learning photography with me, Ragu, is a unique and enriching experience. Photography gear is extremely expensive, but you do not need your own a camera to start this journey. I’m happy to share my equipment with you so that you can make an informed decision before you make a big investment.

I’m Ragu, like the Sauce

My path to becoming a professional photographer was unconventional but filled with passion and perseverance. My background in engineering and a decade of experience at industry-leading tech companies like Uber and Convoy has equipped me with a distinct business perspective that I’d love to share with you to help you in your photography journey.

Why learn from me

  • Award Winning Innovator

    Experimentation and prioritization are keys to business success. As photographers, we must have a growth mindset to create a financially viable business and deliver the best value possible to our customers. I’ve won many awards at my former companies for designing operational strategies and scaling small ideas into successful ventures. I will help you apply this same innovative spirit to photography. When it comes to the basics, I can help you adopt industry best practices into your existing workflow. For your style and what makes you unique, I'll teach you how to challenge your ideas, learn, iterate, and refine your business. My goal is to help you create a financially viable business that allows you to succeed and scale.

  • Genre Diversity

    Are you interested in diving into a specific niche, or are you still exploring? I have professional experience across multiple genres, from corporate events in professional settings to high-pressure weddings with no do-overs, peak-action sports, concerts, family portraits, and kids. I’d love to dive into one or all of these with you so that you can adapt and handle different scenarios with confidence.

  • Unique Teaching Experience

    In my former life in tech and consulting, I managed teams of 150+ individuals in a corporate environment and helped many in their career development. I was also a professional dance captain, coach, and judge for 8 years, as well as a teaching assistant in college. Across all these roles, I absolutely loved seeing individuals learn and thrive. My attention to detail and approach towards rapid experimentation and continuous learning make my teaching incredibly unique. I also have numerous certifications in driving operational excellence and service management.

  • Hands-On, Personalized Approach

    I believe in the power of personalized learning. I will work one-on-one with you, tailoring each lesson to your specific needs and interests, whether it's mastering the basics, diving into advanced techniques, or exploring niche genres like street photography or portraiture. My goal is to make you comfortable and confident with your camera, enabling you to capture the world through your unique lens.

Learning Path

My photography mentorship program is structured to take you from novice to proficient. We'll cover essential topics such as:

  • Learn how to turn your passion into a profitable venture. We will start at the end and work backwards. Learn how to measure what matters, set objectives and key results, and drive continuous improvement.

  • Understanding your camera and its settings is crucial to capturing great photos. We'll dive into topics like exposure (aperture/shutter speed/ISO), focus modes, and customizations for efficiency.

  • Customers almost always ask “Do you do video?” Expand your skills into the dynamic world of videography. From shooting compelling videos to mastering drone photography, you'll gain hands-on experience with the latest techniques and equipment.

  • Post-processing is where the magic happens. I'll teach you everything from efficient storage and backup best practices to introducing you to essential software, streamlining your workflow, and ensuring a polished final product.

  • Practical experience is key. Join me on photo walks to explore different environments, practice your skills, and receive real-time feedback. It's a fun and interactive way to learn and improve.

  • I'll share insights on building a brand, marketing your services, pricing strategies, and client management to help you succeed in the competitive photography market.

  • Building connections is vital for growth. Participate in networking events, workshops, and community gatherings to meet fellow photographers, share experiences, and foster a supportive learning environment.

Ready to start your journey?

If you're passionate about photography and eager to learn, I invite reach out to me and let me know how I can help you! I’d love to help you unlocking your full potential as a photographer!