As I mentioned in another post, I would love to become a professional photographer. Right now I do shoots here and there for people but I am too insecure to accept many job offers. Portraits- both indoor studio and outdoor are my passion. Yet- they are the the most difficult for me. I have taken classes and know basics, but what I really feel I need is a mentor.
So- my questions to the professionals here are-
Is mentoring a new photographer a common thing?
And how would I go about finding someone to mentor me?
I signed up for some classes at a local school - they are all taught by pros. My instructor has been immensely helpful and has even offered to let me tag along as a "second" on some of his shoots. That takes the pressure off while still being exposed to a "real" shoot. Good luck!
I would love a mentor too, mentor me, mentor me! You can pass it down the line Tammi, when you find someone more experienced to mentor you, because you have way more experience than me you could then mentor me... and so on!
@chamrick Christine- thats what I am hoping for... to be able to tag along on shoots.
I took some classes at a local community college as well. They were taught by a professional photographer, but he actually lives like an hour away and since he is teaching classes he expects to be paid for every session. I asked him for some suggestions of people who were closer to me and he replied that he was the only mentor that I would need. (he is funny like that.)
We have am intern that helps us with weddings. She does equipment stuff lots of the time, but also helps shoot and we talk to her about what were doing and about her pics etc. im sure you could do that with a local photographer in your area
i think you should just take the plunge :) i don't know about mentoring except when i was starting my business 3 years ago, i just joined as many forums as I could. some you had to pay to join. i think it's more about confidence than anything else - after you do your first paid shoot you will feel soooo much more confident about it.
My studies put me in contact with lots of great photographers and professional photography associations. Find one in your region that supports new talent and join up. Apart from the regular insight into the industry, it's also a great way to meet like minded photographers who would be open to mentoring. Personally I think the right mentor can provide great guidance and meeting regularly with an honest support group of photographers is best for motivation.
@tamallamma I know a lot of people that have mentored people or been mentored. Though it's often under the names intern, assistant or some other thing meaning similar. Though there's grunt work involved they've all got positive experiences to say about it.
My last photography class was part of my BTEC, it was unfortunate, poor teaching and very basic, I don't blame the tutor too much, we were a bunch of jerks and at some point I didn't help matters much myself. Upside was access to a huge darkroom and getting to do photograms and prints as we wished.
On the other hand there are classes that can be very good, it depends on the teacher, the specification of the class and how much you're in to it.
Photography is funny, some people have cringed a little at my lack of formal qualifications but a lot of people have been passed on to me by people I've worked for before.
@denvela Thats what I really need to do- there is a semi- local professional photograher association that I have been wanting to join. I guess I am just a little intimidated by it.
@killerjackalope Thats what I am hoping to do.. I don't mind carrying someone's bags for them as long as I can learn from them as well! ; )
The classes I took were good... but basic. I would love to take more in order to grow as a photographer... but I really want some hands on real world experience.
Join the group Tammi! Your work is gorgeous and worthy! It's a start to building your network which is important in any industry. Think of it as another way to meet more friends. And yes, you can learn heaps carrying bags, just have to be observant ;)
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Good luck.
I took some classes at a local community college as well. They were taught by a professional photographer, but he actually lives like an hour away and since he is teaching classes he expects to be paid for every session. I asked him for some suggestions of people who were closer to me and he replied that he was the only mentor that I would need. (he is funny like that.)
My last photography class was part of my BTEC, it was unfortunate, poor teaching and very basic, I don't blame the tutor too much, we were a bunch of jerks and at some point I didn't help matters much myself. Upside was access to a huge darkroom and getting to do photograms and prints as we wished.
On the other hand there are classes that can be very good, it depends on the teacher, the specification of the class and how much you're in to it.
Photography is funny, some people have cringed a little at my lack of formal qualifications but a lot of people have been passed on to me by people I've worked for before.
If you have any of your wedding shots online I would love to see them!
The classes I took were good... but basic. I would love to take more in order to grow as a photographer... but I really want some hands on real world experience.
Experience is a big thing, it helps a lot with learning and you also get more comfortable because you know more about actually doing the photos.