Five weeks into my Mandarin studies, my teacher said, “Taya, don’t be afraid. Just speak without thinking.” I already knew the fundamentals by then, but my fear of not pronouncing every word correctly kept getting in the way. Her comment awakened something inside of me, a kind of bravery that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Reading a single word is a simple task, but overthinking and perfectionism blow it out of proportion.  That experience made me think about photography. How often do we...

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...

Managing Editor Taya Iv offers some advice on finding confidence as a photographer in a world full of comparison and self-doubt. From...