What to look for in a mentor
What makes someone a good mentor for you - the answer to this will be different for every photographer, of course, but there are a few things you need to think about in a mentorship and in a mentor:
What kind of photography are you drawn to and what style in particular?
Ideally, ask someone whose work you admire and whose style you love. Bear in mind though that the idea here is not to copy your mentor and their work, but to get some ideas on how you could look at your own work differently and develop your own style.
You may want to find a mentor who understands your style.
Find a mentor who works in your field. A good starting point is to find photographers in the same genre as you, and whose work you love and aspire to.
What is the personality of your mentor like, and would this suit your personality?
Think about instructors or educators you have enjoyed learning from in the past - did they have personalities similar to or quite different from your own? Was their approach more hands-on or more intellectual? How do you learn - by seeing, by listening, by doing or a combination of these?
Knowing something about the personality of your (potential) mentor is a biggie! Are they approachable? Do you respect them as an artist? If you are looking for feedback that is sugar-coated, then someone who is more direct and honest won't suit you.
Look for a mentor who is successful in the aspects you want to work on. Do they have a proven track record - a thriving business, amazing Photoshop skills, work hanging in galleries, a trail of happy mentees (is that a word?)? There are many measures of success, so it's important to find a mentor who has experience with and mastery of what you want to learn.
How to find a photography mentor
Reach out to a photographer you admire.
The best place to find a mentor is right where you are already looking, your potential mentor's website and social media pages. Send them a message to see if they would be up for mentoring you and include why you chose them and what you would like to work on.
Ask a photography instructor you have enjoyed working with.
Don't be afraid to ask! Worst case scenario, they say no. Best case, you get to build a mentorship with someone you truly admire and enjoy. In your query, include what you liked about the educator and/or class and why you want to do a mentorship with them specifically.
Before you start your mentorship
In order to build a successful mentoring relationship, it's important to know each other's expectations before you get started.
You should know in advance when you will meet, how often, and if/when the mentor will be available to you for questions or feedback between sessions. It is also a good idea to have an agreement about what will happen if either of you needs to reschedule at any time.
Will your mentorship be one-on-one, small group, Q&A, portfolio review...There are so many ways to participate in a mentoring relationship. It's best to have a good understanding of how it will work in advance.
Ask what you, as the mentee (there's that word again), need to bring into the photography mentorship at the start, and if there will be "homework" or things you need to do between sessions.
If you have any expectations of a continued relationship when the mentorship is over, it's best to broach the subject up front.
So, to be clear:
A mentor is not…
Someone to turn to with every little annoyance, or to vent to after a tough day or photography session.
A hand holder or a compliment-giver to boost self-esteem.
Someone to be asked for favors or free services.
Your boss. Mentorship is not an internship, and you are not an unpaid assistant.
Available 24/7. Make appointments and respect their time.
A mentor is…
Someone who is eager to teach, and exchange knowledge.
Someone who is an established photographer in your specific industry. (Don’t seek out light and airy if you’re dark and moody).
An honest critic who is invested in your success and devoted to the industry.
So, you have found your mentor
Once you’ve found your mentor, don’t take your mentor for granted. Take their investment of their time and honesty as a gift and treat it as such. Most importantly, show your gratitude to them for their willingness to teach and give their time to help you with your photography.
One of the best ways to show your gratitude, get the most out of your mentorship, and make your mentor feel fulfilled and respected, is to be receptive to their critique. If they give you feedback, take it and implement it, face mentorship with an open-mind and a willingness to learn. Whatever you do, don’t be defensive. Remember, you sought them out based on their work and expertise; chances are, they’re right and you’re still learning.
If you disagree with their critique, there’s no need to fight back or be defiant, accept their critique, ask questions for clarification if needed, thank them for their honesty and move on.
Some additional guidelines:
Don’t lean on your mentor for everything.
Use your mentor’s preferred method of contact. Don’t show up at their studio or put them on the spot. Most professionals appreciate an email.
Keep your requests short, positive, and specific.
Follow their work, share, and promote them. They will be more likely to invest in you if they feel you’re invested in them too.
Lastly, if you find yourself in a mentorship relationship and you feel you’re not a great fit, you have no obligation to continue the relationship. Your work and time are too important to waste on anyone who isn’t adding value.
Mentorships can offer value to mentors and mentees when the relationship is handled with care, honesty, and sensitivity. A photographer never stops learning, and even the best photographers in the industry have something to gain by seeking a mentor.
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