My name is Rafal Wegiel, and I have been a photographer and educator for over 15 years. Born in Poland, I have called Calgary, Canada home for the past 25 years. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of educating hundreds of photographers through tutorials, workshops across the globe, and as a speaker at prestigious events such as MPI Master Photographers International, Imaging USA, Professional Photographers of America, and the Canadian Association for Photographic Art.
I am a dedicated photography instructor, committed not only to my own craft but to helping others elevate theirs. My passion for mentoring stems from a deep desire to see photographers excel and grow. Through my Mentorship Program, I provide personalized guidance, sharing the knowledge and insights I've gained over the years to empower photographers to refine their skills, find their unique style, and achieve their full potential. My mission is to be a supportive guide on every photographer’s journey to success.
Industry Affiliations
Mentoring Topics
Shooting
In the "Shooting" module of my Headshot Photography Mentorship Program, you’ll learn how to prepare for a successful shoot from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right equipment and camera settings to working with different lighting setups. You’ll gain insights into effective posing, guiding facial expressions, and using psychology to help clients feel comfortable and confident. With a focus on both the technical and creative aspects, this module will equip you to consistently capture powerful and professional headshots.
Editing and Retouching
In the "Editing and Retouching" module of my Headshot Photography Mentorship Program, I will guide you through the entire retouching process from start to finish. You’ll learn essential techniques for enhancing skin tones, refining details, and perfecting your images while maintaining a natural look. I’ll also teach you how to incorporate AI tools to streamline your workflow and elevate your images to the highest industry standards. By the end of this module, you’ll have the skills to deliver polished, professional headshots that stand out.
Marketing and Business
In the "Marketing and Business" module of my Headshot Photography Mentorship Program, we’ll dive into the strategies needed to grow your photography business. You’ll learn how to effectively market yourself, build a strong brand, and attract the right clients. I’ll cover essential topics such as pricing your services, creating an impactful online presence, networking within the industry, and leveraging social media. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear roadmap to successfully promote your work, manage your business, and sustain long-term growth as a professional headshot photographer.
Portfolio
Classic Headshots
Focused on timeless and professional portraits, perfect for corporate profiles, LinkedIn, and personal branding. These headshots emphasize clean, polished aesthetics with simple backgrounds, natural expressions, and flattering lighting to present a refined and authentic image.
Creative Headshots:
Designed for those who want to showcase personality and individuality. These headshots incorporate dynamic posing, bold lighting techniques, and more expressive styles to create a unique and eye-catching look that stands out, ideal for actors, models, and creatives.
Artistic Headshots:
An exploration of mood, emotion, and storytelling through photography. These headshots push the boundaries with dramatic lighting, experimental compositions, and stylized post-processing to create images that are more visually striking and artistic, perfect for those looking to make a strong, memorable impression.
Customized Mentorship Pricing & Packages
Our Mentorship Program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Instead of a one-size-fits-all pricing model, I offer customized packages based on your specific goals, the level of education you require, and the depth of guidance you’re seeking. Each prospective student will undergo an initial assessment, after which I will recommend a personalized mentorship plan designed to help you reach your full potential.
All mentorship sessions are conducted online via StreamYard, providing flexible, convenient access no matter where you are. You will have full access to my expertise throughout the duration of the program, ensuring that you receive the guidance and support you need to succeed.
Each student will receive comprehensive materials tailored to their journey, along with clear guidelines to help them achieve their specific goals. Sessions are scheduled in advance, but adjustments can be made as needed to ensure the program aligns with your progress and evolving needs.
My mentorship program is designed to be dynamic and responsive, offering you the resources, insights, and personalized attention necessary to thrive. Whether you’re looking to build a strong foundation or refine advanced skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.