About / FounderNew York / Worldwide

Hi, I’m Jason.

I’m a film photographer, educator, and founder of Ninth Street Studio.

Read my story
Jason photographing a subject on a New York rooftop
Jason Steffensmeier / FounderNinth Street Studio

Photography taught me to see clearly. Business taught me how to turn that clarity into momentum.

My story

A creative path built on strategy, experience, and a bold move.

After spending more than 15 years building a successful career in emerging technology, strategic partnerships, and business growth, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a more creative path.

Throughout my career, I helped organizations turn complex challenges into clear strategies that drove growth. Today, I bring that same approach to photographers.

By combining real-world business strategy with hands-on photography experience, I help photographers simplify what often feels overwhelming—from positioning and pricing to marketing, sales, and long-term growth.

I’ve helped photographers consistently earn six and multiple six figures by building businesses around the work they actually want to shoot, attracting higher-paying clients, and creating sustainable growth without burnout.

The belief

Photographers deserve to make a great living doing work they actually love.

01 / Purpose

My goal is to help photographers attract premium clients consistently, focus on the work they enjoy most, create more freedom in their lives, and grow without sacrificing themselves to burnout.

Why Ninth Street

More than
just a name.

01

It’s a nod to where my photography journey really began—shooting on the streets and learning the craft through experience.

02

It’s also a reference to 9th Street in the East Village, where I rebuilt my life and creative identity from the ground up.

03

For me, Ninth Street represents fresh starts, bold moves, and creative momentum.

My goal is to help photographers build that same momentum, wherever they are in the world.

Your next move

Build the career your work deserves.

Two ways to move forward, depending on the level of support you need right now.

01 / Mentorship

Ready to take your photography seriously?

If you’re ready to refine your work, raise your rates, and build a photography career that actually supports your life, I’d love to work with you.

The mentorship is practical, collaborative, and designed to produce real momentum within the first few months.

Apply for mentorship
02 / Collective

Not ready for mentorship?

Join the Ninth Street Collective for live monthly strategy calls, templates and pricing frameworks, recorded trainings and resources, and a global community of photographers building their businesses.

$99 / month

Join the Collective