LEARN HOW TO MAKE A SUSTAINABLE INCOME ON PHOTOGRAPHY TODAY
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 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.
A personalized 1 on 1 mentoring program blending the artistry of photography with proven business strategies to help you build a thriving, profitable practice.
Let’s take a look at the PROGRAM SNAPSHOT. . .
1:1 Personalized Mentorship
Private, 1:1 sessions tailored to you—your creative roadblocks, your questions, your goals. Portfolio Critiques, Tech and Gear Guidance, Business Strategy, Pricing Structure and more.
Continuous Support
Weekly check-ins, plus continual support via chat on my platform. I don’t leave you hanging when things get hard or ideas start clicking.
Business and Marketing Coaching
Build your pricing strategy, create effective offers, and learn how to leverage organic methods, meta ads and other marketing channels to attract and book paying clients—while only shooting the things you actually love.
Weekly Group Calls
Connect with others in the program, collaborate on pricing templates, lead lists, and marketing ideas while building creative momentum.
Proven Templates for Growth
Immediate access to the exact templates I use to attract premium clients, close bookings, design shoots, and stay consistently booked. These tools give you a head start so you can focus on creating, not reinventing the wheel.
Masterclasses with Global Experts
Monthly masterclasses with hand-picked, industry experts on topics such as: film technique, natural lighting, color grading, street portraiture, brand pitching, and more.