Become a Guest Feature
In 2011, I created the first-ever digital teaching manual for newborn photographers — a downloadable PDF with step-by-step images breaking down newborn posing. What started as a simple guide quickly grew into the Newborn eWorkshop, then the Family eWorkshop, with thousands of photographers learning from them around the world.
But as the industry evolved, I realized something bigger.
Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all — and it never should be.
My style was constantly growing and changing, and more importantly, I kept seeing incredible photographers doing things in ways I never would have thought of. Different workflows. Different lighting styles. Different approaches to clients, creativity, and business. And they were crushing it.
That’s when The Collective was born.
I love how I run my business. I love my style. But Rachel Vanoven’s way is absolutely not the only way.
And honestly? Some of the most inspiring ideas I’ve seen have come from newer photographers who see this industry with fresh eyes.
The Collective exists to bring those voices together — experienced educators, rising creatives, and experts from all backgrounds —
so photographers can learn, experiment, and build businesses that actually fit them.
Hey!
Not as another course with one person’s method — but as a living, growing education community built around the idea that there are endless ways to succeed in photography.
Throughout the year, we bring in guest instructors (that’s you!) to share their unique approach, experience, and perspective. These features are filmed in your own studio or location — either by our team or a contracted videographer near you — so your process stays authentic and real.
Every month, members receive fresh education through teaching videos from me, live classes, interviews, and bonus content — keeping the community learning, inspired, and engaged year-round.
On top of the content, all Collective members are part of a private community where they can ask questions, get feedback, and connect directly with me — and during your featured month, you’ll be invited into the conversation as members dive deeper into your topic and process.
Inside The Collective, we feature photographers, educators, and creative experts to a growing community of photographers inside our online monthly membership.
Each month focuses on a new theme — from newborns, family, lighting, fine art, weddings, and editing to business, marketing, and real-world workflow. The goal is to give photographers education that actually helps them grow, not just another tutorial to save and forget.
what is the COLLECTIVE?
how it works...
As a Guest Feature inside The Collective, you’ll receive a complimentary membership during your launch month so you can explore the platform, watch other trainings, and connect directly with photographers who are excited to learn from you.
Each Guest Feature is also compensated with a standard teaching fee of $500 USD for your time and expertise.
And beyond that — you’ll receive your own ambassador link with a 48% commission on:
• Every new Collective membership that signs up through your link (paid monthly for as long as they remain a member)
• Every product, class, or resource purchased through your link across Rachel Vanoven Education
To put it simply — your feature can continue earning long after your video launches.
For example, just 10 new members per month can add up to thousands in additional income over the year.
We also make sure you’re fully supported during your launch an will provide promotional graphics, video clips, and future podcast opportunities to help you share your feature with ease!
If you offer products (presets, actions, templates, guides, etc.) or services (workshops, sessions, seminars, mentoring, and more), you’re welcome to share exclusive discounts, new launches, and profitable resources inside The Collective Community.
Our biggest focus is building trust and genuine connection with our members — which naturally happens when guest instructors stay engaged, answer questions, and share real advice. When you show up and serve the community first, promotions feel authentic (and perform better for everyone).
We’ll also help promote your business beyond the Collective through advertising and exposure across our combined audience — including over 230K on Facebook, 71K on Instagram, and 5K+ on our email list.
As a Guest Feature, you’ll have your own dedicated space inside our Members-Only App where your video, behind-the-scenes content, resources, and future projects live. We revisit these regularly to add new offers, launches, and updates — keeping your feature working for you long after it goes live.
During your first 30 days after launch, we ask that you stay active inside the community by answering questions, offering feedback, and connecting with members around your topic. You’ll also have opportunities for Instagram takeovers, guest interviews, and a future podcast feature to further highlight you and your work.
Once you’ve decided to become a Guest Feature, we’ll schedule a quick alignment call to make sure we’re set up for success on both sides. During this 30-minute conversation, we’ll walk through your teaching topic, outline a filming narrative based on your methods, and answer any questions you have.
After your plan is reviewed and approved by the Collective team, we’ll coordinate next steps — including selecting a filming date, sending over the official Collective contract, and arranging our crew to film at your studio or location.
From there, we handle everything behind the scenes — filming, editing, marketing materials, platform hosting, and launch planning — so you can focus solely on teaching and showing up as yourself.
Filming typically takes around 2–3 hours and includes both your hands-on teaching process and a short interview afterward.
And if you’re feeling nervous? Don’t be. Our team will guide you every step of the way and make the experience fun, relaxed, and easy — even if you’ve never been on camera before.
Once your video is complete, we’ll let you know your launch month and send reminders as it approaches so you’re fully prepared to share and engage with the community.
the filming PROCESS
Our goal is simple — we want to help you grow your business and build a lasting presence in this industry through The Collective.
As a Guest Feature alum, we continue highlighting your work long after your video launches — sharing your name, projects, and growth with the Collective community through bonus Q&As, follow-up interviews, and future content.
We’ve worked with incredibly talented guest educators — from rising creatives who may not yet be household names (but absolutely should be), to internationally recognized photographers like Sujata of But Natural Photography. What matters most isn’t your following — it’s your passion, your experience, and what you bring to the table.
Whether teaching is already part of your business or something you’ve always wanted to explore, know that you’re stepping into a supportive community where education is encouraged, celebrated, and truly empowering.
We’re excited to collaborate with you and see where this journey can lead.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about becoming a Guest Feature,
reach out anytime at hello@rachelvanoven.com or fill out the contact form here to get started. We can’t wait to connect with you.
Rachel Vanoven
Rachel specializes in finding the best light possible to photograph families, babies and every age in between along with teaching other photographers how they can simplify their business and love what they do.
Rachel specializes in finding the best light possible to photograph families, babies and every age in between along with teaching other photographers how they can simplify their business and love what they do.