How to choose the perfect photography mentor for you
Working with an experienced mentor is a great way to develop as a photography but choosing the right mentor can make a big difference.
This week has been a very successful week for my lovely mentees with four talented photographers passing their qualifications! I feel very proud to have helped them achieve their goals and am very much looking forward to helping them develop even further in their photographic journeys!
I always have a great relationship with my mentees which I believe helps! So if you are looking for a photography mentor? What are the questions you should be asking!
Whether you’re a complete beginner learning the basics or seasoned pro looking for a bit of a creative boost there are certain questions you should ask a potential teacher to se if they are the right choice for you!
There are many incredible photographic trainers and educators out there all with their unique ways of inspiring and encouraging.
One persons teaching approach can be very different to the next and may not fit your particular style of learning.
We all take on information in different ways and at different paces it is down to the skill of the mentor to develop a personal programme for each student rather than a one fits all approach that you would expect from a training course.
When deciding on your choice of mentor there are a few pointers that may help you decide!
Can you work well together?
If you are aiming for a qualification or developing a style of photography you may well spend a great deal of time chatting things through with your mentor so it is important that you can work honestly and communicate well together.
Some mentors offer great shorter getting to know you mini mentoring sessions as an introduction so that you can get to each other before committing to longer sessions.
What level of expertise do you need?
Are you looking to just simply learn how to use your DSLR or Mirrorless camera competently for taking images of your family or aiming to gain qualification with a photographic body? You must ensure that your chosen mentor has the ability to do so at the level required.
Has you chosen mentor a proven track record and achieved the level and photographic skill that you are aiming for?
Is your mentor an expert in your chosen genre?
This may seem like an obvious point! But if you are interested in qualifying or developing a style as a portrait photographer it makes sense to be mentored by a photographer with those particular skills, and especially one whose work you admire!
I have experience in mentoring many genres of photography with my 15 years of mentoring and training experience. I do however have specific expertise in both portraiture and travel photography, both are genres where I have qualified at the highest level of Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photographers.
Does your mentor offer ongoing support?
The best sort of mentoring is in my mind ongoing as the relationship will build and grow stronger with your mentor really getting to know your way of working and your particular style of mentoring.
The stronger mentors encourage and develop their mentees own personal style over time rather than creating clones of themselves.
I am able to do in person consultations at my studio in Cheltenham on location at a venue of your choice or virtually via Skype or Zoom.
If you are interested in learning and being photographically inspired to achieve your goals lets get to know each other!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Saraya x
