So, you’re on the hunt for a photography business mentor to guide you, but you’re not exactly sure what to look for?

I’ve been a full time Dallas branding photographer for over four years now, but I remember feeling lost when I was starting out and wished I had a photography business mentor. With countless options available, choosing a photography mentor that is right for you can be quite daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are my top four questions you need to ask yourself when you’re picking your photography business mentor:

 

1. Do you have the same niche(s) in photography?

In my experience, having a photography business coach who specializes in the exact same area you want to work is crucial. If you’re interested in becoming a branding photographer or commercial photographer, I highly recommend seeking out a successful photographer who primarily works on branding and commercial projects. Also, identifying your specific pain points (i.e. editing workflow, pricing, posing, etc.) will help you make the most of your time with your mentor. Chances are, you’re paying them a pretty penny for their time, so it’s best to be efficient and specific with what you need help with/what you want to learn. Yes a six-figure wedding photographer may be an inspiring mentor, but they may not have those key invaluable bits of knowledge around pricing yourself appropriately as a branding photographer or pitching commercial photography projects.

 

 

2. Will YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY MENTOR be accessible and attentive?

A great photography business mentor is someone who you know will be there for you, be honest and transparent, and not just tell you what you want to hear. You want a mentor who is transparent and realistic, willing to answer your questions, give you feedback, and provide you with the guidance you need to succeed. It’s important to not overlook the importance of your particular learning style. If you’re an hands-on in person learner, be sure to seek out a photography mentor that can accommodate in-person coaching sessions. If you’re able to learn rapidly through virtual coaching, then you may be able to find a mentor that isn’t necessarily local to you. Above all, choose a mentor who will take time to understand your specific goals as a photographer, and tailor their coaching to help you meet those goals.

 

 

3. Where is your mentor located?

Where your photography business mentor is located is actually a very important factor to consider. As I mentioned previously, if you’re an in-person, hands-on learner, you may want to find someone nearby to work with. That being said, you will definitely want to vet that person and make sure there is no potential conflict of interest if you’re trying to get mentored so you can dominate the family photography market in your hometown and your mentor is trying to do the same. For that reason, I would suggest seeking a photographer to work with virtually, based another location, so that you are not competing in the same market. But, be mindful of the type of location your mentor works in and be sure it parallels your own. For example, if you are in a big city in the US, I recommend finding a photography coach who also has proven successful in a big US city as well. Also, just because you found an incredible photographer online is killing it in the UK and offering mentorship, they may not know how to advise you in a US market.

 

 

4. Are they the real deal?

There are so many amazing photography business coaches online who are experienced and more than qualified to mentor other photographers. But, there are just as many photographers who are all talk and do not actually have the ability or skills to preach what they’re teaching (trust me, I’ve run into a few). The right photography business mentor for you will be upfront with their qualifications and experience, and will show you exactly how they mastered their craft. Check out their client and peer testimonials, and see if they’ve been vouched for by others in your photography community.

Whether you are just starting out your journey in photography or you’re a seasoned professional looking to reach the next level in your career, a photography business mentor can be an incredible investment. Why wander around in the dark when you could find someone to guide you? Your time is your most valuable asset as a business owner, so please don’t waste it doing everything the hard way like I did when I was starting out. Be a brave question-asker, know that it’s okay not to know it all, and go find a mentor who will accelerate your path to success.

So, what are you waiting for? If you are interested in becoming a full-time branding photographer and are ready to begin your mentorship journey, please check out my photography business mentorship offerings here. I offer complimentary discovery calls to see if I am the right learning partner for you.

 

Ready to book your free discovery call? Email me here!