Honest feedback. Real-time learning. No fluff.
Field Notes
With Blackall Photography
A Working Mentorship for Photographers Who Want the Real Thing
You’ll be in the field. I’ll be right there beside you. We shoot, we learn, and you walk away with your own set of field notes—personalized, hard-earned, and honest.
You don’t become a better photographer by sitting in a classroom or watching someone else do it. You get better by doing—with someone right there beside you, pushing you, correcting you, cheering you on, and calling it like it is.
This isn’t a soft critique or a styled shoot free-for-all.
It’s a hands-on, working mentorship for portrait and wedding photographers who are serious about leveling up. Whether you’re finding your style or fine-tuning your flow, I’ll be right there—boots on the ground with you—offering real feedback as you shoot.
This is for the photographer who:
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Is still shaping their style or refining their process
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Wants direction, not just compliments
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Learns best by actually doing - not just watching
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Is ready to level up, but needs the right push
How it Works
We’ll meet up for a real shoot—yours or one we plan together—and I’ll shadow you while you work. I’ll step in when needed to guide, correct, or explain why something matters. You’ll get practical, immediate takeaways that’ll stick with you way longer than anything you’ll find in a Facebook group.
If you bring your own client, make sure it’s someone you’re comfortable receiving instruction around. This is a learning session, and I’ll be right there in the mix with you.
I’m not there to embarrass or criticize—I’m there to coach you toward your best work yet
Why Me?
I’ve been running my photography business for nearly 20 years. Not to say I've not had any help along the way, but I never really had a true industry mentor—I learned by A LOT of trial, error, and a whole lot of grit. When I finally worked up the nerve to ask someone to mentor me early on, they brushed me off. That moment stuck with me.
I promised myself: When I get to the place where someone actually wants to hear what I have to say—I’ll show up. I’ll give them the kind of honest, hands-on feedback I never got.
So here we are.
This isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s not for someone looking to be told “you’re doing amazing” without the accountability.
But if you’re hungry to grow, and ready for real critique from someone who’s been in the trenches—I’d love to work with you.
THE STYLED EXPERIENCE – $895
Creative direction meets real-time mentoring.
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3-hour shoot
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I’ll plan and style the concept + provide a model
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Full coaching throughout the session
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Feedback on everything from camera settings to communication
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In-person coffee follow-up to walk through what worked and what’s next
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Editing or gear talk if you want to dive deeper
THE WORKING SESSION – $595
Let’s get in the thick of it.
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2-hour live shoot
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You provide the client or model
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Ongoing feedback throughout the session
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Post-shoot notes with detailed, honest critique
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Gear, lighting, posing, and communication tips tailored to your workflow
THE STARTER – $395
Great for dipping your toes in.
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1-hour shoot
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You provide the client or model
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I’ll shadow quietly for the first 30 minutes, then give live feedback during the second half
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Quick-hit email follow-up with 3–5 improvement tips
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of being mentored by Kelly of Blackall Photography. Our journey began when I saw her stunning work on Facebook and took a leap—I reached out, offering to work in exchange for knowledge. From hauling equipment and making silly noises to coaxing smiles from little ones, to late nights learning the ins and outs of editing, Kelly welcomed me in and gave me the kind of guidance that shaped not just my business but also my confidence.
She taught me everything from the technical—culling, post-processing, and organizing files—to the foundational truths I needed to hear: that I am worth what I charge, that kindness matters, and that growth is a process. Two quotes from Kelly that will always stay with me are: “Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty,” and “Someone’s opinion of me is none of my business.” Those words have encouraged me through doubt and reminded me to stay true to my own path.
Kelly’s heart for mentoring and her genuine love for helping young photographers grow is rare and deeply inspiring. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her belief in me, her generosity with her time and knowledge, and her unwavering encouragement. I’m forever grateful for her presence in my life and career.
— Jenna Koestner | Jenna Koestner Photography
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
"Kelly Blackall is the real deal. Honest, uplifting, and supportive, Kelly will push you to be the best version of yourself and won’t let you settle for less. When I started my photography company in 2019, I felt small, insignificant, and like I was competing with everyone! Kelly helped me hone in on what made my brand unique and gave me the confidence to try new things without fear of failure. I am forever grateful that Kelly took the time to invest in me and my business."