MENTORSHIPS

A former engineer and sailor turned visual storyteller, Max Lee combines structure, artistry, and experience to craft refined, modern portraits.

Known for his blend of organic style and urban editorial flair, Max Lee makes lighting look easy — mostly because he’s already made every possible mistake figuring it out.

Whether he’s rolling around on the ground demonstrating flow posing or walking a room of photographers through his chaotic-but-effective Photoshop workflow, Max keeps it fun, real, and refreshingly unfiltered. Everything he teaches comes from experience — and a long list of trial, error, and “well, that didn’t work” moments.

Available for 1-on-1 in-person or online mentorship, and group workshops.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM max

Shooting with Intent, how to approach lighting, color and scene.

Seasoned-pro or brand new to Photoshop, every level are welcome.

Flow posing & perspective for any attire, and location.

Afraid of OCF? With Max you will master it and always have it with.

“

Such a great human! Eager to help, passion for photography is electric...
Humble, open and kind to boot!

— PUSH 2025 attendees

Topics

Available on 1-on-1 or workshop that is hosted by Max

The Prep

From gear to wardrobe and location, Max will show how to maximize and get the best shots possible.

High Noon Sun

Avoiding the shoot because of the harsh sun? Max will show how to tame it with and without OCF.

Run out of poses? NEVER!

How to never run out of poses, and actually end up with too many keepers.

No AI Editing Workflow

Max doesn't like using AI. He will show how he edits all manually with his Wacom.

On Workshops

Max teaches group workshops differently. He knows everyone learns by doing, not just listening, so he keeps his attendee numbers small at an epic location. Over the days, he dives into lighting, posing, editing, styling, and shooting ... all focused on telling a story. He swears there’s no such thing as bad lighting... just a good excuse to get creative (or move two feet to the left).

Inquire about workshops

1-on-1

Max teaches 1-on-1 to give full focus to every detail. During a personalized session, you can show him your business geography while he demonstrates how he would shoot the same scene ... all tailored to your style and vision. Some of the best friendships have grown out of these sessions, making this one of his favorite ways to teach.

lets get working

BIO

Max
Lee

He used to keeping planes running and wrangling supercomputers, Max Lee now wrangles light, mischief, and moments that refuse to sit still.

Max turns his long history of mistakes into lessons for other photographers, teaching light, posing, and workflow with humor and curiosity. A Legend in the Senior Style Guide and Hot 100 judge for 2025, he’s a recognized voice in high school senior portraiture. When he’s not mentoring, he’s perfecting latte art or chasing the next experiment in light.