5 Tips For Finding a Photography Mentor

5 Tips For Finding A Photography Mentor

When I started my photography career, I looked for someone to help me answer questions.  Someone I could call upon about photography.  Unfortunately all the people I called or sent emails to wouldn't return my telephone calls or emails.  It became extremely frustrating. 

After conducting a search on Facebook, I came across a photographer in Destin, Florida.  I call her and told her who I was and what I was trying to do.  Thankfully she was extremely helpful and answer every question I had and even offered to help me with any additional questions I had in the future.  After experiencing her helpfulness, I wondered why other photographers were so unhelpful.  I couldn't understand.  I also read countless books, attended photography conferences and workshops.  Of course, I began putting in numerous hours practice with my camera and using Lightroom and Photoshop.  It was my own journey of trial and error and the beautiful journey of learning the profession of photography.

Now I have other photographers or people who are considering the photography profession contacting me with questions and how I'm able to produce my images.  I'm always honored when this happens. 

Having a photography mentor is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a photographer and for your photography business.  Allowing another photographer to evaluate your images and giving you the honest truth will help you grow.   If you're looking for a photography mentor, here are 5 tips for finding your ideal mentor.

1.  Select a photographer that inspires you!

This is extremely important.  Whether it's the camera technique or their editing style, you want to hire and receive mentoring from someone who has a photography portfolio that inspires you to be a better photographer.

2.  Do they have a consistent style?

When you're looking for a photography mentor, you want someone who's style and portfolio is consistent.  You want to look at their images to see if they're in focus, if the images have a harmonious look across the board.

3.  Choose someone who has a similar style as you.

It is extremely important to hire someone who has a style that you like.  It's important and helpful because you'll be able to get the most of of your mentoring sessions.  You'll be able to ask direct questions because you familiar with that style and be able to translate they're style into your own and be able to build upon the foundation of what you've learned.  For example if you love bold colors, hiring a photographer who has a light and airy portfolio may not be a good fit.

4.  Are they good with business?

Having a photography business is more than taking pictures.  You will want to have someone who is also good on the business side of things.  Photography mentoring is good not only for professional photographers, but also others looking to improve their general use of their camera.  However, if you're looking to have photography as a source of income, having a mentor is a great investment. 

5.  Can they help you look for ways to gain business?

Once you've photographed your friends and family, who do you photograph now?  A photographer mentor will be able to give you ideas and strategies on how you can achieve income for your photography business.

One of the best things you can do for your photography business is hiring a mentor.  Don't struggle through your photography career and wonder how you can make things better and make your photography business profitable.  Learning about your weaknesses and how you can turn them into strengths just one of the benefits of having a mentor.

For more information about my photography mentoring packages, be sure to visit my mentoring page.  Let's talk...I would love to mentor you!