Mastermind - Light Syndicate Academy

"From Rejection to Resilience: The Mastermind"

A Mastermind Coaching Experience for Photographers & Creatives Stop guessing. Start growing—with strategy, accountability, and personalized support.

This isn’t just a course or coaching call. It’s a complete transformation for photographers and artists who want strategy, support, and structure.

You've pitched clients, submitted your portfolio, and sent countless emails… only to hear nothing back?

Or worse—you’ve been rejected.

I know how that feels. I’ve been there.
I spent years trying to break into the industry, only to face closed doors and missed opportunities.

Until I realized something powerful:

Rejection isn’t failure—it’s feedback. It’s redirection. It’s the foundation of success.

Once I stopped fearing rejection and started learning from it, adapting, and refining my approach, everything changed.

I built a career working with global brands, winning industry awards, and creating the opportunities I once thought were impossible.

Now, I want to help you do the same.

Why This Mastermind Works

Get the expert guidance, emotional clarity, and real-world tools you need to build the creative career you've been dreaming of.

Here’s what you’ll get:

🎯 Strategic Goal Setting & Accountability
No more wandering or winging it. We define your vision and break it into bold, achievable steps.
📸 Portfolio & Project Reviews
Honest, expert feedback on your visual work so you grow faster and more confidently.
💼 Business Guidance & Monetization Planning
Learn how to price, pitch, position, and build long-term income from your creativity.
🧠 Mindset, Resilience & Creative Growth
Transform rejection into power. Reframe blocks into breakthroughs.
🤝 Group Support & Shared Momentum (coming soon)
Connect with like-minded artists. Learn together, grow together.
🎓 Direct Access to João Carlos
Learn from someone who’s walked the path—from rejection to award-winning success.

Who Is This Program For?

Photographers who want to take control of their careers.

Visual artists looking to develop a unique artistic voice.

Creatives transitioning into photography who need direction.

Professionals who want to refine their portfolio and attract high-end clients.

Artists struggling with pricing, marketing, and monetization—but ready to break through.

Beginner to advanced levels welcome! This program is tailored to your specific needs.

What’s Included in the Mentorship?

What’s Included Each Month

2 Private 1-on-1 Coaching Calls with João Carlos
Deep, strategic sessions tailored to your growth — from creative blocks to business goals.

The Rejection to Resilience Method
A proven framework to shift your mindset, embrace rejection, and transform setbacks into success.

Portfolio & Project Review
Detailed visual feedback on your images, personal projects, or client work to help elevate your impact and storytelling.

Business & Monetization Strategy
Learn how to price your work confidently, attract the right clients, and build a profitable creative practice.

Creative Direction & Visual Voice Development
Together, we refine your style, sharpen your storytelling, and shape your identity as an artist.

Milestone Check-Ins
Each month ends with a review of your progress, goals, and next steps — so you’re always moving forward with intention.

Between-Session Support
Ask questions and stay connected via email or Voxer-style voice messaging between sessions.

Optional: Monthly Group Q&A / Co-Working Call
Join other mastermind creatives for live discussion, shared learning, and community support. (Launching soon)

How Sessions Are Delivered

All sessions are conducted online via Zoom or Google Meet, scheduled to fit your rhythm and needs — no matter where you are in the world.

Choose the level of support that fits your journey. Every plan includes personalized coaching with João Carlos and a clear roadmap to grow your creative career.

Mentorship Program Options & Investment

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

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Upcoming Events

Join us on our journey into the world of photography with upcoming events in Lisbon. Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate enthusiast, our diverse lineup offers something for everyone. Dive into the vibrant Lisbon photo community with our weekly photo walks, or enrich your skills at our specialized workshops.

Learn More

WHY CHOOSE US

STUDENT'S TESTIMONIALS

Primoz Lukezic

Student

I had a chance to have one on one coaching with Joao and it blowed my mind. I am a professional commercial photographer and for some time now I thought I hit some sort of wall. It is really hard to receive an honest opinion this days and I think we need this if we want to grow. Talking with Joao was eye opening. After our conversation I finished my webpage which was under my TO DO list for around two years in just a week. I look at my work a little different now. Can’t wait to talk to him again.

Danny Santa Ana

Student

My first workshop with Joao was back in 2011 when he visited Toronto, Canada. It was an intensive three day workshop on Fashion photography. And to this date, it is the best workshop I have attended. During that time, I noticed on many occasions Joao would spend some focused time with each and every attendee to make sure they understood the assignment and give suggestions on how to approach it. I remember on one assignment, I was having difficultly finding an angle that suited the model and the wardrobe. Joao came over and looked at the back of my camera to scroll through the images I had taken already. He turned to me and said that I was allowed to take only one more shot. This forced me to really look at the way I approached taking a photo and discover the difference of taking a snap shot and creating an image. Through the years we have kept in touch through social media and most recently on an online one-on-one consult. I value Joao’s generous sharing of his knowledge and experience. I not only consider him an exceptional instructor but also a mentor.

Teresa Nunes

Student

João is an outstanding mentor; my discussions with him proved to be incredibly valuable, particularly in refining my thoughts to enhance a portfolio website. Furthermore, his support was a beacon of positivity through the uncertain times of lockdown. I wholeheartedly endorse him to those eager to expand their knowledge and skills. Engaging with him is a learning experience I recommend earnestly. For his invaluable guidance, I am profoundly thankful.

André Afonso

Student

"I had the opportunity to have a one-on-one session with João Carlos, which was something I really needed. I felt stagnant, and João's reviews and insights were very effective in identifying many of my faults and served as motivation to improve. João is very assertive and direct in everything related to photography but is also a natural communicator, which makes the whole conversation very fluid. It's also much easier to accept criticism when it is indeed constructive and from someone with a lot of knowledge and experience."