Your Next Step–Photography Mentor
What is Photography Mentoring?
Mentoring goes beyond the typical student-teacher relationship. The essential principle is the same, but the mentor-mentee relationship is far more personal. Mentoring sessions are done one on one and focus on the specific needs of the student. There is no syllabus, no textbook, no exam, only the wisdom of a seasoned professional passed on in as little as a single session. A mentor is a guide, a teacher, and a trusted eye who can help a photographer find their true path. Photography mentoring is not only for serious photographers, but beginners and intermediate photographers can also benefit from this relationship too. Even for something as simple as learning how to use a fancy new camera.
Photography Mentor Equipment and Set-Up
Engaging Your Clients
Learning the Setting and Posing From Your Photography Mentor
Exceeding Expectations
Photography Mentor Overall Impressions
Evolve Your Art with Photography Mentoring
Great photography does not require expensive equipment, years of experience or study, or incredible luck. All one really needs is a camera and a willingness to learn. For many, the learning is the tricky part. Photography classes are great, but realistically, who has the time to commit to weeks of classes? If there is a class meeting at a time that fits your schedule, the course may not cover things you want or need to learn to elevate your craft. However, traditional classes are not your only option for improvement. For those with a passion for photography and a busy life, photography mentoring could be just the thing.
Advantages of Photography Mentoring
Unlike traditional classes, a photography mentoring session fits your schedule. You can meet your mentor at their studio, your home, for a cup of coffee, whatever works best for you. You and your mentor can discuss your existing portfolio or how to build one, lighting techniques, props, equipment, or simply a subject matter that piques your interest. A mentor can also provide invaluable insight into the business side of photography for aspiring or struggling professionals.
Choosing a Mentor
The mentor-mentee relationship requires a few things you should consider before diving into a relationship or paying any money. While you may only end up spending an hour or two with your photography mentor, it is vital that you trust them. You should trust your mentor as an artist, as an expert in their field, and as a business owner. Advice from an untrusted source rarely gets taken to heart. Your relationship with your mentor should also be one of respect. Your mentor should respect your passion, your time, and your point of view, as you should respect theirs in turn. Whether you are building your own business, looking for a few quick pointers, or want to grow as an artist, your time is valuable, as is your mentor’s. Perhaps most importantly, you should choose a photography mentor whose company you enjoy! Your mentoring session(s) should never be a chore.
Know Yourself
Sometimes, it is easy for a photography mentor to pinpoint areas where their protege can improve from a technical standpoint, but photography is not always about technique. Before entering into a photography mentoring journey, ask yourself some important questions. What do you hope to gain? What are your strengths, and where do you struggle? Where do you feel you could improve? What drives you? What draws you to the medium? Honest answers to these questions will help you get the most out of photography mentoring.
Keep an Open Mind
A good mentor may not always tell you what you want to hear, so an open mind is essential to the process. An honest critique of your work or capabilities may seem harsh at first, but a good mentor will have your best interest at heart. Furthermore, while your mentor’s methods may seem unorthodox, strange, or unfamiliar at first, a fresh perspective might be just what the doctor ordered.
To have a professional photography mentoring session with the highest rated photographer in Greenville, SC call 864-336-3554 now or contact Forrest at forrest@forrestbriggsphotography.com now!