Helping photographers own their voice, attract high-paying clients, and turn passion into sustainable income—without the burnout.

Ninth Street Studio was built out of a simple belief: photography should be the thing that fuels your creativity and your lifestyle—not drains it.

I’m Jason Steffensmeier, a New York City–based fashion and film photographer who left a 15-year career in tech and telecom to pursue this craft full-time. I know what it feels like to love shooting but struggle with how to price, market, and grow. I also know the freedom of building a photography business that actually works: one where your art and your income are aligned.

That’s why I created Ninth Street Studio: a mentorship program designed to give photographers both the creative direction and the business systems they need to thrive.

What Makes This Different

Most programs focus only on gear, editing, or social media tricks. At Ninth Street Studio, we go deeper.

• Creative Mastery – Learn to direct with confidence, shoot film or digital with intention, and deliver work that feels cinematic and true to you.

• Business Strategy – Build a lead list, set up packages and pricing, create irresistible offers, and learn how to consistently attract clients who pay your worth.

• Sustainable Growth – Replace burnout and endless editing with clarity, structure, and a brand that scales as you do.

Who It’s For

If you’re a photographer who’s ready to move from “hobbyist with potential” to “professional with consistent income”—or if you’re already shooting but want to finally break into higher-paying clients and more fulfilling work—this is your place.

Why Ninth Street

Ninth Street is more than just a name. It’s a nod to my early roots in street photography where I began shooting as well as a nod to 9th Street in East Village - where I rebuilt my life and brand from the ground up. It represents fresh starts, bold moves, and the energy of New York’s creative heartbeat. My mission is to help you do the same in your own city, your own way.