When I started teaching photography, I wasn’t looking to be anyone’s guru. I was simply answering the same questions over and over: How do I shoot in manual? What lens do I need? Why are my photos so noisy? What do I say to clients? And eventually—How do I make this a business?

With over 25 years of professional photography experience, I’ve seen trends come and go. But one thing has stayed the same: photographers need support that’s honest, practical, and built on real-world experience. That’s exactly what I offer.

Teaching from Experience, Not Theory

I’m not just teaching out of a workbook. Every lesson I create is built on years of working with real clients, navigating lighting disasters, managing impossible timelines, and delivering consistent, beautiful images under pressure.

Whether you’re brand new with a DSLR or smartphone, or finally booking your first paid clients, I tailor each mentorship to your goals and gear. My students range from absolute beginners to emerging professionals looking to refine their style or create systems that actually work.

What I Offer as a Mentor

As a photography mentor based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, I offer:

• One-on-one mentoring (online or in-person)

• Customized 5-lesson and 10-lesson tracks based on skill level

• Access to a real studio for hands-on learning

• Feedback, homework, and photo critiques for every session

• Supportive, down-to-earth guidance that meets you where you are

We cover everything from shooting in manual, posing real people (not models!), finding light anywhere, and editing workflows to client management, pricing strategies, and mindset.

What It’s Like to Learn With Me

Each session is practical, encouraging, and grounded in real-life challenges and solutions. You’ll leave with specific things to work on, not just vague inspiration. I also give you the space to ask questions you’ve never felt comfortable asking in large workshops.

We move at your pace—because true growth isn’t rushed.

Not Just Lessons—A Learning Partnership

I don’t move you to the next lesson until you’re ready. We check in between sessions, talk through roadblocks, and adjust based on your progress. You won’t find vague video modules here—this is personalized mentorship designed to actually help you grow.

My students often say they leave each session not just with new knowledge, but with a new sense of confidence. Because when someone believes in you and has the tools to guide you, that confidence sticks.

What My Students Say

“Giliane completely changed how I approach photography. Her lessons were practical, patient, and totally non-judgmental. I learned more in 5 sessions than I had from months of YouTube videos.”

– Nora B., beginner student

“I came in knowing how to shoot, but I didn’t know how to run a photography business. Giliane helped me clean up my client workflow, pricing, and even how I speak to clients. Game changer.”

– Marcus T., portrait photographer

Who I Work With

I mentor photographers across Minnesota and beyond who are:

• Just getting started with photography and want to learn the right way

• Feeling stuck with their camera settings, lighting, or posing

• Trying to go from hobbyist to paid sessions

• Struggling with confidence or impostor syndrome

• Wanting to build a sustainable, ethical, profitable business

If any of that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

A Peek Behind the Scenes

Mentoring isn’t just about camera settings. It’s about helping you become the photographer you want to be. Sometimes that means troubleshooting bad lighting; other times, it means reminding you that you can do this.

There are days my students show up frustrated, tired, or doubting themselves—and those are the sessions that matter most. Because growth happens in the messy middle, and I’ll be there to guide you through it.

Let’s Learn Together

Being called one of Minnesota’s best photography mentors is humbling. But it’s also a responsibility I take seriously. I’m not here to just teach you camera settings—I’m here to help you build something that lasts.

My mentoring is part of Savvy Shutterbug, an education brand I’ve built specifically for photographers who want real skills—not fluff. Through Savvy Shutterbug, you’ll find not only one-on-one mentoring, but also a growing library of educational resources, behind-the-scenes insight, and community support.

I host a weekly podcast and share bite-sized learning on my YouTube channel, both designed to meet photographers where they are—whether you’re on a lunch break, editing late at night, or juggling family and business life. You’ll find tips on client management, confidence, workflows, posing, gear, and growing a business without burning out.

If you’re ready for honest support, clear instruction, and real growth, let’s connect.

You can explore mentoring packages at Savvyshutterbug.com, check out the podcast or YouTube channel, or reach out directly here contact Giliane Mansfeldt.

Let’s get you unstuck and on your way..