Behind The Lens

PERSONALISED PHOTOGRAPHY MENTORING BY JULIANA MACHADO

 

Every photograph begins long before the shutter is pressed.


It's in the way we see light, anticipate a moment, connect with the people in front of our lens and make creative decisions along the way.


Behind the Lens is a personalised mentoring experience for photographers who want to deepen their understanding of photography, refine their creative approach and gain confidence in their own process.


Through one-on-one conversations and hands-on experiences, I'll share my approach to photographing families, working with natural light, directing with intention and creating images that feel honest and meaningful.


Every mentoring session begins with you: your work, your questions and what you want to explore. From there, we'll build an experience tailored to your needs.


Available online in English and Portuguese, with in-person experiences on the Gold Coast, Australia.

 

 

My approach


It's not just about the photographs. It's about everything that happens before, during and after you take them.


My approach to photography has always been about more than creating beautiful images. It's about noticing the little things, understanding light, creating space for genuine connection and allowing moments to unfold naturally.


Over the years, I've developed a way of working that brings together observation, gentle direction and an appreciation for the imperfect, in-between moments that make each story unique.


Through Behind the Lens, I want to share the experience and creative thinking behind my work, helping other photographers look beyond the obvious, make more intentional decisions and develop a visual language of their own.


Because the goal isn't to photograph exactly like someone else. It's to understand your craft well enough to develop your own way of seeing.

 

A little about me

I'm Juliana, a family, maternity and wedding photographer based on the Gold Coast, Australia.


Building my business from the ground up, without an established network or industry connections, has taught me a great deal about finding my own path, developing my craft and building meaningful relationships through my work.


My photography is rooted in a love for nostalgia, candid moments and imagery that feels both intentional and effortless. Over the years, I've developed an intuitive approach to working with light, composition and the environment around me, using the elements available to create images that feel layered, dynamic and full of life.


From the way I guide families and anticipate moments to the way I approach colour and editing, I believe every creative decision plays a part in shaping a photograph. It's about learning to see the possibilities in front of you and using your technical knowledge and creative instincts to bring them to life.

What can we explore


Every photographer has a different set of challenges. Depending on your goals and experience, we can explore the areas that will make the biggest difference to your work.


The Creative Eye


Developing your visual language, refining your style, understanding composition and learning to tell stories through your images.


Light & Direction


Working with natural light, adapting to different environments, guiding families naturally and creating space for genuine moments.


The Shooting Experience


Building a more intentional workflow, approaching a session with confidence, connecting with the people you photograph and making creative decisions in the moment.


Your Individual Challenges


Sometimes, you don't need another tutorial. You need someone to look at your work, understand where you're getting stuck and help you see things differently.


We'll use your questions, your portfolio and your goals to shape a mentoring experience that makes sense for you.

Explore the mentoring options
#1

ONE ON ONE

Your work. Your questions. Your next steps.


A personalised one-on-one session designed around your photography, your goals and the areas you'd like to develop.


Before we meet, you'll complete a pre-mentoring questionnaire and share your portfolio or Instagram profile with me. I'll review your work in advance and use your answers to prepare a session tailored to your individual needs.


Rather than following a fixed curriculum, we'll focus on what matters most to you, with practical guidance and an open conversation about your work.


YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES


  • A pre-mentoring questionnaire to understand your goals and challenges
  • A review of your portfolio and current work
  • A personalised session plan based on your needs
  • A 60-minute one-on-one mentoring session
  • Practical feedback, creative guidance and time to discuss your questions

 

AUD 200
#2

THE COME ALONG

Step into my process. See it unfold. Learn by doing.


For photographers who want to go beyond theory and experience the process of a family shoot from behind the lens.


The Come Along is an immersive, hands-on mentoring experience that combines personalised guidance with a practical shooting session alongside me.


We'll begin by discussing your work, your goals and the areas you'd like to explore. Then, we'll meet for a relaxed family shoot with invited participants, giving you the opportunity to observe my approach, understand my creative decisions and see how I work in a real shooting environment.


From finding the light and choosing locations to guiding families, anticipating moments and adapting as things unfold, you'll gain insight into the thought process behind the images.


Depending on your goals and the flow of the session, there may also be opportunities for you to photograph alongside me.


YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES


  • A pre-mentoring questionnaire and portfolio review
  • A personalised mentoring plan
  • An initial one-on-one discussion about your goals
  • An approximately 60-minute practical family shoot with invited participants
  • An inside look at my approach to light, composition, direction and workflow
  • Time for questions, discussion and feedback after the shoot
  • This is your opportunity to observe, ask questions and put what you've learned into practice in a relaxed, supportive environment.
  • The session is arranged specifically for mentoring purposes, with invited family participants rather than paying photography clients.


LOCATION: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.


Additional mentoring time: Available by arrangement, subject to availability.

AUD 550

 

How it works


01. Tell me about your work


Once you enquire, I'll send you a short questionnaire to learn more about your photography, your experience, your goals and the challenges you'd like to work through.


02. I'll prepare your session


I'll review your work and your answers before we meet, allowing me to prepare a personalised mentoring experience rather than a one-size-fits-all lesson.


03. Let's get into it


We'll meet online or in person, depending on the experience you've chosen. We'll explore your questions, discuss your work and focus on practical ways to move forward.


04. Take it into your own work


The goal is for you to leave with fresh perspective, a clearer understanding of your process and ideas you can put into practice in your own photography.

IS THIS FOR YOU?


Behind the Lens is for photographers who:


  • Want to develop their creative eye and refine their visual style.
  • Feel stuck in certain areas of their photography and want personalised guidance.
  • Want to feel more confident directing families and working with natural light.
  • Are looking for practical insight beyond what tutorials and online courses can offer.
  • Want to understand the creative decisions and workflow behind another photographer's work.


You don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. You just need a willingness to explore your work, ask questions and keep learning.

Ready to take the next step in your photography journey?

Choose the mentoring experience that feels right for you and fill in your details below. I'll be in touch via email with the next steps to get started.


Once your booking is confirmed, I'll send you a personalised questionnaire to learn more about your work and prepare a mentoring experience tailored to your needs.

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