Creative mentoring

For videographers and photographers in the architecture and design industry

When you're trying to produce better work for the clients you want to work with, gear and technique only get you so far.

Storytelling, creative process, client relationships and mindset are where you'll make real progress. Most people are never taught this side of it, so they end up trying to solve all of it at once, usually alone.

The programs I run are one-on-one, structured, and built specifically for videographers and photographers who are already working in this space and want to take their work somewhere more considered.

The right mentor can save you years of working out how to achieve the production quality you're after

Foundational program 

The program starts with three foundational sessions covering pre-production, the shoot and the edit. We cover some technical aspects, but the real focus is storytelling, client relationships and the thinking that shapes better decisions at every stage.

Ongoing sessions

We can also build a session plan around your needs, a particular project, gaps in your knowledge, or a client problem you're working through.

In-person workshops

A day on a real shoot with me, hands-on and specific to whatever we're working on that day.

How we work together

I've spent time figuring out the same things you're probably working through now, the creative and business ruts that come with doing this for a living. That's come from over 20 years in architecture and production, working alongside some of Australia's most respected architects and design studios.

That's given me an understanding for both the craft and the mindset of production. A lot of this comes down to helping you think differently, not just shoot differently.

That's the kind of relationship I bring to every session, open, honest, and genuinely invested in where you're headed.

Case study

Blank Canvas Productions

New Zealand

Working with Nikolas has been a godsend. We've always wanted to elevate our storytelling, and he took us through the absolute fundamentals across pre-production, production and post, with in-depth guidance on how to conceive a project all the way through to final client delivery. It's been one of the most exciting and eye-opening experiences, and we can't wait to put our own stamp on future projects using these core principles from Ravens At Odds.

The mentorship helped us understand the client's brief and thoroughly plan the shoot before turning up to the property, mapping out the lighting, staying aware of continuity and tying in a clear story. We've learned it's always better to over-plan and be ready for any surprises the day throws at you.

We are now much more aware of the natural light, capturing each space at the best time, and shooting with far more intent rather than just taking safety shots. We're also putting a structured process in place for post-production, which is definitely a big step in the right direction.

Harps, Creative Director

Mits, Principle Photographer & Cinematographer

Case study

Architectural Videographer

Sydney

Working with Nikolas has been genuinely valuable for my business. He helped me look at how I was presenting myself and where I sit in the market. That has sharpened how I communicate what I do and who I do it for.

He guided me through refining my website messaging and adding client logos and testimonials, so new clients can immediately see the calibre of practices I work with. He also helped me think more strategically about my positioning. And he gave well-considered advice on gear that suited the work I actually do, rather than just recommending more equipment.

I've already put much of this into practice. My website now communicates my work far more clearly and confidently, and I feel better equipped to talk about my services with the architecture and design practices I work with.

What stood out most was the working relationship itself. He's clear and never confusing. He understood my situation quickly and explained things in a way that was easy to act on. He's also a lovely person to work with, which made the whole process enjoyable as well as productive.

“Ravens At Odds’ greatest strength is true creativity in capturing the emotive sense of the architecture; the sensory experience of the building and the people using the space”

“Working with Ravens At Odds was an easy choice, because of their background in architecture and design. It simplifies how we explain things to you and how we create briefs. You just get it”

“Prior to coming to site that day, Nikolas interviewed me on the phone, he looked at the floor plans; he understood the building. Even before I'd watched the first cut, I was confident it was going to be good. Because I knew, here’s a guy who's done his homework, he cares. I was impressed by that”

“Creativity fused with pure passion is what you get working with Ravens At Odds. Nikolas’ eye for detail and capturing things most people don’t see is impressive. Ravens At Odds’ ability to take a concept and turn it into a story has inspired us to rethink our own marketing style, all from just one video”

“Watching a Ravens At Odds film is like experiencing a project for the first time. And in the best way without physically being there. There’s a humanistic scale and a slowness to the story. I appreciate the thought and consideration that went into it”

"Nikolas has a warm and engaging energy that puts everyone at ease, even when he's busy juggling the production on set. The result is a process that feels effortless, inspires confidence and is genuinely fun for everyone involved"

Get in touch

If this sounds like where you're at, get in touch and tell me a bit about your practice and what your challenges are right now