Welcome to Shutter School
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🎓 1-on-1 Mentorship with Joseph Hernandez
For photographers and filmmakers ready to turn their craft into a career.
Now accepting a very limited number of mentees for 2026
My Story
I started my business at 22 years old with a $250 wedding gig and a dream.
What began as a one-man hustle out of my bedroom has grown into one of Bakersfield’s largest full-service studios — producing photography and video for clients like Amazon, Chevron, Frito-Lay, and Dignity Health.
Over the last two decades, I’ve learned that success in this industry isn’t just about taking great photos or knowing your gear — it’s about consistency, communication, and understanding how to build something that lasts.
Now, through Shutter School, I’m helping the next generation of creatives find clarity, direction, and confidence in both their craft and their business.
I Understand the Struggle
Getting started in an oversaturated market isn’t easy.
Standing out, attracting clients, creating work that sells, understanding the business side, training staff, and building community — I’ve been through it all.
When I started in 2004, mentorship wasn’t accessible. It took me years of trial, error, and persistence to figure out what works. Today, my mission is to make sure you don’t waste that time.
Why Most Creatives Stay Stuck
There’s a lot of noise out there — quick YouTube tutorials, short-form “hacks,” and influencers chasing views instead of helping you build a real business. Even traditional photography and film schools rarely teach what actually keeps a studio alive: how to price, sell, and deliver consistent work while running a business that lasts. Skills matter — but without understanding how to package and sell your talent, you’ll always be guessing.
The Better Way
The fastest path to success isn’t more random tutorials — it’s having a mentor.
Someone who’s been in the trenches and can guide you through both the craft and the business.
That’s what this mentorship is about.
I’ll help you identify what’s holding you back, focus on what works, and build real momentum toward your goals — not theories.
Meet Your Mentor
Hi there, I’m Joseph Hernandez.
I’ve helped photographers and filmmakers sharpen their skills, find their voice, and build thriving businesses — with some even surpassing my own annual income. I’m ready to help you do the same.
What I bring to the table:
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"20+ years in photography and filmmaking"
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"20+ years working with Photoshop, Canon gear, Sony, Final Cut Pro, DJI products, Apple products & various Creative Tools and Apps that help streamline and scale businesses"
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"15+ years running a full-service commercial studio & training photographers and videographers to become professionals"
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"7+ years mentoring creatives into the six-figure club"
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"A strong background in communication and marketing — helping you write better emails, craft your message, and stand out online"
If you’re serious about growth, I’ll meet you halfway with clarity, strategy, and accountability.
Is This for You?
This mentorship is for creators who are:
✅ Ready to start or scale their photography or filmmaking business
✅ Tired of inconsistent bookings and underpricing
✅ Looking to attract higher-paying clients
✅ Wanting to expand into commercial or volume-based work
✅ Serious about creating a six-figure creative business
My Mission
My goal is to shorten your learning curve and help you build a creative business that not only thrives — but survives anything.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building, let’s get to work.
What You’ll Get Out of Mentorship
1️⃣ Direct 1-on-1 Coaching
Personal guidance tailored to your business, your goals, and your creative journey.
2️⃣ Strategy That Actually Works
Learn proven systems for attracting clients, pricing profitably, and scaling sustainably.
3️⃣ Creative & Business Balance
We’ll work on both your craft and your mindset — because one without the other doesn’t last.
4️⃣ Insider Knowledge
I’ll share the lessons and strategies that took my studio from $250 weddings to multi six figures — no fluff, just what works.
5️⃣ Support & Accountability
You’ll have access to structured check-ins, real feedback, and the kind of guidance that keeps you moving forward.