Comments on: 6 Steps To Finding a Photography Mentor

By: Aboud

Aboud — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:37:19 +0000

Professional photographer with 35 years experience looking to mentor a young photographer who is serious about his or her work.

By: J. Dillon

J. Dillon — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:12:57 +0000

Good advice, and thoughtful discussion following it. Alex asked about the advantages to the mentor. I have been teaching groups and mentoring individuals for about a decade (I’m a woodworker), and I feel very strongly I’d be a less complete woodworker if I didn’t do it.

For me, personally, there are two specific benefits that come to mind immediately. The first is that coaching someone else in both the physical techniques and the mentality that goes along with them forces me to clarify them for myself, and come up with clear explanations. It’s the old thing about really learning something by teaching it. I have also found that a lot of the subtleties of technique, I never actually try to put into words, unless I have to explain them to someone. And putting them into words, perhaps explaining “why” instead of just “how,” almost always shows me something I hadn’t realized before.

Second is the satisfaction. Seeing the “aha!” in someone’s eyes, realizing I’ve struck a spark, is deeply satisfying for me. This is more dependent on the mentor’s personality, but many of the (good) teachers I’ve known have said the same thing.

In his introduction to “The Camera,” Ansel Adams says something quite similar to this, only much more eloquently.

About training one’s competitors . . . this might depend on the subject matter or discipline involved. Portraits, weddings, and catalog photography are areas where the final product is pretty much a commodity and there is price competition. Subjects (or approaches) that allow for more self-expression on the photographer’s part move in a much more diffuse marketplace, where it’s hard to find apples to compare to apples, and competition is far less an issue. But previous commentors are also right: personality plays into it as well.

Good luck! A few years ago I found the mentor I’ve needed all my life, and I know it’s a very rewarding relationship for both of us. I see a time coming when the mentoring will be less one-sided, but we’ll both continue to be energized by and interested in each other’s work. Life’s good, sometimes.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:52:30 +0000

I guess mentoring is true for both professionals and hobbyists. Thanks for this!

By: Gina

Gina — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:39:06 +0000

I have been looking for someone to mentor me forever. I don’t have any luck. So I am looking for the right person. I agree with Maria on this too. I think if I could be like the rest of the best I would love to pass on info. I mean I’m in Michigan why would I want to compete with someone out in Hawaii or California. I do have to say Dave with Ohana Photography has been awesome when I e-mail him. Thanks Dave!

By: Pete Langlois

Pete Langlois — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:38:45 +0000

My mentor is someone I hired to do my wedding. She doesn’t do weddings anymore but she’s been in the “business” for 30 years. I just happened to see her at the car dealership getting an oil change one day and we started yakking.

http://www.meetup.com is a great place to find others with similar interests as well.

Pete
http://www.petelanglois.net

By: Maria Sabala

Maria Sabala — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:04:43 +0000

Thanks for the great tips! I have been recently wishing for a mentor, so this came at the perfect time. Books and websites can only get you so far. Now to start the search and work on the whole courage thing…

By: Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:09:28 +0000

Great advice, but in my experience, it’s easier said than done. I was floored when I went out and tried to contact potential mentors in the wedding photog business (at least in my area). After being told by 3 people I respected that they “weren’t in the business of training competition” I gave up. I was even willing to sign a non-compete for a period of time, none were interested. I then started reading Dane Sanders’ stuff about the “grumpies” and realized I had met 3 of them :).

Anyways, good advice, just be aware there are a lot of insecure “pros” out there. There are also many people that love to share and realize there is always something to learn. Just have to be patient and look for the right person.

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:10:58 +0000

Can you describe what are the advantages for a mentor in this relationships. You described in great details benefits for a student but what can drive a mentor. The response to this question might help as well when overcoming the fear to contact a person in the first place.
Many thanks!

By: Peter Carey

Peter Carey — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:06:29 +0000

Cliff, I’d say tell them. If someone is only worried about you being a competitor, they wouldn’t make the best mentor as they don’t wish you to grow, possibly past them. Any true master in any art that is willing to mentor would be honored if the student excelled past the master. Plus any person who would be a good mentor already knows there is tons of competition out there. Better the enemy you know…. :)

I think it’s great you’ve enrolled and shows your true intent!

By: Cliff

Cliff — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:12:53 +0000

I just enrolled into the NY Institute of Photography (can’t wait to get the material). Would it be wise to tell people this when I ask them to mentor me (thinking that may show I’m serious about learning and being mentored)? Or would it be unwise (showing that I’m wanting to learn to go out on my own and compete for business against this person one day)?