Why You Need a Photography Mentor

Mentorship is the process of learning from someone with more experience than you. Oftentimes, this involves receiving constructive criticism, ideas, and guidance that improve your skills and help you reach new heights. Having a photography mentor isn’t mandatory, but it can make a significant difference in your creative journey.

In the video below, I speak with Photo Masters founder Ian Plant about his personal experiences with mentors like George Stocking and the unique techniques Ian uses to inspire his own photography students. You can check out Ian's photography mentoring services here.

If you have any trouble watching the video above, you can also watch it here.

Now, let’s take a look at why mentorship is so important, different types of mentorship programs, how to find a great mentor, and how to make the most of your experience as a mentee.

Why Photography Mentorship Is Important

Thanks to years of experience, mentors know what it’s like to navigate the confusing world of photography. They can help you avoid the mistakes that they made or introduce you to ideas that you wouldn’t have been able to come up with on your own. 

Fortunately, mentorship isn’t limited to a specific genre or experience level. Even if you have years of experience under your belt, a mentor can still help you discover new ways of thinking that will vastly improve your photography. 

Often, mentors will encourage you to leave your comfort zone. It can be daunting to try out a new photography genre or start a big project on your own. However, with the help of a mentor, you can try new things and receive guidance at the same time.

Types of Photography Mentorship

Mentorship comes in all shapes and sizes. Offline mentorship programs will provide you with hands-on experience and an opportunity to get immediate feedback from a professional. Digital mentorship is usually more affordable and flexible, so you can get inspired at any time, no matter where you're based.

When it comes to the type of mentorship you want, here are a few popular approaches:

• Portfolio reviews – These are suitable if you want targeted feedback on your existing work. A mentor can point out your strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and help you refine your style.

• Photo workshops and tours – This is how most people connect with mentors. Photo workshops give you a chance to work directly with an instructor while making photos in inspiring locations.

• Online learning – Ebooks and videos offer an inexpensive way to learn from a trusted mentor, but opportunities for personal interaction are limited.

How to Find a Mentor 

There are many kinds of photography mentors out there, so I encourage you to reach out to a few people whose style resonates with you. The most important thing is that you actually like the photographer’s work. This might seem like common sense, but a sense of admiration will increase your motivation and make your learning sessions even more fun!

Follow photographers you admire on social media, read their articles/watch their videos, and see if they offer mentorship opportunities. When contacting a potential mentor, explain why you admire their work and what you hope to learn.

Of course, you can also find a mentor the old-fashioned way – by simply meeting them in person! Photo clubs, conferences, workshops, or other organized (whether formal or informal) photo events are a great way to connect with other passionate enthusiasts. And who knows? One of them will likely have experience you lack and might become your mentor, or at least a good photo buddy who helps you along the way.

How to Build a Strong Relationship With Your Mentor

The value of mentorship lies not just in the guidance you receive, but in the relationship you build with your mentor. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:

• Take notes – Write down advice, tips, and feedback as you go.

• Ask silly questions – Don’t hold back! Often, the questions you think are too basic are exactly the ones that can unlock breakthroughs.

• Listen carefully – Absorb not only the words but also the reasoning behind your mentor’s feedback. This helps you apply their advice to future photoshoots.

• Embrace mistakes – A mentorship is a judgment-free zone. Don't be afraid of making mistakes.

• Experiment freely – Photography is as much about creativity as it is about technique. Try new things, push boundaries, and explore your voice.

• Don't be afraid to get the most out of the experience – A good mentorship should be a conversation, not a one-sided affair. Listen to what your mentor has to say, but don't hold back. Make sure you ask the questions you need to ask to get what you need out of the mentorship.

Common Mentorship Pitfalls

Your mentor is responsible for guiding and motivating you, but that doesn't guarantee success. Avoid making these mistakes when working with a mentor:

• Having high expectations – There isn't a single photographer in the world who will be able to transform your photographs within a short period of time. Look forward to your progress, but don't rush it.

• Not knowing what you need as a photographer – A mentor can guide you in the right direction even if you feel lost, but you still need to have an idea of what you want to achieve in the long run. Is it a stronger portfolio? More confidence when you take photos? A better understanding of the technical or artistic side of photography? All of the above? Make your goals clear to your mentor to avoid misunderstandings.

• Not doing your homework – It's likely that your mentor will give you an assignment (or at the very least, feedback) that may involve taking photos using techniques that are outside of your comfort zone. Even if your mentor's approach doesn't make sense, follow their advice anyway. You don't need to completely adopt their artistic vision, but you should try their techniques at least once. They might surprise you!

Conclusion

Mentorship can be one of the most powerful tools for growing as a photographer, allowing you to jump-start your creativity and accelerate your advancement as an artist. Ask questions, listen carefully, and give yourself permission to make mistakes. With the right mentor, you’ll have a judgment-free space to experiment, discover your style, and significantly improve the quality of your photographs.