My Mentorship Philosophy & Photography Journey
I switched from being a Chartered Accountant to a photographer 10 years ago. Today, I teach you how to build a business that is as profitable as it is soulful.
As Mint and Peach turned 8, I reflected on the most important lessons I've learned, from patience to the power of real connection. In my mentoring, I share this wisdom to help you navigate your own photography journey.
Seven years ago, I quit my CA career to follow my passion. This post tells the story of my journey, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned while building my business from the ground up.
This is me, seven years into my journey. I believe in following your gut and putting your heart into your work. I'm here to help you do the same.
Taking the leap of faith to start this business was the best decision I ever made. I want to inspire and guide you to take your own leap, armed with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
I've built an incredible all-women team, and we are growing and learning together every day. When you join my workshops, you become part of this supportive and inspiring community.
A photo from my journey. Every step, from learning to hold a baby safely to signing my first studio lease, has been a lesson. I share these real-world experiences in my mentoring sessions.
Another member of my amazing team. We believe in collaboration and lifting each other up. My workshops foster a community spirit, not a competitive one.
Had a photoshoot disaster? I break down the common reasons why shoots fail, like wrong timing or lack of experience. My workshops are designed to give you the expertise to avoid these pitfalls.
This client testimonial speaks to the experience I strive to create and teach. Making families feel comfortable and capturing their joy is the ultimate goal, and I'll show you how to achieve that every time.
About My Mentoring Philosophy & Journey
In my mentorship sessions, we don't just talk about shutter speeds or presets. Because I spent years in finance, I teach you the business logic behind a successful studio—how to calculate COGS, structure your pricing, and manage margins so you don't burn out. You get the art, the safety protocols, and the math to keep your studio running for the long haul.
Photography is only half the battle. Whether you are struggling to define your style or trying to figure out why your studio isn't profitable, my workshops are designed to bridge that gap. I have spent a decade photographing over 1800 little ones, and I have learned that the best shots come when you stop chasing trends and start chasing feelings.
What we cover in my mentorship
- The Business Logic: We dig deep into financial planning. As a former CA, I help you understand profit margins, costing, and how to price your work so you aren't just busy, but sustainable.
- Newborn Safety & Posing: Safety is non-negotiable. I teach you the 'Flow' technique to transition poses without disturbing the baby, keeping the studio at a regulated 27°C, and reading infant cues.
- Finding Your Voice: I help you audit your portfolio to find what actually works. We look at your lighting, your angles, and your brand positioning to ensure your work looks like yours, not a copy of someone else's.
- The Studio Experience: If you join me at my Cuffe Parade studio, we do live practicals. You watch me handle newborns, manage parents, and troubleshoot real-time 'disasters'—from fussy babies to lighting issues.
My goal is to help you build a business that feels like you. In a world full of AI and filters, I believe there is still a massive market for work that is real, loud, and full of life. If you are ready to take the leap and invest in your craft, let's talk.
Manali Kabra
I'm Manali. I walked away from a corporate finance career to capture the chaos and love of new families. I'm here to show you how to find your own 'why' and build a business that actually supports your life.
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