We’re a TEAM of photographers HELPING PEOPLE UNLOCK THEIR Creative potential - one photo at a time

A woman sitting on a park bench holding a camera, with tattoos on her arm and wearing a black T-shirt, jeans, and purple sneakers, in a grassy park with trees in the background.
A young girl with curly hair and a gold bow in her hair standing outdoors at sunset, wearing a black top with a bow and a sparkly white skirt with gold dots, near a black metal fence.

About Erika Hatfield

Entrepreneur, Photographer, and Educator

Hi, I’m Erika Hatfield — founder of Hatfield Photography and Next Level Photo Education.

I’ve been a professional photographer since 2010, specializing in portrait, brand, and fine art photography. My journey behind the lens began as a temporary holiday job, but quickly grew into a full-time career that’s allowed me to document thousands of families, mentor aspiring photographers, and explore the art and science of visual storytelling.

I hold a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Special Education and a Certified Professional Photographer, which give me a unique perspective on how people learn especially in creative fields like photography. I’m passionate about making photography accessible, hands-on, and fun for learners of all ages.

As a lifelong educator, I don’t just want students to take great photos - I want them to understand why their images work and feel confident exploring their own creative voice. Whether I’m leading a teen workshop, developing curriculum for our photography center, or coaching a parent picking up a camera for the first time, my goal is always the same: to help people see the world in new ways and share what matters most to them.

View of Niagara Falls with mist rising, a boat near the base of the falls, and city buildings in the background during cloudy weather.
Three young girls dressed in bohemian style clothing, standing and sitting in a salvage yard with piles of scrap metal and machinery in the background, during dusk.

The Story Behind Next Level Photo Education

Hands-on. Encouraging. Built for real life.

Five children, four girls, taking photographs outdoors along a grassy trail near a wooden fence, with trees in the background.
A young girl with curly hair sitting at a wooden table, smiling at a laptop. Plush toys and a blue paper flower are on the table. A colorful paper lantern hangs on the wall behind her near a window with blinds.
Group of four people with cameras in a room, two seated, two standing, participating in a photo shoot or filming session. There is a framed certificate on the wall and framed pictures on the wall in the background.
People taking photos of a Cheshire Cat mug on a table.

Next Level Photo Education began in 2018 as a side project - a few winter classes for kids and adults when photography was slow. When I invited those first groups to my home studio in Pennsylvania, I had no idea it would become the heart of my work.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I brought my classes online and quickly connected with students from over 25 countries. What started small grew fast, and today Next Level Photo Education offers a wide range of learning experiences for kids online and soon, for all ages in Charleston, SC.

From preschoolers to professionals, we help learners build real photography skills through hands-on projects, expert guidance, and tons of encouragement. Our team of instructors are all working photographers who know how to make learning both fun and practical.

We believe that with the right support and a little practice, anyone can become a confident, creative photographer. Everybody takes pictures!

Modern kitchen with black cabinetry, a central island with a white countertop, three black barstools, and gold fixtures. Light-colored hardwood floors and large windows on the right side.

Meet the team

A smiling man with glasses, a beard, and short hair, standing in front of a white brick wall.

Our Amazing Marketing & Operations Coordinator

AARON SNYDER

AK Snyder Photography

Hi, I’m Aaron Snyder! I’ve been a professional photographer since 2004, capturing everything from portraits and products to architecture and commercial work. Some of my most meaningful experiences come from volunteering with Flashes of Hope, photographing children and families in hospital care.

At Next Level Photo Education, I love helping students build strong technical skills while encouraging their artistic voice. I believe great storytelling happens when creativity and technique come together — and I’m excited to help learners of all ages grow their confidence behind the camera.

A decorative arrangement with a small bird's nest containing a light blue egg, surrounded by white candles, green moss, and pinecones on a dark wooden surface.

PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHERS

I started as a coal miner and mechanic, but after years of helping with Erika’s photography business, I found my own passion behind the camera. In 2018, we rebranded as Hatfield Photography, and I became the lighting lead and second shooter.

I now specialize in car photography and creative techniques like forced perspective. I enjoy showing students how to get imaginative with their shots and how to troubleshoot gear when things don’t go quite as planned!

A man with long brown hair, glasses, and a goatee smiling in front of a white brick wall.
Nighttime view of the beach with a dark sky filled with stars. There is a distant lightning storm on the horizon, and a small bright light is visible on the water. A house or building with lit windows and a neon sign reading 'HATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY' is on the right side of the image.
Painting of a white swan with textured wings, floating in a body of water with reeds, signed by Jolidina
A vintage-style area rug with a floral and geometric pattern in shades of orange, beige, and black placed on a wooden floor, with a small wooden bench and a yellow planter in the background.
A group of young girls in athletic uniforms standing in line during a dance or gymnastics class, facing the same direction with focused expressions.

JAKE HATFIELD

Hatfield Photography

A man with dark curly hair and a beard, smiling, wearing a black shirt, posed against a white brick wall background.
A young girl sitting on grass, reading a book about dogs with a plush dog toy and a real Doberman dog lying behind her on its stomach, with a background of green trees.
A woman with a modern, asymmetrical hairstyle featuring a short, layered cut on the sides and longer, textured top, looking to the left against a plain background.

MIGUEL PEREDA

Miguel Alexandro Videography

Cliffs with a lighthouse and a small building on top, seen from the water, near a boat.
A man working on a sports car in a garage, with another car on a lift in the background.

I'm a Charleston-based photographer and filmmaker with over 9 years of professional experience. I’ve worked with brands like Jostens, Touring Car Inc., and Anytime Fitness - often managing everything from shoot planning to high-volume editing.

My teaching style is hands-on and encouraging, helping learners understand both the technical and creative sides of photography. I especially love working with students on developing their unique style and improving communication through visuals.

A young woman with long, wavy black hair, wearing multiple layered necklaces and a black top, standing against a plain white wall. She has minimal makeup with a slight smile and a pink streak in her hair.

JULIANA HATFIELD

Hatfield Photography

I’ve been learning photography my whole life - growing up with Erika as my mom meant cameras were always around! After working in a high-volume portrait studio taking senior portraits, I started building my own portfolio and exploring how photography and fine art can come together.

I especially love painting, and I took AP Art in high school to sharpen my skills. Now I’m combining art and photography in creative ways, with future plans to become a tattoo artist. In class, I help students express themselves through bold color, visual storytelling, and hands-on creativity.

A woman with long, wavy brown hair, smiling, holding a professional camera with a large lens, wearing a black sleeveless top with colorful embroidery and showing tattoos of a dog wearing sunglasses and a fish.
Painting of two dogs standing on grass with mountains and blue sky in background. One dog has a pink mark near its eye and the other has a black nose. The painting is signed with the name 'Jelisa'.

HAVE YOU MET OUR NEW MASCOTS?

Two people standing outdoors in a park with trees behind them, smiling and holding cameras, wearing matching black "Next Level Photo Education" T-shirts.

Professional photographers, we invite you to share you what you know AT OUR NEW CENTER!

While our teachers handle our weekday classes, we invite other professionals to join us on the weekends and offer more variety to the community.

Guest Instructor PITCH Form

We’re Looking for New Teachers to Join Us online!

Are you an experienced educator with a passion for photography? We're expanding for Fall 2025 and are looking for certified or experienced English, Math, Science, or Social Studies teachers who also have photography skills. We also need more teachers for our youngest photographers ages 3-6.

If you love helping students express themselves creatively while building academic connections, we’d love to hear from you!

Ideal candidates:

  • Have teaching experience with kids or teens

  • Are comfortable with both photography and curriculum design

  • Enjoy creative, hands-on learning

  • Are available to teach live online classes starting Fall 2025

To be considered, please use our [Contact] button below to share your background, teaching experience, and a few sample photos.