Calling The Shots
This is
Calling The Shots
An Intimate, Hands-on Training and Mentorship for aspiring Creative Directors for Personal Brand Photography
The Symbiosis of Strategy, Story + Style…
Are you ready to elevate your business + step up and into the role of Creative Director?
Let me guide you through a proven process that transforms a client's unique essence into a strategic and stunning visual narrative.
1 – Discover how to craft a Creative Concept that acts as the strategic backbone for your client’s brand, seamlessly integrating their visual and verbal identity with flair and intention. This isn't just about making things look good—it's about making them resonate at every brand encounter.
2 – Define a visual style that not only captures your client’s distinct "vibe" but also conveys their message in sync with the overarching creative theme—you're sculpting their public face, after all.
3 – Dive into creating a Creative Brief, Treatment, and a detailed Shotlist, setting the stage for a photoshoot that's anything but ordinary. Imagine a photoshoot that's the visual heartbeat of your client’s brand, down to the last detail.
And by the way…we're not settling for just any images…
We're aiming for elevated, engaging, scroll-stopping Photography that tells a compelling story—be it editorial sophistication or lifestyle charm—developing concepts and direction for photography that truly embodies your client's brand and distinguishes them in the market.
The Invitation (and Opportunity):
I'm opening a small handful of seats (10 max) for seasoned creative and/or personal branding professionals to join me in exclusive training and mentorship.
Throughout our time together, you'll get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into my comprehensive Creative Direction and Photoshoot Planning process, from the first client handshake to the final "That's a wrap!"
For the first time, I'm laying all my cards on the table, sharing over 25+ years of experience in crafting award-winning creative concepts and visually stunning, scroll-stopping personal branding photoshoots.
You'll journey with me from A to Z, gaining the skills and confidence to develop fresh creative concepts and apply that concept to help to direct a brand to come to life visually through its photography.
Expect to dive into creativity, strategy, and even the nitty-gritty tech—because we're covering it all….
You’ll also receive an exclusive peek behind the scenes of high-caliber campaigns and shoots I've helmed for industry titans, from the likes of Aerin Lauder and Coach to the digital domains of online powerhouses like Amy Porterfield.
the who
Does This Sound Like You?
I'm on the lookout for seasoned Branding and Creative Professionals who are:
Creative thinkers with an eye for the aesthetic—imagine imagery, style, photography, design. Even if these aren't in your current repertoire… (yet).
Eager to broaden their horizons, skillset and offering suite to encompass more Big Picture, Strategic Creative + Art Direction to support their perfect-fit clients.
Prepared to support their clients in a deeper, more comprehensive way, turning brief projects into longer-term partnerships (and extended contracts).
Excited to craft and deliver groundbreaking Creative Concepts, Visual Direction, Styling Guidance, and detailed Planning + Direction for photoshoots that aren't just pretty pictures but can serve as the strategic heart of a client's brand or campaign.
TLDR; You're an established professional with a creative soul, ready to define a brand's artistic journey, dream up distinctive concepts, and meticulously map out visual imagery that tells a compelling (and visually appealing) story.
Here’s a bit more about who I’m looking for and how this might specifically apply to you + how Calling the Shots might benefit you and your business:
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You’ve got the verbal part DOWN - now the only missing part? The Visual. Together they make a power couple.
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About Sarah Ashman – brand strategist + Creative director (aka Brand director)
Not entirely familiar with me or my work (yet)?
That’s understandable - because I’ve been working dilligently ‘behind the scenes’ for the past 25 years- helping to design, develop and direct brand campaigns for everyone from Mercedes to Madonna to Mid-tier fashion brands to inspiring individuals in the online space.
I’m Sarah by the way…
With a diverse background in Personal Branding, Creative and Art Direction, Image Consulting, and On-Camera Direction, I bring a wealth of experience from shaping major ad campaigns for icons and top brands on Madison Avenue to redefining personal branding. Starting my own venture in 2012, I set out to transform how personal brands are presented, moving away from uninspired imagery to create photographs that tell a compelling story and reveal the unique essence of an individual.
My approach to creative direction and photoshoot direction is bespoke and big-idea-driven – producing not just visually stunning pictures, but powerful brand statements that resonate deeply with audiences. From the success of my first client, who achieved internet fame through our collaboration, it became clear that this was not just photography, but a strategic tool for personal branding. Each photoshoot is a one-of-a-kind creation, reflecting the distinctive personality and message of the subject, often leading to breakthroughs in confidence and brand clarity for my clients.
Now, I want to dedicate my energy towards teaching and empowering other creatives with the knowledge to craft these meaningful, magnetic, strategic visual stories, making the intangible elements of their clients' brands tangible and unforgettable.
Not only is this work fun but it’s also fulfilling - and as I have seen time and time again - it can also be a transformative experience for my clients. I can’t wait to share this powerful work with you so that you, to can not only develop impactful imagery for your clients but you can also make a meaningful impact.
My unique approach to brand photography is story-driven, rooted in substance, and style-forward…
But I’ll just let some of my work speak for itself….
As the saying goes - an image is worth a thousand words – it has the power to communicate complex messages, to tell rich stories, and to convey intangible details. Here’s a sample of some of the incredible, creatively captivating photoshoots that I’ve had the distinct honor of working with over the years…
As you look at each, I’d like for you to notice how each person’s distinctive vibe and personality is emitted from each image, how each image makes you think or feel something… and I’d like for you to notice how every single detail and decision that was made serves a very specific purpose. And for some of these photos - notice how they blur the line between reality and art. THIS is the power of having a unique creative concept, a thoroughly and thoughtfully planned photoshoot. I can’t wait to share this with you!
The Details
While there is a curriculum that we will follow that is rooted in my proven process - I plan to tailor this experience to those who raise their hand.
Date Range
Approximately 5 months in length
Overall Part A and Part B
learn how to Develop a compelling Creative vision for your clients that culminates in a creative direction + comprehensive shotlist
In our Time Together, You’ll Learn how to:
Develop a compelling core concept, guiding narrative, or unifying theme that can unite and inform everything, helping to make the intangible – tangible.
Develop an on-point overarching Look + Feel that captures the essence of your client, strategically communicates their message, and is rooted in meaning.
Synthesize the Creative Concept and Look and Feel to develop a winning direction and treatment to guide your client’s photoshoot (BENEFITS)
Learn how to develop a comprehensive shotlist to guide brand photoshoot that can serve as a centerpiece of your client’s website or campaign.
And if you decide to continue on to part 2…
Here’s what you’ll learn through that - and a lot of it is getting the hands-on experience
Interested?
Apply Now
While I am still working behind the scenes to pull together the details of this training and experience - I’d like to be sure to tailor the experience to those who raise their hands to participate first. I’m a big fan of meeting people where they are and strongly believe this experience should be no different.
If you have read through this page and feel as though “Calling The Shots” and feel that it could very well be a good fit for you (and you for it), please take a few minutes to fill out the application form on the other side of this button. If it feels like you’d be a good potential fit, We’ll reach out to schedule a no-pressure chat to connect. On this call, we’ll discuss your objectives, I will share more details of the program with you - all to determine if it would be a good fit for you. It is important to mention that I will NOT try to force you into deciding on the call - this is - most certainly NOT my style.
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First of all, this is (to my knowledge) the very first training like this of its kind – so there’s THAT.
Not one size fits all - that’s why I want to keep it intimate - so that I can help you to determine how to best apply what you learn to YOUR business.
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FAQ’s
Have questions before applying? Understandable – please check below to see if there might be an A to your Q. And if not? No sweat you can reach out HERE with general questions.
However, if your question is more about things like assessing whether this might be a good fit for you or how specifically what you learn might be applied to your business - or specifics around what we’ll be covering in terms of specific content – please fill out an application so that we can chat a bit more about this as it’s important to have context.