Established photographers...

I have spoken to a few photographers across the country that I have met during

social visits - parties, weddings, etc - and I keep hearing the same thing over

and over for a newbie: find a local mentor. I'm so confused by this - would an

established photographer really be willing to mentor a new photographer with

the same target audience knowing that one day in the far future, they could be

competition? How would you, as an established photographer, feel if you were

apprached by a new photographer in your area with a request to mentor them?

 

Back before I started taking pictures of my own, I had photos done by a

photographer in another area (not where I live) and she recently started a

blog. I read in her blog that she and the other local children's photographers

get together monthly to share ideas and network. I am so surprised by this. I

would love to suggest something like this in my area (dc/md/va) but that makes

sense since I am new and have so much to learn. I am surprised established

photographers would have any desire to do this (though I am sure this is a

lifelong learning pursuit).

 

Any thoughts?

Hi Kaileen! I just wanted to say I love your work, you really have an eye for photography.

 

Unfortunately, not being an established photographer, I really can't answer your question. It does seem to me that a portrait photographer would be reluctant to take on a mentor. Especially if they specialize in the same area (kids)and live in close proximity.

 

Having said that, I would be interested in networking. (I am in Richmond, VA - too far away to be competition, haha)I think it would be great to share ideas and things that have worked or not worked. If you're interested, drop me a line. My website is tanaminnick.com

Don't limit yourself to only a photography mentor. Anyone who is successfully self-employed or runs their own business can teach you plenty if you want to run your own studio. You won't get the photo skills, but you might find that it is just as helpful.

That is exactly how I got going. Most photographers are nice people and are wanting to share their knowlege. And also then they get to be around young passionate artists that will stir up things for themselves. I just recently took on an intern. She'll help me organize files and make cds for clients, but also will get time shooting and getting my feedback on her skills in trade.

 

Finding other creatives in your area to talk with is a great idea...don't limit to just the one niche you shoot in. Find all types of people in creative industries, they tend to overlap quite a bit and it will really help you build a client base as designers and such hire photographers a lot of the time.

 

Just remember, it is just as much work to chase after a mediocre photographer for a mentor as it is the best in your area. I was interested in product photography and found one of the most successful in the Chicago area and assisted him for 2 months and learned more that I ever did before that point. It really will help.