Elevate Collective offers a place to come together for photography instruction, branding help, and community building.

Hosted in an inspiring Milwaukee studio,  we invite you to join us to build your camera skills and brand story alongside other creatives who are actively growing their brands.

If you've been looking to get into the room...this is it.

Learn. Connect. Elevate.

upcoming workshops

In-person workshops to help you create stronger, more intentional brand visuals.

In-person workshops to help you create stronger, more intentional brand visuals.

the elevate collective

The Elevate Collective

craving creative community?

Today, brand visuals matter more than ever. A business has just a few seconds to catch someone’s attention, and that first impression almost always happens through imagery.

We’ve both spent years working inside brands and alongside creatives who are doing their best to show up well online. Over and over again, we hear the same thing. It’s hard to do this alone.

Online courses have their place, but too often they lack real-time feedback, connection, and follow through.

That’s why we created Elevate Collective.

We believe learning happens best in person, where you can ask questions, practice in real time, and learn alongside others in a supportive, collaborative space.

Here, you’ll find hands-on learning, honest conversation, and a community that genuinely wants to see you grow.


Today, brand visuals matter more than ever. A business has just a few seconds to catch someone’s attention, and that first impression almost always happens through imagery.

We’ve both spent years working inside brands and alongside creatives who are doing their best to show up well online. Over and over again, we hear the same thing. It’s hard to do this alone.

Online courses have their place, but too often they lack real-time feedback, connection, and follow through. That’s why we created Elevate Collective.

We believe learning happens best in person, where you can ask questions, practice in real time, and learn alongside others in a supportive, collaborative space.

Here, you’ll find hands-on learning, honest conversation, and a community that genuinely wants to see you grow.

our story

why we exist

Hands-On Training

Hands-on Training

Visual Brand Strategy

Visual Brand Strategy

Collaborative Learning

Collaborative Learning

We believe it all starts with mindset, so we create a space that feels genuinely supportive.

We bring years of experience elevating real brands, so we teach through real-world scenarios.

We focus on understanding your camera, while also sharing practical tips that apply to both photo and video.

view workshops

what makes this different?

Taught by a brand photographer and videographer dream duo, our curated small group workshops bring you...

Where Creatives Rise Together

Katie Soyka

Katie Soyka

Mina George

Mina George

Mina George is a Wisconsin-based videographer and founder of Ola Media House, where she focuses on thoughtful, emotionally grounded visual storytelling. With over a decade of experience, Mina brings a refined, human-centered approach to video and is passionate about helping creatives tell stories that feel honest, intentional, and aligned with their brand.

Meet your hosts

Katie Soyka is a Wisconsin-based brand photographer with a background in marketing and experience working within a Fortune 500 company. She brings a strategic, confidence-building approach to brand photography and is passionate about helping women-owned businesses and growing teams create visuals that feel cohesive, intentional, and empowering.

Brand Photographer & Founder
elevate brand photography

videographer & founder
ola media house

Want to gain confidence behind the lens and in storytelling.

Are photographers, videographers, social media marketers, or creative service providers.

Own or run a small business.

for women who:

For women Who:

Are ready to connect with other Milwaukee area trailblazers.

Curate their own brand visuals or direct others who do.

Tips on capturing stronger video footage on camera or phone.

A better understanding of lighting, composition and posing.

Practical camera skills you can apply immediately.

You'll Leave With...

You'll Leave With...

Connection with like-minded women building brands around MKE.

Confidence in cohesive branded storytelling to pull together your website, social media, and marketing materials.

join us

the workshops

a peek inside

what we do

Each quarterly workshop teaches camera skills as well as brand strategy. Workshops run 10 AM - 2 PM with hand-on learning, lunch, and generous "ask anything" conversations.

Expertise shared may include:
- Understanding DSLR camera settings
- Off-camera flash and lighting fundamentals
- Finding and attracting new clients through marketing
- Incorporating video into your brand story
- Knowing when and how to outsource 
- Our favorite social media and Instagram tips
- Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome
 

When photoshoot day arrives, I capture your brand essence in a fun and relaxed environment. I pride myself on making clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. The pre-work we have done together ensures a clear vision and leaves you feeling prepared and confident, so you can delight in the experience!

your session

step 2

Each client receives a comprehensive set of digital images delivered in a private online gallery to use across marketing channels. Included are headshots, flattering portraits, lifestyle images of your work and your process, products and details. Continued marketing support is provided as you send your images into the world. 

shine your light

step 3
I'M READY!

upcoming workshops

This workshop brings us together for roundtable discussions on relevant business topics.
Our two focused training sessions will be:

- Lighting: Mastering off-camera flash and simple lighting set-ups with Katie
- Video Branding: Settings and tips for taking video with DSLR and phone with Mina

This first workshop brings us together to help shape what our community becomes. Our two focused training sessions will be:

- Lighting: Mastering off-camera flash     and flattering light tips with Katie

- Branding: Crafting your cohesive           brand story with Mina

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Studio North MKE
$325

6.3.26

register here

Welcoming both new and returning
creatives, this workshop will help deepen your camera and branding skills: 

- Posing: How to pose the body with
    authenticity and confidence

- Video: Settings and tips for taking           video with camera and phone

Welcoming both new and returning
creatives, this workshop will help deepen
your marketing skills and client relationships.

- Marketing: How to attract new clients into your business (+ tackle social media) with Katie
- Behind the Scenes: Work with an actual client for hands-on video and posing with Mina

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Studio North MKE
$325

10.14.26

register here
Nicki V. - NIVo inc.

I was looking for a brand photographer who would understand my needs and help me bring my brand to life. WOW, did she deliver!

She's super fun and very energetic, which is huge because it helped bring that passion to life in my photos.  If you are on the fence, take the dive and go for Katie! You won't regret it!!!

"Katie Is amazing and worth every penny!"

Anddrea G. - mAKE UP ARTIST

Not only is Katie absolutely delightful to work with, her talent is top notch!  She really has a way of helping you feel relaxed in front of her camera.
  
Investing in the creative, beautiful images that Katie produced has been among the best investments I’ve made. I found the entire experience fun and empowering. 

"among the best investments I've made"

Angela B. - Executive Coach

I absolutely loved partnering with her for brand photos for my business. She has a deep understanding of what your brand should feel like and is a fabulous partner in bringing your vision to life. Katie has a special talent for drawing out positive energy and helping them look natural in front of the camera. I highly recommend working with Katie!

"Katie’s work is truly stunning"

"that Katie and Mina put this workshop series together! They both are so open and giving with their years of expertise and business knowledge.

They gave hands-on and helpful demonstrations for lighting and video that answered questions I've had for years. To be able to soak up knowledge, learn about their approach to business and their craft, and spend time with infectiously joyous ladies was an absolute treat!"

"I can't put into words how incredibly grateful I am..."

"I Can't Put Into Words How Incredibly Grateful I am..."

emily's story

contact katie

In addition to running Elevate Collective workshops, the instructors take on a limited number of individual coaching clients each year. These 1:1 sessions are ideal for women seeking deeper support and custom guidance on topics such as:

- Website or portfolio audits
- Brand vision + clarifying your strategy
- Pricing and outsourcing insight

We meet you where you are and help you move forward.  Without the overwhelm.

private Mentorships

Want to go a little Deeper?

contact Mina