NMFA Year-Long Mentoring FAQ
I wanted to address a few of the most frequently asked questions we get about No More F*ckin' Around – in case you've been thinking about them but are too shy to ask ;)
Q: Why is it called NMFA?
A: When Kirsten, Jenna, and Ash were building out the program, and what it would look like, we started by asking ourselves, what is the ultimate goal of the program? What do we feel students need from us that they can't get anywhere else?
We realized that photographers are getting information in bits and pieces or quick Band-Aid solutions that don't really fit within what you imagine for your business or your photography. Or worse yet, the information and content you've been receiving are just regurgitated from one mentor/instructor to the next (same shit, different workshop ;) ) with little regard to the nuances of each individual's needs and unique situations.
We see photographers often jumping from one workshop or mentorship to another, looking for that "ah ha!" moment and a solution to a problem they can't even name but feel is there (feeling stuck, overwhelmed, like an impostor, like you want more for your photography and business but aren't sure what that even looks like, and so on…). And yet, they are still left feeling unfulfilled and lost.
We knew THIS program had to be the solution to all of THAT!
There are a lot of workshops and information out there that tell you some idealistic version of how to do things, but there are no real ACTIONABLE programs where you are truly implementing what you are learning, as you are learning it while taking into account your individual situation, voice, goals, needs, and desires.
The program is called No More F*ckin' Around because that is exactly what it is about!! It has been designed to end your hopping from one workshop to the next with no real results and gives you every piece of the puzzle you need so you can stop wasting energy, money, and time on Band-Aid solutions and actually start DOING.
Q: is 2023 really the last run? Why?
A: Yes! (sad face) 2023 will be our last year running the program because Kirsten has other commitments to fulfill starting in 2024.
***Update as of Nov. 2023***
Jenna and Ash have decided to run the program without Kirsten because we are still seeing great results and success of past students!! We believe in this experience too much to just let it go, and although we are sad to not be teaching with Kirsten, we are happy to be able to still offer NMFA to photographers! Kirsten may join us as a guest here and there.
Q: How does the program work?
A: The program is broken down into quarters where you will learn from each mentor for 1 month per quarter.
This is a mentored program, which means you will be receiving comprehensive content & support via the DFP Education platform, assignments with feedback/critique, a private discussion group with both mentors present, as well as live group Zoom meetings/classes (3-4 times per month) for further discussion. In addition, every month, you will meet with one of the mentors 1-on-1 for additional support.
Q: How long will I have access to the content once the year ends?
A: You will have lifetime access to the content and recordings
Q: Can I split the payment plan deposit into two payments?
A: Yes!! Reach out to us, and we will get you all set up!
Q: How much time is spent on photography vs. business during the program?
A: The program provides a good mix of photography and business with each being about 50/50.
Business months are packed with information, assignments, and experiences that go beyond business, such as writing about your work, connecting with galleries, publications, etc. and identifying your impact.
Q: How many hours do I need to commit per week?
A: Time commitment per week will vary depending on the lesson for that week/month. Here is what we do know-
You can count on weekly live group sessions (or at least 3-4 times a month as some assignments need more time before meeting again) and then one 1-on-1 per month.
Live Group calls usually last about 1.5 to 2 hours (sometimes a bit longer) and are recorded. If needed, you can pop in and out, and if you know you are going to miss a call, you can submit your questions, photos, assignments, etc., beforehand and then watch the recording at 1.5x speed ;)
1-on-1s are 30 minutes (we say you can schedule for 30 mins, but obviously, we don't just cut the call at 30 mins. and 1 second ;) ), and you get to choose which time and date you want your one on ones each month. We share a scheduling calendar with you, and you select which time and day work best for you.
For the assignments-
During photography months, you will typically be asked to find a family or subject to photograph and to spend a certain amount of time with them (1 hour, 4-6 hours, full day) and then select photos to submit for review/critique.
You can plan on roughly 10 hours per month during the business months, depending on the assignment/topic. Time commitment varies because some assignments take a bit more time than others and require introspective work or research. If you need to spread the time out more, you can still work on your business assignments during your photography months and submit for feedback during your one-on-one, via email or the private Facebook group.
Q: How many students are accepted to the program each year?
A: The peer-to-peer dynamic plays an essential role in the NMFA program. We accept up to 36 students, which ensures each student receives the support they need. We want a fine balance of enough students to drive further conversations and experiences to learn from each other, to inspire and push each other, but not so many that people's voices get lost, or they are left feeling like they are just a number.
As a bonus, the sense of community and support from your fellow students goes on long after the program is done.
Q: Do I have to be a documentary family photographer to join?
A: No! We have had wedding photographers, fine art photographers, birth photographers, and more in previous program runs. The foundations and advanced concepts you will learn in NMFA can be applied to your work no matter the genre; however, the photography assignments are based around the documentary approach, which you can tweak to fit into your area of genius. NMFA aims to provide you with courage and clarity in your photography and business, enabling you to continuously grow and find success in your work.
Q: Do I need to have my business set up before I join?
A: No, you do not need to have your business already set up before joining the program. We will guide you through every step of building out the foundations of your business, building your portfolio, branding, website, pricing, and marketing. AND ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTING IT!
Q: I have been in business for 10 years. Will NMFA still help me?
A: Yes, NMFA will still help you! NMFA will challenge what you already know about business, and if there are areas of your business you could improve on. You get to decide which parts of your business are working well for you and which need to be tweaked or overhauled for maximum impact and happiness.
You will learn a new framework for branding, which determines every aspect of your business from how you shoot, to how you communicate with clients, to how you price and market your photography (hint: it flips the idea of finding your ideal client first and then building out your brand based on that ideal client on its head.)
Q: What if I am unsure if even want to start a business/stay in business?
A: Our goal is to guide you toward courage and clarity. Through NMFA, you will determine if you want to start/stay in business and which direction you would like to take with your work.
We have had past students realize they do not want to have a photography business and instead want to work on projects, submit to exhibitions, and publications, and even licensing their photographic work. The program's business portions helped them write clear statements about their projects/work, organize their process for submissions and being seen, and build a website that aligns with their goals for what they want out of their photography.
Q: Does NMFA include Ash's loved workshop, "Earn Some Damn Money?"
A: YES!!! Ash's complete "Earn Some Damn Money" pricing and sales workshop is included in the business portion of NMFA.
Q: Does it matter what level of skill I am at with my shooting? What if I am just starting in the documentary photography genre?
A: Students should have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of their camera. We consider NMFA an advanced program because it cuts out any fluff and requires actual work and implementation (which we help you with ;) And even though there is no fluff, we still have fun!). The concepts and topics covered in the program are meant to challenge you and empower you through hands-on assignments and feedback, along with deeper discussions and an analytical eye on your own work.
Past students have come into the program at varying skill levels, and the feedback we have received has been similar across the board… that it is a life-changing program, worth every cent.
Q: What if I'm nervous?
A: It's okay to be nervous!
There could be several reasons for the nerves, whether it be the time investment, the financial investment, the worry that you are not "good enough" for the program, or any other number of things.
Our job as your mentors is to support you through those nerves and to provide you with an encouraging environment, turning those nerves into courage. You've got this!
Have another question?
Send us an email at hello@dfpeducation.com, and we will help you out.
Right now is the best time to enroll:
💰 Get €1500 worth of enrollment bonuses when you join us
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We'll see you in NMFA!
X,
Ash